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                                                                                                                Somerville, Feb. 11th 1855.

Dear Cousin Abby,

                                                  I suppose you have been anxiously awaiting a reply to yours of Nov. 27th and perhaps made frequent visits to the post-office hoping that you might find a letter from your dilatory cousin. I am willing to confess that I am very negligent in regard to writing, but it really seems as though the pen was continually in my hand. Every fortnight I write a long letter to my brother Charlie- then, when that is completed I find that I have other letters which ought to be answered. So you see that my pen is not idle many minutes. Thanks for your kindness in acknowledging my promptness in answering your letter. I had heard of the sad time your brother had, at the time the steamer was wrecked. It must have been quite a disappointment to you in not being permitted to welcome him home as you had anticipated. I am grateful that his life was preserved, and hope that your expectations

J6 [top] Monday Morn - in school. I have just been favored with a flyer from your uncle Mark's son. He did not stop more than five minutes. He is going to E. Boston this morning I think he shall go home to day. I wished very much to have him visit Somerville, for I knew mother would be very much pleased to see him. See next page.