West Newbury, Feb. 7, 1846.My dear Miss Abbott,
I suppose you are again a member of Holyoke. I often think of you as such. Do you not sometimes think of those, who last year left that institution to return no more? I trust that you do, I love to think, that I am still remembered by some of its members.
Does the cause of Christ still prosper in your midst? I hope, that it does, not only as last year but much more abundantly. I thought of you much the first Monday in Jan. I attended meeting in Newburyport on that that [sic] day. The churches there united with the old South. Much was said to urge christians to increased activity. China was mentioned as opening at least five ports to Missonaries [sic] Do you recollect how much Mr. Condit told us about China at one of the monthly concerts last year? Is he as interesting as he was last year at the concerts? Does he often visit at the Sem? How is his health?
Now my dear Miss A. I would ask how it is with your souls health? Are you progressing in holiness. I suppose you have made a profession of your faith. In this ordinance of trust you will find rich enjoymet [sic] It is indeed a privelege [sic], for those who love Christ to commemorate his death. I suppose you find that you have not yet overcome every sin. The christian course is indeed a conflict which ends not till death. I hope you find it easy to take it up. Who is the leader of your circle for prayer and who belong to it. Write to me all about it, for any thing at Holyoke interests me. Who hears your bible lessons.? [sic] Is Miss Lyon able to attend morning devotions.? [sic] I should like to take my seat in the Seminary hall and listen to her instructions. I thought the first Mon. in Jan. that none of the Ministers could speak equal to Miss Lyon at least on the subject of missions. I never saw any one who felt so much as she does on this subject. She is certainly in advance of the present age.
How is the missionary contribution coming this year.? [sic] I want to know all about the Sem. class. Do write me as many particulars as you can find time to devote. I know that your time will be very much occupied this year, and any claims cannot be so great as those of more intimate friends[.] Still I hope you will favor me with at least, one letter. When did you study Milton. Is it not a beautiful study. I suppose Miss Lucy [probably a reference to Lucy Lyon, but could be Lucy Curtis] hears some of your lessons. Does Miss Whitman give you permission? How long did Miss Bridge remain with you. If she is still there you may give my love to her. How do you like the ironing room?
Where is Miss Lock? Where is Miss Ellis teaching? Please remember me to them. Is Miss Ardelia Spencer a member of the Sem. this year. If she is, will you please say to her that I shall expect to hear from her very soon. If she will send me a paper I will write her first.
Cousin Susan sends her love, she is in West Newbury, her school closes next week, I think she will write you after that. I often have thought, how kind you were in coming into our room with your glad face. My spirits were often cheered when you called. I was sad sometimes last year, but I think it was caused by my state of health. I think I was not aware how much my system was reduced. It has taken me much longer than I expected to regain my strength. I have not been very well this winter, but my health and vigor seems now to be returning[.]
I have spent the winter at West Newbury with my Aunt. I think I shall teach soon, probably in a few weeks. Have been reading some, studying some, visiting some, &c. &c. Do you know who took the situation in Jacksonville Ill.? I received an application from that Sem. also one to go to Peoria Ill. last Autumn but my health was not sufficient at that time to teach.
How should you like to go there. I do not think I shall go this year. How do you find the walks this winter. I have not every day, as I do not give in my account I do not find myself so faithful to though I I have sometimes walked before breakfast.
Now Dear L do write soon,
Yours in love
Mary E. Parsons.Wed. 11. We have a fine snow storm to-day and I hope we shall have some sleighing, for it is a rare sound to hear bells. Have you had sleighing with you this winter[.] The last week the Brooklyn sailed from N.Y. with 170 passenger[s] for Oregon. This week the brig Henry is to sail from Newburyport. Dr. Watson with his family and a Miss Peabody teacher goes out with several other passengers for Oregon, to form a settlement.
I have written and rec. one letter from Miss Wheeler.
One of our class Poor M. Bissell has gone into eternity. I heard she would not live long. She look[ed] too sick to be at school. I hope she
willhas made a happy exchange.