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[*omit*]
a singularly harmonious and considering
its fearful reduction of members, efficient
ship. It wears into me, however, Yes
Elish Kane dream away all dreams
of youth. Think no longer of a married
home. Bless God if you carry your
gray beard and wrinkled to the dear old
one, and there earn back old loves.

It is sharp how that Grinnell family
have intermingled themselves with my
home affections, the moment I step beyond
the sacred portals of home, they come
in, as claimants to my love and regard.
Mrs. Grinnel reminds me of Mother and
shares with me the place which from earliest
infancy belonged to Aunt Eliza. Mr.
Grinnell, by George I can't speak of him -
Cornelius is most unaccountably my confidential
friend, I too so reserved and
cautious of such an anomolous relation.
There is not a member of the
household from little Sylvia to Mrs.
Watts who is not thought of by me in
this bleak horrible desert, as mingling
with the distant and barely possible
pleasures which may wellcome me,
a worn out saddened man, to a
world of social life.
[end omit]

Sunday
Feb. 25.

[*omit*]
John continues sick, and William
Godfrey is a mere baby at work, so
that both Bonsall and myself have]
[end omit]
All up now with John who tried till yesterday to do our cooking
to toil like [?]. Gallant Morton who
made our bread and although bed
ridden by day, was always able to lend
a helping hand at night is now
permanently down. [I trust that
Brooks, Ohlsen are both better.]