My Dear Wife:--We arrived at the house of our friend, William E. Burling, yesterday afternoon between four and five o'clock, having traveled four hundred and eighty miles in twenty-seven hours. The ride in the cars from Troy to Canandaigua was very dusty; the rest of the journey comfortable, and the sail up the North River was very enjoyable, as the moon shone brightly and the scenery is truly grand. On arriving at Amboy, and going aboard the boat, I met our friends, Elisha and Sarah Hunt, accompanied by their daughter, Matilda Underwood, and had their company during the remainder of the journey. We arrived in New York between five and six p.m., and took the Troy boat at six. We had an hour and a half from the time of landing at Troy, until the cars left for Canandaigua at six A.M. I had slept well on the boat, having a quiet room to myself-and was prepared for the long ride of two hundred and thirty miles on the cars. Notwithstanding the dust, we had a pleasant time together.
I feel much better than when I left home. I trust that the Shepherd of Israel may protect thee and our little ones, also that He will watch over me, make a way for me, cover me with the mantle of his love, and enable me to return with the reward of peace.
With much love to you all, I am thy absent husband,
Samuel J. Levick.
1. 1.. Pages 203-204.