Athol May 2, 1847

Dear Bradburn,

     Why in the name of all the saints at once have you not written me? I have written you twice since I have had anything but a note and newspaper from you. I should have written again but that I was so devilish poor that I could not well pay postage.

     Have you got befogged in Baileys + Phillips’ productions? I have wanted to hear, and been constantly expecting to hear what you thought of them.

     I wrote to Gerrit Smith, suggesting the project which I mentioned to you. He approved of it highly, and promised a donation towards carrying it into effect, but I have not as yet got any one else enlisted in it. If I could go to Boston I think I might perhaps stir them up to do something.

     I have some expectation of going to Boston soon, for the purpose of writing a sequel to my former argument. I want to reply to some few of the most important points suggested by Phillips and Bailey—also have some other matters, which I always intended to add to the original argument at a proper time. I hope I may be able to do it this summer—but I am so abominably poor, I can hardly do any thing.

     I have two more parts of my Poverty ready for the press—but fear I shall not find a publisher.

     I see by the paper you sent that you are at work. What are the prospects?

     The Doctor is fitting up his house here for a water cure establishment—expects to be open in about a month. Gross is to be with him.

     I have no news to write you—but write to get a letter from you.

                                  Yours truly,

                                  L. Spooner

[In different writing]:

Many readings as there are words in the English language repay[?] a view always, however the style of Bradburn.

     I suppose you have seen a notion of the return of Douglass. Is there not some day[?] or that the ______ which he may have received abroad will able his brain—I hope not. It was a pitty to talk away on metamorphose Fred Dougless into ought else. To err, however, is human, and it would be an anomaly if he should be so much less susceptible than others.

     Wife & children well and all deserve an affectionate remembrance.

                                  Yours truly, Gen. Hoyt

     If you have leisure just improve it to our advantage.

     We are always so glad to receive billing[?], especially those of a politician.

     You will excuse my curiosity but as a ____ Man I am desirous of learning what progress you make in matrimony [?]—I make the inquiry altogether for the sake of _____ of course. No personal considerations indeed not _____ but the desire of witnessing a ______ of the human family in these _____ of _____ as ____ could have included me even to have kindred at the (??????)

     I trust therefore you will at an  early date in sent a notice of the term ______ of the ______ of said ceremony & a memorandum of the same shall be forthwith registered.