It is the result of much thought, consultation and deliberation. For some time past my fortunes have been at quite a low ebb; it has been all spending and no making; all "outgoes and no incomes." Luck has been against me; the fault, however, has been my own, entirely mine. My education has been altogether theoretic and flimsy, my imagination has outrun its propriety. My next location will be, if nothing happens to prevent, in a free State, at Jacksonville, Illinois. A young lawyer of this State, of unquestionable character and talents, is about to settle there and invites me to join him. He has reasonable cause to believe that the advantages are sufficient to justify the step. The opportunities to make a new location under such circumstances have tempted me to agree to his proposition. I expect, God willing, to go over in Oct. Monimia and the children will remain here; but where and how are
matters as yet undecided. I first thought of taking her to her father's until I should be settled; but first, the expense and difficulty of traveling with young children, and secondly, the excentricities of old Mr. Fairfax (so they are called, God save the mark!) and his positive injustice to his daughters--these considerations combined, have determined me to the course above alluded to. But enough of
myself, a most hateful theme ! "I am very glad, my dear brother, to hear from yourself and sister Mary of the encouraging prospects of your school. I suppose if you part with your interest in the soil, at which you hint, your object will be to remove nearer to Baltimore to enjoy the facilities of the city in the increase and conduct of your school. I see it suggested in the papers that Cousin Dabney Carr will probably be sent to Constantinople. Is there aught in it? From sister Mary's letter I learn that Ellen and our mother are still at Morrisania. How fortunate that Pat should have married a rich man! Sister Jane's unfortunate marriage is likely, they write me, to terminate with a voluntary separation. May heaven forfend it! Do you not think the next generation will be benefitted by the trials through which we pass in this? I hope so at least!"