Princeton Caldwell Co. Ky. May 18, 1848
John E. Mercer
Dear Son,
I wrote you on the 25th to 29th March, having little leisure. I have nothing of interest----(paper here is torn and cannot be read).
It is expected Elsy Osborn and Simon Banister will marry soon and that Satterfield can't be kept off of somebody much longer. In my last, I mentioned Doct. Mitchasson and Mrs. Guthrie attempting to poison her husband and they were detected in the attempt. He escaped, there is a $1000 reward offered for him, $500 by the Gov. and $500 by Guthrie. I sent you the paper having the account of the attempt in it. I have sent you several Journals which I hope you have received. We have past returned from the Infare (?). The dinner was first rate and the company pleasant. Clarindy Osborn sends her compliments to you, likewise Caroline Calvert. She says you must take good care of yourself for she intends to wait until you return. Baylor looked for all the world like he has just buried his last friend. Everything concerns in making the prospect for peace gloomy, yet I hope our fears may be unfounded. Wade Pennington has got home. I suppose you have hardly seen him. He was a teamster. He is a near skeleton. Diarreah and whiskey has nearly done its work. The friends are all well. Mrs. Harpending and Mrs. Spratt send their love to you. Write often, don't neglect it. Your affectionate Father
Wm. Mercer
PS I have learned that P. Gray's wedding did not come off as reported. It's confidently (known) that Rody Prince and Thos. Satterfield will marry soon. I know it won't be his fault if it does not come to place. WM