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of those branches will ever be any real benefit to me, but perhaps I can afford to spend my time to get them merely for pleasure, as I can do it without expense!

      I forgot to tell you that I rec'd an invitation by mail "per order of the Committee and Mr. J. Tash & C.W. Holman" to attend the scholars Pic Nic at the close of the last term; so whenn we started for Bangor, Charles got a double sleigh, took both horses and he, Ann, Eliab and I went through Dover. When we 'arrove', to our disappointments, mortification & dismay, we found the Pic Nic was the week before! Carelessness of our P.M. in not delivering the letter when Charles was at the Office, and carelessness in me in not noticing the date in reccollecting the time time the term always closes. However it was no matter, all passed off well. We saw the folks spent the night at Mr. Parker's & round about, had a fine time, beautiful weather, started next morning came through Exeter, dined at Mr. Cutter's & arrived in the "city" about eight in the evening.
     I suppose you have heard from Almeda. Don't know as you have either. Little Lucy has been very sick with lung fever, so that for some days her life was despaired of: Doctor's bill will be bad for her. I attended the Baptist Sewing Circle at Francis Shepard's the other eve, saw there one Joseph Treat, Joe's room-mate. Do you know him? Our Jos. says there have two first rate Josephs got together at Weston's! Sarah Treat is in town now at Broadstreet Moodys, our next neighbor, and relatives of Thaxter. I tell Jos. we must call on her. She is a fine young lady if report may be depended on. Such are very rare in this age of the world and should be duly appreciated. Say you not so? The week before I came from home I rec'd an application from S. Agent in Legrange to teach their school this winter. Thought I would'nt, Our people are making great preparations for Christmas. All going to a party but me. Wish you could be here & spend the evening with