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is far from society, too far for my social nature, there is not a young gentleman or lady in the place, save unknown, unknown nor scarcely any for miles, in fact I know of but one lady + one gentleman in the whole town I would care much to visit with, thus I live, + have live, all my life. There were some young folks once though, but they are all married now. Do you believe Mary that we were born thus to live isolated & alone,+ die, unloved + uncared for. No it cannot, cannot be, if so why were such strong affections implanted in our hearts. I fancy I shall not live thus always at least, I hope to live sometime where I can attend church - a privilege I have been deprived of entirely for nearly a year, - a privilege which above all others I prize the most. I love the means of grace, I love "the droppings of the sanctuary" I hope I have learned to prize these blessings more, by being so long deprived of them. How are you now, still improving? I really hope so Sarah wrote you were quite well + spending a short time with your brother Robert. Mrs Nevins wrote the same + said Roberts health was quite poor. I was sorry to hear this. I hope he is better now. Are you assisting R in his business matter? if so when you get your trade learned + set up for yourself may I not come + learn of you?

Monday morn. Am feeling very well this morning more text -- in pale writing along left margin

By "new years" I hope to hear from you. this is upside-down at top of page.