p.

Walter Weare sent thee a paper lately -
he also wrote to James wishing him to
send him two bushels of butternuts & 4 qts.
of beech nuts - he says he is low with con-
sumpsion & has not had his cloths on since
he got home -

Stillman Kelton has been very sick
but is now about again -

We have sent the butter to J. C. Peckham
they have not had any news from their son
in Alabama in four months - he used to
complain if they did not write once a
week - it is indeed a hard case -

Tell Henry I rejoice with him in his
prosperity - I hope he may be blessed with
health & by performing his duties acceptably
he will continue to gain favor - give my
respects to him - tell him I want he should
write me another right honest letter
about a certain son of mine - who I fear
does not tell me the whole truth about
himself - I was in hopes to get the Burling-
ton Free Press while I was gone - but did not
see it - Henry Ward Becher is to lecture
there on the war tomorrow evening - the
Cavalry are still there - the measles is
among them - one was thrown from his
horse & broke his arm - there are many ex-
tremely awkward riders - I heard - Adieu
my dearsoon - write as often as thee can afford the
time - thy Mother

[page break]

East Montpelier 10th of 11th mo. /61

My dear Wm

I can not tell thee how
much I would give to step in & see thee
at this moment - somehow the im-
pression strengthens with me that thy
health has not quite reached the point
where it was, before thee was sick, do
my dear boy let me know the exact truth, &
also if thee is homesick - I fear thy duties are
too arduous, & how can I help being filled with
anxiety for thy safety & comfort

I returned yesterday from Ferrisburgh
after being abscent nearly two weeks - had
a pleasant time - George Hasard took me
to cousin Nicholas Holmes's, had a good visit
with him - & them - Gertrude is a pretty little
girl - they seemed all of them, wherever
I was, to feel much interest about
thee -

[in left margin:]

How do thy socks hold out - thee has not yet told us if we can send
thee any thing - Laura says Josiah was highly pleased with a box of things
they sent him
his health is poor
We have heard
that A. G. B. has
resigned & come
home - is it so?
& also that the
Academy
closed
winter