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                                                                                           Racine Feb 4th 1850.

Dear Sister, (Lucy) Can it be that a whole month and more has elapsed since your last letter came to hand: I thought it long in coming, but think your excuse quite admissible, but shall in future claim the performance of your promise to be better in writing; your time must have been fully occupied, your mind of course engaged with the arrangements of fixing the home, getting settled to housekeeping. I should like to have been there too. I think your health must be much finer than usual, or you could not get through with so much. It seems you did make yourself sick. Your picture of your home is a very pleasant one- do not know how you could have a pleasanter house, how delightful it will be there next summer, much more desirable than a house in Bangor. I am glad Jane is able to be of use to you. She owns a debt of gratitude to Mother for her faithful and judicious training. What an important bearing will the last two or three years have on the whole life of that child. Habits of industry early implanted are worth much simply for its effect upon the mind and character. It is one evil that I have seen, for girls and even young ladies to spend their time in any other way other than in making themselves useful.

 I have received two letters from E Doe since I wrote you. One from Mass. and one from Portland. I suppose she had returned so B. Perhaps you have seen her. I intend writing her soon.

[left-hand side] I hope Samuel will excuse my nonsense and both write me soon. [top of page upside down] The school is just as usual, some trying, some pleasant. I do not visit much - have not much companionship in the family -- I do not have time to read much. Last week a donation party here: had quite a time helping about a dozen ladies cut cake and arrange tables: the donation amounted to $160. 50 in money. I do'nt think I really approve of st?: but liked it well enough myself: it gives me another c