Our Kitchen. 8. P.M. Sept 3d 1863Sister Mary;
Behold your two widders: seated each on two of our mahogony chairs, one chatting with Mrs. Hall, and one very busy trying to pen a few thoughts for Mary's benefit.
We were very glad to learn of your safe arrival home, and also that George took such good care of you: you shall not call him "an old fuss." he is just a kind thoughtful man, and deserves your gratitude as I am sure he has it.
We are glad he left our home with regret, and wish he would visit us again. I believe he will if he lives, unless he marries, as he may.
We are glad that our prsents were acceptable. would have been glad if we could have done better and more, but they must wait.
We have been to see the Shakers, and never in my life, was a day spent more pleasantly. We started at 7 o'clock A.M. Thursdy [sic] Mrs Cooly, Mrs Pomeroy, Mrs Knowlton, (Ma's Mother), Aunt Lula, Mrs. Mary Perkins, Addie, Anna Leach, Eliza Lillie, Ella Cooly, Jennie Sanford, Mrs. Sanford, Mattie and I took "Old Atfield," and he drove four horses and an omnibus, and the rest of the crowd were contented to ride, and make fun. We went through Springfield, on Main St. and after we left Springfield we rode nine miles in a southerly direction which took into the State of Connecticut and into Shaker village, which is in the north eastern part of Enfield. There are four families, each numbering from thirty to fortyfive. These are independent of each other, but those comprising one family have all property common. Cleanliness is their religion, and it is too clean for comfort. Allow one to explain. Jennie and I had some apples, and when we wished to thorw away the core, not a corner could we find that would hide such a thing. At least we threw them at random, and far went our clankings into the cellar. We left, consoling ourselves with the thought that some Shakers would have something to do.
Some of the women were cleaning the barn; had all the windows out, and one was washing them, which two or three were sweeping down cobwebs, and sweeping floors.
Everything was in perfect order, from one end of the village to the other. We went all over the barns visited the milk and cheese rooms, the kitchen, dining room, church, supping rooms, garden, seed house, grosery [sic], and if I were to tell you all I saw, should sleep but little tonight. We had dinner, new potatoes, and the best I ever at[e] at this season, dried beef cooked in cream, real cream, new bread, sweet corn, cucumbers, green tea, crabapple sauce, and pie.
Just before we left we were invited to a lunch of bread & butter and honey. We were there from ten A.M. until four P.M. and came home by the Armery grounds, State St, &c -
We paid one dollar each for the ride, and our dinner was twenty five cents, each.
Enfield is nineteen miles from this place. - Mattie and I have commenced work this month in earnest, and Mary I can do two days work now, after resting as I did when you were here, easier than I could one and a half before you came.
I am glad you [...] in using those litters, Mrs. Hall is glad too. She sends ever so much love, and Addie and Lillie too. Mattie is preparing for bed, and I must follow, for I must work tomorrow.
I think you will be stronger after you get over your sick,
The enclosed letter came for you this week. It was directed to South Hadley, instead of So. Had. Falls, or you would have recd it while you were here. Matt will write Sunday. Tell Mother that she never should ask the cost of a gift. Tell Gustie we shall expect her to visit us. Tell Father and Brother we will answer their letters as soon as we recieve [sic] them.
Kiss our darlings for dozzen [sic] times each for us. With love from Sis Eunice