Dear MotherDisappointment has succeeded disappointment, day after day has passed, but they have brought me no tidings from home. What can be the reason? Have you not yet received my letter? I fear you have not, for Charlotte received a letter from home last night, stating that you spent last Wednesday evening there, and was then very anxious to hear from me. I do not wonder at your anxiety, nor should I blame you if you was quite vexed with me; but my dear Mother I am not quite so much in fault, as you may think. I dispatched a letter to you, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and cannot imagine why you have not received it. I am very sure it was directed right. I have also written to Phebe and Rachel, and think you must have heard from me by them. I hope at least that you will know no more trouble about my health, for I am perfectly well, and cannot help smiling when I think of you[r] anxiety on that account. I have an excellent appetite, so good of late, that I find it rather difficult to hook some of my dresses.
M. Franklin write[s] in her last letter, that Mitchell's health was yet very feeble, that you watched with him the night preceding your visit there. I have sometimes feared that this was one reason for your delay. Do not dear Mother, I beg of you, conceal anything from me, through fear of injuring my health. I would much rather know the worst. Your last letter was quite encouraging, and I have felt much more cheerful since, but as he says, "Consumption is a flattering disease," and should any change take place for the worse, I hope you will not fail to let me know it. When I think there is a chance for his recovery, I cannot give up the idea of coming home the next vacation. May I not come? I cannot think of spending that long long week here; for a week during vacation, seems much longer than at any other time. Did not you and Mrs. Franklin talk the subject over when you were together, and may I not hope that you came to a favorable conclusion? for Mrs F- wrote to know the exact time of the vacation. It commences just five weeks from today[.] I made a mistake when I told you it came in about eight weeks, but no matter about this, if you have not received my last letter. If you conclude that I may come, I hope you will let me know as soon as possible, for I have but a short time to prepare for it. You know we must not lose a single recitation, and I may have to anticipate some of mine[.] But I fear I am flattering myself with hopes that cannot be realized[.] I sometimes think it is almost foolish to think of coming home to spend so short a time and whatever you may decide upon I hope I too may think it is for the best[.] But there is the dinner bell and I can write no more at present[.]
Wednesday afternoon
You must not expect to hear much news in this letter for I only write it to relieve your anxiety and to solicit an answer[.] Nuther [sic] must you look for a long one for I have only time to scratch down a few words[.] I have a long [...] in Euclid to learn yet this afternoon[.] I wish to tell you about the loss of my key which belongs to my trunk[.] I have forgotten to mention it in my other letters[.] I had so much else to say to you[.] In one of my hurrying fits I threw the key into my pocket and went to walk[.] On my return I could find nothing of it[.] Soon after it commenced snowing and I never expect to find it again[.] It seems to me I am the most unfortunate of all beings[.] I have worn out one pair of shoes and the others are fast going[.] A few evenings since for my special gratification I broke a lamp and a tumbler[.] But though of my troubles I will only say they are very numerous[.] Do not you think I am such fidgety to day? I am quite ashamed of myself and should not wonder if you was of me[.] But let me hear from you and I assure you all these gloomy feelings will vanish[.] Do not fail to write as soon as you receive this[.] I suppose Louisa has left you[.] I want to know very much how you and Cornelia get along [...] I suppose you have fine times[.] I wish very much to fill out this page but time will not permit[.] Give my love to Father Lester Brother and all the rest of my dear friends[.] I will endeaver to write the next letter a little more legible hope you will be able to read at least a part of this[.] But I must not write another word so Good Bye
From your affectionate daugher
Harriet Landon