16 March 1854

Dear Austin.

Cousin John has passed part of the evening here, and since he took his hat, I have written a letter to Father, and shall now write to you. Your letter came this noon - Vinnie went after it before we sat down to dinner. You are very kind to write so soon. Dont think we miss you any - hey? Perhaps you know nothing about it. We are indeed very lonely, but so very hard at work that we havnt so much time to think, as you have. I hope your room will seem more cheerful when you've been there a little while.

You must'nt think anything about Mrs Ware. Since you went back to Cambridge, the weather has been wonderful, the thermometer every noon between 60 and 70 [degree symbol]. above zero, and the air full of birds.

Today has not seemed like a day. It has been most unearthly - so mild, so bright, so still, the kitchen windows open, and fires uncomfortable.

Since supper it lightens frequently - In the South you can see the lightning, in the North the Northern Lights. Now a furious wind blows, just from the north and west, and winter comes back again.

Sue was here yesterday and today - spent a part of both afternoons with us. Seems much like old times. We gave her the letter. Vinnie's bundle came today, after giving her great suspense. Mr Potter brought it to the house himself, and seemed very pleasant indeed. I went to the door - I liked him. Mary Warner and her friend Abbie Adams, made a call of about an hour, here this forenoon. They had been taking a walk. I think any sentiment must be consecrated by an interview in the mud. There would be certainly, a correspondence in depth.

There is to be a Party at Prof Haven's tomorrow night, for married people merely. Celibacy excludes me and my sister. Father and mother are invited. Mother will go.

Emiline and Jennie Hitchcock were both here this afternoon.

Mrs Noyes is sewing up stairs. Jerry went for her with our horse. Mr Cabot said there was no danger and Jerry drove very carefully. Jerry asked us yesterday when we were writing to Mr Austin, to tell him Fanny was much improved by recent exercise, and looked finer than ever. Jerry is so kind and pleasant that I cant bear the thought of his going away.

He speaks of you with great admiration. We are going to send two little cakes of maple sugar to Father tomorrow. We thought it would please him.

Miller came here yesterday to see if Father wanted to hire him this summer - said he had had a fine offer, and before accepting it, would like to know if he was needed here. He wanted us to ask you when we wrote. I think he is a humbug. I hope you wont employ him.

I have more to say, but am too tired to now. Mother and Vinnie send love - They are both getting ready for Washington. Take care of yourself, Austin, and dont get melancholy. Remember Clark.

Emilie -