19

[upper right corner]
New Haven 12^th September
1852

My own dear Tootee,

It rains too much for us to go out to
Church today - Georgia has taken the little boys into one room
to read to them. Flora has locked herself up in their room to meditate
or write letters. Appy & the two Jacksons have taken possession of
my room - & as I could neither read, write, or even think in so
much racket, So I have taken refuge with Lord - he is getting ready
to answer some letters - in the mean while puffs away
at his cigar & brings to my memory the wars of your dear
Father when he has letters to write & not the inclination.

I am not very fit to write letters myself - but I know I shall
enjoy writing to you better than anything else. Now comes the
stormy season & I do not know how you may get through
it. Tootee dear you are never absent from my mind
I can only trust to the mercy of God! that I may be spared
to reach home & find all well who I left there. So many
things crowd on - of little interest to relate - so little occurs
which is really worth while repeating. I find it far more
difficult to make out a letter here than when at home.

I sent you a scrabble of a letter on Friday in time I hope
to go by the Steamer yesterday - so that you may get it
on Wednesday. I write this as your Sunday letter ----
I think if I could only have the energy to walk more
I should not only feel better but be more happy ----