Orwell [Vt] March 28 /45Dear Cousin Mary,
As I have been sitting this afternoon plying my needle with all diligence occasionally stopping to reflect upon the past, present and future. The past comes up with more than its former loveliness, for as you know in bringing to mind past scenes the miseries and deformities are forgotten, and only the bright side of the picture is viewed. In reviewing the past, there is no part of my life which I can dwell upon with more delight than the year spent at Holyoke. There I formed attachments never to be erased from my memory as long as reason holds its sway. You dear Mary, was one I had a particular regard for, and I can hardly believe my own senses when I think I have never written to you. It is not because I have forgotten you, no, Mary, but it is partly owing to negligence and partly to an aversion I have to writing letters. I love to hear from my friends and always on the reception of their letters I think I will be punctual in answering them, but you know "Procrastination is the theif [sic] of time" therefore sometimes they go unanswered. In looking over my "old papers" I find many communications commenced and directed to you but never finished something occurring every time to prevent, so you must take the "will for the deed.["]
I suppose you would like to know what we are up too [sic] in these [...]ings. Well we are all sugar and clay, diggin [sic] for our lives. Why, were you here, you would hardly think it possible for one town to contain so many of the "sweets of life." I can hardly realize it myself, yet it is even so.
I presume long ere this you have heard of the title I have had conferred upon me the past winter, which is nothing more or less than "country schoolmarn" [sic] was you ever so promoted? if so, well and good, if not, I hope you will be. I can assure you the schoolmarm has the highest seat at the table, the best bed, and the rocking chair with a cushion as big - as big as - a piece of chalk. Now Mary do you wonder that I am a going to try my luck again this summer in that line. But there is something connected with the school I am to take this summer, and when you hear what it is, you will not so much wonder at my taking it. It is said, that young ladies always get married the next winter after teaching there - but there have been some exceptions already and probably will be more. Be that as it may I am agoing to try my success, would not you? The schoolhouse is about a mile and a quarter from home, so when I feel disposed I can go there. I did not intend to teach this summer, but I could be spared as well as not, and could have good wages and enjoy the same society as if I remaned [sic]at home, indeed most of the young people are either a going to teach, or leave town, or get married. I have attended some parties, visits & rides since I came home, but none that were very splendid or that would interest you as you are not acquainted here. By the way I believe you saw some of my letters from a Miss Bottum while I was Hadley, she is married - a pleasant wedding she had too, of about thirty. were [sic] it possible I would like to send you some of the cake (which was very nice) to dream upon. I would like too, to tell you my dream, but all these things must be reserved until we meet face to face, which I hope will be soon. Are you going to Canada in the fall? I shall expect a visit from you then, do not disappoint me.
You ask if I would like to return to Holyoke? I should be very happy to do so, but shall not at present? I think you must feel quite happy at the idea of so soon finishing the course, and of being so successful too. Your room mates are pleasanter than last year. I often imagine I hear your well known rap at my door. Oh that I could spend just one day in No 89 with you and some other good friends, and have one of those scocial [sic] chit chats as we used too. [sic] Where are all our section? give [sic] my best love to all that are at H- I would like to see them all. I hear Miss Webster has left you. What a dear good creature, she is. Is she to be married at present? Has Miss Reed returned Is Kate Porter married? Does Miss Wright remain with you? What for a teacher does Marie Brown make. Does Nan Foot support a good deal of dignity. Can Abigal laff [sic] as pretty as ever?
How does Miss Bridges new dress set? What Mr Kirk is it that is going to take her How does Roxcena carry sail this year - does she not need my watchful eye over her? Tell her I saw her people last Sabbath, they were all well.
Eliza is well & is at this time making her tongue fly at the rate of ten knots an hour. I have much more to write but the stage has not gone out yet, and our man offers to carry this to the office I have written Ohio in haste without thought that it was a going to a Senior I expect you will find much to critise [sic] & you would have more had I time to write.
From your aff. friend
M. A. CushmanHow long before vacation? Where shall you spend yours? come up here, do, do I will meet you at Sudbury if you will only come & that is not all I will sweeten you up as sweet as honey.
[pencil inscription in the margin]
Mary I would write some in this letter if I had time but will write soon. Give my love to R- & all acquaintances.
Eliza.