[The letter had no page breaks, so some are added hear for ease of reading]Nov 27, 1874.
Dear Daughter Martha
I Recd your letter mailed Malta Was very glad to hear you were so far safe & well, I Wish you could be with us, awhile. I Would be glad to hand you some of our victuals[.] Lafayett. Did not sell his farm or much of his furniture. Things went so low, he would not put them up. Lafayette Has been making boxes & packing most ever since the auction Levi Morrill Has been helping him. Lafayette, stayed here all night Nov 12. (Sarah Went to Greenfield) Slept in front chamber. I made a fire for him He eat [sic] supper & breakfast with John Lafayette & Sarah Came Nov 23 to tea stayed all night. Took breakfast with us.
Nov 25. Layfayette, Sarah & Robbie, Came after dark, I got supper for them[.] We expected them. They took breakfast in John's room. Went over to the old place & worked awhile. Then went & took dinner with Harriett. To day all her family friends take dinner at Mr Batchelders I Believe George, has decided not to go West until Spring. Lafayette & Sarah are tired of packing. I am sorry Lafayette could not sell his farm. Are going to leave their things packed in the house until Spring. Sarah Seemed to appreciate what We did for them. They are coming over there to work to morrow, Lafayette I expect will stay here over Sunday. Hope to get through packing tomorrow Sarah. Said she was discouraged about it.
Frank Barnard, Came after Mrs P. Smith yesterday. Clarinda & Eliza are doing alone We had chicken pie & rice pudding for dinner It was all they wanted. Susan's pie was just right. I wish you & Mert could have been here. Clarinda. Had chicken pie, rice pudding, stuffed steamed chicken, potatoes, sqash [sic] & turnip, &c &c (I Guess Clarinda Is making a pair of pants for Jerry to day) her days work yesterday was to[o] much for her. Says she does not feel well today. I Dread the future. Susan Cannot stand hard work & they do not seem to have any sympathy for her. I Do wish Susan had a good home.
Nov 11. The Newhall boys Came to fix the pump & make a place for a window in the bedroom hole for pipe through into kitchen. Susan & myself got dinner & supper for them. Clarinda went to auction, John Joseph & Thornton went after heping [sic] about the pump. They are drove [?] with work. Their Father cannot work.
Last Saturday L Dole came & made a hole in the chimney above the other pipe. The stove is to be ready to morrow. I Put your beauro [sic], in the upper hall. Clarinda Has the beauro & trunk. Achsah wanted her to Put it in woodhouse chamber. I put camphor in the draws. Your missionary herald of Oct & Nov have come forgot to ask if you wanted them sent to you. Life & light also, your life & light Dec number Had a bill or receipt for another year, mine did not. What shall I do about it. Your [sic] has not had the headache since he began to eat milk with lime water He did not eat any milk for breakfast & dinner yesterday orday. [sic] Has not been sick this Thankgiving [sic].
I Have not been down to see Helen since the old folks party. I Expect they feel hard about it. John Has been drawing wood & apples to sell & make cider all the time. John. Went up to Wilmington Teusday [sic] to take a colt for Mr C Smith to break. John. Told Eliza he guessed Aunt Martha would like to eat dinner with them. Friday evening. Thornton returned about dark, brought letter from Mercy & missionary herald for you Dec. Susan & myself have not been anywhere to get a diary for you. Will try and get one as soon as we have a chance[.]
Eliza has done the work in their room to day so John says. The children have gone to bed Robert is quite smart now. Got up & eat[s] breakfast with us Monday morning. You must write Hattie Fiske[.]
I Recd a letter from J Wilson He inquired particularly about you[.] Had a letter from Mrs Dan [?] she said she that was Miss Allen. Had been there Mrs King has been to Kalamazoo said you was liked there, & they were sorry to have you leave
I Have been in & washed Clarinda's supper dishes & pails. It has not been possible for me to go and see Mrs Hart, I am ashamed to write Mr Dan before I see her I Suppose there is not snow enough to make good sleighing I Cannot make out the name of the steamer you went in those last capes [?] I cannot make out[.] I suppose you know what it is and think we might I will not complain for you have done very well all send love every thing goes along after the old sort
your affectionate mother
T. M. A. [Thankful M. Anderson]write as often as you can
Take care of yourself. Do not let those reptiles bite you