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L15 THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY 3 I paid $7.50, as seven hundred & fifty dollars, so far since I bought & am please with my bargain: I do not Care so much about gold as you may think; Rich or poor I am sure be the same; Neither do I care a cent about what the world thinks. You may be quite sure I do not intend to be a slave to the worlds whims: I wish not to be prized by the dolls & cents I may have about me & let people think what they choose I of course care but little . In preference let them think me poor for such I may be, if I am not. Dear Mother I will try to arrange matters so as to visit you next season. It would not be best to return home to spend the winter- the summer or autumn. I expect is far better for ones health who leaves this country the climate then being colder. I never can forget your kindness. I wish very much I had your daguerreotype (miniature) but above all I long to see you & talk with you. Dear mother Good night. Your affectionate Son Charles Reed. P.S. Give my respects to Uncle David tell him I am very happy to hear he is alive and well--he is & ever will be remembered with pleasure. I hope to see him again. Aunt Ruby Chandler, says, is well. I am delighted to hear it. Please remember me to her also Cousin Anne, if alive, her name is not mentioned I think Where is Cousin John & family--Remember me J Goldsbury & family. I have not forgotten other neighbors but very likely they have me. Give my respects to those You think care to hear of an absent old townsman & friend CR Monday Eve Dec 5th Abby & Mary. Dear sisters. I return you my sincere thanks for the kind affectionate words contained in your letters. You both write equally sincere--Nut I think Mary exaggerates when She speaks of spectral image in prospective-There are too many weddings and other lively gatherings to admit of such a probability. Ghosts sup not, with Cupids. They breathe not the same air- so no more ghosts stories Mary I cannot think of any such transformations. Have I then caused so much trouble in our once happy family--Indeed I am sorry to learn such is the case. Well Sisters I ask a thousand pardons. Can you not forgive my silence for I cannot think myself altogether to blame. I know your humorous hearts will not allow you to retaliate; but forgive & forget. I am indeed sorry I have been instrumental in causing sorrow to steal into the hearts of those I love - let sorrow depart--let your smiles return, dry up thy moistened cheeks& let nought dwell in your young & tender hearts but thoughts buoyant & gay. I feel I have lost much in thus depriving myself of the society & influence of Mother & Sisters. I have hardly spoken to a woman since I left home. Ladies are indeed few and far between; Young Ladies especially; therefore there is no alternative but to associate with my own sex: I think this is a sacrifice. It would be a treat once more to gather together, talk over old times & life changing scenes, as Abby says have a good sing. Well the time may come. I hope so. I Sing some here. I have a violin which I sometimes use, tho' seldom. Sometimes we have quite a good sing. Abby I think you are doing well in teaching, quite persevering. Mary don't tell me what she is about. By the way (speaking of beaux) you may expect a poor Gallant in me for I have not walked with, or accompanied any of the fair sex, since I have been in this country. What an awkward beau I must be of course if I have to take private lessons of Chandler & Sam'l. But enough of this. To be serious I cannot possibly tell when I can bear leave to visit you. I need no urging. My business now is such as makes it difficult to leave before another Season some time having bought another Claim & think a good one. Believe me ever Your Affec. Br C. Reed P.S. if you think best give my respects to Uncle Wilson & family (if they inquireafter me?) [left-hand side ] I wonder if there will be another wedding in our family near thanksgiving. Mother I can cook first rate, make bread Biscuits etc. wash shirts, sew and mend etc. [right-hand side] Please to write me soon will you. Charles Reed.