A Letter written on May 6, 1867

New Bedford Mass May 6th 1867

Dear Cousin Esther [Esther Calista Lawson]

after so long silence I again take my pen in hand to write you A few lines I know not what you think of my long silence it is not because I have forgotten you not by eny means I was telling [Eleanor's husband] Robert the other day I didnt know what Esther thought of me & told him I guessed you would begin to think that we dident want to see you Robert thinks I am some like Newton he promised Robert he would write him all the about the lawsuit but all we have heard as yet is from A round about way but this doesent concern me at all one reason why I have not written before is we have been very undecided all winter ware we should be this spring if living we had 2 or 3 chances to lease Newbedford and go out in the Country on A farm Land 14 miles from Newbedford but we have lived here so long I dident like the Idea of leaving at all although I gave my consent to go the 9 miles but before the bargain was made Robert was lucky enough through A kind friend to get just what he has wanted all winter A private Watchmans berth as he can not stand hard labor he watches in the Rope walk ware they make all kinds of rope he has no labor to perform but to open the windows in the morning and ring the bell in the morning at half past five and at six oclock he has to go six oclock at night and gets home little past six in the morning so he has A chance to work half A day he is now making up for lost time for he dident have three weeks work all winter the dullest winter that has been known for years. we have moved in the West part of the City near the rope walk it is A little out of the City but it is very pleasant out here we live up stairs have 3 fire and 3 bed rooms and plenty of other room and we have A splendid view of the North West part of the City also of the Harbor now dont fail to make us that long intended visit very soon we are not so far from the Depot as we was before I shall look for and expect you soon and wil meet you at the Depot I dont think of mutch more to write at present I am almost ashamed to tel of it but I havent written Cousin Eliza since last july please remember me to her and family if I was only A good writer I should not neglect so long ware is George I should think he might come down here with you. we are all wel as usual and hope this wil find you all in good health our love and respects to all enquiring friends if eny we have so good by for the present write soon and dont fail to get A squint at Newbedford without delay this from your well wishes friend and Cousin

Eleanor A. Lawson

as thare is no number on the house ware we now live please Direct last House on Arnold St