Fitchburg Nov 14 Sat eveDear Mary
Here I am trying to write you with my face bound up in cold water for the toothache. You know I have two teeth decayed broken off. One of them commenced aching two days ago, and is very much inflamed and today I made up my mind to have them both out. I should have done very well if one had not been so sore. O it did hurt so bad when it was pulled, and it has ached ever since, but not so bad now. Grandfather and Grandmother & Aunt Dickinson came this morning, Flora is about the same, her cough is not any better.
Grandmother Howe was about the same as usual she was out picking apples; Mrs Brewer and James were intending to go home last Monday. The ladies of Capt. Baley and Tafts were brought on and the funeral was that day at the town hall. They were both Capts of the 59 [?] Reg, and as Mrs Brewer had not seen a public funeral of any Soldiers she wished to stay and so did James till the next day. Mr Woldriches body was brought on at the same time and his funeral was appointed Monday but hearing that the funeral of the two Capts was here on that day they defered his till the next day, and sent up word here to that effect. Your Father James Mr Patch, Kate and several others attended his funeral at Marblehead. They could not get to Boston in season to take the train home so your Father went out to Mr Stevens and staid over night. James said he should come into Boston and come home with him the next night. Woldriches friends were very anxious to have him stay, so he stayed there till yesterday and missed of the train so he arrived here this morn, Mrs Brewer stayed quite contented till last night (as she did not have to go home alone she is so deaf) She was so disappointed to think he did not come and she had stayed so much longer than she expected that she said she must go this morning, as James might not get here till night, so she went to Groton with your Father and he saw her on board the Worcester train for Clinton. She said he could go from there in the stage this afternoon. James followed her in the noon train, but said they could not get home today. So we had quite a visit from Mrs Brewer, and a very good one to[o]. -
I went to Boston last Wednesday with your Uncle Ira to see the Monument and have it lettered, I did not know how to go but Uncle Eastman was very anxious I should. I was glad I did but it tired me. The Monument is to go up next Monday, Uncle Ira has gone today to get the lot ready. You did not give him his due about the pictures (Your Aunt Lois) he did not say anything against my having my choice, it was Augustine, he seemed perfectly satisfied. I took one and Uncle E. then took one and he said not a word against it. I think we shall like the Monument very much. Aunt Dickinson has come to make us a visit. She is not going to N- this time[.]
I saw Charlie F- tonight as I went out to have my teeth pulled, he said his Father and Mother were coming to visit us next week dont you wish you was here.
O Mary if you only had a good hope you would find it such an anchor to the Love, as nothing earthly can give. True faith and trust in Jesus, O how much they comprehend. What a wellspring of life to the soul. What an anchor to lay hold if in a dying hour, And death is near, how near we know not Gods spirit will not always shine.
Grandmother sends much love and says she wishes you were here, or that she could see you. I am very glad the girls are so kind to you and that you have had some fruit, our grapes are about all gone, they began to ripen just as Cattle Show came in, we had a good many to eat them, I have put up several bottles of them, if they keep well you may have some yet. Mrs Brewer made your Father a gallon of wine (grape wine) Anna sent her letter to you and a paper paid 6 cts on the letter; if you can send part of it to me and part to Anna then you will not have to pay but 3 cts a letter, that will do if you send both letters next week or first of week after, I suppose Anna will want them right off but I think there is no hurry[.] Write her what you think about it, and about answering it. E- H- did not enquire after you, I think I mentioned your name while talking with him but he did not speak of you, (Perhaps if you was more like your Mother he might) or perhaps he thinks there is no chance for him, it could not be a happy one if there was, two so unlike as you two are.
I had an Irish girl come last Wednesday think I shall keep her till my friends have made their visits, our company seems to come right along now, I shall expect Mr Moses folks after Aunt Dickinson when she gets through her visit, Mrs Stanly called here today enquired after you, Mrs Brewer made Charlie three shirts regular shirts, he feels quite smart, he has so much play to do, I dont think he would stop to print a letter to any one and since he has gone into the other school he does not print as he used to when he went to school to his Aunt Lois. I hope I shall not hear you are homesick again, be a good girl and get a new heart and all the world will look bright to you. -
from your loving Mother. -
Father says he is glad to hear you like so well, & hopes you will improve your advantages he sends love to you, Charlie and Anna are in bed
Aunt Ethel [?] Stevens died the 8 of Sept.