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[written in pencil, top right] To Aunt Cynthia at New Hampton, N.H.

[right half of page] Knox Sem. May 15, '58

Dear Sister: Shall I write you a stormy letter? The sole topic of conversation and almost of thought is the storm of last Thursday. It commenced at about 2 1/2 P.M. by a most fearful hailstorm accompanied by thunder and lightning. The hailstones were from one to two inches in diameter. It was terrible to hear the crash of our windows. We have no shutters and during less than ten minutes about 150 lights, many 25' by 18', were broken. The calm after the storm was unusually peaceful. The sun looked smiling down upon the bright face of nature and seemed to whisper peace. This continued for about two hours when the lightning began to dart fearfully along the sky. Those who are accustomed to western storms say that the clouds had gathered along the western horizon, portending wind, but we saw it not. We first noticed particularly the violent bending of the tress when suddenly the rain was driven in sheets across the square in front of the Sem. so dense that we could see nothing else. The noise was so great that we distinguished

[left half of page] ing when quietness was again restored. - The morning brought consciousness of the danger through which we had passed and our hearts were filled with gratitude to our heavenly Father. Other places about have suffered still more than this. Peoria, a city a little east of us, is said to lie half in ruins, but I forbare to give rumors (underlined). The tornado was, I believe, not felt in Chicago, and we hope not on the lakes. I wrote home yesterday. It is more than a week since we have heard from them. They miss you for writing letters. Eddie has ceased to correspond with us. Does he ever write to you? How is Mary? Does the visit seem to improve her health? She ought not to try to do anything but get well. Do you like the East as well as at first and do you find your studies easier as you become accustomed to them. When is your vacation? How long do you expect to remain with Elizabeth? I do not quite understand whether you have entered the course or not. We are both well and unite in you all (underlined). Your sister Jennie.