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Poor 'Asa' has no mercy shown him by any body now a days, unless it be by the members of his beloved fireside circle. I am very glad you went your journey & glad you enjoyed it so much. Wish I could have gone with you too! Am content to remain in blissful ignorance with regard to the particular business of your journey.

               Our Lowell cousins seem to be somewhat dispersed, but prosperous, notwithstanding, are they not? So you saw "Uncle Jo." Large as life, I suppose. Trafton & Richer (our old school-fellows, you know) board near by me, so near that I have the pleasure of seeing "Billy the less" every day as he passes to & from his place of business. He looks more sensible than he used to.
              I do to Singing School two evenings in a week to one Mr. Lucas from Mayo? He presented Ann with a ticket & I use it. He makes great pretensions, and is, I think, an excellent teacher, though a very disagreeable man - egotistical, self important and cross. I am in William Dow's class in Sab. School, as is also Sarah Harlow. By the way, I was informed by way of Albina Kittredge and Lucretia Hashell that you were very partial to the said Sarah, and that she was equally partial to you! Correct report or not?
          I must tell you of the splendid Antiquarian Concert at Hammond St. New Year's eve. All the old folk got together and sing all the old tunes and Anthems they could find. I do wish Mother could have heard them, she would have enjoyed it so much. Old Dr. Abbott and Dea.Thurston beat the time with so much rush I had serious fears lest they should dislocate their shoulders! 
             Dea T. sometimes beat with both hands, leaned forward with head up & eyes shut, and while singing some of the most enrapturing  strains actually stood on tiptoe. They made music I assure you, but it was fine to see how excited some of them were. Object of the concert, to provide fuel for destitute families. House crowded and single tickets 25 cts. I went with Mr. Thaxter