1844 July 21, Cape May, to Brother, Philadelphia, Pa.

              Cape May 7 mo 21st 1844Dear BrotherWe are indebted to thee for thy letter, but there is not much that we can repay thee with to be picked up here; so that thou must not be disappointed with a meager return. One day passes pretty much as another, and our time is taken up in bathing, walking, riding, eating & sleeping. We have a great crowd, & yet more & more come, so that every nook & corner appears to be occupied. In some instance three are in one bed, and some can scarce get bed or pillow. At our house we have I suppose about 150 including children. When we first arrived there were but 8 at table besides ourselves. I hear it said there are 2000 on the island, being more than ever were here before at one time.An opportunity offering by the Robert F Stockton to visit the Breakwater about 1/2 of the visitors here embraced it, & Richard Williams & I among the number. There was quite an appearance of rain where we left our lodging with threatening of an easterly storm which discouraged us from taking with us Rachel & sister Ruth. Anna Williams however & several more young women went along. Francis was also of the company. The day turned out