^^rL 25.1: 



December 24th. 



There has been some fatality attending our letters, 

 but, by repetitions and cross-questioning, all will 

 come well at last. 



During the leisure of the last few days, I have been 

 engaged in carefully examining the plates up to one 

 hundred and twenty. My favorable opinion with 

 regard to the execution of the drawings and litho- 

 graph, remain unchanged. John now figures quad- 

 rupeds, as well as his father ever drew birds in his 

 palmiest days. I am surprised and delighted with 

 the very superb figures he has made. What would 

 I not give for some of his notes (for he has a dis- 

 criminating eye and is an excellent judge of char- 

 acter). It is a pity that one who can use his brush 

 so well, should be dilatory in using his pen. Tell 

 liim I want him to write out his opinion of the 

 species he has figured in Europe. 



I am working for your book with great pleasure 

 now. I take as great an interest in your fame and 

 welfare, as when our Maria and Eliza were by your 

 side. For some time past my trials nearly over- 

 powered my mental energies. I feel my sorrows 

 .still, though they are less intense. All absorbing oc- 

 cupation helps me. Although I often think deeply 

 and sorrowfully of the past, I am not in the habit 

 of speaking of private griefs, and shall not again 

 trouble my friends with this subject. 



We have received your Christmas gifts, and shall 

 feast on them soon. Accept our thanks. (An Eng- 

 lish pudding, etc). 



December 31st. 



I have just returned from HaskelFs plantation ; 

 the weather was rainy, cold and blustering ; I am 

 wet and chilly, and I fear, will not be in the most 

 placid humor in the world, and would prefer, there- 



