p.

I met with Isaac Gifford & Phebe - they were
on Long Island - on a visit to her Friends.
They have quite recovered since their long journey last
summer - Isaac dont like to travel as well as P.
I received a letter from Dorcas Tucker the other day.
She reports new Bedford Friends pretty well
excepting colds which have prevailed every where.
their sons none of them gone to the war - says
Dr Tobey's youngest son was in the battle of Fredericksburg
since it was 5 days before they heard one word and
then news came he was not hurt. Oh what long
days & nights they must have been for them all.
The Drs youngest daughter they fear has consumption
a lovely girl, and one they almost idolize.
Dorcas says her sister Sarah is trying to feel resigned
to whatever may occur to them - They have
their peculiar trials as well as the rest of us.
wealth does not exempt them from being chastened.
I hear Sarah went to Boston with Sybil Jones
the latter had an appointed mtg - and then
they visited the sick soldiers. Eunice [Boza?]
has been on and made us a very pleasant visit
just before winter set in. She and Thou and
Sam'l & Elisa are coming on to New Bedford
to attend their approaching Qrtly Mtg.
Elizabth Meader is on East making a visit
perhaps she has been to see thee & thine.
I remember you all with much affection.
I hope dear Mary's health is better - give
my love to her and tell her for me not
to omit doing known duties of whatever
nature they may be - a path of dedication
closely followed now in the morning of Life will secure
the greatest amount of true enjoyment - Affctly P A Sands

[in left margin:]

our winter has been mild - our Spring thus far cold and uncongenial.
you must have had a good winter for sugar.

[page break]

R B S

Sing Sing 4 mo 1st/63

My very dear friend

It is a long, long time
since thou and I have communed together
in this way. I have rather been waiting
for thee, and possibly I was in debt already
and thou has been waiting all this time
for me to do my duty towards thee.
Well if so I must bring in all the excuses
I can muster - such as houshold cares &c
and any quantity of letters to answer.
when I have been from home awhile
I get quite an addition to my correspondence
all of whom must receive some attention.
Last summer's journey added largely to my
list - not that I forget thou already wrote
[there?], far from it, yet the attention each
loved one receives, is necessarily lessened.
I have thought of thee much and often
since last we parted in Dr Tobey's parlor
have heard but once from thee, and then
thro' Almyra Greene - who had visited your

[in left margin:]

Our River has kept open all winter, vessels passing many times during the day