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                                                                                                           1855

{Wednesday noon after dinner} Campo Seco Calaveras Co March 22/55

Dear Sister Abby - Your kind note of the 14th Feb has just been received. I m very glad you concluded to say a word or two. You probably have rec'd a letter from me since you wrote this, enclosed in Mary's letter. If so I need not now explain why the letter you wrote last Summer, (referred to in your last), was unanswered. I am sorry it so happened, but it cannot be helped now. I never have rec'd it and got Mary's & Emily's only a short time since Yours may yet come to hand. But I fear not. Do not let that stop you writing. I will try and answer all. I think you was getting rather too unclear- spunky? to resolve not to write. I am willing to admit you had some reason to think your letter was treated with indifference by its not being answered, & probably you thought it the result of gross negligence or coldness. I don't think however, Abby you had sufficient reason to harden your heart & resolve to be silent. Have we not always agreed and always loved each other? Have not our letters (less perhaps than might have been) Yet have not our letters spoken affection. Without knowing a cause why should one cultivate fancied enmity. Even, if as you supposed, my heart had been in a cake of ice do you not know Dear Abby that the fond breathings of a true and affectionate sister would soonest communicate warmth & extricate the palsied heart from its dormant state? O Sister Abby do not think I forget you or wish to check correspondence. My principle enjoyment since I saw you (and that is long long ago) has been in thinking of all my

[left-hand side] Now Dear Sister I have written a letter but a poor one. But I want to have You Know thus. I have no favoritism among my Dear Sisters and when I see you I hope to convince you All is right. [top] This Br Samuel's Birth day. I think Sister Maria (I believe that's her name) ought to pull Sam'l Ears today. Poor Chandler--he cannot soon be very cheerful. Give my love to all and Keep a bushel for yourself. Chas Reed (I will write to Emily next mail give my love to Danford & family. I don't know but he has resolved, as you did, but we will try and make all right)