24 March 1852

You would'nt think it was spring, Austin, if you were at home this morning, for we had a great snow storm yesterday, and things are all white, this morning. It sounds funny enough to hear birds singing, and sleighbells, at a time. But it won't last any, so you need'nt think 'twill be winter at the time when you come home.

I waited a day or two, thinking I might hear from you, but you will be looking for me, and wondering where I am, so I shant wait any longer. We're rejoiced that you're coming home - the first thing we said to father, when he got out of the stage, was to ask if you were coming. I was sure you would all the while, for father said "of course you would," he should "consent to no other arrangement," and as you say, Austin, what father says, "he means." How very soon it will be now - why when I really think of it, how near, and how happy it is, my heart grows light so fast, that I could mount a grasshopper, and gallop around the world, and not fatigue him any! The sugar weather holds on, and I do believe it will stay until you come.

Mat came home from the meeting with us last Sunday, was here Saturday afternoon when father came, and at her special request, was secreted by me in the entry, until he was fairly in the house, when she escaped, unharmed

She inquired all about you, and is delighted enough, that you are coming home. I think Mat's got the notion that you dont care much for home or old friends, but have found their better substitutes in Boston, tho' I do my very best to undelude her. But you will be here soon, and you, of all others, know best how to convince her. I had a letter from Sue last week, at Washington - am expecting another today. Dwight Gilbert wrote Mat, that "the Pres' gave a Levee, as soon as he heard of their arrival." The "M C" remind Sue vividly of little boys at school, squabbling, and quarrelling - a very apt illustration! We had a visit from Uncle Bullard, while father was gone - he appeared Friday night, at teatime, and left us Saturday morning, had a very pleasant time. Abby Wood has got well. Emiline is able to ride out, which she did last wekk, with Henry, to this infinite exultation. Mat is well as ever; Jane Greely is sick with the quinzy - quite sick. Jane Gridley's husband is sick. "Mrs Skeeter" is very feeble, "cant bear Allopathic treatment, cant have Homeopathic" - dont want Hydropathic - Oh what a pickle she is in - should'nt think she would deign to live - it is so decidedly vulgar! They have not yet concluded where to move - Mrs W. will perhaps obtain board in the "celestial city," but I'm sure I cant imagine what will become of the rest. Here comes Mattie!

She has just gone away, after staying with me two hours. We have had a beautiful time - Mat anticipates so much in seeing you. Do make the days fly, wont you? Here's her love!

Most everybody is going to move. Jane Gridley has bought the old Simeon S[t]rong place - and is going to move there soon. Frank Pierce, the Montague place, up north - Foster Cook, Mr. Harrington's house - Mr Harrington will move into the Colburn place, until his new house is done &c. This is practical enough. I never tho't I should come to it! Keep well, and happy, Austin - 13 - days, and you shall come!

Much love from us all.

Emilie.