Bargain Town, December 4^th
My dear Brother,
When I recieved you last affectionate letter
some two or three months since, I did not intend it should
remain so long unanswered, but so it is. I waited for time
to write decently & that time never comes, & now I write in more
haste than ever. Ma has written since your visit at Florida
(what sunshiny spots your visits are to our dear Parents) that
you had been at our good city Phila, now it always seems
wrong for you to come so near & not tell us that we may
see you either here or there–We were delighted to hear
that Frances is so comfortable and I am so inquis—
itive to know how you call the little red head.
Do gratify me as quickly as possible, if she is
not already disposed of, call her after her Grand
Ma L. I was disappointed that Mahlon did
not return by Auburn & see Frances at last,
your place was entirely out of his route—
he was delighted beyond measure with his
jaunt, & his health was very much improved
by insomuch that I who always thought him handsome
do not hesitate to declare the fact now.

We talk of going West very strongly (that is Father
does, I have not made up my mind to that yet.
Although the times are hard, bread & butter very much
of an object still I cannot think of going into the
wilderness Prairie to grub. Mahlon bought 166 acres
of land (he says) as rich as ever laid under the sun
40 miles from St. Louis, 12 from the Mississippi & 2 from a
pleasant little village of Jersey men, called after this State
there is nothing wanting now but my consent, to
emigrate & spend the remainder of our days far
from home & kindred & all the comforts &luxuries
of civilized life.
Once I recollect dunning you for a copy of Papas
Portrait, which you were kind enough to say you
would remember was the same ever made?
One more question, I sent a letter of Washingtons
to Father, did he receive it? & how?—
I sent it because I know the Ls try to keep all
this hatred of G. in the back ground form Father,
& more I know Papa was deceived in Dr. L he thought
him G.s friend, where as he treated him infamously.
& talks to him of being a burden on their hands to
maintain with his family. I told Dr. L that his own father
was able & willing to support him, if he must be
taken care of.
We are anticipating the happiness of seeing
you next summer. We are all well} Mahlon send his kind regards to all.

Excuse this long letter from yours as ever affectionate Cornelia
Free,
M.D. Canfield
P.M.
W.H Seward Esq.
Westfield
Chataqua Co.
New York.
Bargain Town
W.S. Dec^e 5^th
L.C. Canfield
Dec. 4. 1836