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to see me. It is the first night I have been away from him since you left. He was as good a boy mother reported as could be, better than when his mother is here! Mr. Amos Hadley - once teacher here you remember, waited upon us to the Evening lecture. I spent the night at Esq. Kimball's, an old friend of mother's, since Thursday as I did Wednesday with Mrs. Smart. I imagine you have heard me speak of her. I used to board with her when I attended school in Concord.

    Last Friday, I baked some in A.M. and after we dined, & Mayo had his nap George took him and me and we called at Capt. Stinson's at a Mr. Wilson's and at Harris Rider's. Mayo was good at the two first places, but at Mr. Rider's for some reason he acted like a little fury--cried and stamped & kicked and shook his head and exhibited clearly that he had a will of his own - spoilt our call entirely - shall have to go again I reckon and leave him at home.
   Harris' little boy has been very sick with scarlet fever. He and his mother went to Salem to visit, and he was taken sick there. She only came about a week since. The little boy looks very pale yet. Is'nt Mr. Season on the line often these days & Almost every letter speaks of your meeting him somewhere.  You say  Big Muddy Bridge is done - is Little Muddy too? I do not care a bit how soon it is all done. But I shall not look for you till Jan. lest I be disappointed.
  I wonder what Mistress Keyes thinks of going to the station to live? I expect I ought to send my love to her. Won't you give some to her next time you call. You know she really was very kind indeed to me when I was sick in June. How much she did for little Mayo - and I cannot help remembering it. I don't think the woman is as good as she might be, and who is? "Give every one his due and who would 'scape whipping"?  George goes tomorrow to the Institute - it lasts ten days. I hope to go down some.

[left-hand side upside down] My bonnet is a black velvet - a very rich piece with garnet & white flowers inside. I wonder if you will like it - I am afraid!