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We had hoped, that, cold water, and retirement, had entirely checked the disease that seemed to be preying upon your system. Has your health improved since you wrote? Is the climate of Ohio perfectly congenial to your constitution? If not, come to fair New England and breathe again, the airs of her invigorating clime. Our home, the "Old Parsonage", now remodeled, is looking her loveliest. Nature has cast around it, her fairest mantle-robe, and wears her sweetest smiles. You would enjoy being here now. Shall you not, with your wife, and sister, visit y'r friends in this vicinity your next vacation? I was happy to receive an introduction to Mrs. Kendall, and anticipate a personal acquaintance. I think from your representation, Mrs.Kendall is one, well suited to fill the place of a Pastor's Wife: "May she be within, a shining light, When all without, is dead as night: A guardian angel, o'er thy life presiding, Doubling thy joys, thy cares deciding" A delightful hour you have chosen to visit your friends. It is one, too, that much love: an hour when I love music best; and I will listen quite attentively, I will sing my favorite song, entitled "Lilly Dale". It is a sweet thing as I think you would admire it, though not a lover of music. My Mother has been very unwell the past winter and spring: and is at the present time, far from being well. Brother Chandler was married Thanksgiving evening, to the young lady you saw at Mr. Blake's. They occupy a part of our house. Are quite well, and wish to be remembered to you, Mother also, sends her kind regards, and wishes you good success. Brother Samuel is in fine spirits. Speaks of your visit here quite frequently, and would be happy to see you again. Mr. Kendall you ask if I am teaching? Yes, I am teaching, again in Chestnut Hill. My school is larger and pleasanter. I board with Mrs. Green. She is very pleasant and agreeable. I was engaged in teaching last winter also. I like the employment; I think better every year. I am happy to tell you, that my health is perfectly good, and has been most of the time since I saw you. Please give my respects to your wife, and sister. And may you live a long life of happiness & prosperity. Sis Mary says farewell, but I like better the good old word, "Good- Bye" Your friend, as ever, A.J. Reed

[written along the left-hand side of the page] We hope our correspondence so recently commenced, will be of long continuance.