Nantucket 7th Nov 1835

Dear Parents,

We hasten to acquaint you with our safe arrival here on the 5th –Considering all things Lydia stood the journey very well.—I am now writing from the sacred desk! and to this spot we were bound—So have remained to rest upon the road would have been from the frying pan to the fire, therefore we pushed –Some trifling accidents occurred, but they seemed more to amuse than distress the spirits –for instance – while repairing some of the machinery of the Clinton, a boat put off and found a deer swimming in the Ohio.  It was brought on board with its throat cut and Harriet and myself witnessed the process of dressing—Her pity for the poor animal was very great, and when some of it was served up for dinner, she ate heartily, and inquired of me what was meant by venison!  We were detained this side of the mountains in consequence of a break in the canal and laid at some places some hours aground.

Upon leaving Lancaster with a heavy train of cars, the axles of one were ground off in a twinkling!  This served but to amuse, as no one was injured by the concussion.-  Twenty five miles from Pha [Philadelphia] when going at a rate of 18 miles an hour through a deep cut, with only room enough for the double track, and a path on each side, a matron sow and two pigs of 180 each bolted down the bank – The “shotes” crossed before the engine, but the other weighing 450 pounds got under the wheels!  We were the fourth car from the locomotive, and before the steam could be shut off the 10th car out of the 14 crossed over the body of the

animal – The locomotive, the wood car attached, the next with 18 passengers, were all thrown from the track and ploughed the ground some 100 yards after the steam was shut off!  No one was hurt and mustering our strength (some 60 passengers) we replaced the engine, left the broken car, and got to Pha only two hours after the usual time—We left at daylight the next morning for N.Y., transferred our baggages to the Providence boat, and the next morning they were put on the New Bedford stage at New Port, and the same afternoon found us in New Bedford 11 days from Cin! [Cincinnati] George Randall was our fellow passenger from N.Y. –We spent the evening at his house, and Harriet with his daughter about her age, had a real bang up romp—

Arriving at the wharf here, the agents “calesh” took up the trunks while we waited for the horse and shaise to take Lydia and Harriet.  The trunks arriving the news spread like wild fire and getting to the ears of the preceptors of the various schools of Charley and Judy B., they had a walking ticket instantly so that when I drove up to the door ----------

Lydia was weak from sea sickness, and though the shock was severe, yet she is quite smart now, saving some fatigue, consequent to commencing house keeping –I must be pardoned at any attempt at describing the scene when Harriet’s trunk was opened –the questions, answers, explanations springing from the sources of purist delight are beyond my powers of description— Suffice it, they were and are well; well clad, well fed, handsome, and beloved;

their natural talents inferior to none of their age, and the cultivation of their talents is in as great a state of advancement as any others--  We ask no more for the present.

Uncle Seth has been in, as well as many others, and apparently glad to see us--  Of course my feelings are not sufficiently calmed down to write a long letter, and this might suffice for the present, feeling assured it will be a welcome line, announcing our safe arrival—We found things as we left them, every thing in good order. – It has been a very dry summer, but so many had embarked in agriculture that vegetable are not high—

I heard in N.Y. that Alex was well.  I shall wait a line from him, as I am ignorant with regard to his intentions at the present.  We shall now be more anxious for one of Father’s old fashioned letters—How much corn?  How many caluy?  lambs?  Has poor Button got well?  and more especially, has Mother quite recovered?

Our love to all and believe us, Your affectionate

Reuben & Lydia