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Sing Sing 7 mo 12/64 My very dear friend I have been thinking of thee very sweetly for several days past and have concluded to take my pen to tell thee so. It is a long time since I have received one of thy good letters, so let me hear from thee soon as convenience will allow. Oh how often do my thoughts wander northward as far as thy mountain home. If it were best I should be willing now to be seated near thee, recounting over the joys and the sorrows of this singular scene, we each have had our share doubled of those many "higher-depths." If we can happily hold fast our confidence in that Almighty Arm that is able to deliver in every change it will be well for us. so many come short of a settlement in that Faith "once delivered to the saints."
I believe they thought themselves about right & that I was only half way so I have great consideration for young men who act from these motives and yet go counter to what our society would approve. I oppose all war as strongly as any one need to, and yet I could not condemn every one engaged in it. between thee and I was there not something like self righteousness mingled in the sacrifice-or was it a whole burnt offering-they were here afterwards and I saw as I thought some strange thing or rather a belief that they had advanced quite a piece beyond the stand point in our society don't speak of this I tried to ? them on all sides Next First ? week James McLaughlin is to visit our prison, here, he is a very gifted man & one that tries to live a consistent life I believe he now resides in Pokeepsie-a large town 30 miles up the Hudson river-his business good keeps a shoe store & gives satisfaction. My dear aunt Phoebe G meanwhile in normal health for her, never strong. Aunt Clarisa Griffen deceased last summer, we wish her co and help one after another going to their reward. We know not how soon it may be our time-summoned away to render an account for the deeds done in the body that thine will be render up with joy and not with grief I cannot doubt I wish I could be as sure for myself as I am for thee-still I can but trust in the mercy of God in Christ Jesus our Lord-we must all come to this no works of our own to rely upon all our righteousness is but filthy rags What a state our country is in! politically and financially! who can see the end? suggesting themes which I must leave my paper being filled-when thou writes do tell about Cyrus Prindle whether his ? is fully restored. Very affectionately thine P. A. Sands
I suppose thou has long ago heard about our yearly mtg. It was thought to be a very interesting one, we had several strangers Ministers – none more interesting than Charles Coffin of Maine thou remembers him I dare say when we were at New England. It was about the usual size, should like much to have met thee there, and thy dear May too, how is her health now. Pleas give my dear love to her, and also to other members of thy family who may sometimes think of me, also thy sister in law's family. I cannot remember her name altho' I cannot think of the names of each distinctly, yet the impression left on my mind by you all rests with me still very pleasantly, once I would that out short intercourse might be renewed at some future time, if in accordance with the Lord's will concerning us. If not a personal interview granted, we can avail ourselves of this mode of interchange of thoughts and feelings – like myself thou hast many duties, therefore my demands must be moderate.
I have just received the minutes of the N England Yearly Mtg, which reports it unusually interesting – Elizabeth Cornstock – one of our ministers from Michigan, was there, she spoke often and well, she is English origin well educated and fluent, is constantly almost abroad in the field doing her Master's service, visits hospitals and Prisons and Almshouses, she is remarkably well fitted for the work, she gets into their hearts somehow, many are caught with something appropriate before they are aware of it – I saw the name of on of your ministers – Ruth Hall. I suppose this is her first attempt abroad I thought she seemed like a modest worthy friend when I saw her one year ago at our own Yearly Mtg. Jonathan & Mary Jane Devol attended he has an extensive visit in prospect no less than all the Mtgs in the Yearly Mtg & I don't know but some families that is in New England.
[In margin on right]: I write to thee so freely thou will please excuse it – for I know our sentiments are similar without having ever compared notes on this subject – do sit down and write pretty soon we are having very dry hot weather, mercury above 90 in the shade often, yesterday as hot as any to day more breese and comfort, love to all Adieu [P].
[In margin on left]: Thou knows there are some in our society who look when young men with a much greater degree of [unity] than others I belong to the charitable class, I could not well do any thing else if I should try. –– While some get themselves up a standard for others to flock unto to my mind there is much of self with these.
[postmark: SING SING JUL 14 N. Y.]
Rachel B Stevens East Montpelier Vermont
[blank back of envelope]
