[A few paragraph breaks were added in the first part of the letter for easier reading.]Ashleyville - Sept 25 1844.
Ever dear Hattie
Your letter of the 12 was kindly received and as you wished me to write soon I will scribble a few lines this evening[.] It would afford me much more pleasure to spend the evening with you in conversing of Holyoke scnese and by gone days than to put my thoughts on paper. but as that is impossible I must be content with writing in my poor way.
We are having quite a rainy eve after so long a drought[.] It seems quite refreshing. Margaret and Cary are sitting by me busy in conversation and father is reading loud in the next room so that it is impossible for me [to] think of what I am writing long enough to write in any connected manner but I trust you will excuse it in me as an old friend[.] Frank has now come in and is enquiring who I am writing too? [sic] Tomorrow he is expecting to carry Margaret to East Hartford if it does not rain but I am fearful it will[.] Margaret says you must give her a call if you should happen that way she would be happy to make you a visit if praticable but she is not expecting to make a very long visit at Mary Ann's[.] Should you deem it worth the trouble to go for her she would perhaps make you a short visit. She sends much love. Really Hattie I think it quite a new idea that we are so nearly related it is a pity we did not know of it before. Please remember me to your aunt Eunice for I feel almost acquainted with her I have so often heard you speak of her.
Have you heard from any of the Holyoke sisters of late[?] I received a letter from Julia Currier the same time that I got yours she said she had given up the idea of visiting Miss Webster this vacation think it must be quite a disappointment[.] How I would love to see her and receve [sic] a kiss from her sweet lips. Julia wrote she had had a letter from Mary Thompson she was the same old creature[.] She has had the pleasure of meeting Miss Bridge "that looly [sic] creature" you know what fun she would make of it. She is going back to the Sem next year. Do you not wish you were going to return?
Can hardly realize that the time has so nearly arrived for the next year to commence but so it is[.] There will be many new faces but yet there will be some familiar contenances which I shall wish much to see but do not expect to be able to visit them very soon.
We had a number of cousins visiting here yesterday among whom was Jane Bagg[.] She returns next week also a Miss Ely sister of the Mr Ely you saw while here.
Jane said she had heard of the death of Sarah Arms and of the two others of the shollars [sic] but did not learn their names[.] How often are we warned by the death of others that we must soon be called[.] How important that we be always ready. I was in hopes to have heard that Cornelia was better[.] How ought [we] to prize our season while it is granted us.
Mother is quite comfortable although not as well as before she was sick[.] Last week she and Father went to Hebron passed through Hartford and spent the night on their return I wish they could have seen you. Methinks should I get so near Newington I should not be content until I saw you. I would love much to visit you but it is impossible to do so at present so I must live on anticipation a while longer[.] I have not been absent from home to stay long since Mother has been sick but I hope she will regain her health that I may do so[.] But we are all subject to disappointment and this may perhaps learn me not to think too much of visiting my friends. Have you seen Lizzy or Maria this vacation[?] The time draws near when they are to return wonder if they will have their own room. Is Abbie at home[?] Please give her my love & tell her I have not forgotten my promise to her that I made the Monday before we parted[.] I will endeavor to write her soon she seems quite near as we roomed together a while[.] Is she going to be married? or is any one visiting her[?] Please write and tell me all the news about her and yourself for I feel very much interested in your welfare.
I would write more but it is now past 9 and I must write a little to Lizzy Pitkin to send by Margaret perchance she should go write soon[.] Accept this scrawl with much love from your
much loving Hattie.
Joseph went to the Whig convention at Boston last week had a first rate time. There is I understand going to be a grand Loca[l] gathering at Springfield on friday [sic] perhaps you will be interested to be present if so don't fail to give me a call I wish you were going to be with me. When M is gone for I shall be the house keeper I expect to have a nice time. I expect to remain at hime most of the time this winter. Shall be happy to receive a call from you any time wish we could visit the Sem together.