[Added paragraphs for easier reading. The original didn't have periods at ends of sentences, but a small blank instead to imply the end of the sentence. Periods have been inserted where those blanks were in this transcription.]South Hadley Oct 24th 1843
Dearest Mother
By some mysterious means I know not why or how I have a few leisure moments at my command which I have determined to spend in writing to you[.] You cannot imagine how I am hurried[.] Every moment is occupied so that I have no time to be homesick even if I felt inclined[.] Three weeks have passed away & I know not when or whither the two last have gone the first was long enough to make up for the rest[.] I intend this as a sort of apology for not answering your letter before[.] I hope at least you will take it[.] Punctuality you know is not one of my virtues although I exceedingly admire it in others especially when I am expecting a letter from home[.]
I have another excuse still more weighty[.] A few days after I sent my letter informing you that I had finished my examinations Miss Lucy Lyon came to me and told me she thought I had better go over the last section in Adams Arithmetic again as I had missed one sum in the examination[.] Here was trouble sure enough and to make it still worse I was expecting to receive a letter from home that night but none came[.] A hearty crying spell and a few comforting words from our dear Miss Parsons soon set all right again and prepared me to pursue my studies with greater energy[.] I could not bear the thought of writing home until I had finished which important event took place last Satuday and a pretty thorough examination I have had[.] Miss Lyon said at last that she was perfectly satisfied and I thought she had reason to be[.]
Charlotte will be through her Adams in a day or two[.] She has resolved that she will then box it up and send it home & I think some of entering into pardnership [sic] with her however we get along so well in our other studies without a single failure that I think it unnecessary to borrow trouble about this[.] And then we had such lots of company there was no danger of being lonesome I have taken several lessons in drawing and expect to commence Euclid next Monday. I have also commenced studying Ancient History intend to take a rapid review in Algebra[.]
I have now given you a descripton of my studies so if you please we will walk down to the domestic Hall and I will tell you how I employ myself there[.] Trundling down four or five pair of stairs we at last arrive in a small room adjoining the domestic Hall where with a variety of knives and other instruments we commence our operations on Pumpkins for which we are amply rewarded by a nice meal of Pumpkin pie[.] My domestic work usually comes at half past one and continues an hour and 1 quarter but yesterday on account of my washing it was suspended until evening when I carried from the domestic hall 48 apple pies & 12 loaves of bread just enough for one meal[.] I did not mean that 12 loaves of bread was sufficient for a meal no it would take twice as much that was only my share of the carting[.]
And now for amusements[.] Last recreation day a large company of girls sallied out on a chestnuting party among them was your daughter and her friend Charlotte Ann we had a delightful ramble good success and a plenty of fun then when we returned to crown all I found two letters waiting with all possible patience for a perusal which I tell you was soon granted[.]
Oh the pleasure of hearing from home I cannot describe it but hope and trust it will be often experienced (I felt quite down spirited when I heard of the state of M-'s health but your paper which I received yesterday has quite brightened the prospect and I shall continue to hope until I hear from you again[.] write to me very particularly for you know my anxiety[.])
But to return to our amusement[.] We have fine fun cracking walnuts eating apples (we have bought 18 for 6 cts) and making & receiving calls recreation hours I often wish I was near home so that I could step in & see you a few moments but as this is impossible I endeavor to content myself with the idea that you will all seem doubly dear to me when I do come[.] Oh! with whta joyful anticipations do I look forward to that visit home even now I can almost imagine that I am on the way[.]
I was very much surprised to hear by Cornelia's letter that Grand Ma had not returned[.] I think you must feel quite concerned about her if you have not heard from her yet[.] As for Aunt Harriet I am really afraid I shall never get time to write to her as I promised[.] I should like to know very much whether you have heard from her again or not[.] Please give my love to her when you write and tell her to write to me and I will answer it as soon as I can[.] And the girls give my love to them all and tell Phebe I will write to her soon[.]
And now I have a little cleaning [?] to do[.] I have found by sad experience that instead of washing our floors occasionally we are obliged to wash them every recreation day which takes some time and bringing the water up so many flight[s] of stairs I find is rather hard work[.] Would you be willing that I should purchase some cheap cotton carpeting providing I could find it[?] Charlotte says she would furnish half the money if her Mother is willing[.] If you think it would not pay for the expense and trouble please let me know in your next letter and we will endeavor to get along without it[.]
We have purchased and made the valences for our bed so that it looks quite comfortable[.] But I must not stay any longer to clean or any thing else for I expect every moment to hear the old dinner bell ring and I shall have no time after that[.] There it comes perhaps I shall get a few moments after dinner -
Dinner is over and I have only time to say Good bye[.] Do answer this scrawl the moment you receive it[.] I shall not direct it to you as I do not think it is wirth [sic] the postage[.] Charlotte sends her best love to you & Cornelia[.] My respects to the Capting and my best love to you all including you know who[.] Tell H the next letter I write home will be to her[.] Send me papers often[.]
From your affectionate daughter
H LandonPS I have inquired the price of some carpeting for sale at the store[.] It was 28 cts yd[.]