p.

[upside down:]

My petticoat, which thou so kindly offered to quilt for me, is ready for wearing, except the
shoulder-straps are not sewed on, - and two of my comfortables are made, - Roxy Champ
has come and sewed for me a few days, - she had to work alone as I was unable to help,
she is a good hand, and did me a great kindness, - could not stay any longer as she had

[right side up:]

attendiing to me, - and I believe try to do the best they can, in household affairs, with
my advice, so I endeavor to feel quiet, hoping all will be well, if we endeavor to do right.
I should have told thee that Lloyd's cough and knee are troublesome, the others are
in usual health except precious Fanny, who took a bad cold, when their first snow
came, she went out to play in it; - their new teacher has been there a month, - they
get along nicely and "aunt A." feels relieved from a burden.

Thou asked after Fanny Cram, she remains quite feeble, but rather variable in
condition, - at times comfortable, and then in a day or two, suffering very much
her sister Wills - a widow in easy circumstances - has been with her for some
weeks, and Mary Ann Noonan is still there. - We were all glad to hear of thy
family - scattered as they are - that none are really sick, - yet we should feel
joy in our hearts, could we know that all the dear ones of your household
were again a home-band, enjoying each other's society, the best of all [underline]earthly[/underline]
blessings. I feel much sympathy for thy dear Ann, it must be no small trial to
remain away so, - from the loved ones, and that dear spot, home, - yet she has
I hope some compensationn for it, in the acquisition of knowledge and the
interchange of kindness with others less favored than herself. - I am glad thy
William still feels as if he was in the right place and strength to perform its duties, -
yet I know well that thy heart be filled with anxiety and fear on his account: life
has very many trials for most of us, - and blessed are they, whose hopes and desires are
not centred in [underline]this[/underline] world. 11th I could not finish this in time for to-days mail, the
hour for closing is much earlier than some weeks ago, so it is often quite an inconvenience
to us. The weather here is almost spring-like, tho' to-day the wind is in the north.
We have had no sleighing but considerable snow, it soon left us, and the ground is bare.