New Haven Jy 1 1849Dear Child,
Sorry to hear that you have been & are still quite unwell it is probable owing to your close application to study & other duties connected with the institution, the change is so great from what you have been accustomed to at home. When I said to deliver [?] to Augusta [?] that I thought you had better accept Miss Taylors invitation to spend the vacation with them I had not heard of your being unwell. As it is if it will be more agreeable to you to come home I wish you to do so & I will send the money to pay your expenses. I wish you to know that I deeply sympathise with you in your intent of good health but I hope & [...] that the relaxation in vacation will restore you to your usual health. I often think of you and offer up prayer to God for you. Your former teachers [?] have given me much pleasure I think you have improved very much in your compositions in better writing.
I have no very important news to communicate our pastor Mr. Strong [?] has returned in good health & preached the dedication sermon last Thursday & last Sabath [sic]. The seats in the church were free for all this week & Tuesday there is to be free asail [?] of the slips & one winning the unsold slips will be [...]ed. As I cannot send you a Book or any thing of that kind in a letter I send you a dollar as a new year present if my [...] would show of it I could either send you ten [...] if it will be pleasant to you to come Mrs Taylors by all means do so it will give me much pleasure to see you. I could see the lines on my paper as I [am] writing by candle light dont let any one see my [...]abling text [?] but your self.
Your affectionate Father E Gorham