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AJ Reed to N. Kendall Warwick Oct 26. 1855, Dear Friend: Your letter of Sep 6th was very welcomely received. You was truly kind & good in answering my letters so soon, and that, partially atoned for it being a short one. When I received your letter, i certainly thought I should be able to answer it as promptly as you did mine, but this time “I have been so busy,” must be my excuse. Nearly all the time since I received your last letter, we have had friends with us, & most of my time before & after school, was spent either in riding ramblings or talking with them; so that I had little time to devote to anything else. I often thought of my absent friends, especially those whom I “owe” the while & now that my school has finished, they will receive all due attention. This week we have had friends here from Dedham & today is the only leisure time I have had since I came home and I am imposing as part of it by writing to my “friend in the West”. I have been wishing, Oh! Very much to hear from you again, for what you wrote in your last letter has occasioned me, you don’t have many anxious thoughts. I fear you have been a greater

suffererer the last few months, than you was previously.

Written sideways on same page overwriting horizontal script Mr. Putnam has finished preaching at Petersham. he preached his farewell sermon two weeks ago at sabbath and has been preaching since at Bernardston. I have understood that the reason of his leaving was that his Parish was rather opposed to Miss Parkhurst as being the intended wife of Mr Putnam, in consequently she refused to marry him so long as he should continue to preach there. here. So he thought it expedient to leave.There may "other reasons" so but I am only acquainted with these. I hear from Mary frequently. When last I heard from her, she was quite well. I do want very much to see her. I am looking forward with delight to the time off her coming home. Which will be about Thanksgiving-time. Have you given up the idea of visiting New England this Christmas? I hope you have not, We all would be very happy to see you here, We are all well with the exception of Br Charles. He will probably remain with us through the Winter. Br Chandler desires to be remembered to you with much friendly feelings. I would be very happy to hear from you often as you can get time to write. The opening of this letter will find you better & that it will be promptly answered. I still remain your affectionate friend, Abby J Reed —