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Phillipston May 4th '51

My fondly loved brother I received your kind & long looked for letter yesterday and read it with pleasure and disappointment for Sarah wrote that you would tell us all about Erasmus and family but you said not one word concerning them except you had been there. I have heard nothing from them since the last of Nov (this spot is a tear) but can't help it - I then write him but he has never answered it do not know why for I wished an answer immediately for I put to paper that Mr Goulding made out of his affairs into the letter can't see through it. How are they getting along and enjoying themselves? Do the children go to school? are they pleasantly situated? Where shall I direct a letter to him?

[written along the side of the paper] you asked if the rent was paid is it not I suppose David will see to half and Sarah said that when you got back that some of you would send it but I wrote her that David would pay half and suppose that some of the rest of you would pay the rest - If convenient for you and Sarah wish you would see to it immediately am sorry to ask for any but do not see how to get any without I have done all that I could If I had been well should have paid it. I have found the wood for one yr which cost $11 - 2 for the summer and 9 for the winter. I have found the butter which was from $4 to 5 and a bbl of flour which was $7 and paid Mothers last spring Dr bill and a girl for 4 weeks mother paid her a part though - beside I have got Mother some hair for hers is all gone over very gray and several other things - Her Dr. bill for now has not been paid but we shall one of us see to it - Mother has grown to look quite old - she is very much broken I think and almost every one speaks of it. If you assist?anyone to go to P. or else where think it ought to be Mother - I have thought to go in Sept but do not think now that I shall if I can get along with out for it costs so much. R. Millers child is dead Aunt Susan is very sick with the Inflamation of the lungs. I must say that I had never troubled with the "blues" so much as I have been for a week past it is seldom they trouble me