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(added later in pencil: A.J. Reed to N. Kendall) Warwick Oct 26. 1855, Dear Friend:

         Your letter of Sep 6th was very welcomely received. You was truly kind & good in answering my letters so soon, and that, partially atoned for it being a short one. 
    When I received your letter, I certainly thought I should be able to answer it as promptly as you did mine, but this time, “I have been so busy,” must be my excuse. Nearly all the time since I received your last letter, we have had friends with us, & most of my time before & after school, was spent either in riding, ramblings or talking with them; so that I had little time to devote to anything else. I often thought of my absent friends, especially those whom I “owe”, the while & now that my school has finished, they will receive all 

due attention.

    This week we have had friends here from Dedham, & to-day is the only leisure time I have had since I came home, and I am improving a part of it, by writing to my “friend in the West”. I have been wishing, Oh! Very much to hear from you again, for what you wrote in your last letter has occasioned me, you don’t how many anxious thoughts.  I fear you have have been a much greater suffererer the last few months, than you was previously.

(Written sideways on same page overwriting horizontal script. This is page 5 of this letter) Mr. Putnam has finished preaching at Petersham. He preached his farewell sermon two weeks ago last sabbath, & has been preaching since at Bernardston.

    I have understood that the reason of his leaving, was that his Parish were rather opposed to Miss Parkhurst as being the intended wife of Mr Putnam, & consequently she refused to marry him so long as he should continue to preach there. So he thought it expedient to leave. There may "other reasons" but I am unacquainted with them.
    I hear from Mary frequently. When last I heard from her, she was quite well.  I do want very much  to see her, I am looking forward with delight to the time off her coming home. Which will be about Thanksgiving-time. Have you given up the idea of visiting New England this Autumn? I hope you have not. We all would be very happy to see you here. We are all well with the exception of Br Charles. He will probably remain with us through the Winter.  Br Chandler desires to be remembered to you with much friendly feeling.  I would be very happy to hear from you, often as you can get time to write.  Hoping this letter will find you better, & that it will be promptly answered. I still remain your affectionate friend,  Abby J Reed —