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You will please thank Mary for her very fine letter. I read the letter with feelings of joy mingled with grief. I had not heard of David Paiges death!! Tis singular. Tis strange. Tis sad indeed. Mr. Paige our friend & Cousin, is then indeed gone! But yet I know nothing concerning his death. Only that he was instantly killed, so says Mary's letter. How mysterious yet who shall escape Death? not one- Our time of departure we can not know. I intended to have Written to Mary particularly but she must excuse me this time & help you read this. Abby speaks of Miss Agnes of Boston. I remember her well: She was a fine girl, a good page torn of Mr. Paige, last Winter, or Spring gave me, in his page torn some interesting items concerning the coming year & by this time I then expected, to hear Miss Agnes wold be a happy Bride & the Wife of an esteemed friend. Mr. D. Paige who alas has journeyed to the land Where there is no marriages or giving in marriage. The mind cannot refrain from dwelling upon such a coincident not withstanding we would drive the thought away. It seems that Miss Agnes's timidity prevents her from writing to any but lady friends at least I should suppose from Mary's letter. Her extreme modesty though commendable is I think in this aspect uncalled for, Since our former acquaintance though limited, would warrant friendship rather than Coldness & I never think of writing to a lady Sisters & Mother excepted I have almost forgotten that women exist in a home. Your Affect. Br. C Reed

[left-hand side] I am sending love (if that is proper) to all our family & friends.