.OTk.MjQ4NTE

Schoolroom, Oct. 7, 1855

Sister:

Your letter was received this morning as I was on my way to school. It was with feelings of great joy that I took it from the P.M.'s hand for it was the first that I had received. I had no time to read it till recess, but the sight of it, as it lay upon my desk, gladdened my heart. An atmosphere of home seemed to surround it and a sweet incense of love arose from it. Now I know what a good little angel you are. When I was at Utica, I did not appreciate you, one needs to be far away, to know the full value of letters. I cannot tell you what I would give to have one good peep at your dear faces and to hear again the sound of your voices. But you must not think I am homesick, I feel sad at times when I look upon so many strange