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I received a long letter from Laura on Thursday, which [crossed out - though -] was
gratifying to me in some respects, yet it left me sad - for she informed
me that she nor mother would come up until after
Clay's visit which you know will be the 12th of April - really I
was much put out [crossed out - about it -] I cannot see why. Dr, Mrs K. & Sister C.
wrote as they did about it - it was too bad to raise one's hopes so [and I]
do not believe however, that either designed to deceive me. Laura
says, Mother's health is far from being good that she does not complain
of much except weakness - I rather think that her mind is the cause
of it & if we could get here she would soon become much interested
in the buildings etc - & she would get better - I have scrupulously avoided
however insisting on her coming up immediately, as we may yet
have a good portion of Winter & I know she would be incommoded for
the want of a good room, but I am selfish - and would be very glad
if she would come sooner. Laura went down the Country on Thursday
with Cousin Dick Hines - her letter did not contain much that
would interest you - except that Sister C. had just received a letter from
Bro. R. [all well at the Falls - you would have been pleased too I
think with her account of Sue - she spoke so highly of her sweet
disposition etc. I am glad to hear she likes music better than she did.

Mr. Jenkins came in Saturday evening to know where to direct a
letter to you, said he should write to you - I suppose he did & gave
you an account of his proceedings so that it will not be worth
while for me to say much about it. The house looks larger than I
thought it would - & I can assure you will cut quite a dash - Mr.
J. astonishes the natives hereabouts with the great progress he has
made --- I have regretted very much that I did not insist on having
my garden [paled?] immediately - for I verily believe that I shall work
in vain - for the Turkies & chickens are there nearly all the time. I