[Two letters in the envelope. The first letter had no paragraph breaks. Some were added here for easier reading.]Monday Evening
My dear Clara.
You will see by this, that I have got back from Quincy, have been gone five weeks. Does it seem possible. I enjoyed my visit ever so much, although was busy most of the time. Mother was unable to be about house, so Carrie and I were housekeepers, then I had to be in Boston some of the time to help Ella, as Aunt Mary is gone, and they have not been very successful in getting help. Ella is quite an expert housekeeper. She is going to school again after thanksgiving. Aunt C has a girl now that thinks she can get along with. Ellen Richardson called there last week. She is boarding on Chambers Street, is taking lessons in music of Prof Baker. She pays four dollars per week for board, beside the expense of hiring a piano. She called to invite Ella to visit her often. I saw Lizzie H- often while in Quincy. She sends much love to you wished you would write to her, would to know if you have got acquainted with Sarah Dyer yet, she is her cousin. Carrie is some acquainted with her had seen her to Lizzie's they all talked about you at home, a great deal. Phebe is hoping to hear from you again.
I supose your time is so much occupied that she must not expect to hear from you very often. I wrote to Delia Preston this morning. She is dreadfully homesick her mother says she does not write of anything else but of herself, how homesick she is, and about getting home, &c. Is it not a pity. She has not even described her journey. I suppose it would have been the same had she gone to South Hadley. I suppose you would like to hear something about the shop girls there are a good many of them still out. Lizzie Martin has been quite sick is getting better, will not be able to be in the shop for some time. Carrie T- is away also wishes to stay several weeks longer I believe. It seems real lonly [sic] to have so many away. Mr. Spur [?] is back again, fills George's place nicely, now. Don't know how he would get along if all the machines were in operation.
Mrs. Allard is dead she was sick very much as Amos was. There are others quite sick in that neighbourhood. Mr. Rice spoke of the sickness and death there, last evening in meetings very feelingly. Melia and I called there Thursday evening to do your errand about Luzy D- [?] he enquired all about you, if you were coming home &c, &c. I told him you said it was only four weeks to Thanksgiving, he wanted to know how you found it out I suppose he thinks you don't get all the news out there. He forgets you see "the Journal" every day. Last evening Mr. Albert Readstreet gave a lecture, in the "Hall", I went in a little while after meeting, liked him very well, was a better speaker that [sic] I expected, he was short. Got through before nine. Mr. Cummings was then called for, after that Mr. Mudge, who very modestly declined. Mr. C. did not talk long for him.
Did you now that we have got to the last lesson in our question book? A committee has been chosen to select another. They met at Mr. Rice's last evening to compare books, but did not decide upon any one. So we shall have to review some of the lessons. I feel sorry to give up the book we have never had one that I liked as well. Am afraid we shall not get another. I am writing at the little round table. Your father mother Melia on Luly sitting around it. I get some joggles.
Sat P.M. after meeting. Has not this been a delightful Sabbath? Every thing loks so bright and beautiful. It seems sad however to see the leaves falling. Mamie asked me this morning "if the falling leaves did not make me think of the little story" of "'Twas Autumn and the leaves were dry" She is just as cunning as ever. We have all been to meeting all today Mr. Rice not at home exchanged with Mr Abbot of Beverly. He has been quite interesting more so than when he has preached here before.
My class in Sabbath School was very small today. I suppose it must remain so, unless, addition is made, of new scholars. Delia & Annie away. Mary W. at the Lybrary. Lucy Putnam not yet able to go out, and poor Clara, I fear never will be able again she grows more feeble, her friends are quite discouraged about her. Maia told me a few days ago she felt afraid she was in consumption. So only Shusia [?] and Etta are left. I did not feel at home in the class today. The class has allways [sic] been so large it makes me feel badly to see so few now. We finished our Ques Book today no new one had been selected, so we review the first lesson the next time.
I cannot relise that nearly seven weeks have passed away since we last looked upon each other since the last parting kiss of affection, and that only a few more will come and go, if God is willing, 'ere we shall have you with us again. Carrie Pope spoke of it as we were coming from meeting. She says she longs to see you and yet it will be so sad. I pity that family so much. Sarah is not very well, and she mourns so much. It is much wors[e] for her. You of course have not realized Amos' death as you will when you come home. I did not being away. I cannot even now make it seem real.
Last evening, as I heard your father step on the stairs, my first thought was that is Amos. He is missed in L. S. there are three at the lybrary now, and they don't get through with help from our father.
I am afraid I have written more than you will have time to read. Your have so few spare minutes. Please accept with much love from Eliza
[A second letter was contained in the same envelope.]
Dear sister Clara
I thought I would write you a few lines. Minnie caught a mouse yesterday. I have got a new doll which Grandmother gave me. You know that head that she carried home don't you Carly. Well! she could not find any body to fit it and so she bought a new one. It has got on a blue dress something like Lillie Rice's and I can undress it. I am going to name it Clara for grandma and you and Aunt Clara.
Minnie likes to kiss me she is kissing me now. Ruby Sinerton came down here and staid here most of the forenoon today we went out to the store and bought some candy. We played with dishes and bedstead cradle, dollies and all the playthings.
Minnie is in Melia's hat.
Aunt Eliza has come home and she brought a mat that Grandma made her to put before her bed. Ella sent me some chesnuts [sic] and I gave Luly some. I went to Salem and Mother bought me a Lincoln pin and I thought the face was dirty and so I washed it and now it is all black. I went down to Sadies the other day and carried my doll and left it there and Luly went down to get it the next morning and got it. Lydia Tapley and her Mother and her Grandmother were there.
Daphne has gone away and Marry Russell hears my class in Sabbath School.
Good Bye my dear sister Clara I can not write any more.
from Mamie