p.

working beyond thy strength - I am
very thankful Horace sent thee those
boots - can thee keep thy feet dry -

I was surprised that Henry left the
place he was so well suited with, but
suppose he sighs for military advance-
ment - but oh! those dreadful Picket
duties - my very soul shrinks from them.

I found a long letter from Moses when I
got home - he thinks if war was ever jus-
tifiable it is in this case - I can not
yet think it ever is - for christians to
rush upon each other like the wild
beast of the forest can never seem right
to me as long as I remember the golden
rule - Wm. Dean & wife had gone to [a?]
meeting to Farnham when I left - I was
in hopes to see thy letter to him but did not
think it best to stay from home any longer.

I brought some buckwheat
from F. & the clock now warns me that
it is time to bake some cakes for sup-
per - so with kind regard to Henry
I will close this very poorly written
letter, having a poor pen & hands stiff
& trembling with washing - Uncle T's
Folks are pretty well and P. not very smart.

Farewell my dear boy - mother

[page break]

East Montpelier
16th of 2nd mo. 1862

My dear Willie

Thy letter to Howard is the
last inteligence we have had from thee
thee sent him a very nice letter - & I am
very thankful to hear of thy comfortable
health - I should think your mud
must cast a gloom over every thing
besides being most unhealthy -

2nd P.M. I had written thus far last
evening, when John & Maria came in
so had to delay till after washing to-day.
Aunt Mary & I have been most sick
with colds for a week - I am much
better, but I think she has added to
hers - I came home on 7th day a week
ago - on reviewing my stay there I
feel well satisfied that I was in my
place - The kindness & liberality of my
friends went far beyond what I deserve.
Ann Minturn said to me at one time

[in left margin:]

I hope for a letter from thee tomorrow, did not hear all last
week