Concord, 26 Feb. 1849.My dear daughter -
We do not hear from you as often as we wish: but as "no news" is said to be "good news" we conclude that you are well and doing well. From a note which I received from Miss Lyon last Thursday, I conclude that one of the scholars, Miss Wingate is deceased[.] I sent a special messenger to her father in Weare as requested. Are there other cases of sickness? Is your own health good? Nothing, my daughter seems so important and desirable to me, as that you should, be prepared, by Divine grace to live usefully, or to die happily, according to the will of God. Oh, seek first of all for an interest in the Saviour! Since I last wrote mother has considerably improved in health, so that she has gone to Deerfield. She went on Saturday, last week, and endured the ride quite well. The babe was carried by Mrs. Eaton & slept all the way. Our family is now quite reduced, - the two boys, two little girls, and Miss Remington to keep house. We get along very quietly. And well. Mary Ann, now at Lowell will return and go to Deerfield for a few weeks.
Miss Nancy Ambrose died of consumption last week on Saturday and is to be buried on Tuesday, (tomorro) [sic] She was a young Christian and met death with great peace. Old Mrs. Chandler, (Maria's mother) died last week. Ann Chadbourne is married to a Mr. Morey. Francis A. Fisk is married to Miss Perry, and lives in Jon Walker's newly fitted up house. So you see changes are constantly going on with us.
Our Sabbath School is very interesting this winter. Several of the scholars appear to be much interested for their salvation of whom Ann Kimball is one. To witness a revival in our Sabbath School would be a cause of great joy.
My time does not admit of a long letter. I wish you to write very soon... When will your Spring vacation take place? ... Give my love to Amanda & Martha. I believe their family, friends are well as usual.
With much affection
your father
N. [Nathaniel] Bouton.[Harriet's mother, Nathaniel's second wife, passed away in 1839. I assume "Mother" in the first paragraph refers to Nathaniel's third wife, Elizabeth Ann (Cilley) Bouton. The babe she carried was Joseph Bradbury Bouton, born Dec 30, 1848. Mary Ann Persis Bouton is Harriet's sister, born Dec 15, 1834. Amanda Hall and Martha Burnham were identifiable because home towns were listed in the Mount Holyoke catalog for 1848-1849, and they were both from Concord, NH, just like Harriet.]