(seq. 9)

[fol. 2v]

to raise him from the dirt.

Since my last we have had a quaker wed-
ding in this town. Curiousity prompted me among a
large number of spectators to attend. If you are not
acquainted with their ceremonies, a relation of them
may not be unacceptable. The bridegroom first took
the bride by the hand and repeated these words. "Friends,
"I, David Hoag, do take this my friend, Elisabeth Earle,
"to be my wife; promising, by Divine assistance, to be
"unto her a faithfull and loving husband, until it
"please the Lord by death to separate us." The bride,
then with alteration of the name, and of wife
for husband, pronounced the same words. The chief
quaker then read an attestation of the marriage
and requested every person present to sign it. With
this every one approached to subscribe his name,
without reference to age, sex, or color. All the wo-
men and girls, who could write, signed. I was suc-
ceeded by a man, old enought to be my grandfather;
and, to bring up the rear, a plump, fat negro ap-
proached, and very officiously put down his name.
Not withstanding the studied simplicity of this sect, the bride
added to the beauty of countenance and elegance of
her shape by a brown silk gown, flesh colored silk cloak,
a neat bonnet and a pair of beautiful, white silk gloves.

In a late visit to Brookfield I had the pleas-
ure of being introduced to the highly celebrated ladies
of this town. I was pleased with their good sense, socia-
bility, and easy manners. One circumstance, however,
was too singular to escape my censure. Although I
found them at a neighbor's, where they expected no strang-
gers, their dress would have gained them credit at a

[fol. 2r]

Boston assembly. Their tight laced appearance reminded
me of a custom, prevalent among some ladies of quality,
of abstaining from food on visiting days, lest it should
discompose the symmetry of a pretty shape. This obser-
vation might seem severe, were it not made in a con-
fidential manner to a friend.

Dr Fiske, minister of the South parish in B.
I esteem a man of modest worth. I was much enter-
tained by his improving conversation. His son, my class-
mate, has relinquished Law, and untaken trade at
Claremont, NH.

From Brookfield, I proceede to Western. Mr Baxter
has an admiable situation. The town is wealthy for an
inland town, and is united in religious sentiment. There
is not a sectary in the place. Universal attendance is
paid to Divine worship. How agreeable these circum-
stances! But what renders Mr B's condition most
enviable is a wife, whom every body, that sees, must
admire.

Since I am roving, I have almost a [...]
inform you that, among the fine young ladies, [...]
have attend my school, I have found a kindred
soul. But I am afraid, you will laugh at me. "What,"
say you, "is that frozen heart capable of tender
"emotions?" And "is this the way, you qualify yourself
"for the ministry?" But as this is a matter in
embryo, I dare not inform you any farther,
at present. I would beg that this my be subrosa
and request the same frankness from you to
your, unalterably,

P.S. I am almost asleep. Philos