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thinks that you will not be fit for that or anything else you are so extravagantly fond of Novel reading but you can govern yourself cant you

 I have believe that S. & L. have about concluded to enter into partnership for life
E. says he likes Liz Quimby & he guess as she likes him but he told me seriously I thought that he didnt expect to have her (but by what he said to J. & th girls about her coming up with them they thought the matter was settled & they were really engag'd) but E says she is to old for him & I think she is tho' not in years (only one year) but she is 5 or 6 years older in most thing. he is green in some things as well as young. She is a very smart girl - "wants a home, and facinated him before he knew it and now his judgment tells him that she has & will have more influence over him that any one ought to have over another

That's my guess, but it is silly to write all this stuff. It seems to me that Liz would do better for Joseph. Do write to me all about your thoughts and doings. Dont be so negligent about writing as I have been. Lucy's health better she has no cough, but she also has no appetite She works in the garden etc. etc. C. talks of going to Bangor tomorrow or next day to carry some Shingles & get Flour Corn Salt etc. he has not begun Haying probably will not till next week

                                                                                        July 13th

I have not begun to realize, have only looked at it in the distance, the thought that L. has given herself away & that I that have loved her so well & done so much for her need give her up to a stranger - I can bear the absence of a child but such a transfer of affections it seems so like losing a child you cant know what it is till you have the trial

  good bye my Dear Son may the blessing of God attend you
                                                                                         A M M