The following letter is from Jacob G. Pennington to his son, Joseph W. Pennington.

The letter appears courtesy of George Wood.

Little River Station    30th April 1849
My Dear Son

      This is perhaps the last of opportunity I shall have of writing and I am happy to have it in my power to say to you that by the blessing of God I am in good health    Sincerely hoping my line may find you enjoying a like State    We are now between the 2 forks of Canadian about 150 miles above Fort Smith and have progressed thus far without much difficulty    We have indeed met (SCRATCHED OUT) some bad road but none that has materially impeded our progress    the weather too has favored us.   The company I am with has twenty waggons and numbers about 80 men    We expect to be joined by several other companies in a few days-

      There are different opinions as to the disposition of the Comanches toward us but I apprehend no difficulty with them-

      I should to say something about the Country we have passed through but time is not at my command    Suffice it to say it has been delightful perhaps no country presents a greater variety of scenery and in beauty and fertility hardly surpassed by any other    It is inhabited by Indians mostly in white man garb and partially civilized.

      I feel many strong anxieties and especially want to see the little ones and always remember you in my prayers    May his blessings rest upon you and if we never meete in this world prepare to meete me in Heaven

Your affectionate        Father J. G. Pennington

The envelope addressed to:
   J. W. Penington Esq
   Warren, Bradley Co