[TO MR. LEIPER.]
Wheatland, May 27, 1862.
My Dear Sir:—
I have received your favor of the 22d, and am always rejoiced to learn that you are healthy and happy. Neither of us can say:—
“That in our youth we never did apply
Hot and rebellious liquors to our blood,”
though, with the blessing of Providence, we both enjoy “a green old age.” If we have not been abstemious, we have been temperate, and used the blessings in our way without abusing them.
Miss Lane is now absent. She left here on Thursday last on a visit to her uncle at Oxford Church, and her cousin, James B. Henry, on Staten Island. You always live in her kind memory.
I feel more and more deeply every day for the sad condition of our country. May the Almighty Governor of the world pardon the national sins and corruptions of this people, and restore the Constitution and the Union, and perpetuate our civil and religious liberties! Without His interposition, I can see no determinate end to our troubles.
My health is as good as usual. Ever your friend,