New York, May 27, 1831

Dear Frank

I received yours dated 24 or the 25 and I have just commenced an answer this evening. It is true that I was somewhat surprised that you did not answer my last sooner. I'm perhaps a little offended.

However, on the receipt of your last I was entirely pacified & as I am of a forgiving temper I have almost forgot it. I will now give you all that has been new to me & should be so to you.

On the 22nd April, I was on Ellis Island to see the execution of the 2 pirates an account of which you no doubt have read of. I was over to Hoboken a few Sundays ago and I had a very pleasant excursion. That was the first time I ever was out of the State of New York.

I am getting along with my trade[?] very fast & I do not desire any change at present.

A few Sundays ago I went up to ----fords Ship yard to see a new ship there on the stocks. (--?--) is now launched and one in the same yard. Repairing of 30 April said to belong to the (--?--) . She is now lying out in the North River and now in my sight. She is called the Remington and is between a sloop of war & a frigate called a Corvette. I have considerable to write so I will give it up for this evening.

[April] 28 I understand that you have a Hall of Science in Albany and a professed Deist who you have heard speak and have received a lecture from Emily Ottrauden(?) and you want to know my opinion of it. Well, I will tell you what I think about it. First I think you and (--?--) to be two fools and the deist to be another. Which makes three -- the deist for speaking, you for hearing and (--?--) for lecturing.

Well this is a short opinion you may say & in fact. I fall a little short this morning owing to my getting a livier earlier than usual. ...

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