.MTM0.MzE4OTU

 Clinton W. C. Sept. 9, 1851

embossed seal Dear Sister Mary,

 Thanks, many thanks to you for your long=expected, long=looked=for, and therefore much=prized letter which has at length arrived. At length, I say; would you be supprised if I tell you that I almost dispaired of getting it at all I was beginning to think that you had, in some way, imbibed a sad dislike for writing, which you could not overcome even to write to me. But the reception of your well filled letter has dispeled all such ideas and I again begin to cherish the hope of hearing from you quite often, shall I be disappointed? -- You say that Father and Mother are coming to Utica today, but you do not mention one word about them coming to see me. I hardly know whether to expect them or not. It seems to me when any of you come to Utica you are almost here, but I suppose it is not so; eight miles makes a good deal of difference when any one is in a hurry, and therefore I am very much afraid that they will not be able to come. But I will hope for the best, and wait as patiently as I can and see what will happen. — You do not say very? much in your letter about its being so near the time for you to go East; perhaps you are in hopes that I will forget all about it, but never fear! my memory has not entirely forsaken me yet; the school commences just three weeks tomorrow. And then you will go, and I shall be left without either of you, my dear sisters But we must be contented, and do as duty bids us. It will be lonely at home without