13 June 1853

My dear Austin.

I dont know where to begin. There has been considerable news since I have written much to you, and yet of such a kind as I dont think you would care for. I will tell you first how glad I am you are better, and are not going to be sick, as I was afraid when you wrote me. Do be careful, very careful, Austin, for you are from us all, and if anything happens to you, we cannot find it out and all take care of you as we can when you're at home. I dont think you'd better study any for a day or two, until you feel perfectly well. I wont say any more about it, if you dont want to have me, lest I make you sick by talking, as you said you should be if I told anybody, and folks wrote letters to you; but just come home the moment whenever you are sick, or think you are going to be sick, and you shall have Vinnie and me and Somebody nearer than either of us to take care of you, and make you well. I sent the White Hat as you wished, and you've probably received it before this. I sent it on Saturday, with special instructions to Driver, and presume it has got there safely.

I will send the other directly, if you would like to have me.

The New London Day passed off grandly - so all the people said - it was pretty hot and dusty, but nobody cared for that. Father was as usual, Chief Marshal of the day, and went marching around the two with New London at this heels like some old Roman General, upon a Triumph Day. Mrs Howe got a capital dinner, and was very much praised. Carriages flew like sparks, hither, and tither and yon, and they all said t'was fine. I spose it was - I sat in Prof Tyler's woods and saw the train move off, and then ran home again for fear somebody would see me, or ask me how I did. Dr Holland was here and called to see us - seemed very pleasant indeed, inquired for you, and asked mother if Vinnie and I might come and see them in Springfield.

Last week was beautiful, tho' very warm and dry. I was very happy last week, for we were at Susie's house, or Susie was at our house most all the time, and she always makes us happy. Vinnie is down there now.

The stories are all still, Austin. I dont hear any now, and Susie says she dont care now the least at all for them. They must not trouble you - they are very low - of the earth - they cannot reach our heaven if they climb never so high. I will attend to Bowdoin.

Mr Ford sat with us in church yesterday, and took tea at our house last night. I think he's a popinjay.

We had a visit from Joel. Ego, mitie, me. We all go down to the grove often. Father and mother together walked down there yesterday morning. I think they will alive live. Father thinks so. We all send you our love.

Emilie.

I have had a letter from Mat, and she sent her love to you, and will write you very soon.

I will find out accurately what "the expenses" are, and let you know next time. We did the best we c'd, and everything very safely.

I gave Jerry your messages, at which his teeth increased, and his countenance expanded - he laughed also for some time, as if taking the joke moderately and wasting none of it.

Austin - there's nothing in the world that Jerry wont do for you. I believe he thinks you are finger than anybody else, and feels quite consequential to think of serving you. Send him a word sometimes, for it affects him so. Mrs Mack too inquires for you with unabating interest. It's pleasant to be liked by such folks, and I love to hear them speak of you with interest. Mr Dwight has not given an answer. I feel a good deal afraid, but try to hope for the best. 'Twill be dreadful if we dont get him. You dont tell us about your hair - wont you next time. Austin, for your peace is our's. Write us often, and we will, and think that if we all live we shall again meet together during these summer days. I shall be glad to see the Poems.