My dear Susan -

The air is so thick
with things + people +
cares and duties or goings +
comings, between now + Xmas,
that I can hardly see the
stars or hear the anthem.
But I want to make sure
of my greeting to you, +
to the two who are with you,
+ so I "take time by the forelock,-"
that bald old gentleman who,

If I could go to y'r
house - as I hope to when
the Clover blossoms again + the
Pelham hills are green - it
w'd not be to me as it used
to be. It is a blessing that
the mountains stand fast, their
outlines immovable, + their
arms friendly evermore. There
are not as many mistakes
in them as in our human

We seldom hear from Amherst in Hadley
except as the farmer renders his monthly
accounts. I trust all is well with you. By
God's goodness we are in health. I am able to
do all my work with endurance + with no
unusual hinderance + weariness. There is too

Be kind eno' to hand this note of
affectionate remembrance to Lavinia, for I
wish her too a Xmas of peace.

With love faithfully,

F.D. Huntington