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[circle] Monticello Sept 22d. 1853.

Dear Amasa

You are a kind, good boy, for
writing to us - just as you did, and - I like you the better for it, it shows
that you think more[underlined] of us[underlined] than[underlined] of ceremony[underlined]. You must never be ceremonious
with your cousins Amasa, especialy[underlined] with us[underlined]. I am very sorry that Charlie
is so unwell, but I hope that he will be better, long ere this reaches you.
I never regretted anything so[underlined] much[underlined] as I did missing Uncle Asa. You
say he was only a few hours behind. Oh if we had only waited a little
longer - we spent four[underlined] long[underlined] days[underlined] in Memphis awaiting for a boat, and
all that time we might have never been enjoying ourselves with you all,
and had the pleasure of seeing Uncle Asa. Ma regrets it chiefly
because she wished us to try and prevail on Uncle Asa to come home
with us. Belle has just received a letter from Uncle Asa and
I must stop to hear her read it and[strikethrough] for it is seldom we hear
from him now[underlined], and I do realy love to hear from our friends; though
somehow we can not make you all beleive it. It was written before
Charlie and you, left for Gowanda - In it he gave Bell a peice of his
mind, I only wish I had him here be side me to give him a peice of
mine. I do not think as you say, that we could have been any kinder
treated anwhere else than we were at Aunt Evas I felt perfectly at
home there all this time, and shall always remember them with the
kindest love. We arrived home safely a week ago - passed through
the Yellow Fever unharmed which is raging in Grand Gulf and
were received joyfuly by our dear Mother B[strikethrough] and Brothers, little Alie
too recolects us now and is quite fond of me. I do realy beleive
that some of our [Villiegers?] were glad to see us return. At least