[Original had no paragraph breaks and almost no punctuation. Paragraph breaks added for readability here.]Sugar Creek June 19th 1850
My Dear Brother
I intended when I wrote my last to answer your next immediately and do myself the pleasure of writing a long letter but in both these I am disappointed[.] I rec'd yours of June 5 together with one from Sister Maria week ago last Mon[.] about that time we had a fine rain after a loud spell that the grain had been too dry in the garden to work[.] the weeds had got the start of every thing else[.] the boys were so much engaged with other work that they had not time to look at the garden[.] consequently I droped [sic] every thing and went to weeding and hoing [sic] with Samuel and now I am not fit to write I am so very tired[.]
have been making soap made two barrels beautiful soap yesterday & today besides spending greater part of to day ffussing [sic] with a kettle full that will not write after working till I am tired out[.] have given it up[,] am going to let it stand till morning then if it shows no signs of writing put it away till I get some stronger lie [sic][.] Now I imagine this will [not] interest you very much but realy [sic] I have not ambition enough to write any thing that will interest you as any one else and I tell you now you need hope for nothing but a very dull letter[.]
should not write when I feel so were it not that Mother last evening rec'd a letter from you requiring an immediate answer and which she cannot answer as she went to Brother Davids to-day and may not return till Saturday[.] In regard to her going East we had not thought seriously of the matter until after reading your letter last even although she has said all summer that she would like to go[,] but looked upon it as an impossibility for want of means and opportunity[.] has felt a little backward about calling upon you even since you kindly offered in your letter to me to furnish the means because we have had to call upon you so much but says now that she will go provided you can visit home and accompany her[.]
cant think of setting out without company as far as South Hadly [sic] at least & I think it would be rather impudent for her to do so in her feble [sic] state of health particularly as she has never journeyed any by public conveyance. The care and dread of going any of the distance alone and getting there alone would be too much for her and perhaps overcome her strenth entirely. By the time she would get ready to return her health would probably be some what improved she would get into the way of traveling soon and should think by ascertaining when to meet some of the swains at Albany which could be easily done by writing[.] she could return in that way or if not John thinks some of going this fall out into NY to sell the horses[.] if he does that he could go on for her.
In your answer dont reply to my first proposition[.] Be [?] as if you are replying[.] I have not made that proposal in John's hearing[.] I dont think it would meet his aprobation[,] have proposed for him to go for her in the fall. He would a little rather she would defer her visit till next season wants Louisa to go there & thinks Mother had better wait[,] but I think there is some doubt about her being ready to go so soon on account of her studies[.] even if she should Mother ought to go this summer if sh[e] can conveniently[,] both on account of her health and for Maria's sake[.] Poor girl she dreads visiting Exeter alone. Another thing I think has some influence with John although he does not say so but I think he wants to go and visit with mother when she does go[.] which he cannot do this summer[,] but if he should go for her in the fall it will give him an opportunity to visit as long as he will want to[.]
If that is the case though[,] I am more sure that it is[,] it seems to me he ought to be contented when he compares his chance of visiting with mine. Except moving in here and going to Nunder [?] to school when I was eleven years old I never have taken but our journey[.] that was when you and I set the clock along & got a good ducking on our way to Nunder when you were making your clock with your jack knife[.] Do not think I am complaining by no means my turn is coming some day and it will be all the smarter [?] for waiting[.]
Mother don't want Maria to know that she thinks of going as she may not go and the disappointment would be great[.] Even if she were sure of going she wants to take her by surprise[.] Her plan is to leave here so as to get to South Hadly [sic] just at the close of the term to have Maria understand that she need not be in a hurry to leave as you may probably be able to visit. This[,] you will understand[,] is what Mother would like to have you hold out to her. In her last she [sic] letter she had some faint hope of seeing you this summer[.] I should think you would be anxious to go to Exeter at all events this summer[.] We know not how to give up the idea of seeing you this year[.] Those pesky applications for patents[.] [The letter is addressed to her brother at the Patent Office in Washington DC.] I wish they were all in Halifax for a month or two.
Well I have written more than I expected to when I commenced if I have been dull and I [find?] my fingers are very sore with [...][.] I have a good deal more I want to write and I must write again now will try to take some time when my fingers are not so stiff and sore. The flower seeds you sent have all come up except the Bulbs[.] we are watching them daily are afraid they are not coming[.]
Dont as I ought to have told you that John wishes Mother not to go East till next year[.] he will I am sure not object seriously but you will say nothing[.]
I dont see much more prospect of your getting off the bachelor list than there there [sic] is of my keeping off the old maids[.] I shall be on in less than a year inevitably but it does not frighten me in the least[.]
Know not when this will be mailed[.]
Here lays my letter yet [?] June 19 now July 6[.] after I had got it written and sealed found that John was more opposed to Mothers going east than I supposed[.] seems to think she had better defer it a year[.] I did not know what to do[;] dallied along 3 or 4 days[,] I then went up to Davids to help Lucy[.] took my letter took my letter [sic] intended to put it into th[e] Office on my way[,] but the maid had just gone out to work[,] not again for a week[.] took it along thought I should get hom[e] & get it to Franklin sooner than that[,] but here it is[.] just got home yesterday[.] But now mother has about given up going[.] she feels very anxious to see Maria tho that is I suppose out of the question[.] if she does not go you need not say any thing about Johns objection[.] I dont want him to know that I have said any thing he would think hard of me[.] But if you cant leave[,] of couse that will settle it[.] I feel above [?] keeping you waiting so long[.] write soon[.] David I suppose told you about his wilding [?][.] one thing I will say it would realy [sic] do you good to see that sweet little sweet babe[.] she is one of the smartest little creatures I ever saw[.] but I must close[.] All my love
Your affectionate Sister
E. S. Lane