My Dear ——­:  I should have answered your kind and welcome note before now, but that we have been in difficulties.  After creeping through water for miles upon miles, our train gave it up as a bad job between Rochester and this place, and stranded us, early on Tuesday afternoon, at Utica.  There we remained all night, and at six o’clock yesterday morning were ordered up to get ready for starting again.  Then we were countermanded.  Then we were once more told to get ready.  Then we were told to stay where we were.  At last we got off at eight o’clock, and after paddling through the flood until half past three, got landed here,—­to the great relief of our minds as well as bodies, for the tickets were all sold out for last night.  We had all sorts of adventures by the way, among which two of the most notable were:—­

    1.  Picking up two trains out of the water, in which the passengers
    had been composedly sitting all night, until relief should arrive.

2.  Unpacking and releasing into the open country a great train of cattle and sheep that had been in the water I don’t know how long, and that had begun in their imprisonment to eat each other.  I never could have realized the strong and dismal expressions of which the faces of sheep are capable, had I not seen the haggard countenances of this unfortunate flock as they were tumbled out of their dens and picked themselves up and made off, leaping wildly (many with broken legs) over a great mound of thawing snow, and over the worried body of a deceased companion.  Their misery was so very human that I was sorry to recognize several intimate acquaintances conducting themselves in this forlornly gymnastic manner.

As there is no question that our friendship began in some previous state of existence many years ago, I am now going to make bold to mention a discovery we have made concerning Springfield.  We find that by remaining there next Saturday and Sunday, instead of coming on to Boston, we shall save several hours’ travel, and much wear and tear of our baggage and camp-followers.  Ticknor reports the Springfield hotel excellent.  Now will you and Fields come and pass Sunday with us there?  It will be delightful, if you can.  If you cannot, will you defer our Boston dinner until the following Sunday?  Send me a hopeful word to Springfield (Massasoit House) in reply, please.

Lowell’s delightful note enclosed with thanks. Do make a trial for Springfield.  We saw Professor White at Syracuse, and went out for a ride with him.  Queer quarters at Utica, and nothing particular to eat; but the people so very anxious to please, that it was better than the best cuisine.  I made a jug of punch (in the bedroom pitcher), and we drank our love to you and Fields.  Dolby had more than his share, under pretence of devoted enthusiasm.  Ever affectionately yours,

    CHARLES DICKENS.