8

{Penciled at top right:
6.4.40
{{illegible}} Mother}

COPY{underlined}

Ashwood, June 4th, 1840

My dear Mother:

I have been intending to write you ever
since I reached home but have not before felt exactly ready.

I arrived about a month since, & found
all well. My home seems more sweet than ever. The grass is so
very luxuriant & the foliage of the trees so full & rich. My
own health is very good; it has not been better for a great
while. You say you cannot get out this season. For myself I
did expect you. As you have had Geo. to visit you so recently
& will have me & mine in the fall. Lucius who was here to-day
requested me to say he will himself go in, in the fall "if{underlined} he{underlined}
possibly{underlined} can{underlined}". He leaves home on tomorrow for the western
districts to see after your affairs. He has he requested me
to say paid off Rufus' draft on time & has directed F {check mark}
of N. Orleans to remit you $1200. We hope it will reach you
in good season.

You may have heard of the death of
Scynthia Sister of Theophelus last fall, & of Cherry, mother of
the twins, Olive's daughter, & wife of the yellow man named
Jerry, this spring. I did not learn what they died of.

Mrs. James Walker has been extremely ill,
not expected to live. She is better & thought to be out of danger.
Bp. Otey arrived two or three days ago, from his northern trip
having secured for the relief of the school about $3000 in cash
& 5 or more in promises. The school is very flourishing. About
130 pupils I think. The Rector has just received his organ, &
has a great display of musical talent I learn.