CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 31 



John Hobart no doubt has told you all that happened on our 

 journey from Reading to Carlisle. Since that time we have been in 

 Carlisle. We had made our arrangements to set out on our travels 

 this morning, but as it is raining we have been compelled to give up 

 the idea of starting until the weather becomes clearer again. 



We think of going first to Harrisburg, then up the river to Clark's 

 ferry. Then to cross the Susquehanna and go up the Juniata to 

 Millerstown and visit Mrs. Good. Then to cross over the Susque- 

 hanna again and keep up the river, through Northumberland, 

 Danville and Berwick to Beech Grove, where your aunt Hannah 

 lives. Where we shall go afterwards if the Lord spares our lives to 

 reach Beech Grove we have not fully determined. 



My health seems a little better since I came to Carlisle. I have 

 grown somewhat stronger altho' I have not been able to take much 

 exercise. 



Your mother does not seem at all well. She complains a good 

 deal but I am in hopes that riding and exercise will be of great service 

 to her. Your grandmother, and uncle Penrose's and Biddle's family 

 are all well. 



To-morrow if the rain does not prevent it there is to be a great 

 celebration of the 4th of July by the Sunday School scholars belonging 

 to Mr. Duffield's congregation and also by Mr. McKinley's. The 

 scholars of each school are to go out into the country to spend the 

 day along with their teachers, directors and superintendents. There 

 is to be a grand entertainment given to each of them and each party 

 it is said is trying who can make it most elegant. Your sisters Lydia 

 and Mary are to go with Mr. McKinley's party. 



I hope you are all very good and are very attentive and obedient 

 to your aunt Harriet and that she will be able to give us a good ac- 

 count of you if we should be spared to return home. Take good care 

 of the garden and flowers. Don't forget to water the flowers when 

 they require it. 



Tell your brother Samuel to write to us on Saturday next and 

 to direct his letter to Beech Grove. If he is too lazy to write some 

 one else must write on Saturday (the 6th of July). We shall be 

 very anxious to hear again from Reading. 



Give your mother's and my love to your aunts, and sister 

 Rebecca. She must try her hand writing to us also while we are 



