[Crosswise on p. 3]
it is, my precious little on, that I love to talk and write about such things as I have just mentioned? Or, that when I sit down in my room, perhaps to prepare for the Sabbath, or to read some interesting book, my mind insensibly begins to ask, how is Ann Eliza? how tall is she-- how does she look-- what does she say? How can I best provide for her education and future happiness, and a thousand other little questions, that once I could not have thought of. And why is it that at this moment, my heart is almost too full to allow me to write? Ah, my love, if you live 18 or 20 years you may possibly understand the secret, for such it is.---- Your Ma is mistaken in supposing that Newbern is as far South of Washington as White Creek is North. It is just about 600 miles from this to the city of N.York. Tell your Ma Newbern is not called a city although it is the largest town in the state. Raleigh is the only incorporated city in N.C. and that town is much smaller than this-- but it is the seat of government.
Yesterday I went to converse and pray with the prisoners, two of whom are confined for murder. One of these unhappy men killed a Negro only 3 or 4 days ago. They both have their trials in Oct. next. Both have families-- one a wife and 2 children and the other a wife and 4 children. I went into this abode of wretchedness and preached a few weeks ago.-- You do not know what strong bolts and doors, &c. they have.
My health is s good as it ever was in my life.
Give my love to your ma, Grand Parents, your Uncle Henry and Aunt Betsey and, in a word to all your uncles, aunts and our friends generally.
Your affectionate father,
Sam'l Wait.