Holyoke June 5, 1847.Ever dear brother and sister,
Your kind favor of Apr. 5 was duly received, many thanks to you for it. I love to hear often and particularly from you. All alone as I am here I prize still more highly the privilege of hearing from my absent friends.
I received your letter a short time before vacation and intended to answer it immediately on my return, but was prevented by an accident which deprived me entirely of the use of my right arm for nearly two weeks. I dislocated my elbow and the physician thinks that I ruptured the ligament. It is now much better, though I can use it but little. I can write but a few lines at a time as it causes a severe pain in my elbow. The physician fears I shall never be able to use my arm as freely as before, still I hope I shall.
I had a delightful vacation, spent it in Sturbridge, about 40 miles from here, with my room-mates, the Misses Plimpton. I room now in the third story, have two most excellent room-mates. They are sisters, both pious, the youngest has become so during the present year. My own sisters could not have been kinder to my than they are.
This is one of the loveliest mornings I ever beheld. Yesterday we had a refreshing rain, and all nature speaks forth its gratitude. With the earliest dawn, the merry songsters poured forth their praises in a song rich with melody and sweetness. From my window I have a fine view of prospect hill, the Holyoke range in the distance at the north, and beautiful fields and farm houses at the south. Nor would I omit the beautiful orchard, and the meandering stream which increase the beauty of the scenery. If you will only give me a call I will not only show you these beauties, but others even surpassing them. You know sister something of the scenery around us, but I could introduce you to some things you have not seen. Please walk into 58. O! what a beautiful geranium, you exclaim. Yes, it is indeed, some seven or eight feet high, and very flourishing. Now we will go into the front yard. Many alterations have been made since you were here and I think, brother, you never visited this loved spot. The boards have all been removed from the sides of the beds and green-sword or box put in their places. The yard is beginning to look very beautiful.
I have heard nothing from sister Lucy yet, directly, though I have heard indirectly that the Ship Hongua had arrived at Hong Kong, all safe, I am now daily expecting letters. There is an overland mail which brings intelligence from China in a month.
We have heard from cousin Abby three times. The last intelligence came last evening. They have gone to Ahmednuggar, were well and happy.
By the way, brother, do you have the privilege of reading the Missionary Herald? It is sent to me and I will forward it to you, if you would like it. I have already sent one or two numbers. I have the Home Missionary also, but perhaps you take it. When you write please mention if you would like to have me send them.
I am glad that Francis and Flora get along so well with their studies. Give much, very much love to them. Please say to Mary that I should like to have her remember that she is my elder sister and I am therefore waiting for her to write, as I think it would be hardly proper for me to write her before I have received one word from her pen. I do not know what to think of her silence. It is more than eight month[s] since I left home and she has not written me a word. What can it mean? She is not sick or you would have written me. Indeed, I feel quite troubled about it. Does she think I have ceased to love her? If so, she little knows the depths of my heart. I love my friends with all the warmth of affection that I ever felt.
I received a letter from sister Electa last week. I intend to write her soon. I am glad Sophronia is teaching. I hope it will be a profitable school for her, and that she will realize the responsibilities that rest upon her.
This letter is written very, very badly but I must beg that you will pardon it, on account of the circumstances.
Kiss the children for me and tell them not to forget aunt Rosina. Love to all my friends.
Write me as soon as is consistent with other duties. My room-mates desire a remembrance to you. They have heard me speak of you so often that they feel quite acquainted with you.
Your affectionate sister
Rosina Lyon.