
          West Point March 20th, 1832


 My dear Sir


 I thank you most sincerely for your kind letter.
 The mails have been very irregular for some days, yours of
 13th did not come to hand in due time. The mail boat not
 being able to land on a/c [account] of the ice - passed to Poughkeepsie.
 As soon as I could obtain the enclosed check, I improve
 the first opportunity of forwarding it.


 The intelligence from Bradford has made us
 all happy. I need not mention the particulars, as he 
 must have communicated to you his happy situation
 and the amiable, interesting character of Lt. [Lieutenant] Graham.
 He's travelling with such agreeable companions & having
 escaped dangers by land & sea, made so many agreeable
 acquaintances & enjoyed such fine health and [thanks?]
 may give, may make his future life more interesting and 
 more agreeable. He is a most amiable, interesting young
 man. I hope he will persevere in the good path, which
 he has long since chosen. I beg you to correspond with him,
 no man has more influence over him and when he can
 have his chance, he will follow your interesting advice.


 I have been very unwell for some, born the 11th Febry [February] 1754
 I am advancing fast to the closing period of life. Mrs. Alden &
 Mary are very well. Eliza is restored to her health & enjoys
 her life agreeably. This being wrote in haste, we all join in 
 tender regards to Mrs. Torrey and be assured of the real
 friendship of yours sincerely.


 R Alden

        