S. Hadley, Nov. 17, 1846.Ever dear sister L,
Many thanks for your kind note. I had been anxiously expecting it for some days, as Miss Curtis said you were intending to write me very soon.
You have indeed left home then, I do not wonder, that it was hard to part with those dear loved ones, it was sad for me to part with them, when I expect, if our lives are spared, that we shall meet again in a few years at the longest; how then must you have felt to part with them never to meet again in this world. Still you do not regret the decision you have made, nor should you, for you are following in the path, which the blessed Savior marked out and he will sustain you.
Many thanks to you, my dear sister, for your sketch of the journey, "Railroad sketch" though it was, I long to see you, I have so much to say to you, that I can scarcely be patient to wait for the time to come when we may meet. Next week is Thanksgiving, but as most of the teachers wish to leave, and for some other reasons, we shall probably have no guests this year. Aunt's health is very poor, indeed, for the last few days, she has been confined to her room. She has a severe cough arising from a cold, which settled on her lungs. She does very little business now, does not sit up nearly all day. I have some fears that she may have a protracted sickness, though we hope not. Aunt [Mary Lyon] did intend to invite the trustees to spend Thanksgiving with us but on account of her health, she has decided to invite none but Mr. Condit.
There has been something of an influenza prevailing in the Sem. for a few weeks. Miss Curtis left us last week on account of a hard cough, and Miss Scott has had a distressing cough ever since the term commenced. Miss Barker has so far recovered that she has commenced the drawing classes. The other teachers are usually well and happy I believe, though quite pressed with duties. I have invited several of them to write a note to enclose in this, so you will perhaps have several. They can hardly find time to write a full letter, yet you would not doubt the depth of their interest in your welfare, could you hear their frequent inquiries respecting you. Indeed scarcely a day has passed, that I have not been asked, how recently I have heard from my sister, how she is, when she is coming here, &c &c. My health is very good, I do not think that I injured myself while at home. I have no cares in the domestic department now. I expect to study, until three weeks after Thanksgiving and then give up my studies entirely and have the entire care of the domestic work, except what Miss Scott has.
Aunt says "give my best love to Lucy and say to her, that we should be very happy to have her spend Thanksgiving with us, yet I think she had better spend what time seems desirable with Mr. Lord's friends, before she comes here." Now, if you could be here during Thanksgiving recess, it would be very pleasant for me,still I wish you to do what is best.
Mr. Condit's health is very good now. Mrs. C. has no girl and Helen attends school. I must tell you that the foundations are laid for an Academy in this place. It is located between the church and Mr. Dunlap's. I understand that it is to be three stories high. The amount necessary to complete it is already raised, and it is to be finished in a few weeks. The new brick school house is finished. It is a very pretty one. Mr. Lyman Montague is teaching a select school in the old school-house. I have heard that he is to have the charge of the Academy, though I do not know how true it is. I think I wrote you that Dr. Strong is married. He boards with Mr. Dickinson, who lives in his house. Sarah lives with them. He continues to practice here and is now attending upon Aunt. She likes him much as a physician.
There have been several deaths in this town since you left, among the number are Dea. Lyman, and Mr. Ingraham brother of the one who leads the choir. Also a brother of Miss White who was a member of your Sab. School class. He was twenty three years of age quite intemperate and died as he lived, apparently unprepared for death. I have learned some of the particulars respecting Miss Preston's death. I do not know that any one conversed with her at all on the subject of death, nor did she know, that she was considered dangerous, until a very short time before she breathed her last. Her mother then said to her, "My daughter did you know, that you are very sick." She looked up earnestly and said "You ought to have told me of this before." She then turned over - gasped - and died.
I hope that you will call at Lebanon Springs as you are coming here. I have not heard from cousin since I wrote you, I think.
Give much love to brother Edward and accept a large share for yourself from
Your affectionate sister
Rosina Lyon.Mr. and Mrs. Hawks and Susan also Mr. and Mrs. Condit desire to be remembered to you. So many in the Sem. have said to me send my love to your sister when you write that I have not room for their names. Enclosed are the answers to those letters you mentioned. Though Miss Scott has not received any thing from your pen. Will not your heart leap for joy when this reaches you?
[A letter written in the margins:]
My dear Sister Lucy I intended to have written you last evening but had intemption [?] which rendered it impossible but I must put in one word. Oh I miss you so much. I did use to love to go & see you & have a good chat. And dear Miss Moore too is gone sometimes it makes me feel sad when I touch upon your recent places, but I would not call you back. No dear Sister I bless God that he has put into the hearts of so many that I have to go to the poor heathen. May he bless you[.]
When shall we see you here do not fail to come. We all want to see you & some of us want too to see the Lord & to become acquainted with him for your sake at least[.] Do not leave without coming here. I was in Boston when this Burgess & Hope sailed. I have many things to say but I must forbear. I am writing on a little corner of R's table & in the greatest haste -
Very much love to you & remember your friend Susan to your better friend. -
Sister Susan.