[Crosswise on p. 1]

Mother writes me that there is some little excitement in the things of religion in Bridport, Eleven had been Baptized the last of Dec.  The news papers after having read them my self and after having sent them to father W's.  I forward to mother Merriam.

Archibald Wait has returned, was last week in this place.  Is soon to be married to a sister of Gary[?] Wait's wife, has a large farm with her.  He is to preach in Hebron all the time.  The people in that place he says will not give way.  From a second interview with him I have seen no cause to alter the opinion I formed of him last fall I should think from what I have seen of the Waldoes[?] he has enough of their blood.  He desired me to present his respects to you said me must certainly visit them when you returned.  He talked of Geography and natural philosophy as though they were the only things to be attained.  I suppose he has a smattering of these things.