S. Hadly [sic]. July 1st 1847.Dear Julia
Do not think I have forgotten my indebtedness to you for your welcome letter. Oh! no. I have been intending to write you for a long time, but have been very much ocupied. Now Wendesday [sic] has come again, and I will gladly occupy a few moments to converse with sister Jul.
How do you enjoy this warm weather at home? Better I hope than the inhabitants of the fourth story in the Sem.
I thought I had scarcely every been so oppressed by the heat as for the last few days; however it is very cool and pleasant to day, and I hope we shall have no more such days of extreme heat. I suppose you must be very busy at home as I learn from Hattie's letter that your help has left.
I hope before this you have another woman. I should think Genet's marriage took place rather suddenly. When is the young bride to make it home? Now I must leave you for a short time to go on a botanical excursion as Hattie Wolcott has just called for me to go.
(Wed eve) Well Julia, I have really had a walk; How far I have been I don't know, but I should guess about 5 miles. Through wood's [sic] and bogs, over hills and meadows, I took my winding way. I started at about two o'clock and did not return till nearly six. I felt very tired and thought when I got to the Sem. I would "lay me down and (not die exactly but rest)". Yet no sooner had I reached my room than Ellen said I had company, so I made my way to the parlor, and found J. Smith there. He came to see Mr Hawks on business, brought me a letter from his sister Hattie. The poor girl is very sick with the Erysipelus. She writes that for more than a week she has been unable to walk on account of the disease affecting her limbs, but is drawn from the bed to her chair. She thinks she is getting some better. Joseph says that Margaret's health is not as good as usual. I expect they will make me a visit when H-. recovers, as they have intended too [sic] for some time.
I wrote them a letter and sent it by their brother, so you see sis that I have had quite a busy afternoon, and shall not be able to finish this letter until to morrow. Good night, dearest.
(Thurs eve) How I wish that you were with me now sis, to sit with me by my open window, and have a friendly chat, and to enjoy too the beautiful prospect which lies before me. And how I wish you were to be here next week to ascend with me the heights of Holyoke. But these wishes are vain. I look forward with joy to the close of the five weeks which will elapse before I can enjoy a ramble with you in our own favorite meadow. Till then I shall endeavor to love the pleasant places in Hadley. Oh! I would not forget to tell you of a beautiful flower I found yesterday called Goat's Rue. It resembles the Sweet Pea, in the color and form of the corolla, but the leaves differ, and it has an erect stem instead of running on the ground. You recollect that singular pink flower which Miss Goodrich found last summer in dirt [?] swamp. They have been found here, and the name is Ladie's Slipper.
I hope I shall not tire your patience, and I will tell you a dream, which I had some time since.
Well, methought I was walking on the banks of our own Connecticut which was very high on account of a rain, when my foot slipped, and I found myself sinking in the mud and water. Now it happened that Thomas was fishing not far from me but I feared I could not make him hear, so I spoke to a little boy and told him to go for my brother, but the child thought he could pull me out alone, and began to tug away most manfully, while every moment I was sinking in the mire. I could not bear it any longer, but summoning all my voice, shouted Thomas three times, so loudly that it awoke myself and Ellen, and many others, not only in the fourth but also in the third story. The next morning the girls joked me considerably about Thomas, as a mother of course. But as I declared to them that he was my brother it nearly spoiled the cream of the joke I suppose, for I have not heard much about it of late.
Well sis I have most finished this sheet and had well night forgotten to ask you to tell Father that I am out of money, as I have bought a Botany and paid for French. I shall need 2 dollars more to pay my expenses home, and a few things here, and then I will not ask for any more. One dollar will be enough for the present necessity if it be not convenient to send more. I suppose my ride to the mountain will cost 25 cts.
Now Jul, "you see how long a letter I have written you with my own hand", and I hope that I shall soon receive as long a one at least from you. I hope Mother and Hattie will not forget to write in good season for Miss Lyon had been lately showing as that forgetfullness [sic] is a great sin. Charles would do well to remember this.
I must beg you to excuse this writing for my pen is indeed poor.
Give my love to my young cousin and its Mother, and return mine to you in a letter soon
Yours &c.,
Mary.