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        July 1846 
                                                                                                               after School in school house
                                                                                                                                          La Grange July 9th /46

Friend "Jph."

                             Mr. and Mrs. Kenney contemplate journeying to Milo tomorrow with a load of wool, so I'll improve the opportunity though I have only a few moments before I must go to tea. About this time I feel like talking with you a little, for I suppose that you of all other can best sympathize with me; if indeed I deserve sympathy after having left my quiet and happy home & entered voluntarily on this scene of vexation. I had made up my mind to spend the rest of the Summer at home, but I d not deny that the "Almighty dollar" (or "filthy lucre" as some would have it) possesses some influence over me as well as other people. I suppose I, as most others, teach for the pay; and one thing I am sure of, we school - ma'ams earn all we get!  Well to proceed to business. Here I am in La Grange, snugly ensconced at one Mr. Kenney's, who, I believe, is an acquaintance of your father's from 'Old Hampshire State.' As good luck would have it, I went not to Mr. Trott's board. I believe friend Libbey thought it not good that I should live on beans this summer, or be lived upon by B. b's. Do you understand? eh?
            Some people conclude that you did not recieve the best of treatment last Summer, but Mr. Libbey said you kept your own counsel. I told hm I should have my case in his hands, but if he did'nt provide a good boarding place, I should forthwith rebel, and go straight home. H says he'll see me well used; so I feel quit at ease on that!
                                                                                                                                                                                                (see third page, mistake)