.MTY2.Mzg4NDQ

Does it not need all the good moral influences of both sexes, after all, to make a home as beautiful and bright, as you represented in your letter? Every home ought, & might, compare well with your description. But how many there are, that fall far, far below! Yet it would be otherwise, I think, could every person understand, (as I think you do), the secrets, by which a home is made happy. Man delights in enterprise and action. And exerts his whole moral force in the conflicts of the world. His feelings are constantly annoyed, by perpetual irritations, and disappointments. And his home should be a place of cheerfulness and comfort in order to sustain him. His soul will then renew its strength, and he will again go forth to encounter the troubles of the world. But he, too, frequently gets the erroneous idea, that woman finds nothing to weary, or perplex her. Therefore it is no effort for her, to greet every one with a cheering word and a happy smile, at all times. But as I think Mr. Kendall, understands human nature exceedingly well. It will not need my arguments to prove it to be otherwise. I guess you have been taking a peep into Eliot's lectures to young men and women, have you not? I have read some of them and like very much. I intend to finish them, when I can find leisure time.

    You inquire if we have been teaching? That has been my chief employment. I have taught in this town altogether. And have spent every sabbath at my own home with my mother. The school in which I am now engaged consists of about 30 scholars, more than half are males. I have about a dozen young ladies and gentlemen who's ages are from 18 to 21. Some of the young men are very tall, and I am obliged to "look up"considerable to get a peep into their faces! After I closed my fall term. Mother, uncle, sister Mary, and myself went to Springfield to spend Thanksgiving with my mother's only sister. We were there a fortnight. I had a delightful visit and came home feeling refreshed, both in body and mind - already to begin my winter's work. But I am getting rather weary again. And I think after finishing my school, sister Mary and myself will visit Boston and Barnstable on the Cape. We shall spend several weeks at my Uncle's, and the nice sea-breezes, will recruit me up very soon. My general health has been very good. Would you like to hear a word from my dear "Californian Brother"? He has been doing exceedingly well for a short time past. He had satisfied his golden appetite, and started for home the 29th of Sep. and was shipwrecked the next day, near San Diego. He with the other passengers (consisting of nearly 1000) were taken back to San Francisco. He has since gone back to the mines. It has been some time, now, since we heard from him, and we are feeling rather anxious.
    You are getting farther, and farther west, I see, every time we hear from you, and should you really reach California, I hope you will look up my brother, and bring him overland to New England back with you, in the spring. Shall I not begin to anticipate this visit? Please remember me kindly to your sister Lydia. Oh! I have just thought of that revolver! I think you are becoming quite brave! May this letter find you well. I should be happy, very, to continue our correspondence.  Good night and a happy Near year. From, Abby.