.MTc5.NDE0MTc

Boston Jan 15th 1857

Dear Sister Abby Your letter dated the 11th unclear came to hand yesterday P.M. I must say that I have not rec'd a letter for a long while that seemed to be more interesting candid and truthful. You will please accept my thanks for that good long letter. Of late I have written only short and hasty letters of which your "wee letter" which you recd last week was a specimen. I have been looking for a letter from you for some time but I do not complain since such a good one has come at last. You allude with some degree of seriousness to an important and interesting event, which is to take place sometime next Spring. You may have had reason to suppose from my remarks in the little note I sent you that I was disposed to treat this matter too lightly or with playful indifference. But could you have seen these Eyes moist- en as I perused the words, from your own pen, assuring me of the certainty of Your prospect of leaving us. You would

[written on the left-hand side of the page] I shall send your note to A or carry it soon. I have not seen her for 2 months. Everything friendly I suppose but then you know. You know. Love & Friendship is two aint it I have no Lady friend I think more of than my sisters

D10