p.

Rowland T. Robinson to Rachel Stevens

Ferrisburgh
4th mo, 14th, 1863

Dear cousin Rachel

So long a time has elapsed since any correspondence has passed between us that I
hardly know where to begin; but may as well start with the immediate cause of writing at this
time -
We sent to the Railroad yesterday 3 lbs of Apples marked "To Stevens, Montpelier" posted to
Burlington which I hope will arrive safely and, though so late, (?). We delayed sending
them in early winter, having for some time a prospect of sending a lot to Mont and intending to
put yours in to(o) as to reduce the cost of freight but that chance failed and then the weather
was so cold that we feared to risk them; so we have put off sending them till the danger from
that source is past, as we hope. If they are kept in a cool cellar and spread out so as to prevent
the accumulation of moisture I hope they will not decay before you have time to use them up
which need not take long.

The last account we have had of you was a rumour through some of the Friends that
thou head