Bartlett, I. Chapin. Letter to uncle (November 2, 1860)

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Danville Nov.
2nd, 1860 [November 2, 1860]

Dear Uncle

I received your letter yesterday evening, and hasten to write, lest you unintentionally tumble me into a horrible pit, which is none other than the ditch of my Dad's displeasure. You can't conceive of the "length nor breadth, height or depth" of the raking I would get on my return Christmas were Pa to hear of the bet I made with you, and such news would give additional weight to his displeasure just at this particular time. While "Bank accommodations" - as

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he wrote me the other day "are unusually rare" I much prefer sending you the money then you could suit yourself better than I could possibly do. I will get a check tomorrow or the day after, and will then immediately forward you the "needful." I hope the Lord will forgive me for writing this on Sunday for he knows the urgency of my case.

Politics are waxing very warm in this part of the state. The students had appointed a meeting for yesterday for the purpose of drafting resolutions expressive of their sentiments upon the question of the day, but the faculty broke us up. We met yesterday week for the same purpose

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but on some of the seniors brethren, myself among the number advocating an adjournment for deliberation the house finally agreed upon it. In the language of Felix of Biblical notoriety, I am almost persuaded to be a Secessionist, ere long I expect I will be not only almost, but altogether such as thou art. Your case will soon be decided by Congress now I suppose. Are you acquainted with Hon. W.C. Anderson, M.C. from this district? Why didn't you express your approbation of [illegible word] intention of going with you and the Dr. to the Islands. He as already consented to it, and you might as well "cave in" at once.

When do you go to Washington?

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You must keep a fellow posted in regard to matters there. How I should love to be there during this session of Congress! I shall go home the 21st of this month for two weeks vacation, have offered to go to Tenn. and escort Aunt Frane to Covington but she won't consent to go, am afraid she'll have a dull time of it if she stays at Corinth.

Return - if you please - my boundless regards to the Goddess of "Sunny Side" and assure her that I worship her though afar off.

You will hear from me again about the last of this week or first of next, don't wait however to answer this. I shall send you shortly the "Centre College Magazine" which contains some of my productions.

[I. C. B. sratched out]