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To Mrs. Mary A. Cogswell,

Hartford, Conn.

Albany, November 10th, 1816.

My dear Mary,

It's past ten o'clock but I must write a few lines just to inform you what we have done and what we expect to do. We left New York at five on Wednesday evening and arrived here about six the day following. Friday was spent in calling on citizens of distinction and officers of the Legislature. DeWitt Clinton, to whom we introduced ourselves, received us with great kindness, entered immediately into our plans, and approved of our design of having but one Institution, and of having it located at Hartford. He went with us to the Mayor's and then to the Lieutenant Governor's where we all dined. Clerc displayed himself to great advantage and much to the gratification of all present. It was a fortunate visit, as the governor had invited most of the Senators to dine with him, and all were of one opinion that there should be but one Institution, and that at Hartford. Indeed that is the universal sentiment here.

We dined the next day with Chancellor Kent, who had invited Judge Platt to dine with us; and in the evening we had a splendid meeting at the Capitol in the Representatives' Chamber, which is a noble room, and in which were collected almost all the members of the Legislature, and a large number of the most respectable citizens of Albany and Strangers from all parts of the State. You will see a better account of it in Mr. Dwight's paper than I have time to give you. After our reception in New York, it was comfrting indeed, to be so cordially welcomed, as we were here. Then the abortive attempts of Mitchell and Lee palsied the feelings of almost every individual towards us. Here we were received with a warmth bordering on enthusiasm. Mr. Chester unites into our plans with more ardor I think than anyone else. His address previous to submitting his resolution was passionate and eloquent, and his prayer for us this morning from the desk was full, comprehensive, interesting and affecting. Mr. Gallaudet preached for him and better than he ever preached beforehand so charmed were they with him, that they insisted upon his preaching again in the evening and to a very full house. The effect will be highly beneficial throughout the State. The Legislature are impressed with a high idea of him as a Scholar, a Divine. Clerc also has excited all their compassion & esteem. My tongue has been kept busy in their praise. I hardly know which I can eulogize with the most sincerity. And yet, after all, we shall not collect much here at present. The want of money is more sensibly felt here than anywhere else and the inhabitants really regret that they cannot give us more. What they do give, however, will be given with good will. I shall begin my begging tour in the morning. Even should we get but very little, I shall think our visit here will be amply repaid by the impression that is made on the Legislature.

After all this my friend is absent. When I arrived and found that he was gone my heart sunk within me. So far he has not gotten back yet.

My companions join me in love to yourself and all our dear dear dear ones. (I must come home soon). Forget not to let our neighbours know that I remember and love them. Mr. Jones I remember with affection and as for yourself,

I am yours alone,

M. F. Cogswell