So. Hadley, July, 4, 1848.My dear Sister,
I could not let this famous "fourth of July" pass, without penning a letter to you; particularly as we have had such high celebrations today. I will give you a little account, that you may enjoy it with me. We have had regular lessons and exercises today, as usual, and I should not have known that it was "independent" day, had I not been notified of it, by the ringing of the bell this morning, and a cannon, now and then, during the day. But we are to have splendid fireworks, this evening, on "prospect hill," so they say - and Miss Lyon has given us permission to look out of the window and see them. Don't you almost envy me. But, enough of So. Hadley "fourth" - I suppose you have had a grand time in P. [Portsmouth NH] Write me about it, in your next.
I have been expecting a letter from you, but finally concluded you was [sic] not intending to be so generous with me, as to pay two letters for one, so I thought I might as well write now as to delay longer. But before I proceed farther, I must tell you how exceedingly honored your last was. On entering my room, after returning from my walk, I found a letter, which I was confident was in the hand-writing of my sister, but till I could not reconcile the fact that it was maield at Washington City. The mystery, however, was soon unravelled, and was simply this; - The letter I suppose, through the negligence of your Post Master, left P. without being mailed, and consequently went directly to the capital. Just give my kind regards to your good P.M., and tell him, I should not prefer to have my letters take so long a journey always, as I am obliged to wait for them too long. It was more than a week after the proper time, when I received it. I was wondering all the time, why you did not write.
O my dearest sister, is it possible that in four weeks, I shall see you? O, it is a brim cup full of joy, for me to anticipate. Can it be? Is it so? Yes it is really so, if Providence permits. Well I hope you will be in readiness; that is, "nice cake" &c.
Our examination draws near; it will continue three days. I shall be examined in Latin, Geoloy, Botany, and Euclid. Then I shall be through, and ready for the Senior year. I am expecting a letter from Miss Warren soon.
I feel quite anxious to make arrangements for my passage home, as soon as possible, and will again trouble you with a bit of questions, which I hope you will be particular to answer definitely. And first, in case there is a boat, I should like to know where I must be carried from the depot, in order to take it. I should like to know also, the days and hours the boat leaves Boston, and the hours in the day that the cars leave B. for P. This is very important for me to know, as I should not like to get into B. expecting to find a passage out, and then be obliged to remain overnight. I should like to know, also, the fare from B. to P. in the cars. This, I suppose you can easily ascertain if you do not know already. I should like to have you write, immediately after receiving this, and answer these questions. If the boat has not yet begun to run, you will not be able to answer the questions respecting that, but you can answer those about the cars, which are quite as important. If you know when the boat is expected to begin to run, you can just write about it. I shall send this tomorrow morning, and shall expect an answer in three days. Do not neglect to write and answer all my inquiries, for it is of great importance to me. Am I not obliged to cross a ferry in B. in order to take the cars for P? If so, write. Good night. I will add a line in the morning. Hannah.
Good morning, A beautiful, sweet morn with us, how is it with you? This is recreation day. Again I will request you not to neglect to write immediately. And I hope your letter will be so fortunate as to be mailed in P. I shall not answer it, unless you specially request it, until I answer it in person. Will you write me to what depot I am to go in B., before I can take the cars. You referred to it in your last. If the boat should begin to run as much as a week before I go home, I should like to have you write me another letter, and tell me the particulars about it. But do not fail to answer this now. I should write more had I the time. Be careful to answer those questions about the cars. Remember me to Theophilus, and accept much love for yourself.
Your loving sister Hannah
(Ecuse [sic] poor writing and all mistakes)