[No paragraph markings in the original. Some added here to making reading easier.]Harriet I begin to marvel much that I do not hear from you not a word or a letter from any one since I came here save the one directed from you to H- [?] which gave me much uneasiness from the affectionate expressions in your letter feeling that you might experience no little disappointment when you learn'd that I had left I was very indiscreet in sending you word that there was any probability of my visiting you before I came here[.] My wishes being so much in favor of it there appeared little in the way to prevent when in reality it was entirely out of the question[.] I think were you somewhere in this neighborhood I might feel quite comfortable concerning you[.]
Now H- if you are sick or any way indisposed you must surely let me know it otherwise I cannot be contented to remain here without the promise from you in a letter when you receive this if you can possibly find time to write me[.] You of course have written Mrs Hall and answered some of your H- letters[.] Have you rec'ed the bundle I left for you and I also wish you to send for what you are truly in want of but nothing further of course[.] You can do without all momental [?] dress there, much better than here if you should be so prosperous as to obtain a useful education and come here.
Ladies dress here excessively I think vastly more than at H- wear many ornaments and most expressive dressed cloaks shawls & hats[.] One lady who attends the Episcopal Church wears a cloak which cost more than 80 dollars blk silk velvet rimmed with the chinchilla fur put on in box plaits I should think most of the fashionable bonnets cost from 10 to 20 dollars silk velvet trimmed with flowers inside and splendid plumes outside to match bugle beads and gilt fringe[.]
Society is of a high order here than I expected as much display about that as dress[.] They have a very nice French Confectioner here which goes where they have parties to dress the tables [?] and make the ornaments which consists of ornamented loaf cakes pyramids patterned [?] with a bit of candy rolled in guilt colored paper fringed at the ends macaroons put onto a frame covered with something looking like thick spider webs or fog that you could just see the cakes through all vanity and vexation of spirit[.]
Wm L Charles has been to 3 this week and I to 2 of them at the first families in the place[.] Mr & Mrs B- also attend[.] But I'm no more in favor of them that ever but on the contrary more disgusted[.] James looks to day as though he was just recovering from some debauch J- now looks very ill and I'm feeling a little anxious fearing his health is rather poor and we shall yet be thrown entirely upon our own resources[.] You must therefore study all you are able take the most perfect care of your health. Have you any thing to wear when you hang out your clothes[?] I'm sure I never thought of your wanting any thing for that purpose[.]
I wish you had my knit bonnet that Mrs B- gave me to wear under my bonnet travelling[.] When we may go to house-keeping we know not J- says we cannot before spring and I fear not then if I do not, shall pretty likely return to H-[.] The people are very polite and sufficiently kind but I must say now I wish I had remained at H- until you had finished going to school as I have nothing to do here of the least profit and am a good deal unhappy that I am so far from you[.]
I wish you could get time to write one once a month notwithstanding the express I should even be willign to lose [?] one meal of victuals a day I should think you must think with what pleasure I used to receive the boys letters oh yes I must say a little more of Palmyra Wm L's girl I am told is much accomplished, been one year at [...] at school Rochester or Canadaguor [?] I suppose I am also told by an intimate married lady of her acquaintance that the thought she would never marry him although she thought they were fond of each other James dislikes her very much am informed that she has been a profound flirt having refused ever so many offers but is still popular though 25 years of age[.]
I should think Hester Perienne of a similar character though not having so much experience being yet only about 18 or 19. Her sister was married a short time before I came had a most superb wedding giving out 200 [?] invitations has married the richest man's only child in town[.] Hester is now in N.Y. city being gallanted about the country by merchant of the city whose hand in marriage she has formerly refused who know Mrs B- thinks she will now accept[.] You need write none of this in your answrs to me or K- would not like it[.]
I almost dread seeing a H- paper the only source from which I get any intelligence expecting that it may contain the death of some friend[.] I hear by way of Wm's letter from his mother that Joshua Colony had been very sick of [..] fever and also that Edward Hall's life had been [deprived?] of any [...] for his parents who left for Boston 9 'clock P.M. How could Mrs Hall bear such a separation oh it would be sad and appalling to her who is made of love and affection to part in this life with one of her dear children but oh how awful to be separated eternally[.] I trust and hoep that would not be the case with her and her children[.]
And how it would help me to endure all my trials here to have at least a reasonable evidence that I might recognize my other children when say H- do you not think Jehovah is worthy of your supreme affections and do you not hope to love Him with all your mind and might and strength and has not God said and will you refuse to hear thou that seek him shall find and thou that love him he will love and great peace have they that keep his law and nothing shall offend them and that also He will withhold no good thing from those that walk uprightly[.]
Do you read the bible and pray for instruction in it[?] How many promises you will find there to the fatherless [?] and those that Christ love[.] If you do not already know if we only have hope in this life we are of all the most miserable so says St Paul[.] Will you not write me how you get along in your studies in what favor you are with your teachrs what condition your clothes are in how you like walking how it affects you going up so many pairs of stairs how many clothes you have lost whether you have found your thimble do walk a mile every morning snow or nont[.] do you pinch yourself almost to death with your dresses[?] If necessary you must have them altered on home[.]
We have had no sleighing here of note how much have you at Hadley[?] I'm going this eve to attend a temperence theatre a real drama taking the Gent in broadcloth to the very outcast in rags[.] Mother and children are also present in the scene the performances are from your own dear M.H. They have had a crowded hour every eve this week exhibiting the same scene I assume your money is kept moveing [sic] here and no doubt, you will advise to live here if you can have a plenty of the article and so you will if you have your mind will stand and can appear well the people here are refined and intelligent more so than I expected[.] Wm B-'s family are among the first class most of the nobility have called[.] Now H- don't disappoint me about writing[.]
Palmyra Dec. 14 1843
H-. Walker