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on the bank near a beautiful spring on Charles' upper lot, where were twenty head of cattle struck with wonderment at our operations, and strongly inclined to dispute our right to invade their territories.

               My school is not the worst in the world by any means, but I think it the most wearisome one I ever had charge of.
      Have about 40 scholars, the oldest only 13 years old. Such an array of little ones I never before saw together. Sixteen Abecidarians! H. Tolman kept here three weeks before she was turned away, so I shall probably have no more than eight weeks or thereabouts to keep. We seldom find ourselves so badly situated that there are no pleasant things to counterbalance the disagreeables - and I usually find it the happiest way to "look on the bright side," enjoy what there is to be enjoyed, & as much as possible forget the rest. Contentment is in the state of our mind, not in our condition. I am too selfish for a school -teacher. The school-ma'am is expected to take an interest in every thing pertaining to everybody's "little dears," be they never so ugly or disagreeable.
 She must hear with patience, & interest if possible al the long yarns which garrulous old women are pleased to spin for her, nod assent to this, and "shake the negative" to that, when her wearied spirit would fain wander away to seek repose in a more congenial atmosphere. As I said before I love myself & mine too much to bestow so much care and thought on strangers. Yet I ought to think some of doing good, and hope I do. If you have patience to read this through, you are a wonderful child.I did'nt know 'twas in my power to make such an awful looking letter; but I beg you'll excuse it. Written in excessive haste, very warm, hand trembles. Do write to me often won't you? Makes me feel better for  week to have a letter when from home! Love to all. Good bye 
                                                                                        Lucy.