[A few paragraph breaks added for ease of reading.]Danvers Centre May 22nd 1865
Dear Friend Clara.
It is sometime since I have heard from you and as your letter of nearly two months ago has not been answered will take this opportunity to do so. How do you get along this warm weather? or can you carry a hundred and twenty five pounds of flesh and bones now? It makes me feel rather lazy, to speak the truth. It has been nothing but rain for three or four days shall be glad to see the sun once more.
What a good time we had the day we walked to the Plains. I had to go after the Hats all alone by myself. I like my black hat very much but the white one does not suit me so well. I have got my bonnet also. I look like an old lady of seventy five in it. Should like to see you some sabbath morning dressed up in yours.
Mother said she was much obliged to you for your visit when you was [sic] at home, try and make a little longer call the next time. Our sabbath school had a May festival. Lillie Dickey and Charley went with me, did not get home till nearly one o'clock had a very good time.
Mother has been very sick. We did not think she would live but is getting better now. Maria has got a little girl born last thursday, it is as good looking as can be expected considering its age. Albert Rundlett boards here now works for George Peabody. Have you heard anything about Edwin Hoag giving Hattie G. the "mitten." I heard something to that effect but do not know whether it is true or not. He has gone up Country I believe. You have not seen anything of Lizzie Tapley and me, I presume yet. You can keep on looking. Perhaps you will see us one of these days if you wait long enough, remember your promise to take us in and not be ashamed of your "country sisters."
O dear! I should like a handful of cherries shouldn't you. Do you have fruit of any kind there without bringing it from home. I went to Boston with Porter and Sarah this spring staid over night and went to the Museum in the evening. It was perfectly splendid I thought. The play was Angel of Midnight. Was [sic] you ever in there? We went in before dark so as to see the "curiosities." My eyes were tired of looking so long, presume I acted rather green[.] Saw Caddie when I came home in the cars and have not seen her since as I remember.
I suppose you have heard about the exciting times we have had here lately[.] I hope it learnt [sic] them a lesson. I went to South Danvers to church the day the [sic] Mr Lincoln was buried. They had a union meeting of four societies. The church was darkened and light [sic] up, it looked very imposing.
Did you know that Lydia Courrier was to be married in the fall to Fred Putnam. Mr Procter has just come after milk for Mrs Mudge. I cannot write as long as he stops for he is such a funny man. I wish you could see my fingers. I am afraid I have put more ink on them than on the paper. I guess it is a sign of a good writer, dont [sic] you?
Mamy told me that your work was changed to "washing dishes" quite romantic work, she thought she should like it very much. I think she will change her mind before she is many years older.
But my thoughts are scattering and I am afraid I shall trespass on your time if I wite [sic] much more and so will close with the hope of a speedy answer[.] Mother and Susie send their best respects. Alice is just as good as ever, a little darling. She was up here and stayed over night a short time ago. Sarah brought her up in the afternoon and she would not go home with her so she staid all night, but enough of this scribbling I think so good night from your old friend and
School mate.. Hattie..