[Although the letter is not dated, it is between her Seminary year of 1853, and her marriage in 1854, so it has to be March of 1854.]Chestnut Grove March 18th
Dear friend Madge,
You see I am paying you off in your own coin; being almost as long answering your letter as you were mine; I suppose you have heard on this of my arrival at my old home. It is six weeks now since I left Long Island and that was six weeks sooner than I expected to leave, until just before I started; as I had made up my mind to remain until spring but Mary took a sudden start and of course I must take her place at home.
I returned home yesterday from a visit to my Aunt's at Gansevoort, have been there two weeks; I went with the expectation of a very happy time, Cousin Kittie and I had long been talking of running over to Minta's some Saturday to spend the Sabbath with her. We had already secured a more than willing bean, had fixed the day, and written to Minta that she might expect us; but lo!!! we were doomed to a bitter disappointment for poor Aunt was taken so sick that we could not think of leaving her. She has been growing worse ever since and to all appearances is in a rapid decline. Poor Ketric my heart aches for her, no father, no brother, and but one sister, and she is feeble health, dependent upon her own exertions or the kindness of others for support, I have often thought what would be my feelings similarly situated. I expect to go back there to-morrow if Aunt is so that Mother can return.
I left all pretty well on Long-Island, have spent a pleasant winter there, had one weeks sleighing and improved that I assure you; dont know as you can boast of any more in Coilas as I find they have had but little snow in this region, but enough to make good sleighing from Christmas until this week I think you made quite a long visit in New York, am I not right in suspecting there is some great attraction there? Well never mind said Dr. is a good fellow I should guess for I took quite a fancy to him myself. Will you let me come and see you when you go to N.Y. to live? I won't ask you to attend the theatre with me very often as my curiosity is quite satisfied.
Matters do not progress very fast with the widower and I, as I have not heard a word from him since. I had a letter from Phebe Woodhull the other day part of it was from Jennie Shiland, she enquired of your whereabouts, said she had written to you at the commencement of this year in the Sem but had not heard a word from you. Do you still think of returning next year? Have you seen any thing of Minta this winter? She wrote to me she had been quite sick with her old complaint the "Quinsy" which made me think of old times, you know when.
Didn't we have a nice chitchat while in New York. Strange we should come acrost each other in that great city just the day before I was intending to leave. How are all the good folks at Cambridge, Is there any thing new or strange going on there? have they interesting lyceums? Does the Academy of Courash? Does Mr. Newton live alone with Permelia since the death of his wife?
It seems lonely enough to me at home, Mary and Sophy and Joe all gone, only Charley and I at home and he will be gone in a few weeks. Mary will not return until summer. Joseph likes the western world very much his letters are all of singing schools and the girls. Dear Madge please excuse this hasty letter for I never felt in a less writing mood than I do to-night have scarcely an idea in my head, but thought I must write to-night, for I do not know when I shall have another chance if I go away again to-morrow. Your loving friend Jennie
Remember me in love to your Father Mother and Anna Let me hear from you soon again. Do not let your letters be so few and far between, or I shall begin to think they will soon cease altogether. Love to all enquiring friends.
Is Phebe Robertson at home this winter? How are you amusing yourself this winter what doing &cc You must tell me how matters are progressing between yourself and good batchelor of a Dr. and now Good bye I will try and do better next time excuse this