A South Hadley, Mass.
May 6th 1871.Dear Cousin.
Your letter was received in due season and I was very glad you kept your promise so well But I guess you will begin to think I shall need to make some if you do not have a letter soon.
It is Saturday evening have been writing home and thought it a good opportunity to answer yours. We do not keep much news on hand so I fear my scribbling will not be long but I'll tell you what little there is.
Miss Ellis has been arranging studies. Mine for the remainder of the term are to be Modern History and English Literature, shall also continue drawing which I enjoy as much as ever. We read compositions this afternoon in Sem. hall. Last evening attended a reading by the Seniors which I did not think very good.
We have had several days of rain and has also been rather cold and very fine weather for May. Spent my time this forenoon, after the pies were made, by writing composition. Some I suppose would think it a very profitable way but my opinion does not tend that way.
I hear little chickens peeping over to the next house which very forcibly reminds me of home and also of what my employment has been the past years.
Does Aunt J- have any turkeys this summer? I expect mother has plenty to do to take care of ours with her work. But I shall be there to help her very soon only nine weeks more and then the long vacation which I shall be glad to see.
I expect you will get rich this summer so will not have to work any more but will calmly behind your friends plodding away to gain a livelihood while you enjoy yourself but you must visit a little as then you will have plenty of time.
I must not write much longer for I have got to go down and make bread pretty soon. Just think of making three pans which hold more than a bushel, full of bread, for that is what is done every day here and sometimes four pans.
Sunday, after dinner.
Have you been to church this forenoon. Our pastor Mr. Bliss preached a very instructive sermon from the first part of 2 Timothy 1.8. We like Mr. B. very much and I shall be sorry when I can not hear him.
It is two months since I united with the church, and I am so glad that I did it.
But I must not write longer for my bible lesson is to be learned.
Now please answer this unworthy letter as soon as you can for I like to hear from my friends. Tell Jennie I shall answer her letter as soon as I can, give my love to all and accept
from Cousin Clara.