So. Hadley. July. 12, 1850.Dear brother & sister;
It has just occurred to me that if I do not write soon, you will not receive my letter before you leave for the country.
Your letter was duly received. Much obliged for your advice. I think it is very good. And I hve to-day decided to withdraw my application from Lowell. I do not think I ought to teach school again for a year. I do not think my health is good enough. Out of school, I think I should be quite well, and much better qualified for teaching again after rest. Do you not think that I am wise to withdraw my application under these circumstances? I am not at all afraid but that I can get a school again when I want. I think now that I shall give up all thoughts of teaching again for the present, and refuse all applications at once.
I am very sorry to hear of Mary's ill health. I hope she will escape a fit of sickness this summer. She must be very careful. And I feel some concern about you too. I think a little stay in the country would be the best thing for you. I am very glad you have decided to go to Epping this season. I am anticipating a good deal of pleasure this summer. Our school closes in about three weeks, the first day of Aug. If I go directly home, I shall reach there the 2d day of Aug. I have thought some of stopping a week with Miss Mason, and visiting Amherst at Commencement. I am not yet decided about it. It is rather doubtful.
I have purchased a very handsome bonnet in Springfield. Did I speak of your dress in my last letter? I think it is indeed a very handsome one, and a very rich one. I have got one of the fronts of those shoes done. Every one who has seen it, says it is the handsomest pattern they ever saw. I have not worked on it now for some time, because I have had so much else to do. I like worsted work very much, and when at home this Fall & winter, I will work you a pair of ottomans. I hoep to finsh my pink dress to-morrow. Are lace cuffs fasionable in Lawrence? I have me two pair. I like them very much now, though at first I did not. I have also purchased me a bertha. I will bring the pattern, perhaps you may like one.
What about Mr. Akerman's elopement? Isn't it strange? Have they heard anything more respecting him? I heard of it by way of Mr. & Mrs. Brown, of Newburyport, who have been here visiting. Mrs. Brown is very anxious that you should visit her in Newburyport this summer. She inquired very particularly about "bub." How I do want to see the little fellow. Let me hear from you again as soon as possible. I hoep this will not find you gone. I shall write to-night to Mrs Child. Tell me particularly about your health the both of you. Do not let my going home interfere with your arrangements at all. Have you yet heard from your loom? [?] How sad it is to hear of the President's death. [President Zachary Taylor died unexpectedly on July 9 after getting sick on July 4.] I must close as it is late. Let me hear if possible before you leave.
Your sister affectionately,