Lowell, Dec. 11th, 1868.
Dear Sis,
I wrote to you yesterday; so did Laura, and we heard from you last night. Why didn't you send Laura's letters with ours? I'm only going to write a word now, so that you can get it to-morrow night, and have a chance to answer it at great length on Sunday. Laura felt better yesterday, and we didn't do much, that is, I didn't, but read Elsie Venner [novel by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr]. The girls wrought with the needle, & L. made her a black overskirt. Father and mother sat up long after their usual time, partly to watch us, I reckon.
It is beautiful, this morning, but cold. L. and I are in the sitting-room, she cleaning up, and I doing this. I haven't much time to write for I'm going to the P.O. and coming back quick to read to Laura and Sue, so as to finish E.V. if possible, before L. goes, which she thinks of doing this afternoon. We have had an exceedingly pleasant time, and I have been happy for the past week. She has by this visit completely changed the color of my vacation, & I shall look back upon it as one of my pleasantest.
I will write you a long letter tomorrow or next day. L. is going to write now.
Your loving bro.
Wm A. Keese.Remember me to my friends.
[change of handwriting]
My precious Pet
Your good long letter reached me last night. You are a faithful little wife. I did not expect to hear so soon. I supposed you'd write to Sue & Jennie first - I've only time enough to tell you how much I love my little June, as Will is already to go down to the P.O.
Have you a room-mate yet? Be sure & tell me all about her, about your studies & yourself - I expect to return to Wakefield this afternoon - am not quite positive, still you may direct your letters there - I'll write it plainer - Wakefield - I've got my dress about finished, it will look quite decently - June, I'm going to tell you something - Don't you tell, though - I've horrified your mother - I like her ever so much, but (again you mustn't tell) she don't like me. This is a very unsatisfactory letter - I'll write a longer & better one in a day or so. Good bye my precious -
Your faithful "Hubby" -