(answered April 22/)
Pompey April 14th 1846 -
Dear cousin,
You will be surprized to receive a line from your almost forgotten cousin Eunice. Somewhere among my papers in Cornwall I have letters from yourself & your dear departed sister Sally written to my late dear sister Charlotte, & myself, & I recollect too that we were diffident or proud, & would not answer them because we could not write as well as you did. --
You once visited us in our lonely habitation in Cornwall; we were then young, looking forward to a long life. But how quick it has passed away. I recollect your fresh blooming countenance, & I cannot realize what a change has come over you, tho' should we now meet we should not probably recognize each other. Our life has been changing - we have wept over the graves of parent, & sisters dear, but "shall we receive good at the hand of the Lord, & shall we not receive evil?"
The prayer of Ages [?] has fallen to my lot, & nothing but godliness, with contentment is wanting to make it great gain. You, my dear cousin, are placed when the energies of your mind are not crippled, but expand in benevolent efforts to promote the welfare & happiness of the human family. It is for otherwise with brother victory. Br. John has told you of his numerous family, & circumstances, & I need not repeat. --
The situation of his daughter Charlotte, a young lady about sixteen & the great interest I feel for her, has induced me to trouble you with this short letter. She has been in the school here, & has the reputation of being a very good scholar. There has been no female department in our Academy the past year & will be none for a time to come. It is necessary that C- should fit herself for a teacher. She is a young lady that will improve good advantages. --
Now my cousin, would you deem me bold, should I ask if she may attend your seminary six months & you trust for your pay, until she has earned enough by teaching to pay you? The family knows nothing of my writing, & will not should you answer this in the negative. You will therefore feel no delicacy in answering as you see for your interest. By answering in the affirmative you will confer a great favor upon one who will be grateful for such assistance & I trust so much good.
My love to your family, & your father. I think of him in all his loneliness.
Affectionately yours,
Eunice B. Baker.