XXVI 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
To Mr. WM. DUNCAN.* 
Milestoivn^ July 1, 1800. 
“ Dear Bill, 
“ I had the pleasure of yours by the hands of 
Mr. P. this day; and about four weeks ago I had another, dh'ected 
to Mr. Dobson’s care, both of which were as Avelcome to me as any 
thing, but your own self, could be. I am just as you left me, only 
my school has been thinner this season than formerly. 
“I have had four letters from home, all of which I have answer- 
ed. Their news are — Dull trade — provisions most exorbitantly 
high — R.’s sister dead — the Seedhills mill burnt to the ground — 
and some other things of less consequence. 
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 
I doubt much if stills could be got up in time to do any thing 
at the distilling business this winter. Perhaps it might be a safer 
way to take them up, in the spring, by the Susquehanna. But if 
you are determined, and think that we should engage in the busi- 
ness, I shall be able to send them up either way. P. tells me that 
his two stills cost about forty pounds. I want to hear more deci- 
sively from you before I determine. Sooner than live in a country 
exposed to the ague, I would remain where I am. 
“ O. comes out to stay with me two months, to learn survey- 
ing, algebra, &c. I have been employed in several places about 
this summer to survey, and have acquitted myself with credit, and 
to my own satisfaction. I should not be afraid to engage in any 
job with the instruments I have. * ^ 
“ S. continues to increase in bulk, money and respectability : 
a continual current of elevenpenny bits pouring in, and but few run- 
ning out. 
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ 
^ Mr. Duncan at this time resided upon the farm mentioned above, which was situated 
in the township of Ovid, Cayuga county, Newyorlc. 
t 
