[A few paragraph breaks added for ease of reading.]At the shop 1/2 past 10 Friday A.M.
Girls. I have but short time to write so take pencil. We are all comfortable and nice but busy. We have had a cold snow storm for 24 hours which still continues with some breaking clouds.
Mary has not gone to school. Eliza is at the shop. Have just come from the House have been directing Mr Lincoln about Selecting my pork.
Yesterday noon I went to Boston. In the Eve I met Miss E Lewis [?] with Edward at Mrs Philemon Potter[.] [?] We found all at house. The prospect for Christmas is fine. The [...] improvement club has organized with G. Priess. [?] President for next night.
We have finished up our inventory & think our business [plan?] in about as last year if So I ought to be Satisfied. I shall get more stores it has cost me to live with all other expenses. which is a big sun[...]
I will close with Saying that my principle object in writing was to tell you why I did not write
From Your Father
A Mudge