Lowell, Jan [sic - actually December] 30th 1868
You say we must write to you for New Year, so I suppose we must do it. I am writing on Quackenbos' Philosophy, so of course you must expect a very wise epistle. Don't expect a very good-looking one though, for I have such a pen as I hope mortals don't often use. Your letters were very interesting, and amused the "Children" exceedingly. They don't often get letters adapted to their weak understandings, and therefore enjoyed them the more. Jennie went to see Ella Pray yesterday afternoon, and thought she looked very badly. Will. saw Sue Carter on the street yesterday morning, but was not certain who it was, and so did not speak to her. We heard in the afternoon that she had been home and gone again. Did Ella Pray feel very bad about coming home? Mrs. Underwood has been here two and a half days this week cutting over Ma's cloak, and cutting her dress and my cloak. Ma's is cut like mine, (with a cape) and trimmed with deep fringe. Don't you like Ma's dress? I do.
Willie is sitting opposite me scratching away and every now and then our pens come in contact, by using the same ink. I have got piles of work to do this week. For one thing, Ma's & my cloak must be finished before Sunday and some other things beside. This is a body [?] day. Did you ever know such beautiful weather for this time of year. I think it is remarkable, and ought to be "taken note of." I suppose Will has told you of our visit to Mrs. Healey's? We had a splendid supper, and a pretty good time. Mrs. Healey's two nieces were there, and we all played Magic Music, Boston, blow out the candle, proverbs, and so on, particularly so on. The only cat-astrophe that happened was Alice H. bumped her head.
You asked me what I got Xmas. No-body remembered me but yourself. Yes! Ma gave me a piece of narrow pink ribbon for my neck. The fact is we were all of us so poor, that we gave nothing & got nothing. I think Pa treated us rather shabbily about Xmas.
Have you got your carpet yet? I heard that Mrs. Pray and Mrs. Kimball sent carpets to Ella, and Emma for Xmas presents. I haven't kissed Mr. King yet because I haven't seen him, but when I do, I shall kiss him, if he isn't too bashful; hope for your and my sake he won't be troublesome. I am glad you didn't have to recite Xmas. I think the Teachers are mistaken in this idea of thinking it wrong to celebrate Xmas. In my humble opinion, it ought to be more observed than any other holiday. I suppose they would consider me inclined to catholism [sic], easy to be influenced &c. Ma is ironing and I must go and take part of the burden. I hate to do it, I can tell you. Do you wash and iron your own clothes this
weekterm? Hope you don't do any such thing. You have enough without. You must write to me every week as you promised, if it is not more than a line. Goodby & "happy new year".Lovingly yr sister Sue.
[Sue was 25 years old when she wrote this letter. Their brother William was 23 years old. Their sister Mary Jean ("Jennie") is nearly 17 years old.]