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Home, Nov. 22, 1857 Jonesboro Dec. 8, 1857

My dear friend, - Yours of the fifth inst. lies before me. It has been just about two weeks in coming and it does sum good, I assure you to get a letter so soon. I am sorry the mails are so irregular with you, and that it takes so long a time for news to reach you from the East. I do not think Southern Illinois is a very favorable situation, and I shall be glad as I presume you will, to have you located more pleasantly and comfortably. You must have had a disagreeable and discouraging summer and Autumn, and I do hope matters will be so arranged that the winter may be one of health and happiness. i do not think you would be be deprived of so may privileges, in the Northern part of the state. Dear mother has come home this afternoon from her visit to Mass. I believe I wrote in the last letter that she had gone. She has been away

margin I hope you hear good news from Maine. How do your mother and sister feel about your remaining in Illinois! Sometimes I hope you will not stay - but perhaps I ought not to. I presume all will be directed for the best. Father and mother send love. Yours ever in love, Antoinette.