Dear Charley

     I am just back from Hunter and was amazed Enough at the news of our defeat [i.e., First Battle of Bull Run, 16 July 1861], of which a mere rumor, not generally believed, had reached Hunter CatsKill when I took the boat yesterday afternoon.
I think myself lucky to have Known nothing of the distressing rumors that were flying around yesterday, the truth is certainly bad enough.
     I have been Enjoying a blessed Exemption from news during the last fortnight. The mail only goes to Hunter twice a week this Summer and instead of spending all my leisure in reading newspapers

I did up the reading of half aweek within an hour or two after the arrival of the mails. Of course one would not be satisfied not to read the papers if they were within reach but I heartily wish we could not get any news here, any oftener. One gets so tired of doubtful and contradictory rumors.
Do you see Vanity Fair's war correspondence? It is as good as anything I Ever saw in "Punch."
     Where are you now, I wonder, probably enjoying your vacation somewhere. I hope Miss Leavitt has not remained in the city all the Summer. At Hunter we had fires two or three days it was so cold, quite a contrast to New York where I nearly melted the day I left. Once at the top of the mountain

the atmosphere seemed to have entirely changed, though it was hot Enough walking up.
I Grow more in love with the dear old mountains Every year. I never could understand the oppressed, imprisoned feeling some have when shut in by them, the very sight of them is refreshing to me, and their two thousand feet of elevation above the sea seems to give something of a mental and spiritual elevation with it.
Now that I am back within city walls again I especially realize how much I love to "lift up mine eyes unto the hills" and if in a different sense I can quite as truly say "from whence cometh my strength."
I like David much the better for that affection for the hills.
I visited Stony Clove again, a

Mr Cadman of Boston being my companion. WE spent the night at Conelly's as before and the next day fished down stream nearly two miles farther. The stream had been thoroughly fished Every day for a week before we tried it but we reeled altogether over one hundred and sixty trout, of which Mr C being a green hand at the business caught but thirty. altogether I caught while in the mountains near three hundred and fifty.
     I could write another sheet full if I had time but must close.
Give my love to Miss & Mrs L and regards to Mrs B. I hope to hear from Miss L soon. Annie will spent the Summer at Hunter. I wish

I could. I came down by way of the Mountain House with GilKison saw Mr & Mrs Temple but no other Philadelphians whom I Knew

most sincerely,
R S Edwards