their "shellalys" and killed, as is reported, the captain of the watch, and seriously injured a number of others. The United States Arsenal was taken possession of, broken open, and the citizens armed. How many have been injured it is impossible to say, but many, and a vast amount of property has been destroyed. The streets are patrolled by squadrons of armed horse and foot, and I can hear the shouts and hurrahs while I write. The result it is impossible to calculate, and altho' I had a very decided choice, yet, at this moment, I have lost sight of the end in viewing the evil it has done. I thought, on my way here, how happy I should be were you in health and in my company, but I thank my God that you are spared the pain it would cause you. Do kiss the dear little children for me, and ask them to comfort you till I return.

Affectionately yours,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. DICKINSON.

BINGHAMTON, August 24, 1835.

MY DEAR LYDIA-I arrived last evening, and met three little heads in the yard, and was greeted with the usual salutation, "Pa, Pa, I've been good, where's my present?" I had small presents for them all, which were joyfully received. I found Louisa free of disease, but still quite low. The household af fairs were all in good order. Louisa was much affected with the present you sent her, and says she will write you as soon as she is able. Little Manco found his way into my bed, and thinks it a great privilege; he and the little girls have asked me a number of times, "How much has mother got well now?” The weather has been so cold and wet since I left I am extremely anxious to hear from you. Do write me on receipt of this, and tell me how you are situated. Court sits to-morrow, and I am of course much engaged, but will write you again soon. I most sincerely hope you will be at least comfortable, contented, and as happy as it is possible away from home. There is no news of any interest.

Most sincerely and affectionately yours,
D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. DICKINSON.

ALBANY, February 5, 1836.

MY DEAR-I hasten to inform you of my safe though tedious arrival here. I travelled from Cherry Valley with the celebrated George Catlin and wife, both of them interesting and intelligent. Mr. Catlin has spent eight, and his wife three years in the far west with the Indians. They relate much that is full of incident and interest. Next summer, Mr. C. will paint all our "natives" in one group, from myself down to little Zoe. The Chancellor wishes me to go to New York, and I think I shall; I will write again in a day or two, when I get more settled. Kiss the dear children and ask them to be good. I will send the 3d No. Crayon Miscellany by Mr. Bosworth.

Affectionately,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MISS LOUISE A. HUGHAN,

CONGRESS HALL, NEW YORK, February 14, 1836.

MY DEAR LOUISE-I avail myself of the leisure afforded me by a Sabbath evening, to address you a few lines, as an earnest of my deep solicitude for your welfare, in the hope that, in a moment when no considerations of a more interesting character engross your mind, you may appreciate the motives which induced them. Though not bound by the ties of consanguinity, the caprice of fortune seems to have placed us in a relation which, if rightly understood, is the most tender and important of any which form our social system. That father who has a daughter arrived at woman's estate has a fearful responsibility to discharge; nor is it mitigated by the fact that she is his only by adoption; nor is there ought to cheer one onward in this solemn undertaking but the approval of his own conscience, and the warm and confiding affection of those with whose happiness he is identified. But this is abundant. If he is stimu lated to action by worthy motives, his conscience will whisper words of consolation; and if he shall meet, as I have, the corresponding affection of one who is "to him as a daughter," the

plaudits or condemnations, the praises or censures of the world will be deemed of little value.

There is a time in the life of almost every young lady when she is too much caressed by society; it is after she arrives at marriageable age, but before she is understood to have contracted marriage, or at least, before she enters upon that solemn relation in life. If she be a person of interesting manners, and respectably connected, her society is courted, her intimacy sought, and she is permitted to bask undisturbed in the general sunshine of popular favor. This arises from the fact that many have hopes and expectations connected with her future destiny, and above all she is allied to no interest, assumes no responsibility, conflicts with no one's selfish ends, and is therefore permitted to float upon the ocean of life, which to her is calm and unruffled. This is however, after all, in a great degree illusive, and, to be turned to profit, must be properly understood. When she takes her stand in society, by identifying herself with the destiny of him she loves, she will find the world more selfish and less charitable than her days of youth had induced her to suppose.

I am fully aware of my unfitness to stand in the relation and give you the advice of a father. It is but little that I have done, or can do for you. I can only say that I have given you a place in my affections, in common with my own children; in a heart which, however unworthy, is warmed by feelings as fervid as ever glowed within a parent's breast. You have now engaged to enter upon a high and holy relation with one who is worthy of you; and, although in its anticipation "I am smiling," in the recollection of the relations it virtually dissolves, there is "sadness on my brow." I shall soon cease to be your guide and counsellor, or to number you with those who look up to me for protection; to await your return to the domestic threshhold with a solicitude so peculiar to my nature, or to direct your footsteps. May God grant you all the blessings which fall to the lot of humanity, and qualify you for the discharge of the duties which will devolve upon you.

Be kind to my dear wife and children; you can gladden the hearts of the little ones in my absence, and beguile the solitary hours of their mother.

With the hopes, expectations, and affection of a father,

I remain, your uncle,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. DICKINSON.

AMERICAN HOTEL, ALBANY, January 5, 1837.

MY DEAR LYDIA-I take pleasure in addressing a few lines once more to my dear wife and lovely children. I hope to get a letter from you all to-morrow. I have been actively engaged in business, and, could I have the society of my family, should be pleased with my position here. It is not however a suitable place for children, and as much as I would like to see them, I am glad ours are at home, as long as they are so well and happy. No one realizes the pleasures and comforts of home until they are temporarily deprived of its advantages. Do write me often, and hope that all is for the best, and be as cheerful and happy as you can in my absence. Ask the little children to be good and kind, and tell them how much their father loves them, and how often he thinks of them; how well off they are, compared with the half-clad, half-starved vagrant. children of the city, and teach them to be thankful and appreciate their condition. I am in a room, little less than your tle parlor, which is warm and comfortable, but it is not home. I often think of your little circle, and cannot but wish I was there. I shall send you a daily paper, from which you will see what we are doing. I send you the "Sketch Book," and the children some books. Give my kind regards to Mr. Loomis, and believe me,

Most truly and affectionately your husband,

lit

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO VIRGINIA E. DICKINSON.

ALBANY, January 21, 1837.

MY DEAR DAUGHTER VIRGINIA-I hope you are well, contented, and happy; the hope and joy of your mother, and the companion of your little brother and sister.

I see very little of children here, or, in short, of any company but gentlemen, who call on me so often as to occupy much of my time. I want very much to see my dear children, but I know how much better off they are at their quiet home, and

can therefore forego my feelings for my judgment. I am going to make a speech in a few days, when I will send it to you. Be a good girl, and read your "Rich-poor man" to your mother and others, and set an example to your dear brother and sister. I shall come to see you last of February.

Your affectionate father,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MANCO C. DICKINSON.

ALBANY, January 21, 1837.

MY DEAR BOY MANCO-I have an opportunity to send by Mr. White, and having a few leisure moments (which I do not often have here), I write you a few lines. Your mother writes me that you are a good boy, and obedient to her and Mr. Loomis, and kind to your little sisters and those about you. Oh, how much better, more beloved, and happier, it makes one to be good! I send you a newspaper written and printed by a deaf and dumb man; they learn to write and read by signs. Continue in your respectful behavior to Mr. Loomis, aud obey all he says.

Your affectionate father,

D. S. DICKINSON.

GOVERNOR THROOP TO MR. DICKINSON.

NEW YORK, March 11, 1837.

MY DEAR SIR-I have read in the Argus your speech on the usury laws with great delight. I felt confident that you would treat with ability any subject to which you applied your mind; but I was not prepared for a speech which would embrace all the argument dressed out with all the attractions of eloquence.

My judgment goes with you in every view of the subject; and I congratulate you upon having formed a text-book of the argument upon that side of the question. If your speech should be published in pamphlet form, as I hope it may be, I would be obliged to you for a copy of it.