7 March 1852

I will write while they've gone to meeting, lest they stop me, when they get home. I stayed to Communion this morning, and by that way, bought the privilege of not going this afternoon, and having a talk with you, meanwhile.

It's a glorious afternoon - the sky is blue and warm - the wind blows just enough to keep the clouds sailing, and the sunshine, Oh such sunshines, it is'nt like gold, for gold is dim beside it; it is'nt like anything which you or I have seen! It seems to me "Ik Marvel" was born on such a day; I only only wish you were here. Such days were made on purpose for Susie and you and me, then what in the world are you gone for, Oh dear, I do not know, but this I do know that if wishing would bring you home, you were here today. Is it pleasant in Boston? Of course it is'nt, tho', I might have known more than to make such an inquiry. No doubt the streets are muddy, and the sky some dingy hue, and I can think just how every thing bangs and rattles, and goes rumbling along thro' stones and plank and clay! I dont feel as if I could have you there, possibly, another day. I'm afraid you'll turn into a bank, or a Pearl Street counting room, if you have not already, assumed some monstrous shape living in such a place.

Let me see - April - three weeks until April - the very first of April, well, perhaps that will do, only be sure of the week, the whole week, and nothing but the week; if they make new arrangements, give my respects to them, and tell them old arrangements are good enough for you, and you will have them, then if they raise the wind, why let them blow - there's nothing more excellent than a breeze now and then!

What a time we shall have Fast day, after we get home from meeting - why it makes me dance to think of it; and Austin, if I dance so many days beforehand what will become of me when the hour really arrives? I dont know, I'm sure, and I dont care, much, for that, or for anything else, but get you home! We will call on [half a page cut out]

I have been hunting all over the house, since the folks went to meeting, to find a small tin box, to send her flowers in [line missing] very often and [line erased]. Abby is getting well, is coming down stairs this week. Emiline, too is gaining - we will have them all cured before you get here. I'm so glad you are well and happy, it half reconciles me to having you away - the smallest half! Kate Hitchcock and Storrs, are coming off tomorrow evening. Dont know whether they will have a wedding, or not, presume the faculty will be present in robes. I am more and more convinced, that this is a great country! Emily Fowler was here yesterday afternoon - inquired for, and sent [verso of half-page cut out]

out of the house. Dont know where they are going - guess they will have to live on College Tower, for the houses are pretty full [five lines missing]. There's a great demand for Houses, and Father looks very grand, and carries his hands in his pockets in case he would meet a Northampton man. The Tyler's are going to Pawtucket this spring, to live.

Henry [Nash] has whiskers. Wells Newport has disappeared, and our horse is now under the care of Jeremiah Holden, who seems a faithful hand. There are many things to say, but meeting is out, and all the folks are coming.

Sunday evening -

Much love from Mother and Vinnie - we are now prety well, and our hearts are set on April, the very first of April!

Emilie

Love to Miss Nichols - E. Norcross, if still there, and all the relatives. Sorry he did'nt see Sue.

Liked your letter very much, and hope I shall have another one pretty soon.

Vinnie went to South Hadley with Henry Root, Wednesday to call on Jane [Hitchcock].

Father has got well. John Emerson's going [to give a] lecture, Tues[day].