To Mrs. Thomas Eston Randolph, sister.

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[page 2]

Did you read that page my dear Lucy? I doubt it much, but
it was intended expressly for Mama's edification. I know she likes
to be told of all such matters. the 2nd of this month, Mr.
Howard & all the people went over to Ethelmere, & the corner
stone (there is not a stone in the territory by the way) of our
cabin was laid. The place is in a charming bustle now. Francis
goes morning and evening, & one or other of us, mounted
on Brimstone Bess, always accompanies him. We thought it
best to put up the kitchen first for the sake of affording
the people a shelter, & last night (Saturday) I hear it was
all roofed in You see, building is a brief business here. At
my request, Francis has just but up the kitchen & a double house;
thought Mama would like the wash house adjoining -
only the kitchen side will be finished at present - that is,
will have a door and chimney. The other must wait for more
leisure. When you come, the dwelling house & kitchen will
be complete & an acre fenced in for a garden. All other buildings
or improvements must wait for more leisure. Francis says
he will help to put up our school room before the first of Janry.
& the other outhouses also if possible; meantime - that is until
Papa come - he will continue to work our hands with his, and
return labour in building. He thinks this is the most advantageous
arrangement for papa, as our two men would be apt to do nothing
at all, if they were working alone at Ethelmere. Francis will have
done a great deal more, when all's done, than return the work
of our hands' - more than I like any one should do for us. but
it can't be helped, & we ought not to indulge ungracious feel-
ings about it I hope we shall live to repay all and more.
Our situation is a beautiful one I think; remarkably high and
dry, & giving the promise, from its appearance of being very heal-
thy. like most other persons in this neighborhood, we shall
be obliged to go to the expense of digging a well, as there is no
spring near; but I think this disadvantage more than compen-
sated by the superior dryness of the place. the well water too
is generally much the coolest. You have no idea, how much
pleasure & interest I take in this place. If it pleases God,
I hope we shall spend many tranquil & useful days there, and that it
will prove a peaceful haven to us after all our buffetings against
evil fortune. Am I too sanguine? I hope I am willing to leave
all in the hands of providence, but my interests in life are too keen I fear
for me ever to attain the degree of submission, which I so earnestly
desire. This want of a resigned spirit is I think almost my
greatest stumbling block in the path I would fain tread. but I will
not write of these things - my feelings, with respect to them, and
even my thoughts, are so different at different times, that I feel

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