[Some paragraph breaks added for ease of reading. The year is not included in the letter, but March 27 landed on a Tues in 1838 and 1849. The postmark on the letter conforms to the 1849 style, not 1838.]Northampton Tues 27th March
Dear cousin -
As we have just received a letter from Charles, in which he said that Pliny would not write this time, but wished to be remembered to his friends, we have thought you would be interested to hear immediately.The letter was dated Feb. 24th Isle of St. Thomas. It is a kind of journal which he has kept on the way. He says all were some what seasick but he lost but one meal. All had been on shore at St Thomas. They had experienced a severe storm, and the Capt wished to stop at that place, to repair the damage done to some of the rigging. I cannot give you an idea of the whole, as there are nine pages full of interest to us and I doubt not it would be so to you. I wish you could read the letter. It may be however that Pliny changed his mind and that you also have received a letter.
Charles says that they were all in thin clothes and it was very hot. They saw orange, lemon and cocoanut trees laden with fruit. They had been out fourteen days & he said it seemed like a long voyage to him. Head winds had driven them out of their intended course to the east. If you will look at the map you can trace their course. They went out east to the Bermudas, and then you will find St. Thmoas just east of Porto Rico. It has no name on the map, but is one of three small islands near Porto Rico. You will see that the distance to Chagrio is not very great[.]
It is supposed that they arrived at the Isthmus about the 1st March. I imagine that the weather where they are is not exactly like that which we are having. It has snowed yesterday and to day, and has gathered so much as to make good sleighing. I should think they were in good spirits & Charles said that he thought the seasick ones would get along now. He spoke of Frank Baker as being sick a long time.
Most of those who have gone from here have written to their friends. Mr. Chenerys letter is to be published in the Courier to day. We also received a letter from Roxana last eve. She said that they were nearly decided to stay until August. Merrick has not yet returned from New Jersey, and Myra and myself are the only children for the present. You cannot immagine [sic] how lonely we are & being so much accustomed to a large family.
What has become of Brainard? I think wherever he is he had better give an account of himself. We looked in vain, for him every week after the Californians left, hoping he would come and assist us to regain our cheerfulness after that trying event. It is now a year since I was enjoying that visit at W. How quickly has the year come round, and oh what changes has it wrought.
There is now a fair prospect of good sleighing, may we not hope to see some of you soon? We received a letter from Alfred a short time since. He expects to come home as soon as the Lakes are open for navigation. I presume that you know, how much good it does to receive a letter when [...] lonely as we are. I hope, then you will let us hear from you soon. Mother wishes to be remembered to all. My love to all my friends and cousin if you please. I trust you will excuse all the imperfections of this and accept it with the love of
Your cousin Lizzie S__