[Some paragraph breaks added for ease of reading.]Jan 27 1850
Dear Cara
I little thought that four long months would elaps[e] before I should write to you, but I shall offer no apology not that I deem none necessary for to tell the truth I am ashamed I have often remarked to Alma what will Cara think of my long silence think not, Dear, that it was my inclination. No, but I have been very busy indeed this winter with my studies; my health has been so much better than I expected that I have attended school most of the time, which has been very pleasant and when I am home there are a good many things to do. So pray excuse me wont you dear?
I have been at church to day and listened to two good sermons from Mr Reid (who has been ill for a few days) there were but few present comparitively [sic], owing perhaps to the sleighing being so poor. It is quite warm and the setting sun as it casts its last beams in the top of Barakmatef [?] presents a sense of beauty and loveliness which I wish you were here to enjoy with me, and I hope Cara that on many such a scene we may be permitted to gaze together, and Alma, oh! how pleasant it will be to enjoy her company in our little rambles and pleasant rides. oh! Cara do come and spend the delightful spring months or at least a part with your true Salisbury friends who will welcome you with true affection.
Feb. 4th You wished to know what studies I am persuing they are these, vis, Latin, French, & Arithmetic. I attended to drawing, last term & expect to take lessons in perspective in the spring and when I am advanced far enough I will draw my home on Barakmatef [?] & send to you if you will accept it. Graham is attending to Philosophy, History & Arithmetic parsing &c[.] He is a going to attend, the spring term with me, or at least I expect so & it makes it very pleasant for me to have his company; as you must know Miss Wolcot [?] is an excellent teacher and performs her duties admirably I never enjoyed school so well in my life as now. I often think of Mademoisella Cara down there amidts [sic] the pi[...]s and sands and think she must be very lonely, but I hope that you have some congenial society and no doubt you do, you know who I mean, or at least Alma spoke of those young clergymen of whom you have spoken, now dont blush dear. I mean nothing, only your Unclele's [sic] family will lose at a treasure that some fortunate One will gain[.] But you must come and make us a visit first wont you?
Myron tells to send 4 kisses to you; he grows finely, but does not talk plain yet. Grandfathers family are well, except Grandmother; she is quite feeble. Sally is gone from home, to spend a few weeks with a sister in Dunbury, Ct. Fanny is to spend tomorrow with us. We enjoy her visit very much. We had a pleasant sleigh ride a few days ago and returned by the way of the Lakes I could not but remember the time when we went there with you[.] But I must bring this letter to a close, for I fear it will be a difficult task to decipher this horrid writing, but do excuse it and the numerous mistakes, for I have written just what came into my mind. Eunice whispers in my ear give my love to Miss Williams and tell her I should be happy to see her. Accept my warmest regard and believe me
truly yours, most affectionate
friend, Cara Hutchinson(Write to me soon)
PS (A young gentlemen present wishes me to present his compliments to you although unacquainted)