p.

East Montpelier
16th Of 2nd month 1862

My dear Willie,

Thy letter to Howard is the last intelligence we have had from thee. Thee sent him a very nice
letter and I am thankful to hear of thy comfortable health. I should think you mud must cast a
gloom over everything besides being most unhealthy.

2nd P.M. I had written thus far last evening when John & Maria came in so had to delay until
after washing today. Aunt Mary & I have been most sick with colds for a week. I am much
better, but I think she had 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 and liberality of my
friends went fat beyond what I deserve. Ann Minturn said to me at one time, "oh! Cousin
Rachel, what should we have done without thee? We have all looked up to thee as a mother."
I found the family well. Thomas had gone to Middlesex to attend the funeral of Paulina Gallison
as bearer with J. C. T. Uncle Abel French was buried the day before. Estelle Southwick's
funeral was also attended at the East Village & O. Ornish's at the center while I was absent only
three weeks. So the grim messenger visits all places - 'Thou has all seasons for thine own oh,
Death.' 'To live, that when our summons comes' we may be 'sustained and soothed by an
unfaltering trust.' Will it not then be joyful to say 'farewell conflicting hopes and fears.'

James came home smart and well last sixth day - he expects to go back next week. I
hope and believe he is a pretty good boy, though he had a little fuss with Mc. T. & with some of
the other boys. But Fanny expects to go back this spring and he anticipates much from that.
Thomas' eyes are muhc better. He is drawing wood to the village. Works as usual, very
industriously but finds some time to ride about. While I was gone they went to three funerals
and three lectures - once to the village and he brought Jane to a lecture and after she visited at
Eben's, Loren's etc. he carried her home - and last week he and Orlana and G. D. and Carny
went to pay the visit. Ann wants to know if he and Jane had a flare up.

I hear that Charley P's Riker girl is making a long visit at Reuben's - they think that
Soppia (Sophia?) is improving.

Of course I would not want thee to stay in the hospital when thee found it too hard for
thee. I should think thy present employment was very arduous. All I can do is hope thee will be
discreet and prudent of thy health - discharge thy duties faithfully but not grasp too much -
no one will ever thank thee for working beyond thy strength. I am very thankful Horace sent
thee those books - 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 advancement - but oh! those dreadful Picket duties - my very soul shrinks
from them.

I found a very long letter from Moses when I got home - he thinks if war was ever
justifiable, 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 and wife had gone to meeting to Farnham when I left. I was in hopes to see thy
letters to him but did not think it best to stay from home any longer.