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                                                                                                                                       California
                                                                                                                     Somerville, Feb. 12th / 54

Dear cousin Abby,

                                 I suppose you begin to think that I have quite forgotten you again - such is not the case I assure you although my long silence would lead you to suppose that I had. I have no satisfactory excuse to offer for my long neglect, and therefore will not attempt to frame any. I received last evening a package of letters from Mr. Paige, and among the number found one written to him by your brother, Charles, and which he (Mr. P.) thought I should like to send. I was very much pleased to hear from him, he more so, as I had given up all hopes of ever hearing from him again. I hope he will continue to write regularly, and never more cause you so much anxiety and distress on account of his neglect. I have some thoughts of writing to him by the next mail do you think he would like to have me? I suppose it would be impossible for one to imagine the deep and heartfelt joy, and gratitude which must have filled your hearts, when you received that letter which informed you that your dear long lost brother, was still alive and in the enjoyment of health. I should like to have you see the letter which I have - he alludes very feelingly to the death of Aunt Sarah, and dear little Anna. When you make us that long-looked for visit, you shall have the pleasure of reading it. I was at uncle Sumner's last Friday night, and they informed me of the marriage of your brother Samuel. They also told me that Caroline Belding was in consumption, and not expected to live long.

J4