Pittsfield Aug 2d 1853.
Dear Cousin Harriet
Your very kind letter has just been handed me, and I will lose no time in forwarding a reply. The adverse winds apparently have expended their forces, and more favourable gales have been blowing for a few days. I have at length succeeded in procuring a substitute, to whom I trust I can resign the duties of my office, and feel comparatively at ease. We did indeed presume to think of going on Monday, do you not think us very unceremonious? Should nothing occur to prevent, we will take the accommodation train on that day which leaves here at ten, but do not desire you to meet us, without it is perfectly convenient. We are very glad to learn that your Mother's health is improving, and hope it may be fully restored. It will give us much pleasure to meet any of Mr Stanwood's family, but what will you do with so many cousin Sarahs? If they were not in general a first rate article (I am sorry to realize that in this as in other rules there is an exception) the case would be far worse however.
As we hope to have the pleasure of meeting so soon you will please excuse this short letter at this time. Our friends here are in usual health. Father & Mother send much love to you & your parents & friends. Please remember me to them all, and accept much love to yourself from
Your ever affectionate cousin
S. H. Francis[Harriet's paternal grandmother had Francis as her maiden name, but I was not able to fully identify S. H. Francis.]