Providence, Mon. April 3d '76.My Dear Sister.
Your letter to Auntie reached her Saturday morning. So you did not find the cards in
itmine. Mother finished and sealed my letter while I was getting ready to spend the evening at Mrs. Houghton's. Father went to Society Meeting and Allie, to the First Baptist, that evening, so I improved the opportunity to visit Mary and had a very nice time there. The cards went with me instead of going to South Hadley.Wednesday I, [sic] spent the afternoon at Ella's. Thursday evening Mother the boys and myself went to hear Dr. Taylor; Dr. Stockbridge and Mr. Phillips were with us also.
Friday afternoon we had a very nice visit from Mrs. Angell, Mrs. Bradford and her little girls.
Mr. Angell came to tea, and they went home early on the children's account. The little girls were dear little things, they were delighted with the dolls and toys and played, very prettily with them all the afternoon. Yesterday we heard Mrs. Angell is quite sick.
I wonder if it was as pleasant in South Hadley yesterday as here; it was a lovely Spring day. Even the frogs felt the effects of it, and were chirping merrily in the swamp near the Chapel, last evening.
All our family were able to be at meeting yesterday afternoon, and Father and Mother went again in the evening. There was a very full house int he evening; two hundred and thirty at School in the morning. Dr. Stockbridge took tea here. Usual inquiries about South Hadley wonders if the young ladies would not be delighted to hear of his personal visit to Athens. Gave him but little encouragement as he is not a missionary.
Journal for last week closed, Probabilities came next.
Allie has a vacation this week, it is recess in College. He is better than last week.
I am going to a meeting in the city this afternoon; the young ladies of the Fourth Church are trying to form a Sewing Society, to make fancy articles for sale; hoping to make a little money towards paying the debt on
theour Church. Mary Houghton is to be President, Sarah Stevens Vice President, Ella Westcott Secretary, Emma Burgess Treasurer. All old companions of mine; I am anticipating much pleasure from the meetings; the one this afternoon is to be at Mr. Kenney's on Doyle Avenue. Once a fortnight is to be the time of meeting.11 A.M.
Father has just come home and brought your letter to Cousin A. for which she sends thanks. We are delighted with your description of your room and are glad you are so pleasantly situated. I wish I could see you all, give my love to your whole family. Who does Minnie room with? Is Abbie there now?
Our flume is done and the Mill will start tomorrow; Nothing has yet been done to the bridge in the road; two funeral processions have passed through our mill yard The mail today was a full one; Cousin A. had a letter from home, and I one from Mary Jay.
Must close now and get ready for my trip to the city. All send love. A postal from Cousin Abel, tells us to expect some honey soon. Mother filled the butter box with things for the children.
Lovingly Sister
Carrie.[A pencil notation added in their mother's handwriting; the cards it mentions no longer are with the letter.]
These cards give the date of baby Wightman birth -