1841 February 28, New Bedford, to Frank, Philada.

              New Bedford 2 mo 28 1841

Dear Frank

Among the
many sins of omission & commission with which my Conscience
has been burdened of late – none has laid harder on my
stomach to speak in a physiological metap[h]or than my not
having answered [thine] epistle of – mo. – 1840.  This sheet
then intended as a peace offering and mediator for past
offences “by-gones” comes to thee by the hands of Geo. H.
Dunbar – (a young man of our religious denomination-
somewhat diligent attender of meeting – (where He in company
with the majority of our young men occupies the seat
fronting the women friends – pardon the digression but the
fact is worth recording that as the Mahometan prays with his
face towards Mecca – thou canst draw the parallel) not so
much distinguished as would be best for plainness of speech.
[behavi] and apparel – and inheriting with the rest of us
some failings I fear from Father Adam - ) who is to pass
thro Philada. on his way to Haverford and then to France in
a New Lock Haven packet next week. – A poet moreover and
somewhat unique personage. & can either roar like a lion or
a sucking dove at his pleasure – rhyme to the moon or swear
like a pirate. – I don’t know how long he stays in Philada.
but if you fall in with him you’ll know him.

The
greatest attraction in these parts this winter - & which
must take its share of the blame of having kept me from
attending to my Philada correspondence is a new periodical
entitled “L’Entreprise” which has originated among us and
has claimed a goodly portion of my leisure
The great
charm about you must know is that we have Lady contributors
– Gertrude Hussey “Murray” quondam –