Greenfield March. 5th '46Ever dear and remembered cousin
It is eavening, [sic] and I am once more liberated from the cares and perplexities of the schoolroom and quietly seated at the fireside of home. I have just been sitting at the window watching the last faint rays of departing day, as they lingered along the western horizon, but have now passed away and given place to the gloom of night, with my thoughts the while wandering from this to the granite state and picturing to the imagination, scenes which are transpiring there. Would that I were this eavening in your company listning [sic] to the rehersal [sic] of weeks and months which are past - but enough of this[.]
I received your letter dated Feb 20th last sabbath[.[ The pleasure and satisfaction which I enjoyed perusing it I need not describe, indeed I cannot[.[ Have been teaching in the north part of Gill the winter past - but that is no news. closed [sic] my school one week ago last Friday - had a very pleasent [sic] school more so than I expected. - the school has had rather a bad name a few years past being ungovernable &c &c &c I did not have to shake up but one of the large boys. but that was done thoroughly now I tell you. - like the people of the district very well. some rather rough ones[.]
I am sorry cousin to have you think that I am guilty of telling an untruth but so it is. It was not done intentionally, and I ask your pardon. When you left I told you that I thought I should visit you in the winter and I did expect too [sic] as much as I expected any thing. - but soon after I engaged a school. - so you see my time has all been employed I should have writen [sic] to you long before this time but duties have crouded [sic] upon me in such quick succession as to leave me no time for it. And Emily, dare you tell me that it is the want of affection that has prevented me from writing to you. have you for one moment harbored the thought, banish it from your mind forever and bury it in the depths of oblivion. Be assured cousin the frosts of winter have not harmed my affections, nor frozen the emotions of my soul[.] Not a day has passed but what something has occured [sic] which has recalled the past with all its pleasing and reviving associations. How rapidly time passes, it seems but a day since you was here, and yet it is months - soon the bright and sunny days of our youth will be gone and the cares duties and responsibilities of life corrode our enjoyment. Glad to learn that your prospects for future and for Holyoke are so bright - may the sun of prosperity shed her encouraging influence along your path, and may it never be dimed [sic] by the dark cloud of adversity[.]
as As [sic] it respects myself I hardly know what to think, the want of funds seems to be almost an insurmountable barrier and bids (I had almost said) defiance to any exertion I may make, but as hope is all that keeps the soul alive I will hope and take courage - shall go to school next fall if I can consistantly [sic] but cannot tell so long before hand how it will be but I will hope, and hope that my hopes may be indulged. Oh! Emily I have some painful news to tell you grandmother Richards is dead. She was taken sudenly [sic] ill last sabbath morning, and after a few days of severe pain and suffering, her spirit took its flight to another and we trust a better world where sorrow and signing are known no more. - her complaint was the typhus fever. - the funeral is to be attended on monday, at one o'clock. I have thought some about going to Alstead this spring, - but as the snow is deep and the travelling rather bad I think it best to wait a while. - but I am coming and no mistake, - and I think on the whole it will be pleasenter [sic] to go in the summer than now. oh! yes then I can visit your school and we can take some fine botanical excursions. Mother says she dose [sic] wish Emily would come down and teach our school next summer, and I wish so to [sic] and so do all the rest. father is committee, Rhotrude is comeing [sic] up to go [to] school next summer. What fine times we could have studying if you would come &c. cousin I do want to see you if ever I wanted to see any body. - want you should tell me about that O I know something, I guess I do, Oh! by the way I an [sic] acquainted with Frederick. - you know me Emily, and now wont you write to me and tell me something you know[.]
Guess I have writen [sic] as much as you will have patience to read. but I have not said half what. I want to nor I could'nt if I should write a week. - we are all well &c
Now cousin don't let it be so long again before you write to me. don't. Write the first opportunity you have. - you say you are going to school this spring what do you study. - you say when one gets to the end he stops. well I have got near there and I guess I will stop.
Flavel.
Over look all mistakes for I have writen it upon the run[.] My love to all, all send - be careful and not study too hard write me soon, shall want to hear how you get along, &c
If you knew how much I thought of a letter from you it seems as though you would write to me oftener - your letter is the only one I have had this ever so long. good night, Flavel
Shall I ever call Frederick cousin
now Emily you keep this letter to yourself
don't expose