Here we were, in a wilderness, but yet how contented and happy! A gloom was soon to replace this envied tranquillity in our home.

A Frenchman, named Letendre, one day suddenly presented himself.

He had come from Chicago, with the distressing intelligence of the extreme--indeed, hopeless--illness of our dear relative, Dr.Wolcott.

My husband immediately commenced his preparations for instant departure.

I begged to be permitted to accompany him, but the rapidity with which he proposed to journey obliged him to refuse my entreaties.