Salisbury Feb 14th 1846.Dear Nelie
I hardly know whether I had better make an apology to you or not, for neglecting to answer your letter until the present time, but I am almost confident when you have heard how confined I have been for the last two or three months you will freely excuse me. Some 8 or ten weeks ago I came here to assist Aunt Mary in the hour of sickness, the time has past like a momentary dream, and I can only realize it as such. - -
You ask me if I recollect calling you a sort of cousin, and also if I am still willing to claim you as such. My answer is - certainly, - if Nelie wishes it. Don't you think me very accommodating? [...] realy [sic] thought you were bringing me out, by asking if I remembered the "multitude of capers" that were transacted in the closet, I did not endeaver to explain it away
at all, and don't know but she still thinks that some awful tradgedy [sic] must necessarily have been committed by the way, they afford me a great many, (comical or musical) reflection as the saying goes. I regretted much that circumstances so happened it, that I did not, could not have the exquisite, pleasure of seeing you when you was [sic] spending vacation at home - I suppose (by the by) you would like well enough, to know how and where I was spending my precious time about those days, cheifly [sic] in idleness with no small portion of pleasure, (if I mistake not) but I believe that those two ingredients as a general thing, are not found "occupying the same space at the same time" but this may be one of the few exceptions, I think I never spent two weeks pleasanter than when visiting at Westerlo and Schodack, staid in Westerlo eight nights, attended a soiree every night but two, while in the place, good company and entertainment, how could one help enjoying oneself, I could not. was in S- 4 nights and while there got myself quite recruited after so many nights late campaign; spent one day in Albany visited the Geological Hall, Capitol, Museum. State House and City Hall, and when night came I nearly, hailed it with joy, for I never was more wearied in my life. Returned home by the way of the Center staid all night at uncle George's, saw Olive and Louise Pratt, Carlie Ball, and one or two other of the schollars [sic] all seemed to be enjoying themselves, did some think of spending the fornoon [sic] at the Academy, but the sleighing was so very bad that we concluded to take the benifit [sic] of what was left, while the ground was frozen. Well! I finaly [sic] got safely back as far as Uncle James, found Aunt Mary much better than when I left and whose health to all appearance seemed gradually improving until day before yesterday, when she was rather suddenly obliged to go to bed, and has not been able to sit up any since, only just long enough to have her bed made, I greatly fear that she will have more difficulty with one of her ears, though perhaps not, since my return my principal business has been to take care of your GrandPa's room, Aunt Mary; and then what time there was left to improve in sowing. [sic]Last week your Uncle William and Aunt Phebe came down and staid all night, all well, as usual when they were here: -
Oh! what a snow storm we are having the wind blows and the snow flies, I expect to see snowbanks as high as the house by the time the storm is over. I hope it does not blow as hard in South Hadley. - - - - -
Have you heard from Maria Fuller, lately. I have never heard directly from her but once, then she sent me a paper with barely the initials of her name, I intend sending her a real dunning letter soon. -
Aunt Mary and Jane send a great deal of love to you and Hattie. Aunt Mary would write a few lines in this, to you if she was able, but hopes you will endeavour to write to her, and [she] will answer it when she gets able. Remember me in love to your sister Miss Barker and all others who may inquire after me, Cousin Lucy I suppose starts for South Hadley next Wednesday; will likely enough arive [sic] before this reaches you, if so please tell her to write me a long letter about the Amenia affairs. -
Time presses, and I must hasten to a close. I beseech you not to remember my want of punctuality. try me again, if I then prove tardy you may then think you have some just cause for thinking, that it is forgetfulness on the part of your
Affectionate friend, Louise
Ahem Have you written any dialogues of late, or are you priviliged [sic] to read others if not, do you trespass on the rights of others and read them, without leave or license? Lida
When you write again direct to South Amenia as before expect to return thurs [sic] in the course of a fortnight[.] L