South Hadley Feb. 19th 1847Dear Nephew
I received yours bearing date Feb 3 in which you mentioned your Cousin John's family, Henry's family you no doubt intended to mention. They have a very interesting family of children; the little girl of whom your Aunt H-- spake is not much more than eight years. She is amiable active and pleasant. We kept her several months and should have kept her still but it was not convenient. I am gone from home a great deal among the children. I feel it to be a doubtful case whether they will consent to let her go so far from home but you had better go in person youself, perhaps you may suit yourself in a Cousin, as there are several who reside under the same roof near the Depot in Palmer. If you should do just come here and see your venerable Uncle and Aunt. I shall begin to think you are quite partial to Aunt Marcia as I have heard of your visiting her several times since you married and me not once. I received a letter from your Aunt at Worcester not many weeks since. She has got to be a Grandmother. It seems that Mrs. Brown has a fine little Son which of course they think much of.
We have lately had news from your Aunt Gregory. We feel quite encouraged that she will yet be sane. I had almost given up her case as hopeless, in human wisdom it appeared so; but nothing is impossible with God, and I feel truely [sic] grateful for any signs of returning reason.
Jane Stebbins has so far recovered the use of her limbs as to be able to get herself about all the lower part of the house. This seems almost a Miracle after having been deprived seven years. I tell her parents that she has made as great progress in useful education as any of her mates who have attended school most of the time, indeed very few equal her to take her in all branches. Among the many she is quite an adept in composition both in prose and poetry. I wish you could see some of the productions of her pen. It [is] a matter of surprise to me that so many of Mother's Children, and Grandchildren have such a poetical turn, though I possess none of it myself.
Milan Stebbins I expect in [sic] nearly fitted for College will probably enter this year. Susanna, Jane, and Milan made a public profession of their faith in Christ last July.
There has been such a universal dearth in most of the Churches in the Union that it seems reviving to hear of God's pouring out his Spirit in any place. You mentioned a revival in your vicinity or Church. We have had a very powerful one in the Mt. Holyoke Seminary, it was thought 60 persons experienced religion in two weeks. This place God has ever signally [sic] blest.
I had some conversation with a Milerite Minister in Palmer last summer who was positive the closing scene of this world would take place in Oct. 1846, and that the Lord would not pour out his Spirit more while the world stood. We have to see once more they have failed in their calculations. When will they learn wisdom?
I received a Woonsocket paper in which I found some touching lines addressed to me by your Father for this and several other pieces of his and your own I feel much indebted. There was one little mistake by way of note respecting my birthplace was said to be in VT whereas it was Rehoboth in Ms.
My health is not so good as it once was begin to feel the infirmities of age.
Our family connexions here are all in usual health excepting Cyrus Stebbins his health has been poor for 8 months. I fear his complaints will prove fatal unless he gets help soon.
I must soon close my letter for want of room. My family join in love to you and wife should be glad to receive a visit from you.
May God make you successful where ever you are in winning souls to Christ is ever the prayer of your
Affectionate Aunt
Anna Harris.
Please to overlook the many blots and blunders