“Deer are incredibly plenty here—I was the first that caught a young fawn, and hoped to have sent the beautiful little animal a present to H****. We kept it about a week, and it became quite tame; but our cows ran away, and it was starved for want of milk. Col. P. called it F—— B——, and says H**** shall at least have the skin. We have all been very healthy; my cough diminishes slowly, my old complaint is less troublesome, and I have no other.
“I am not yet determined, as to the time of my return. Later than September, I have no thoughts of staying; perhaps the fear of riding in hot weather may induce me to stay till then.
“We have, hitherto, made so slow a progress, that I am much dissatisfied with it; but do not know how to help it. Our greatest difficulty arises from the nature of the ground; and the idleness of the people of the country, is not the least. We have had about thirty men employed, and are not yet able to go more than a mile per day. I was about writing to the Vice-President, on this subject; but, on second thoughts, concluded it best not to do it: I wish, however, that council would, by some official letter, urge us to proceed with all the dispatch consistent with the accuracy they expect.
“I wish to write to B***** and H****; but you will not readily imagine how little leisure I have: Tired of the exercise of the day, I rejoice at the approach of night; and, after a cup of tea, generally lie down to rest as soon as it is dark, unless we have observations to make; and then we have generally half a mile to walk, through dark woods, from the place of observation to our encampment: this, however, does not happen above once in a fortnight.
“Sun, gallop down the western skies;
Go quick to bed, and quickly rise;”
Until you bring round the happy day, that will restore me again to the dear woman and children I so much love.
“Give my love to my children, and the few friends that are really concerned for my welfare. God bless you, and make you at least as happy as I am; and then, I am sure, you will not complain. Your ever affectionate
“D. Rittenhouse.
“Mrs. Hannah Rittenhouse.”