Springfield Sangam Co. July 23rd 1823

My dear Father. I have this day had the satisfaction of receiving the letter, a gratification that I have long anxiously looked for but long withheld.

The one from my dear mother was particularly acceptable, though I have not shared the tender solicitude & boundless affection of my mother, yet it never appeared so cheering, so lovely, so happy as at present when far distant, when I see the seal of her hand, & when I trace each line I discover the indelible signet of Maternal Affection.

Your letter was truly yourself a Guardian loving Father, anxious for the success & prosperity of an absent Son. I shall always endeavor to merit by Love & Reverence, by honor all & strenuous exertions to preferment, that paternal affection which is my pride and my solace.

I am pleased to hear Sidney was present at the glorious victory of New York over the boasting pride of Virginia. The safe arrival of Cow[x] was all satisfactory. His brother is my particular friend. Your flattering notice of my vague [x]smack strongly of a Father's partiality.

Your conjectors are right with regard to the course of the trade of this state, the canal communication with the Illinois River & Michigan is eagerly anticipated as the only advantageous outlet to the Atlantic. It must & will be soon effected.

If there still can exist any doubts with respect to my location [x] then all men by their [x] That I reside in the Town of Springfield, County of Sangamo, at Illinois, this direction your letters should always bear. One hundred miles from St. Louis. 170 from Kankaskia. 80 from the Mississipi. 35 from the Illinois (which is our nearest water navigatable) [x] from Chicago, or nearest port on Michigan.

There is a distributing post office at Louisville. These letters intended for the north & south parts of the state[x] different costs. My letter directed to care of Brother Charles accumulated an additional postage of 18 3/4 cents.

The climate is much warmer than that of New York. (I speak of the summer) the winter less snow but quite as severe. This is owning to [x] country.

The Rainbow has arisen, and I enjoy its effulgence, whether I shall acquire its golden truths Time & Perserverance must deveop. I am satisfied I am pleased with my profession. I do not despair of Independence & a little degre of Eminence.

The existing difficulty at present is universally felt in this state. The depreciated currency & consequent [x] upon every profession. We flatter ourselves Times will alter for the Better.

The jurisdiction of our [x] extends to contracts to the acct of $100 [x] excited as much interest & curiosity at an Irish wake of late I have had two. I broke the Ice before the Hon. Genl. Adams uniting the character of Soldier & Jurist in an elaborate & successful display to the Jury. In both of which I was successful. Courts are held every Saturday. I have [x] in every suit I have yet brought. And so far all is well.

I board at a respectable public house, few boarders, but very clever fellows. My landlord, Mr. Shaw, is a native of Vermont, was formerly a merchant there. His wife is a very genteel, intelligent woman. Industrious and Tidy.

Captn Shaw (Father to my landlord) is here on a visit. He returns to Vermont in Sept. He is a jolly old revolutionary veteran, loves his Bottle, tells a good story & affords great amusement. He says he will endeavor to call & see you on his return. The old Soldier & myself [x] copy the [x] or star chamber, that is the [x]. The Old Capt. thinks we will be in time excellent attorney. The capt keeps the watch, & when a shower arises, he gives the word. "Any port in a storm" [x] nimbly [x] the cat to a dry corner.

I am grieved to hear of the fallen fortunes of my respected Uncle. He has a happiness in the courteous rectitude of his life & I trust his profession will afford him an ample competence. That goal[x] Arthur is continued pleased me. Do you have any news from Sam Breese. [x] Mary, or you[x] relatives if you have let me hear it.

I expect long letters from some one of you every which arrives semi montly. Uncle and Aunt both my [x] & I cannot excuse my dear cousin & [x] event & particular concerning is pleasing. I dwell on the contents of a letter as my meat & drink. Sidney should have written me a description of the Recig[x]. Why don't you send the papers. I occasionally see a New York paper. It is as great a treat as a [x]t of strawberries in Jany.

I have also this day read a letter from Charles. He is in good health & good