Dear Daughter Mary
We recd. your letter this Sabbath noon & were very happy to hear from you as we always are never fearing that you will write too often - especially as we can hear of your good health & success in your Studies & content in your situation which is indispensible [sic] to your improvement. On account of your anxiety for the health of your Sister I deem it expedient to write you this Sab. Eveg. If I recalled in the last letter I said Rebecca had been at Church all day & experienced no injury from it; the next Sab. was not quite so pleasant & she went half the day & perhaps took some cold & was very unwell all the week, & we were somewhat anxious about her & have ben very careful of her care since this past week she has been improving though the weather has been such that she has been unable to ride but a little - that we consider very important to her recovery but for 2 or 3 days she has ridden & today she has ridden with me twice & enjoys it & has improved essentially. within 3 or 4 days - we hope now the blessing of health may speedily be restored by the goodness of God. This day attended Church as usual heard Rev. Mr Newcomb on the providince [sic] of God common & special very interesting.
Mother says she misses your Needle some but she & George gets [sic] along very well - - - - - -
Nothing very new & novel to write only say - Miss Mary Jane is published today. -
The families I wrote of being sick before are improving, but particular Friends as well as usual[.] Ellens letter was very gratifying indeed & caused a good effort on her part to answer it, which she has done at her own mental effort. Give yourself no anxiety in reference to R Anns. health for we shall write you if any circumstances require, at present we consider she is getting along quite well & hope she will be able soon to write herself.
Affectionate regards of all so near & dear at Grantville & love without measure
Sabbath Evening 10 O.ClockGrantville Octr 22. /48
Your affte Father Dexter Ware
Aunt Lydia sends love to Louisa & shall write soon
["Aunt Lydia" was Lydia Pratt Smith, who was married to Dexter's brother Reuben Ware. Dexter's daughters were all close in age; Louisa Ware was born in 1828, Rebecca in 1829, and Mary in 1831.]