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The Grove Jan 2ed 1858
Dear Bob –
This is the first time since I got home that I have felt that I could take time to sit down and write.
I enjoyed my trips to Rock Island with Charlie, very much, The country through which we passed was very different from any thing I had ever seen before. We had a good view of the Illinois river at La Salle, also at several other places.
We passed through two or three quite pleasant towns, but did not stop long enough to se much of either any one.
I did not like Rock Island much, It is too low, and is hemed in by the river in front, and high bluffs behind. The people do not seem ever to be in the least hurry – they all have an inanimate sort
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of look. And I should judge were very much behind the times.
Davenport on the opposite side of the river is entirely different, It, instead of being dull, is very busy. It is wonderful to see the difference between the two places. The people of Davenport look enterprising. Some of the stores are quite large And there are a good many fine churches and public buildings. And very many handsome residences The town is built on the bluffs and the streets run down to the river. From some of the high bluffs you have an excellent view of the surrounding country and the river.
Moline two miles up the river on the Rock Island side is a pleasant busy little town. I think that in summer it would be delightful all along
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the Mississippi river.
We had a sail on the great “father of waters” which we enjoyed right well though it was rather late in the season.
Charlie and I spent a day at Davenport at Mr Corbin's, He and his wife are both very agreeabl people – you may remember seeing him at Mr Cuttings.
Charlie is in Chicago, He thinks of staying there a good deal this winter, He was there New years day and made “lots” of calls: in the evening Guy Cutting brought him out to The Grove to make a call, they went back earley the next morning – Major went with them to stay a day or two.
We were all very sorry that Mr Redfield could not have stayed with us this winter, He was
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just the person we wanted.
Mr Clark is staying with us now. he teaches the little boys, and they seem to be improveing –
France Chandler came out with Frank last Sundey, and they are coming out again next saturday, when we intend to have a little dance.
We had a very pleasant Christmas party at The Folly. Every thing went off better than usual.
I am glad that you find Professor Baird and all the rest of your friends so pleasant. I hope you will learn a great deal.
We all miss you: and think of you every day – I suppose you will be so busy that you will not have time to get homesick. Take care of yourself. I need not say “be a good boy” for I know you will.
with much love sister Alice