[The original did not have many paragraph breaks; I took the liberty of adding some for ease of readability.]South Hadley. Apr. 28. 1849.
Dear Margaret,
I am obliged to plead the same excuse for not writing that I did in my last letter, want of time. This is hardly sufficient for so welcome and interesting an epistle as yours; sickness and attention to the wants of otherse [sic] in addition to my studies have consumed my time.
You have doubtless seen the announcement of the death of our beloved Principal in the public papers. During the last twelve weeks we have been called to pass through the deep waters of affliction as a school. At the commencement of last term one of our dear companions was snatched from us after an illness of one week; two weeks after that melancholy event Miss Lyon was laid in the grave. Most of the young ladies have been sick myself included. I need not describe the sad feelings of my heart as strangers came around my bedside, in place of friends and relatives to supply my wants. I was kindly attended and was preserved by that benevolent being, who has watched over me in every scene of my life. I am now quite well, and enjoying the spring vacation very much. There are only fifty remaining here & three teachers to care for us & aid in making us happy.
You can hardly imagine the beauties attendant on a spring in New England. The scenery is perfectly enchanting. The distant mountains [so] variegated. The velvet lawns. The smooth gliding Connecticut, the noble edifice. Indeed I can think of nothing that could render this spot more interesting except the falls of the Walen Tanpack, "dashing foaming hurrying on." I have analyzed 17 different flowers this spring so you see nature strews some of her fairy gifts in my pathway. On Thursday I took a ride of thirty miles, in company with 26 of the scholars and one teacher. (to prevent our doing mischief) We crossed the Conn. river in two different places, passed through the villages of Hatfield, Old Hadley, North Hadley, & Northampton: called at the residence of two of our teachers, the Misses Scott saw their infant brother, a perfect curiosity to us secluded girls, who have not seen a baby for these six months, visited a wire & card factory[,] saw some cards made and had some wire given us; In fine after enjoying ourselves most delightfully we arrived at our Holyoke home, at 7. o'clock P.M. Partook of a wholesome repast in waiting for us, and were soon in readiness to welcome night's sweet restorer balmy sleep. - - - -
I received a short letter from Mrs. Chambers last week stating her marriage, happiness, &c, without entering into particulars. You may judge of my surprise for so unlooked for an event, at least to me. I most ardently hope she will ever be as happy as she seems to be now. In your letter you asked me some questions, in answer to which I can only say, I had sufficient reason to expect to hear of M's marriage to Mr. H---- in a few weeks, and thought if such such a step were prevented, maidenhood would be hers for some time to come. My dear girl I know your faithfulness, but perhaps no more should be disclosed on paper, as matters are perhaps neven [?] in any way. I shall be most happy to learn particulars from you, and you may rest assured that no trust will ever be betrayed. I have loved M. with a sister's love, and must ever feel a deep interest for her, erring though she may be.
You speak of my going away to teach, &c, I have had an application to take a school in the southern part of New Jersey 60 miles below Philadelphia, but do not feel much inclination to accept it. Perhaps I will return and take a school in your new village; what think you of it? Whatever I do in the future, I shall certainly return home first, for I never knew I loved my friends & relatives half so well before. Distance & absence with me brightens the star that beams in friendship's temple, and kindly whispers good will to all.
Our next & last term of this year commences next Friday, two weeks from which time, we are to have an examination, so you may picture to yourself, my flushed cheek & trembling hand, when I am called to the blackboard before a gazing multitude of Professors of science D. D.'s L.L.D's M. D.'s A. M.'s and twenty other Lords of creation. I won't care for them; would you?
Fourteen weeks from to night, if kind Providence smiles I shall be at home. It will very soon pass away. I am so busy here, weeks seem like meteors scarcely realized before they are gone forever. I must not forget to remind you that I am constantly looking out for that genteel little ribboned note sayin[g] Miss Margaret Atkinson as home on a specified evening 7. o'clock &c. I presume I shall almost feel as a stranger at Falls Port so many changes will have taken place, but I shall find some of the same warm hearts there I know.
Please remember me to my friends at Falls Port[.] Tell my mother I am well. I am expecting a letter from home every day.
Write very soon and tell me all the new & strange things transpiring. Please give my respects to Mr. I. D.----- [Ira Daniels, Margaret's future husband, according to the note on the envelope from her great great nephew.]
Yours very truly K. Longstreet.