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Lexington Oct. 4th 1848

My dear son

Two days since I received two letters from you, one
dated 22d June, Messina. The other is from Leghorn July 9th.
I am happy to learn that there is some prospect of your return to
America this winter. You say if you do you think you will not
come to the west untill spring. There is nothing earthly I desire
so much as to see you, but, not at the expence of your health.
if you think that there will ge any danger of the climet
disagreeing with you do not come untill hte cold season is past.
It is strange though that this region of country would be more
trying to your constitution than New York, you know best
on that subject, and we know we want to see you as soon as posible.
The children speak of your arival daily, there is nothing anim-
ates them so much as to speak of your coming home. When
we hear you are landed on your native shore we will then
return many thanks to that great and mighty being who has
preserved your life in many dangers for years and years .
Even little Anna is deligthed at the idea of your being home soon.
When we ask her wher is uncle Dove she will say "on the sea."
If we ask her where your picture is she will tell us it is in
the parlour. Theodora is still anxious to see you, to see what
you look like. She thinks you must be something more
than common as she has to pray for you morning and night.
I have the painful task to tell you that Mr. Christy is no
more, he died on the 26th of August last. His illness was short
but very painfull, it was the yellow jandess [jaundice] he had. He joined