Transcription
Baltimore, April 14, 1836
My dear Will
I have been made more than happy just now, by the receipt of your heartily welcome letter, announcing your safe return to our common home. I have been keeping an anxious lookout in all the papers for some two or three months past, for some account of you, or rather the ship we heard you would likely return in; and the evng before last saw her name announced among the arrivals, but without your name as passenger. I was about to drop you a stave then, but thought I wait a day or so in the expectation of hearing. And true enough it is your own direction that first greets my eyes.
I am sorry that I have to scratch in haste for the mail – and wish I could leave myself to join you, but the near approach of an heir to my vast estates constrains me to defer my departure until after the event; but the same is hourly looked for, when as soon after as possible I will wend my way after you.
I can easily imagine your feelings at this time, and have only to abuse you for ever having doubted a hearty welcome among as whole hearted a set as I believe we all are.
We must have a long talk among us over old times and coming times; and do what we may, we must stick together
I am eager to see you, and hope I may get off by the first of next week. Amanda is much delighted to hear of your safe return, and Emily is wishing she could see you.
God bless you, and good luck to you – and drink my health in what you may find of some fine old wine, which I have left at No 3!
In no small haste
Your trul afft brother
Edgar
Many wishes expressed to see you – and love to you
Do you remember the old craft as she laid in stream the night before your departure.
