So. Hadley, Sept. 4, 1861.My dear Clara,
I left you all this morning without saying "good bye," for the moment forgetting but was going back tonight. It was a strange move certainly. I reached this about 6 o'clock. Later than usual as the train being behind time.
Miss Chapin & her brother went to Greenfield this morning, & were going from there to Philipston on the Boston road where he is to be married. Had she known that I would be here, she would have arranged to be absent several days, but I am afraid now will return tomorrow. Her brother goes to New York after his marriage. He married one of the last year's pupils.
I trust, that Laura Ann did not take cold in going out I fully intended to be with her, when her teeth were extracted, & probably was in the front room. I always go in there first, & then into the business room when Dr Beales calls me.
I went into Mr. Graves', after they left. I hope that you will call there, if you go into Greenfield, & I think that Emily would go with you & call on Mrs. Mekins. I saw Mrs. M. for half an hour today. She shows a sweet spirit of resignation in Emily's death. When I come up, I shall try to spend a night in Greenfield, either with her, or at Mr. Graves'.
I found my trunk all right, & emptied my carpet bag, & sent it back to Mr. Graves store. If any of you are in you can take it, & if not it may remain till I go up.
Mother will find the calico she wished in the bundle. There is more than she asked for, but it was just such a piece, & I could get it for 7 1/2 cts. if I took it all. I will use what she does no[t] wish. The cotton cloth I also took as remnants, & I thought I should want it this winter. The longest piece was 12 1/2 cts, & the other a little more. I bought some remnants for sleeves after they left, & also some very fine woolen yarn. I almost wished that Laura Ann had bought her cloak. As she might have done better than later.
I have had a long read in the papers this evening. I have looked over New York, Boston & Springfield papers. There is no evidence, that Jeff Davis is dead, but the privateer Jeff. Davis has been wrecked off Florida.
If you see Melinda Long give her my love. I wanted to have seen her. Also say to Mr. Dole, with love for his family that I regret not seeing more of him. Say to Ophelia that I expect to go there when I go up. I bought some nice whortle berries today, & tonight Solomon Gleason has had whortleberry griddle cakes here.