New Ipswich, July 27. 1849.My dear Miss Williams,
You may not expect to hear from me now that it is "so late in the day", but I never forget my friends quite so easily, and if I cannot write in season, I sometimes write out of season, and see whether my friend will be so kind as to excuse me.
I suppose next week is anniversary week with you: do you not dread examinations? - I wish I could be there to hear the exercises:- but I must not now think of it, for my father has gone away on a journey to the state of New York, and I cannot leave home. When I left South Hadley, I thought I could be there anniversary week.
I wish to hear from you all, and it does seem as if I could not have you all scattered, after another week has passed away. I shall not witness the separation, but shall think of you, and it will even be painful to me to think of you as separated, though I am so far from the homes of all, except that of Lucy Stearns. I suppose I shall see her very soon, and shall hear from my friends.
How is your health? Do you return to Ohio immediately when the year closes? - If so, I suppose you will be very busy until you go, and I will not ask you to write to me just now, but as I wish to make sure of a letter from you & from Miss Luce, let me ask you, with all earnestness, if you will not write to me, as soon as you have leisure again? - I do not forget those whom I have loved with such an affection as I have cherished for yourself & Miss Luce, and if you will be so kind as to remember me and write to me, I shall at any time be glad to hear from you:- and more - I shall be sincerely grateful for a letter. Our present homes are now far apart, but that makes no difference with hearts, except that it often strengthens the affection wh. before existed there.
You have probably heard of my brother's death last May. It was a severe stroke to me: but all is right. I would never be found murmuring against the allotments of a kind Heavenly Father. I love to leave my all in his hands. He will lead me, perhaps by "a way that I know not," yet always in the way of life - if I am his own child. Let me ask if your prayers may not still follow me? - pray that wherever the Lord shall place me, I may be fitted to remain, and be truly contented:- pray that I may be full of faith of the Holy Ghost, & be the means of much good to perishing souls. Let us ever pray that we may live worthily of Christians, & never dishonor the cause which we profess to love.
Very truly your friend,
Sarah E. Farrar