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allusion to the part I have borne in the councils of the nation, and believe me to be, with high consideration and regard, Your friend and fellow-citizen,

Col. S. SALISBURY, Chairman Committee.

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. CLAPP TO MR. DICKINSON.

OXFORD, October 24, 1846.

MY DEAR SIR-Your daughter Virginia, I learn, has given herself in marriage to Mr. Murray. Allow me to congratulate you on this event, and to hope that your daughter will find in her new state the felicity which is sure to follow the union of hearts and hands in matrimony. Mr. Murray stands high in this county as an active and thriving merchant. He possesses, in an eminent degree, all the business qualities which lead to consideration and fortune. The prospects of the young couple are full of promise, and I trust nothing may occur to mar their happiness.

Make my felicitations on this occasion to Mrs. Dickinson. Our adventures at the White House in Washington, last winter, interested Governor Tracy and myself in Virginia, and the pleasing impression she then made will not soon be obliterated.

I have to acknowledge the receipt of "Fremont's Expeditions;" a valuable work, full of incident and interest. Accept my thanks for this new proof of your friendship. I was previously much your debtor for important documents from Washington. I fear much that the opportunity will never be afforded me to reciprocate these acts of kindness, but be assured I duly appreciate them.

Governor Tracy and myself are beginning to think of another visit, the ensuing winter, to Washington. Should we appear, we shall cast ourselves again on your friendship to help us along in high places.

Very sincerely your friend,

JAMES CLAPP.

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR TRACY TO MR. DICKINSON.

OXFORD, N. Y., October 26, 1846.

MY DEAR SIR-Please accept my thanks for the copy of "Captain Fremont's report of his Exploring Expeditions," sent me by young Mr. Clapp. I am also under obligations to you for sundry interesting documents you sent me from Washington.

I recur with great pleasure to my visit at Washington last winter, and particularly to your polite and courteous attention. Both Mr. Clapp and myself feel ourselves largely indebted to you for your civilities. But for you, we should not have seen Governor Marcy at all.

I congratulate you on the marriage of your daughter. She has honored us with her card and the usual accompaniment.

Since my return home a few days ago, I have noticed a remarkable quietness in regard to the coming election. The doctrine of supporting the regular ticket prevails in Chenango, as far as I have heard any expression.

Very truly yours,

JOHN TRACY.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. VIRGINIA E. MURRAY.

BINGHAMTON, November, 1846.
Monday Morning.

ill

MY DEAR VIRGIE-We were all pained to hear of your ness, and are much rejoiced that you are better. I should have gone up to see you to-day, but cannot well leave, and the news of your convalescence enables us to hope you will soon be well. Be very careful, and not attempt to go out, even to come here, where we are very anxious to see you, until your health is firm again. That is of the first importance, and should control all else.

Your mother has concluded, with the advice of your grandfather, to spend the winter at home. After full consideration

she decided that she would be most comfortable here. If she took the little girls it would cause her much care; if she left them at home, a great deal of solicitude; the journey down would be hard, and the return harder; and then, if ill, she would miss the kind attentions of dear friends here; and, on the whole, it would seem to be much the best for her to remain. I expect to come home about the middle of the session. Your grandfather spends the winter with your mother.

I intend to leave for Washington about the first of December, and shall probably pass through Norwich. Love to Henry.

Your affectionate father,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. MURRAY TO MR. DICKINSON.

NORWICH, December 5, 1846.

MY DEAR SIR-I intended to write you yesterday, but a press of business demanded my undivided attention till the close of the mail. Virginia remains just about the same as when you saw her. She felt very sad indeed the day of your departure, and her thoughts were of you continually in your lonely ride that inclement morning. From the liveryman we were happy to learn of your safe arrival at Hamilton, and the favorable prospect of reaching Utica that night as you desired, which we hope you accomplished.

Be pleased to let us hear from you often.

Affectionately yours,

H. K. MURRAY.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. MURRAY.

WASHINGTON, December 7, 1846.

MY DEAR VIRGIE-I reached here yesterday morning, and stopped temporarily at Gadsby's. It is, as usual, raining hard, and I have not been anywhere. I see many of your old friends, who inquire for you with congratulations, &c. Hoping that you are on the ground of recovery, with love to Henry and yourself, I am,

Your affectionate father

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. DICKINSON.

WASHINGTON, December 9, 1846.
(Old Rooms.)

MY DEAR L.-I came on Tuesday morning to "our rooms," and it looked so much like home compared with any others I could find, had so many pleasing associations for me, that I forthwith took them again. Our mess is the same as last year, except that there are no ladies (there are very few in town, I believe). Mrs. Niles is in New York, but is expected on in a few weeks. I have called nowhere except on the President, who was looking well. Many are busy in getting settled, which some do not do, you know, but move once a week during the session. All our "mess" think you did wisely in staying at home, considering the short session and bad travelling. I could scarcely see a bonnet in either gallery to-day, though the weather was pleasant-rather a change from last year.

My regards to your father, and love to the dear children; tell them all to write me.

Yours affectionately,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. DICKINSON.

WASHINGTON, December 23, 1846.

MY DEAREST LYDIA-I received yours yesterday with dear

Virgie's note. Poor afflicted child. I learn, however, by Henry's letter of this morning that she is much better. I hope to start this week for home, but may be prevented for a little longer, though I hope not. I am glad to hear you are well, but sorry enough to learn that the cold is so severe. You must not spare the fires, and let the winter slide as gently as possible. I hope our dear children are well; give them my best love, and regards to your father. It is so much easier to tell details than to write them, that I wait for particulars till I see you. All inquire for you, but say you did wisely, for a short session, in not coming. Much love.

Affectionately yours,

D. S. D.

MR. JOHN R. DICKINSON TO MR. DICKINSON.

BINGHAMTON, January 14, 1847.

DEAR D. S.-I have just returned from Norwich, having left there at nine this morning. We had such word, Monday evening, that sister Lydia thought she must go at once. I thought she ought to go if possible; but Tuesday she was not able to start till afternoon. The weather was severe, and as she was so feeble I concluded to go with her, my anxiety about Virgie contributing also to my going. We fixed up a carriage comfortably as possible, and Julia and I went with her, with Manco to drive. Went to Greene that night, and next forenoon to Norwich very comfortably. Lydia stood the ride very well, and was better this morning when we left than when she started from home. We found Virginia better than I expected. She is very weak and sick; but from seeing her I have strong hope of her recovery, which, from all accounts, I before hardly dared entertain.

She had a very bad day Sunday, but has been better since; she spoke cheerfully, and her eyes looked bright. I repeat, I have considerable hope. These favorable symptoms may change, but if she can be kept quiet, and treated just right, I think she will recover. Dr. Jackson has gone up to-day. I

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