[A few paragraph breaks were added in the first part of the letter for easier reading.]Home March, 12, 1849.
My own "Hattie".
I'm safely home again, and now I want to tell you why I did not stop and see you on my way, as I had some thought of doing. Brother John came home last week, expecting to meet me here but finding that I was still about, sent for me to come right home. So I came last Thursday, as fast as the express train could bring me.
And now, my dear, I know you will be expecting me down to see you, and with reason, for I did say I would come, and I ca'n't tell you how much I want to see you, and when I say so, I mean so, for you and I seldom express as much as we feel. But though [...]ation would bring me to you this week, duty seems to call me home. Mother has arranged to go to Buffalo, the first of April, with one of our neighbors, who goes at that time, and I have a deal to do for her before she goes, and but a short time in which to do it. Then when she is gone, I am the head of the family you know! So I cannot leave at all until she comes home, which will not be fore June. After that, I hope to be at liberty to visit you.
Now, "Hattie" I have a plan for you. As head of the family, I do hereby write you to come and see me while mother is gone. I will make all due preparation for your reception, and send you word exactly when will be the pleasantest time for you to come. Will you come? I will make it all right, when I come to Newington. If you have any fear lest we should not have sufficient interesting topics of conversation, let me tell you I have various interesting facts to tell to you concerning our darling M. W. Eaton. I told her how much I loved you, [and] she sent you a large share of her love.
This bit of paper will not contain one half an expression of the pleasure I experienced while with her. Her friendship has been a blessing to me spiritually, and might have been more so, had I implored, as I ought [sic] the world of sweet christian intercourse we have passed together.
She seems to me like an own sister and kindly adopts me as such. I am unworthy [of] her love, and unworthy of yours, and can only retain the love of "Lizzie."
My love to your mother and sister Julia.