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Ex school ma'am, the thought is almost beyond endurance sometimes, but then why complain. If it was right and best I should labor in this sphere should I not have health? surely I might expect too. So all is well. If I have one desire above another it is to be directed by an unerring guide, the great Instructor. Ought we not to make it a subject of prayer? I have thought of it much if we engaged in the business of life desiring more earnestly

to be guided, we should be better qualified to do good. I do not feel as though I could live a life for nought. Come into a beautiful world like this, work, eat, sleep and die without having benefited any one. I do not ask to be great - but to be useful, to be good. Please give me your ideas respecting this matter. Perhaps you would like to know something regarding my health, from this long letter you will doubtless infer that I'm not very feeble, my hands improving very fast I think, beyond my expectations for a month past.  I cannot bestow the thought upon anything that I used to, neither can I send much of any yet - but  can endure more excitement than during the summer.  I think if nothing new occurs, by spring I shall find my hand in really good shape. With you I can say confidently "our heads will come up yet, never fear, there is light ahead surely".  I have a trouble that causes me some anxiety & with all severe pain at times - a swelling in my bowells, around the umbilicus. I some think it is the mussles.  I spoke to you about one day, about mussles I believe you called them.  I'm not certain as it is the swelling that causes the pain but I think a part of it arises from this cause.  I had a severe attack this week.  I never suffered such accute pain for the same length of time before.  I could not keep from groaning right out apart of the time. I think this an attack of neuralgia in the uterus and bowels.   I had one spell while at the Dr. that was similar and he said that was it. I do not think I am troubled at all from misplacement now, at least I had not had any pain in that organ for more than two weeks previous to this attack. O what reason for gratitude - no back ache now - shoulders pain me some - side only one day for four months , no painful menstruations now unless the pain this week from that  cause, which I very much doubt as it was so unlike the pain I used to have. I'm going to go to brother Hiram at Morristown as soon as I can & try electricity upon my bowels, for the pain & swelling, that is what the Dr's folks advise. I have great encouragements have I not.  I have not had to lie in bed all day since I came home, eight weeks now, so you'll see I am really better.  Now write me the particulars regarding yourself as particularly as I have done. I want to know all very much, we patients are interested in particulars are we not - From
Mary E.

left margin: We sent to the Office last night & no letter for me. I felt bad enough to cry if it would have done any good. Now will you not write soon & often to me. I’ll try to be punctual in writing you if health will allow. I’d like it much if a lasting correspondence might be Indulged in sow please write very soon. Remember being “the long-looked-for answer as goeth a cooling friend”