[Some paragraph breaks added for ease of reading.]Mechanicsburg May 7 1879.
My Dear Daughter
I have been waiting and waiting for a letter & could not think why you did not write I have been so intensely occupied so much to do and attend to such a constant strain that writing has been out of the question between Jennie and the children. You may try to imagine what kind of a time I have had but you will fail Jennie so weak and nervous that the children scarely dare speak and the bird had to be covered up to keep it quie[t] she finally concluded to go to New York to Julia and you cannot tell how glad I was to see her off she missed the 11 train but took the next one and had to stay in the city over night. Went on to Princeton the next morning (Tuesday) found Julia there and enjoyed the exercises very much met many acquaintances and friends, amongst others Mr Marquiss and his mother called on her. Robbie had them go out to the country on a visit which they all enjoyed hugely. Robt Wishard went with them to New York and staid over Sabbath. Jennie went along and attended two services, before she left here she had not been out at church since the funeral.
Thursday This forenoon I was up at home making garden &c I have quite a large garden. Also a pretty side yard in which I have made a flower bed the girls have been white washing the yard fence here I have been working real hard since I have been here am tired all the time it is so hard to get the girls to work Jennie will have a good time with them. I have a card from her today she expects to be home next week. The Dr wants her to rest and get built up before he undertakes her case wants her to go to New York in the fall again I do not know what I shall do it is too hard for me to do all the work when she is here when she is away I make the girls work[.]
Marys head troubled her very much for a while but since she finds she cannot massage me in this way she does not complain of it Nettie does very well. Julia is much improved, is going to the Assembly to represent China will be home I presime [sic] after that. She and Jennie are invited to Wilkensburg to a missionary meeting about the first of July if they go they will attend your commencement exercises wont that be nice. You would be surprised to see how cheerful Jennie is when she has any chance atall. [sic] Robbie is gone up to New Hampshire to preach his address is [in] East. Wolfsborrough [sic] N Hampshire he went with Julia & Jennie to N York also Wishard. Rob thinks Julia is a grand woman she interests everyone in her work I am so glad that the treatment is helping her head. Mr Fergeson [sic] was here yesterday to get Rob to fill his pulpit during the vacation he wants to visit California, if he had only spoken a little sooner but a change may be better for Robbie the Yankees up there will be apt to sharpen him up. Miss Jose Logan & Dr Bailey are to be married next Tuesday evening Ellen Mateer is invited things move on here as usual[.]
The young ladies prayer meeting was here last evening. Ours is to meet here tommorrow [sic] Florence spoke of your letter Mrs Ralston attended the annual miss meeting in Philadelphia was delighted Julia gave a talk I will do up the skirt and send by mail if you wish this weather you do not need it Mr H willed all to Jennie her Life insurance of 25.00 willie will invest at 10 perct her house is rented for this year. She will stay here this year after that I do not know I do not think you could get along with her and the children atall. [sic] to teach. They appear to think that you and I are quite below par and they are above. You would have but a short time to teach here before the schools commence about two months. I think however you can find some kind of teaching to do here you may be able to get a situation in one of the rooms in the public school there are some vacancies I am told. I will speak to one of the Directors[.]
Hope you will get along all right with your performances I would love to be there but cannot say at present Mrs Scott is in the choir. We will be next door to Mr Heflefinger, on Keller Street
Write soon to your Loving Mother