Large sections of this letter are partially illegible as a result of water damage.

Newport
Oct 9, 1838

[Section illegible]

She is published to [??] of their plans and expects to become his wife. She was acquainted with him 25 years ago in Boston, and I believe for a time had some expectation of marriage. But somehow the negotiation was broken off. He married another woman by whom he has 7 or 8 children some of them married. A year or two since he buried his wife and last spring or as early as June renewed the negotiation. He appears to be a pious man- a member of the Methodist Club and is sd [sic] to be worth a handsome property But after all I have some fear that my sister will not better herself by the connexion [sic].

John is now at Hanover on his last year. I know not that he is yet engaged to teach school this winter. If not before I think when he is thro [sic] college he will probably go west as far as Brockport.

I have not heard from your friends in this state lately except that John said your brother was attending the Medical Lectures at Hanover.

We rejoice to hear of your prosperity, particularly the "fine little boy" of which you speak- hope he will live and afford you much joy and so much good in the world.

[Section Illegible]
John Woods.

¹ To learn more about Margarette Barker Lerned [McQuesten] please see W0609.