[A few paragraph breaks added for ease of reading.]Leighton's Corner Carroll Co. N. H. Friday, May 5th 1865
Dear cousin Clara
I will now endeavor to write you. Methinks that it would give me more leasure to have a good long talk with you, but as that cannot be, I am glad that we can communicate our thoughts by way of pen and pencil. This is a beautiful morning. The grass is very green, and all the trees will soon be clothed in a beautiful green dress, some kinds are now. The spring is very early here. I suppose you are having pleasant weather. I have had such splendid bouquets of the trailing arbutus this spring. I think so much of flowers. I cannot go out to enjoy them, and get them myself. But I have dear sisters and little brother to gather them for me. Vila has never studied Botany, but thinks she should like it very much.
Your letters of Feb 21st and Apr 17th were received with great pleasure. Your letters are so very interesting, anything from Mt. Hol. Sem. will never fail to interest me. I have to lay here all the time in this room, except a few times when I am carried out, and nothing gives me more pleasure than reading, and receiving letters. Father and mother have carried me out of doors in the rocking chair twice this spring. The last time I could not stay only a few moments. I was very tired afterwards. My heart troubles me a great deal now.
How very sad was the murder of our good and great president Abraham Lincoln. He had guided our nation almost to the path of peace, and it seemed so sad for him to be killed. He had done more for the human race than any other man living. His memory will ever be cherished in the hearts of every true lover of his country.
I had a letter from cousin Albert a few weeks ago. He said that he hoped that he should be able to come home this summer. I hope that they will spare him long enough for a visit. I have letters from Eddie Smith every few weeks. They were intending to start for Port Royal a fornight ago. George Leighton was over here last March. You would scarecely think how tall he is. I think that he is taller than Albert.
It seems so little while since we were little children. Time has passed can never near return. Would that we might improve each rapidly passing moment as we ought. I am so imperfect, and come far short of what I ought to be. My greatest desire is that I may live for Christ. My heart aches when I see so many that are living without a thought for the future. And I feel so sad when I think how unfaithful I have been, and how many duties I have neglected. What should we do if one had not such a kind merciful Father, who knows all our trials and troubles. He has promised never to "leave or forsake us." "His ear is ever open to the cry of the true seeker after the 'Pearl of great Price'." Pray for me dear Clara that I may be truly reconciled to the will of my kind Heavenly Father. "His thoughts are not our thoughts, nor His ways our ways."
I have never read the poem ("Enoch Arden") of which you spoke in one of your letters, but think that I should like to very much. I have seen several extracts from it, and think that it must be very beautiful and sad too. I read a very interesting book last winter called "Astronomy of the Bible" by Prof. Mitchell late Major Gen. U.S.A.
This letter looks so bad that I have a mind to throw it away, and not send it. I am sure I would if my eyes were not so bad. But if I do, perhaps it would not "missed the matter" any. For I might do just as bad again.
Vila had a letter from your sister Melia a few weeks ago. We had a letter from Aunt Armie last week. She had had a very lame wrist for a few weeks. Uncle Edwin Stevens preaches this year at the same place that he has the past two years. We expect that they will visit us in a few weeks. Aunt Elvira was sick with neuralgia in her head for a few weeks but she is better now. Aunt Burleigh is the same as usual. Grandpa Leighton is very lame this spring.
How many pupils are there at Mt. Hol. Sem. now? When do you expect to go home again? Mother sends her love to you, and says she should like to step in and see you sometimes. I feel very tired and my eyes pain me very bad just now. So I think that I will not write much more. Vila sends you a great deal of love and many good wishes for your best welfare. Write me whenever you can won't you dear cousin? It does give me pleasure to get a letter from you.
That you may live faithful is my earnest wish and prayer. And may the Good Shepherd guide you in the path of Peace.
Will you please accept this letter with the love and true appreciation of your cousin,
Hattie Sanders