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I think it uncertain whether I can continue my school here, the times, and the high estimation in which the public Schools stand, do affect private schools & will continue to to do ; If my school were ever so permanent, I should much rather keep common school in the country as to the business itself, but it is a great privilege to attend meetings, to be in Sabbath School and to be associated with Christians, on this account I should feel it to be a great trial to be obligated to give up my school. Except in this respect I do not feel at all solicitous about my school, but am willing to continue if not, just as Providence directs As to my boarding place it is pleasant, I have enjoyed myself very well ever since I have been here. Almeda wrote you that the eldest daughter 18 years old hopes she has experienced a change of heart, you can judge what a source of happiness it has been to me to see her serious, anxious, and finally, decided in the Christian course. She meets with some opposition, is not allowed to go to any 'night meetings' & has to bear some tauntings etc.-- She attends Episcopal Church within a few doors of us and will probably unite with them & the minister I have heard, he is an evangelical preacher and a devoted Christian apparently; Our Sabbath School is very large & more than usually serious, six members of the Bible Classes have become hopefully pious within the last six months. My class contains seven, it has been much more interesting the last year than before, I usually attend meetings every Tues. Friday, & every Saturday singing meeting, & every Monday in the month but one. the last Mond. in the month we have a trail visitor's concert very interesting. Our Sewing circle is flourishing meets once a month, or oftener. I have lately become rather, intimately acquainted with Mrs. Hancock, wife of a Sea Capt., and engaged Christian, a member of our church & the teacher of the Bible Class which Susan (where I board) is in, through her (Mrs. H.'s) means, Susan and I have been invited to attend a social

[left-hand side] In reading over my sheet. I feel most ashamed to have used the first person singular so much, that I have no space left for many other things I should like to say. I should like very much to receive a letter from Charles, but I can excuse him however his many cares and labours. I feel for him--it seems to me his path of dull reality is truly a rugged one; how much he needs the comforts and supports and blessed hopes of religion without which, it seems to me, that my life would be a burden. I feel anxious for the children deprived of all religious privileges except the study of the Bible, and that I hope they will attend to. Do not work too hard Mother, and do spare yourself time to read and to read and especially to write oftener. I want to know more particulars. [right hand side] I should think all the children need to pay special attention to writing. [top, continuing from another page?] began to keep school: Lucy must be aimable, neat, & industrious all she can & learn.