Friday morning we set out early with the hope of getting to Youngstown at night & to Warren to night, but 4 miles from Y----n, the horses were so tir'd they would not stir, so we stopt at a private house for the night, an hour before sun down-- We had been in the house but a little time, when Susan look'd out & told me she thought there was some one after me, & I soon saw M^r Edwards & 2 horses-- "I was never so happy I think"-- I ran out to meet him- He came in & set a while, & just at dark we started for Youngstown-- M^r Edwards insisted upon Susan's going with us, so she rode behind him, and I rode the single horse-- We reach'd _Cousin_ Joseph Woodbridge's about the middle of the eve-- They got us a good supper & gave us a bed-- M^{rs} W- is a very pretty woman (I mean pleasing)- They have 3 children, & appear to be very well off, (you understand me) & happy-- They live in a very comfortable log house, pleasantly situated-A cousin in this country, is not to be slighted I a.s.sure you- I would give more for one in this country, than for 20 in old Connecticut-- This morning M^{rs} Todd came over to see us, & urg'd us to stay & spend the day with her-- But spite of her solicitations, we set out for Warren soon after breakfast--My horse was extremely dull & we did not get here till near 2 oclock-- Cousin Louisa was as happy to see me as I could wish, & I think I shall be very happy & contented-- The town is pleasanter than I expected- The house better- & the children as fine--Cousin has alter'd very little, in any way--I found a M^rs Waldo here just going to Connecticut, & lest I should not have another opport^y, I intend sending this by them, without even time to read it over & correct it-- I _am_ asham'd of it My dear Elizabeth, & were it not for my promise to you, I don't know that I should dare to send it-- I will write your Mama by mail, I have not time for a letter now--My very best love to every body-- I have a great deal more to say, but no more time than just to tell you, I am ever
& most affect^{ly} Yours-
M V D----
Let no one see this but your own family--