S. Hadley Jan 9th, 1850My Dear Nephew
I received your kind and interesting letter, together with two pamphlets. The Mothers Assistant, bearing date Sep 20th, all of which I was truly thankful to you for, and thought then soon to reply but went directly after to Vt. made my visit there, and on my return found several young ladies who wanted to board with us through the winter, and I was much indebted to my friends for letters longer due so I hope you will pardon my neglect.
Dea Stebbins went with me to Vt we had a very pleasant time and visit indeed, found Sister Gregory much better than I expected. I suppose you have been acquainted with her derangement. The last time I visited her before this, I could not get her to speak to me or even to notice me; but now she appeared quite sane and seemed to be interested in our visit, appears rather gloomy and not so social to be sure as formerly, but I felt thankful that God had been thus far gracious to her. Ellen, her youngest daughter was there with her, I think her a very interesting young lady, she had had a very generous offer by a gentleman in Virginia to go and be a Governess in his family. She wanted to go but did not know how to dispose of her mother to feel that assurance that she would be treated in such a way as her condition requires, and it indeed would be very difficult to find one so kind, tender, and dutiful as herself.
She wished us to take charge of her for the present, but I told her that her mother would not be induced to leave her neat still pretty house for any other in Chrysendom. I however invited her to come and when she wished she could go home any day she chose, but she utterly declined.
Well I am glad you visited Newport and found so much benefit resulting from it. I was surprised to hear that the place had become so distinguished for a resort. I was there once but the air was not salubrious at all, it was a very warm and dry season of the year and the land was covered with fish to enrich it which was offensive to me. Will you have seen this distinguished McClay - I think we may derive instruction from all classes of men, high, or low, rich or poor, bond or free. We can see some virtue worthy of imitation, some vice important to shun.
We have made enquiry respecting President Hitchcock's address before the Ladies of Mt Holyoke Sem. and learn that a request was made to him for a copy to publish, but he declined giving one for reaons unknown, we were disappointed on our own account and on yours likewise. We much delight in reading your Cyclopedia. I lent it to Jane Stebbins to read, and when she brought it back she observed it was a bewitching book she would sit down unthinking to spend but a short time then, but could not soon find a stopping place.
We have an excellent Minister, a very powerful preacher in our Society but we have not yet received the gift of the holy Spirit as in many places near us. The Seminary has been a place where God seems to dwell, and bless, we have some to unite with the Church almost every Communion, five last sabbath. How is now in the Congregation in which God has given you the oversight? Are they still engaged in the good work of the Lord?
Received no letters from far distant friends since you was here; I wrote your Father soon after you was here, but had no answer, he is getting to be like myself about letter writing far between. Sister Marcia has received one or more since she was here last from Europe and the Parcel so long detained, containing likenesses ect.
Your Uncle and I are enjoying as good health as could be expected of people so far advanced in life, a blessing. I hope we are truly grateful for the Great Giver of all blessings. Our Children and Grandchildren are usually well for ought we know.
Nephew John that we expected last summer when you was here has not visited us yet has written several times, he gave some intimation of coming at Thanksgiving season and next at New Year shall look no more for him till he comes. I suspect he is thinking of getting married, if his intended is what he represents her to be I think he will do well to secure the prie. He thought next time he came to visit us he should surprize us with a new Niece.
No one of my family present but Emily, she sends love to you and wife. I hope may be permitted to meet again in the flesh if not may God grant that we may meet in that upper world where all is joy and peace, where all unite in praising God, where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest is ever the prayer of
Your Affectionate Aunt, A. Harris.
(please pardon mistakes)
Much love to you and wife from your Aunt