A Letter Written on Nov 24, 1849

An ancient scrap of would=be family letter.

Remsen, Nov 24, 1849. -

Dear Jane, -

I find that a "family letter" letter will be composed (probably) if "Pa" will commence with a few lines. And though unusually cramped for time, this shall be a failure here shall not prevent the accomplishment of so good an object. We have not changed our residence as hinted in a late communication from H-e, - and am sorry that the members of the "letter=writing Association" have so failed of their duty and privilege, as to cause that enquiry. With regard to the regulations of your Seminary which seem strict and minute, I think you will soon become so pleasantly familiar with them and their salutary influence generally, as to be convinced that upon the whole they are right and just what they should be for such a group of young ones as are congregated together on that sacred "Mount." At least I think so. We have an interesting Memoir of Miss Lyon, from the pen of Rev. R. R. Williams of Minersville Pa., to come out in our Dec No - first article, which please show your room mate when it comes to hand. I was glad to hear of that "Missionary meeting" you have, and that my daughter Jane was one of the number who felt interested in it. John has just now come to the parlor for "matter for the boys" to go on - so I must close here and let the rest of the family - follow on and fill up - hoping to have more time on some other occasion soon. - We have not forgotten that we have a daughter at Holyoke, dear Jane, but feel thankful indeed for her fidelity in corresponding - and hope we shall not be so remiss in answering as it seems we have been -

From your affectionate Father.

[handwriting change]

My Dear Daughter

It is now more than a fortnight since your father write the above it was a little befor [sic] the contractor came out and having no help but Anna and Cynthia it has been laid by for me to write, I find it very difficult to get along without you or Mary, I often think to write for Mary if Elizabeth could get another girl, but I have not yet

[Robert Everett, Jane's father, was about 58 years old when this letter was written. Elizabeth (Roberts) Everett, Jane's mother, was about 52 years old. Mary, Anna and Cynthia are Jane's little sisters. They were about 19, 12, and 10 years old. There was another younger sister named Sarah, about 17 years old, that wasn't mentioned. The second letter with this one explains why she wasn't helping her mother; she's ill with consumption. Elizabeth was Jane's older sister, about 31 years old. John was Jane's brother, about 29 years old.]