
          destroyer have somewhat abated
though the deaths are still on the average
8 per day. [added: In] My family and relatives
there has been some illnesses but not severe 
or prolonged so far, and by a kind
and long suffering God we are still
spared for further trial and protection.

For the little bundle [added: of] minerals accept
my sincere thanks, for I know by experience
that they are hard to get. Your mineralogical
brethren of the North & N. [New] England States,
I have found regular mineral traders,
and I suppose you are prepared to admit
that a Southerner stands a bad chance
at "driving a trade" with a yankee. One of
them, "the mineral traders" I mean, I overheard
at an evening party at Mr. Redfield's (during 
a meeting of Amer. Geol. [Geologists] & Naturalists in
1846 or 7 I think), telling some friend in a half
whisper, to join him the next day to go to a locality
for some mineral near [Huarlaene?]
        