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 
