Willow Home Jan 2nd /64.My dear daughter
Your quite lengthy but very interesting note now rec'd at "Willow Home" New Year morn, and as I arrived home in the 12 Oclock train I had the pleasure of opening the envelope, and reading its contents, to eager listeners. Father and Anna, Charlie had gone to school, We thank you for your kind remembrance of us at New Year, and send you in return many many a happy New Year, It was a rainy and very uncomfortable day here, just at night it began to clear up and this morning was bright and clear; to-day has been, I think, as cold a day as we have had this winter, people passing the streets look as though the cold was hard to bear. - I went to Northfield last Monday in the snow storm, (Mr I- did not go it was so stormy and not being well I presume he thought he would not go out.) I came home in a rain storm, so you see I had a storm both ways, but it was pleasant weather while I was there.
Enjoyed my short visit on the whole much. Your uncle Es- health is better than it was in the autumn, Your Aunt and Edgar were well, Elijah is at present at Brattleboro East Village attending school, it is where your Aunt Lois and I attended, twenty four years ago last fall.
Grandfathers folks are all in their usual health, although Grandfather looks very thin of flesh how so I think than I ever saw him in the winter, Cousin Julia is nicely, has a school of 23 schollars [sic] is getting along very well. Your Aunt Electa thinks she shall not come to F- this winter, but thinks she may when warm weather comes. - I called to see Phebe the day before I left. She is well and as happy and smiling as ever, her father is much better so he gets out to the barn some. Williams [sic] is getting quite fleshy, he really is, and Phebe says he can sleep nights now and does not suffer from pain as he used to, he is really in hopes he shall get able to go on crutches, thinks he may by another summer, - I called at Mr Purples [?], they were all well, the girls are both at home they have only their own family this winter very pleasant they said to do and be alone They all enquired after you. Charlie was sleding [sic] with his father so we did not see them except on their sleds. -
I had a very pleasant visit at your Uncle Es- the last day before I left I enjoyed very much, we all had a happy time. I felt sad many times about when I thought of my dear Sister lying in yonder cemetery I could not realize that she was there that I shall never see her more, -
How little you know of such sorrow dear Mary, May it be long before they reach you. - I am happy to hear you are enjoying yourself some better than last time. I should think you might have a happy time there, so cosy and nice as your room must look. I should like very much to step in and see you all in it.
I am very glad too to hear of your rules and regulations. I hope they will be lasting for I think they could be very good at any time and any place. If you will not forget to bring them home with you I hope. I was very thankful to hear that gracious was buried [?] and shall be more so if it never has a resurrection. I was quite surprised to hear Cousin Mary was engaged to Mr Stone. I wonder how she can fancy him, perhaps she would not if she could have her choice, but to not mention this to Cousin Anna, what I have said I mean. - Did she write where Mr Stone was or what he is doing now. - Well that is most equal to Mr W- as Mr S- fell in love at first sight, - not of the picture but of the person. - The correspondence continues regular as ever, wants very much to come on, thinks he shall if possible, Mr Whitney and sister spent Tuesday eve here, I was gone. - told so - he came near bringing someone on with him, perhaps Anna will write you about it. - I see you work some, for the Soldiers do you hear from Rufus? Are you any better than when you left home? be sure and write. Then you have had a sleigh ride, Augustine took the two Annas to Sleigh ride Christmas morning, but it was quite cold here, Saturday was one of the loveliest days we have in winter so mild and pleasant, delightful for a drive such fine sleighing as we had, the rain yesterday made it all snow and [...], the sudden change in the weather has made it very rough and the sidewalks very slippery. - I see Mary you think a good deal of gay times yet that is all right in its place, but more weighty matters should have some place, the old year has passed away with its record sealed, what will it unfold when it is opened. Another year has downed upon us, shall we see its close? If not are we ready to go, calm and peaceful as your dear Aunt. - Anna is writing and you will get all the news I presume. Write next week. Charlie sends a world of love,
from your loving
MotherPS Your Father has been in the city today as usual, came home very tired. -