Hull's being engaged to a Miss Gregory, a sister of Mrs Col Williamson; she has made herself so obnoxious to all loyal people in this city by expressing such bitter secession sentiments, that they have all dropped her and Dr and Mrs Hull both gave me to understand that All would too, don't say anything about it to him or any one as they told me in rather a confidential way and perhaps would not like it mentioned out of the family.  Father and Stuart, Gennie, Mary Jane and Ally were up to Desmoines to the celebration, Cy and Emma with Uncle Garretts folk went to one down on Spring Creek, Mary Jane had not had a letter from Marion since the battle of Millikens Bend, and was feeling very anxious yesterday.  I told her all I knew of him, but father and mother were up today and they got two for her from Marion; I had intended to have gone out with fathers last night, but missed them when they were all dispersing I saw Austin and told him to tell them to call at Lairds for me, but he did not see them 'til he got to Finches, so that both they and I were disappointed; they (father and mother came up in the buggy early this morning I read them the letter I recd from you yesterday, and there being no preaching at our church today, I went with them to Mr Birds, which seemed to please them very much, and this being their communion Sabbath (and ours too if Bro Nash had been here) they went to Mr Birds to dinner and I went along; Empson is beginning to look well again, and says he would like very much to be with you, but I don't think it would be at all prudent for him to go into the army, as he would be
