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                                                                                                                                                Bangor Feb. 15 - 1854.

Dear Mother

                           Samuel is at the desk, so I will begin writing in my lap. Percie is asleep and I must improve my opportunity. He has been pretty goodnatured, but until yesterday has seemed very much stuffed with phelgm, and hoarse by spells, so that I have not dared to put him down. Sabbath day we put a bandage on his neck & gave him some of his medicine, fearing the croup. I think if I am careful now he will get entirely over it. You say I am too careful, but just as sure as I try to be careless a bit, he takes cold. He had grown poor. The cow came lat night. I hope he will thrive on good new milk. Though for several days he has not taken any  - won't swallow a bit of any kind of food, but is very tenacious of titty! The cow gives a nice mess of milk. Mr. Jordan will take the mornings' milk every day and allow five cents a quart, which is better than we expected to do with it. He has taken back the little cans too. I wish you would send the milk quart next time Samuel comes. The eggs were very acceptable, but Isabel put them in with the others before I had counted them. I had a nice long letter of four pages from Charles

[left-hand side and top] going will give some offence; but if we begin where can we end? Eliab is anxious that we should go, on account of the recent troubles:but would this justify us, if we disapprove of parties? Dinner is almost ready, and I wish you could have some of our tongues and sounds--they are so good. Augusta Bartlett and Mary Crosby called here a few evenings since. We some expect Mrs. Crosby to spend a day with us this week. We are at quite a loss to know what to do about inviting Mr. Harlow's family here now that you have left. Of course Mr. Harlow would not enjoy it at all. Shall we wait till you return? Love to all - Good bye, Your loving daughter - Maria.