Woodbury May 2 1847. Sabbath Eve.
My dear "Nelie",
Thinking that by this time you must have recovered from your fatigue occasioned by the writing of your last letter to myself. I have seated myself to answer it. But what can I write to interest you. I might write many things relative to W. but as you are unacquainted with the place, it of course would not interest you. How have you been and where have you kept yourself this long winter. Is it not delightful to have spring come once more. To see the grass so green to hear the birds warbleing [sic] their songs of praise and all the many, very many delightful things which spring brings to our view.
How I should love to return to Holyoke after the spring vacation and see familiar faces, &c. Nelie do you ever think of returning? Have you not been lonesome without Hattie this winter? Does she intend to graduate next fall? Have you any correspondents at Holyoke besides Hattie? I have none at all. I wrote to Helen Peabody some time ago but she did not deign to answer it. I have heard since however, that she was not at Holyoke, and I think it very probably she has not received it. If I really thought that letter was in the "General Post Office" I think I should give up writing entirely. But I hope it has not and shall therefore venture to finish this. I had a letter from Helen Ainslie a short time ago. She said she was enjoying herself nicely and had grown very wild and fleshy since she left Holyoke. Her parents wish to have her return to Holyoke, but she says the place is not large enough to hold her. Mary Ackley wrote me two or three weeks since. She is well and happy, expects to return to Hadley next year. I have not heard from Mary Brinsmade in a long time I presume however you hear from her quite often. I heard from Nelie Butler a "little while ago." She wrote me a delightful letter. If you will come and see me I will show it you. But Nelie are you not coming to see me this summer. Do come you and Hattie.
Where is Hannah Gorton? I have tried all winter long to find out where she was, but have not found out yet.
Well, I have told you all I can think of about the "girls" and now I will tell something about myself. I am at home (as you see by the date of this) enjoying myself tolerably well for me. I am expecting to remain at home this summer or at least most of the summer. Brother Fred is home now and if I "had nothing else to do," I should propose a visit to the north but as I have it will do no good for me to think of it. But Nelie I think I have written quite a long letter compare[d] to yours. I am very much obliged to you for it and I hope next time you will not be so wearried [sic]as to prevent your writing more. Answer this very soon[.] If you show it to anybody I shall never ---- But you wont will you? Remember Oh Remember! Please give my love to Hattie and all the "Holyoke girls," but ever remember me.
As ever in love Martha P. Cogswell
P.S. Nelie if you do not write soon I shall think this has gone to the General Post office. Written in great haste.