 | Berkeley papers |  |
I cannot tell you how often I have thought of writing to
some one of you, and I feel that I have done very wrong in neglecting
to do so, but I hope you will all pardon me, and I shall endeavour
to do better in future. It seems to me a long while since we have
heard from Harrisonburg, but it may be that you have written and I
heard nothing of it, for they often forget to show me letters received
at home, or indeed to mention them to me at all. I suppose you
know that Ma has been out in the country for affortnight, and just
returned Monday. I was delighted to see her
(part cut off)
at the same time, and Maria staid up here part of the time. Her little
baby is one of the sweetest for her age I ever saw. I think her prettier
than Eliza although resembling her a good deal. I do not believe
I have ever written to thank you for the nice present of jelly etc.
you sent me by pa, but I trust it is not too late now, for I assure
you they have been of great service to me, and were most acceptable.
I like housekeeping very much now. The only objection I have to it
is that it occupies so much time and thought, for I cannot bear to
expend so so many thoughts upon eating, but I suppose when I acquire
more experience it will come more natural and not occupy my mind so
much.
(same cut off part)
time is so limited that I do not expect to see much of her. Mr.
Smith's father & brother arrived here Sunday, but they have been so
constantly in the country attending Mrs. Higginbotham's sale that we
have seen scarcely anything of them. I hope however that they will
be here to-day. I daresay you have heard that Mr. Smith's father
bought Mrs. H's place, and they expect to move here in the spring.
Aunt Mary has promised to pay us another visit, and Ma expects her
almost every fine day. I believe Mr. Rodes expects to have some painting
done and improvements made in his house, which she wishes to avoid
and whenever the work is commenced she will come here. I did not see
Mrs. Joseph Stevens, but for one minute on the street. She is the
express image of her brother Le Roy, indeed I do not think I ever saw
so strong s likeness before between brother and sister. I was glad to
hear that Mr. August has been sent to Charlottesville because I believe
he is a good preacher and is certainly a most excellent man. I
do not know who your preachers are, and would like to hear. We are
much pleased with our minister Mr. Hanson, and I believe he gives general
satisfaction, although by no means so good a preacher as Mr.
Gibson. My piano arrived a week or two ago, and I am delighted with
it. Tell Cousin Fanny she must not forget the visit she promised to
pay us before Christmas. I hope you will find time to write to me
before long, it would give me so much pleasure to hear from you all.
I hope Grandma is not suffering so much as usual, as I think we would
certainly have heard if she had been sick. Mr. Smith unites with me
in love to you one and all. Kiss Willie for me. I should like to see
her so much.
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