Letter from Rebecca G. Mitchell, dated 1863-09-13

[Front of envelope] [Postmark NEWPORT RI Sep 14 18__? 3 cents stamp, red with G. Washington in profile]

Rachel B. Stevens

East Montpelier

Vt.

[Reverse of envelope]

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remains there many years, he shall not feel satisfied to have his Parents live here.

Moses Bude & wife went to Lynn Quarter, & from there to Berwick - we yesterday heard he was sick there, but did not learn any particulars. - hope to soon - It has been very sickly in Newport, Dysentery has prevailed to an alarming degree, it is rather abated now, but has been fatal in many cases, more so than for a number of years. -

Our City has been crowded with visitors from all parts of the union, or nearly all, & the gay life they have led, fashionable dress & amusements, present a striking contrast to the untold misery & suffering this cruel war occasions - but they have gaily glided on apparently unmindful of it all - they are now daily leaving & soon our streets will resume their wonted quiet & the bustle be over - Many thanks for thy kind invitation how much I should love to spend a week or two with thee. I know I should enjoy it, I think I should lessen thy cheese [underline]Curd[/underline], as I am very partial to it - Brother Dakin thinks few places equal to Vermont - The Sere & yellow leaf remind us of the rapid approach of winter the foliage that was so fresh & green when thy letter came, is now changing into various hues & the ground is covered with the falling leaves that are daily blown hither & thither by wind.

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Newport 9th Moth 13th '/63.

Dear Friend

Thy long-looked-for letter was gladly rec'd. I cannot but excuse thy silence, considering as I do, the many demands upon thy time - but really thou will forgive me, when I say, I had almost come to the conclusion I was forgotten, untill thy letter appeared as an evidence to the contrary.

How much would I like to have been with thee when thy daughter Grad'd. It must be a very interesting Era in her life, one long to be remembered with feelings of lively gratitude, & a just appreciation of the advantages of a liberal & well-directed education.

We had a very good yearly meet'y remarkably so; it was said a [favorite?] [javouce?] time - there was a meeting one evening in the week for the young people, many of whom spoke - but I did not attend it - Moses Buck & wife were with us, & our Charlie - also a young [fiancee?] of his, & a daughter of Caleb Paine's - the Alumni I did not attend, but Charlie did & enjoy'd it [underline]very much[/underline] - they met at "Aquidnec Hall"

[2'd?] day eve'g, had a [underline]very[/underline] interesting address from Moses Cartland, Whittier was not able to be present, his [underline]excellent[/underline] Poem was read by a Cousin of his, but so badly delivered Charlie & every one said, as to entirely spoil the effect of the Poem - all regretted it, after they adjourned to the Filmore House, [?] several speeches from William Rodman & others occupied the time untill past 10. All were highly gratified, & Charlie said it was a rare feat indeed. Moses Cartland death was very sudden & unlooked for - no danger was at first apprehended - his loss must be deeply felt by his family, & a large circle of friends. I presume thou hast seen the touching Poem on his death by Whittier. I think it the most beautiful one I ever saw - every word I truely believe came from the heart that keenly felt the loss, they were kindred spirits.

We had a very short but pleasant visit from M B Jewell & wife - they seem to be very well matched, & evidently happy, she is just [underline]the[/underline] wife for him I think. - I have had a short letter from him since their return home, am now indebted to him as well as many others.

I spent a fortnight to Josiah Chases last month - they spoke of thee & wished to be rememberd to thee - & would be glad if thee would write. - Elisabeth had an ill

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turn one night, or rather two attacks one at 1/2 past 10 - & another at 1/2 past 3 - the last was very severe - lasted nearly or quite an hour - we thought one time she was gone - it is so trying, for we can do nothing but rub her, & fan her very gently, the Phlegm rises so in her throat we dare not give her any drink untill she is entirely conscious & can speak - & it seems so long before that can be done when if she could swallow, she might revive so much sooner - of course she does not reallise the time, but to those around it is so dreadful apparently to be doing little or nothing. - Josiah was in yesterday since she was better, but did not seem strong- had attended meeting once since.

Hannah is very much confined is not willing to leave her Mother, much, she did spend a week in Greenwich while I was out there - It is very pleasant in the Country now - they had such a quantity of Cherries - I went out for a few days, & Hannah & I had rare sport picking them; we generally went out after every meal - & often between times, I never had such a feast in my life. Charlie is still in Pawtucket, we hear often - he is well - writes he very much wishes we were there too - thinks if he

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my early days - besides being bound together by the ties of kindred.

Mary Williams has had a full house - all the season - not all gone now, M Cope & family are there yet. Eliza Congdon had just left -, having been there ever since yearly Mtg; it is such a pleasant place there & the view of the Bay is truly delightful - & they are such a lovely family. [Lerrie?] [Wilbur?] Griffin spent two months with them with her two fine little boys -

I fear I am wearying my good friend with such an interminable long letter. Please accept the love of my sister Mary she does not forget thy pleasant visit - & believe me to be as I am ever thine truly Rebecca G

[in right margin:] Mitchell

[in left margin] Do not wait so long before writing.

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the winds of Autumn.

The past Season we have had some intense hot weather. Many days at & over 80 in the shade, unusual for Newport, for nearly a [underline][Month?][/underline] the weather was foggy, warm & often rainy it being during the haying season, was very unfavorable for farmers, some hay was considerably injured, tho' not entirely spoiled.

Cousin Joanna Sherman came on to our Quart'y Meet'g*, intending to stay & make her cousins here all a visit, & about 3 weeks since, while spending a few days at Richard Cornalls (who Married Alice Sherman) was taken ill with

[in left margin:] mostly for her health.