Yale 10 June 1860

My dearest Cecilia,

Your charming letter has won the admiration of the whole staff - it was quite delightful to hear so much about home and dear Victoria, in so amusing and lively a style.

What a sad thing for Mrs. Dodd to have lost her good kind husband and to be left alone in the world with so many fatherless children. The poor little things are hardly sensible of their loss, but what must poor Mrs. Dodd suffer when she sees them all clustering around her.

I hope dear Mamma is not seriously unwell, you must assure her that I am in perfect health and as busy as I can will well be.

I had much to do when I arrived here and that we have done well. The people have done every thing in their power to aid and assist, in carrying out the various plans of improvement for the country. The road parties are now all at work - heaving, blasting and leveling the mountain passes - a gigantic undertaking but all important to the country.

The River is now as high as it was last year and is still rising. The Miners are flooded out of the Bar diggings and are now turning their attention to the high bank which the River is its highest stages never reaches.

I am afraid I shall not be able to leave this place for two days more as I have not yet got through with my business but I will get home as soon as I can. Kiss Amy and Boy for me and remember me kindly to the Doctor