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Maple Grove, June 1st, 1864 Dear Sister Abby I received your long looked for letter yesterday, week, and was "right-glad" to hear of your safe arrival at your journey's end. I was very lonely of course after you all departed. And in the round of duties I commenced "setting things to rights". I picked up the children's play things, and wept, alternately - occasionally when something in particular appeared of my little Winnie's I would sit down to a regular "boo, hoo". Singular it seems to me, how I have loved that child. Well the1st day passed and I carried all the little play things away, but left the cradle a few days longer - Friday every-body deserted the house but myself - Mr - & Mrs Lincoln went to Athol and Chandler to Boston - He Chandler reveived a letter of urgent business the night, (Thursday) after you left, requiring immediate attention, so he started for Boston Friday morning - And as he was obliged to go then he remained and visited until the next Tuesday and will not now go to accompany Rhoda & Eva home. written down left hand side of page Please remember me kindly to Lydia - Tell her I think she better go west with you - She has been teaching long enough to rest and the journey will do her good - Is the baby better - I hope you will all be well and happy good-bye Mary - 'Tis the most forward beautiful Spring here I ever knew - I presume would send love or something if he was awake -