Auburn Oct 9 ^th
My dear Son,
Father says I must
tell you that he opened
this letter to see if you
were to go South this
Winter as he was about
to go to Pennsylvania to see
the Iron company – We infer
from this that you are
to go to Florida – is it so?
Father expects to go East
in a few days but cannot
say precisely when – He
has just returned from Chau-
tauqua – Every body's business
is deranged by the panic
among the Banks

We had a fright last
night from the burning
of Lewis Richardsons
O — old store house opposite
us – Fortunately it was
a still night or many
buildings must have
gone - the Fire companies
here are wonderfully
efficient – The shop which
was next door and
equally inflammable was
saved – Mrs Millers
house and Mr Days
were endangered – We
gave the fire companies
such refreshment as
we could obtain and

were all up until 3 oclock
the fire commenced at
12 – I have your letter of
the 6 ^th am glad you are
able to keep comfortable
in your tent – I have sent
well before this two
letters from the Department
which I trust reached
you safely – Frances does
not come this week –
The weather is warmer &
more pleasant – Should
you wish to see Father
while he is in New York
or Albany , if you say so,
I will write when he
will be there – All are
well as usual – God
bless you
Mother —