My Dear William

We received your letter of the two days since; the news of your recovery from your chills brought us great delight and we indulge the hope that they have at length bid you adieu, do my Dear Brother be careful of your health, how happy should I be could I but see you removed from a climate so destructive to your constitution. I am glad to learn that some interest has been felt in regard to the future fate of the College and that the papers have at length taken up the subject. I trust that something decisive and redeeming may be done by the legislature, though I fear that it will be abandoned & its funds removed. Do not fail if you please in each letter to give us all news relating to it. Henry is now very busy he says almost as much so as when in London . He has been taken by the hand very cordially by all the scientific gentlemen of the City. He has been elected member of the Acad Nat Science & the Geological Society here. D B Smith has introduced him to Mr Peak the proprieter of the Museum who has kindly offered him the use of any geological specimens he may wish. You may be surprised to understand that Henry has not yet commenced his course. He has determined to deliver the first on Friday next, & is now busy writing his introductory and will I am sure stand perfectly equipped for delivering a highly useful & interesting series of lectures. Added to Henry's numerous drawings & illustrations we have got up a great many others with numerous transparencies & magic lantern slides. His prospectus is in the hands of many active friends & there is not a doubt but he will have a fine class; his tickets are $5 each & we expect at least 50 to be sold. I am busy with my French, anatomy & chemistry. You would laugh I am sure were you but to hear Dr Hare lecture or rather read his compendium to his class. Yesterday when on the subject of heat told us in sober earnest that once being at a large conflagration he remarked to a friend by, that he should not be surprised should it rain in the morning “and sure enough it did rain.”

We have recently received a letter from James, he and family were well, he seems [cheer]ful. He complains somewhat of [not] having heard from you. Uncle is well, Mr Stewart's family are so also.

Uncle sends his love, and Henry & Myself unite in the same to all the family.

I trust Catherina has recovered completely from her indisposition.

I have nothing with which to prolong my letter so farewell for the present.