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Letter.

Dear Sir
As it has chanced heretofore, that in our correspondence we

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happened to both think at once, and our letters from a natural law of progression, necessesarily passed each other on the road, marring much the harmony of mental ink & paper exchanges — therefore having waited long for you to write first, and fearing that delay might cause the sperit to moove us as before, (which I can explain only by the Mesmeric principle called clairvoyance) I have concluded to write first myself, and should this epistle be too late I am determined to be beforehand with you the next time as I shall probably write again in a month or two.

In my profession there has been more than the usual quantity of buissness for this season of the year, and since I have been to the country, I have never known it so wet. I can assure you the labour of riding or rather wading through the deep mud, swimming the overflowing creeks, or plodding on under the soaking rain, day after day, & nights in the bargain, should entitle me to be classed with the working men notwithstanding the distinctions of the populare demogogues of the day.

Lucinda has enjoyed good health, except an occasional chill, which however was always light, and latterly appears to have entirely departed. However she appears to be entirely rid of that old cough she had so long. Some time ago she took cold, and to cure it took a table spoonful of Hive Syrup, instead of a teaspoonful. You may imagine we had a pretty severe case on hand. She vomited nearly all day, but the remedy was effectual, the disease left directly.

We received a letter from Emeline since you wrote. In it we were apprised of Mary Crosson's wedding, and besides the surprising news that Polly Frank was in a fair way to bestow upon her leige Lord an heir. No doubt but some peculiar race is to arise from John. Similar perhaps to Abraham of old who in his later years begat the germ of a wonderful people. I hope he will bear the precious gift with becomming meekness. However it would be well for a friend to be by with a few hoops lest something dreadful might happen. A Persian Sage says it is the duty of every man, to go a journey, write a book or make a child. If

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John had no assistance from any of his good neighbors, he has to heathen notions attained the cheif end of man. Please give me your opinion on the subject when you write again.

June 1

In consequence of the wretched state of the roads U.S. Mail has for the present been called off this route and I am obliged to send this letter 18 miles to get it mailed. It rained every day or two and last night it poured down like the Devil.

The past winter passed over smoothly enough. Our society is tolerably good. Some young men formed a debating club and amongst other questions was one: ‘Does the Scriptures teach a future enless punishment?’ A day was set apart and the discussion commenced at 2.o'clock & lasted till twelve at night. There was 4 orthodox to 4 universalists. We had the fortune to beat them out and one of the Judges who was previously strong in the universal beleif renounced the doctrine on the spot. A grand discussion is to come off next week within six miles of this place between two of the greatest champions in either cause in this part of the country.

In consequence of the stoppage of the mail I have not received any papers for a weeks. I have rec'd a number from yourself this spring for which I must return you thanks. I would mention however that it is not necessary to send any Pa. Telegrafs as I am a subscriber to it.

But little is said here on politics, Clay is the universal choice of the Whig party in this country. What is your opinion of Pa. politics at next election.

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Lucinda joins me in love to you all ‘hoping (as old fashioned folks say) that these few lines may find all enjoying the blessings of health equal to the Irishmans prayer "may ye niver die."’

H. Rutherford