What a wonderful thing the network of express post riders is! The Colonel and I have been sending out inquiries of late about old friends. Some response is enlightening, some happy, some sad. I discoverd that a very dear friend of my youth succumbed some 5 years ago to an ailment of the heart. One inquiry led to information about a young Navy lieutenant (30 years ago) who has just retired as a Rear Admiral. The Colonel has had conversation with him and discovered that he and the wife that we knew are now living separately and have been for some 12 years. Would you believe that the intrepid Col. has contacted said wife? She is well and delighted to hear from us. This woman is on the FAR western frontier! Mother suggested that the Col. seek a dear friend of my Papa. He received word of the death of the gentleman's wife, but could find nothing else. I sent out inquiries in a slightly different direction and found notices where the gentleman is practicing the law. He has contacted us and asked after my friend, Mistress Solis. He plans to contact her for his (step)daughter, reportedly, has extensive skill in medicine and is in the Western Territory where Mistress Solis intends to seek treatment for her ailment.

I experienced a rare treat last evening. Mistress Raudenbush and I were to meet the Col. at the lending library for a gathering of the local businessmen. We were early so she suggested that we stop for some refreshment. We went to the coffeehouse! We were not in there long for they attended to our requests quickly and, as the day was fine, we took our coffee out of doors. Twas much as I have imagined a coffeehouse would be. The air was filled with the aroma of the coffees. Men, for I cannot call them all gentlemen, clustered about small tables, taking their turns pontificating on various topics. All turned and stared as we entered - as well they should, for a lady to enter the coffeehouse is QUITE out of the ordinary.

The meeting of the businessmen was lovely. There were refreshments laid out for us - various cheeses and fruits, with figs prominently featured. As the business ensued, the speaker before the Col. was talking of blocking the streets for a street festival of some sort. A few of the businessmen were upset about carriages and wagons not being able to get to their establishments. The speaker stated that it was hoped that the foot traffic anticipated from the festival would more than make up for the inconvenience. The assembly was perfectly cordial and seemed delighted by our proposed walkabouts. Twill be most interesting to see exactly what our reception is!