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Bangor Mother Apr. 24 1853 Du Quoin Ills 1853 to make a right estimate of character) Sam'l honest and sincere but like an impetuous river driving strait ahead making every thing subservient to his own intent - while Charles with as honest intentions as much book knowledge - kind feeling - love of the beautiful and all that is like the meadow brook turning aside from his own interest anytime & every time to accomodate & bless uncle Henry Mr. Richer or any body else not because he dont care for his own interest tho' I do think he would forgo his own pleasure or interest to benefit others more than most people would

  I shall probably stay here till the middle or last of May I do the washing & cooking except Ann makes the pies and nice cake and how she does fly round in the morning with the broom & duster  by the way she is a very excellent person you Isaac & Eliab have not lived with her much for a number of years, & do not half appreciate all her goodness you know she has not been at home only 2 or 3 weeks at a time for 8 or 10 years given I did not estimate her high as she deserves she has been a great comfort to Lucy this winter is very kind hearted and unselfish
  you speak as if I was certainly going to Mass & are very very kind in furnishing the means. But I think it very doubtfull whether I shall go but I dont know yet what may happen Lucy is almost constantly cheerful and looks pretty well but cannot exercise without making her sore  hurting her has not been so as to make her own bed since I came here in Nov. but as her general health is so good I have strong expectations that by next summer she will be able to walk about out doors & anywhere
I think you work too hard Isaac & I intreat of you not to do it  is not your health better than money (??)