letters concerning the state of this Baptist church in Newbern I have the impression that the prospect of a permanent home in that place is by no means very encouraging.  It has been our lot to be "tossing to and fro" ever since we were married.  I long for a quiet steady home.  We shall soon have turned forty years and I think it has now become our duty to look for a place where we can not only have a competency from day to day, but sufficient to enable us to lay aside a little every year.  If you are obliged to resort to teaching for a living, your sermons must be neglected, and in that case, in such a place as Newbern I should like that no ones preaching, could long be acceptable.  How do the members of the Baptist church, rank with the members of the other churches, in regard to intelligence, and influence in Society?  Should you receive a call to become their Pastor, I hope you will acquaint yourself as much as possible with the church and with the society and of things generally and also make them acquainted with you, before giving an answer in the affirmative.  In such a case would it not be best to stay through the month of May.  Should you finally conceive it to be your duty to remove to that place I am sure it could not be prudent for us to go untill the last of Oct. or Nov.  But I yet fondly hope we shall finally be located some where in this region.  I would not fight against God.  His approbation out weights every other consideration.  Should I be convinced that he called us to go to Newbern I think I should be willing to go.  Your objections to the plan only[?] and to the education of Ann Eliza are very important ones.  It would be no easy thing to train her up in the way in which we think she should go, when every thing around us was against it. 

Myself, Ann Eliza, and our friends generally are pretty well.  A Ms. Pierce of this place has lately had the small pox the natural way, but lightly, she nursed an infant who has taken it from her and will not probably live.  Several others have been exposed, and some fear is excited lest it should spread