Tolland. Oct. 28. 1846.My Dear Harriet.
"The more the merrier" is a common saying and one I am getting quite to believe. Before I came here I knew nothing about a public house, together with regulars boarders, in some respects I find it pleasant in other embarrasing. [sic]
Never a day passes without something new and generally interesting in a more or less degree, occurs: now and then a bride and her spouse give us a call. We had last night company of that description and it was indeed much to the entertainment of us all. She was in her bridal dress (having been married yesterday morning) Sat. gloves shoes all in very good taste, but bad taste to ride and appear with in the morning. The words "green and verdant" being popular here there with applied in great profusion, while I could think of nothing but Newington as they were brought in.
Reflecting on the different classes and priveleges [sic] of those I daily see I ever turn my thoughts to my home, my dearly beloved home, and am ready to shed a tear of gratitude that my lot was cast in that happy circle I have left behind; but is it possible I again reflect that they are left. one nature's indeed sundered. oh - yes - 'twas hard to part 'twas joy to go. The hour had come the voice of love in the language of the Past,
Farewell - farewell to my youthful friends!
Farewell to my childhood's home!
Oh! how can I stay when he calls me away!
I come! my beloved, I come!raised my soul to extacy [sic] even have the great trial, so that while I brushed away in haste the silint [sic] teat which unbidden flowed - I rejoiced - I am not cast on to the cold world alone I lean on an arm, and breeth [sic] the [...] of a heart filled with affection, life's rude winds may furiesly [sic] blow, but under the cover of his wing I may repose, yet, I would not lean on the frail reed of human love for support, may I put my trust in him who never tires or grows weary, even the Lord of our faith whom we have worshiped together in youth and bye gone days.
And dear Harriet you know not with what feelings I look back on those seasons, but from experience you may, and in all probability you will if so it prove, you would find the chosen of our youth your all placed as I am with my husbands friends and those I esteem and ardently love, he is my all my chief counsellor and friend
Mr Smith has gone to the Odd Fellowes [sic] Lodge to night leaving me alone, where I improve the opportunity of writing.
Last week the superior Court was in session and it was impossible to write one word. Our house was overflowing with company we averaged about fifty to meals through court and if ever a mortal rejoiced to see company leave I was. I felt so confused with the noise of talking and footsteps in the passage that the amusement of novelty did not compensate. Sister Mary has been with us a number of days since I came and I have spent two with her at Stafford Springs
Our friends from Meriden have been visiting us this week and also from Middletown I see a great deal of company; not tavern calls do I mean but acquaintences [sic] of the family with now and then an old crony happening this way. I feel perfectly satisfied with my home and am very happy. The village people have called often. I like them very well. They do not look and appear like Newington, yet time will bind my affections here, for you know "where the treasure is there is the heart also." Tolland is a pleasant place especially in the summer, on account of the shaded lining the sides of the street, which is I should think about half a mile long quite broad situated on a ridge of a hill sloping each way from the buildings. I occupy as a sitting room the south east chamber, and have a good view of the turnpike travel tavern opposite, travelers through the street, store &c.
I selected my furniture and it looks pleasant to me now happy I should be to see you or any one from Newington in the roches [?] by my warm fire and pass the remainder of the evening in talking over days that are gone. so it cannot be to night. I hope however you will come as soon as convenient now I must say good bye and close love to all.
Mr Smith sends his best respects to the members of your family.
your Mary.