Dear Father.
I have been exceedingly busy in the U. S. District Court for a week past with the fugitive slave cases in regard to which there has been great feeling and excitement -- On a motion to quash indictments we had a fierce fight -- The Judge, after the conclusion of the argument on Thursday, adjourned over until the 23d. to give himself time to prepare and write out his opinion. The general opinion of the bar is that the motion will be sustained. My argument on the motion added greatly to my stature as a lawyer in the public view.

We have an important land case at Kickapoo on the 25th., after which I shall go out to Indian Creek. I have not heard from Carpenter since last I wrote you.

I have not been able to sell a lot this spring -- there is in fact no market for property at any price whatsoever. Hence I shall have nothing with which to pay Mills

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-- I do not care so much about my failure to pay Mills, as I were the debt not incurred in a speculating purchase of lots on which he has security.

I saw Jones this morning and told him that he would be expected to pay his note promptly at maturity. He said he could not pay, but would arrange it so I could get the money on his sixty day draft. I explained to him that it was necessary for you to have the money itself promptly at maturity & that he must make the arrangement for the money himself -- but he did not give me a satisfactory answer as to that. He is doing a heavy Pikes Peak business, & is safe for the amount, but may delay about paying it --

All the Mills notes are in Bank here --

The family are in fine health. My own health is excellent.

Affectionately Yr. Son
Thomas Ewing Jr