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Dear Brother Jos.

                      I hoped to write you quite a letter, but have not time now - you can get all the news from Eliab's. Hunt up a nme for Nimshi, will you? And - you have'nt sent me the rest of that poetry yet. I want to see it The piece you could'nt find in that paper too. I had so little time, and so many things to think of that it seems as if I did'nt see you and Eliab any when I was at Bangor. By the way, the slip of paper you handed me just as I came away, I lost. Won't you write it again in your next? I put it in my pocket as I thought, but when I got home it was not therein.
                You have not written whether your bosoms suit you. Am afraid they did not. Tell me in your next, and if not, just where they fail, will you? Seems to me you don't write me so many good nice letters as you used to. Why? Don't you have time? Isaac says 'tis not wicked to perform such acts of mercy as writing to absent brothers and sisters, sabbath day! We rec'd a letter from him last week. Seems in very good spirits as usual. One thing I forgot to mention in Eliab's letter - Uncle Nathan Steve's oldest son - a bright lad of 12 or 14 years died recently. What do you think of Mother's going to Mass. with Isaac when he come home in the Spring? Fine thing on many accounts I think. I am sorry we had not time to call at your boarding place when I was there, but you must percieve I had so little time, I was very much hurried. Ann can call just as well. 
                                                                                                                                                                                 Do write soon, won't you? good bye.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Affectionate sister Lucy.

Don't you think it a nonsense plan they've got about my going to Mass. to be sure I could enjoy it very much & especially if I could have Isaac with me - But wont it be right to spend so much money as it would cost. Do write to me soon. [left-hand side and top] Joseph don't you mean to come home before the middle of next May. I say you must now while you have no wife or children you ought to be willing to see your Mother as once in six months at least. I suppose it is difficult for you to leave your Business but recollect it will probably be more and more so for you and Eliab both