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pany to attend to that I have been obliged to throw books aside comparatively. My anxiety and state of mind has been such, that I have been wholly unfit for thinking, study &c if I had had the time. I have done a good deal at reading and keeping up with the general subjects of the day but this is about all. I look forward to a better time in these matters however. My own health is becoming better, My room is getting the use in business, Clara is running about and becoming less care and trouble, Achsah seems happily settled and Jesse I don't know what to say about him. Am still very anxious about him; have at times felt almost at peace about his prospects but do not now. I know he is a great deal better morally than he was a year & half or two years ago. We have been and are still doing all we can for him but he needs to be continually under kind and good influences and in responsible stations where he is obliged to exert himself he has so little strength within himself. He did best and was happiest while he was teaching. I will send you the letter he wrote us a short time ago; it will tell you more of his feelings than I can; he wrote it confidentially to us so you must not let him know you have seen it but you and David read it and do what you can to advise, en- courage and aid him. He must not be lost. He is full of good desires and affections but not strength of purpose; his spirit willing but flesh weak. It is too hard that his childhood and youth have been under such influences having such an ardent impulsive nature as he has - Poor boy! I pity him; every day he grows more dear to me. We will attend to Myron - I sometimes fear he is having too much done for him for his good - but if you and David can lay any plans or do anything for Jesse do it. He loves you both dearly and will confide in you and receive your advice How is your health and how is David? Have been looking for him here. Tell him he owns me a letter but a visit will do in the

place of it if he can give it consistently. We have been anticipating a visit long weeks from from Lydia & Sophia the first of March but must give it up as it is so cold the river will not be open. Raymond is prospering so we hear but know nothing of Erasmus or Edwin. Mrs. Lord is dead. Emily Miller is married to a Mr. Gage of Athol Write me all about yourself. Can you be comparatively happy without Josephine? Cannot write more Affectionately Sister Sarah