14 March 1854

Dear Austin.

It is getting late now, but I guess you'll "have occasion," so I write a word from home -

After you went away yesterday, I washed the dishes, and tried the Drainer - It worked admirably, and reminded me much of you. Mother said I must tell you. Then I worked until dusk, then went to Mr Sweetser's to call on Abiah Root, then walked around to Jerry's and made a call on him - then hurried home to supper, and Mother went to the Lyceum, while John Graves spent the evening with Vinnie and I until past 10 - Then I wrote a long letter to Father, in answer to one we had from him yesterday - then crept to bed softly, not to wake all the folks, who had been asleep a long time - I rose at my usual hour, kindled the "fires of Smithfield," and missed you very much in the lower part of the house - you constituting my principal society, at the hour in the day. My family descended after taking their bath, and we breakfasted frugally. Mother and Vinnie were quite silent, and there was nobody to make fun with me at the table.

Today has passed as usual - Sue came this afternoon, and we gave her all her things. The note was quite unexpected. I had a letter from Garrick [?] Mallery this evening. Sue and I went up to Mr - Sweetser's to see Abiah - then I went home with her, and had a pleasant time - She said she meant to have you get her letter first, but I advised not to quarrel on so minute a point - Father wrote a very pleasant letter - said he hoped you had got well. Prof Fowler, was very interesting - so mother said, and had a very good audience - Did'nt you find it very lonely, going back to Mrs Ware's? We speak of it very often.

I would'nt sit up late, if I were you, or study much evenings. Vinnie has been to see Mrs Mack about the house - Mrs Mack says John White is a nice man to be in the house - neat, orderly, clean, and so is his wife - does not drink, she says, and "has took the pledge." Mrs Mack says the only thing is whether he can pay the rent, and he thinks he can pay it. Mrs Mack would like to have him there - "A great deal better than Morrison." You must do as you think best.

Mr Field's daughter is dead.

I dont think you left anything - Should I find such, I shall direct it to the "Honorable Edward Dickinson" and send it on!

I hope you wont be lonely in Cambridge - you must think of us all when you are.

And if the cough troubles you follow my prescription, and it will soon get well. You must write whenever you can.

You know you can telegraph to Father if you would like to - you are not confined to the pen! It seems pretty still here, Austin, but I shant tell you about it, for twill only make you lonely - Love from Mother. Remember us to Clark. Goodnight -

Emilie -