(seq. 5)

Dear Sophia,
For the first time in my life I address you in writing - I have long intended to write to you & although I now only drop a line yet consider it as the beginning of a correspondence - & tell me at least in answer how you have past the last two years - What schools you have attended & who have been your instructors - I suppose by this time you have forgot your kittens [?] [?] [?] permit me to condole with you on the melancholy subject of the death of your companion of youth - Poor Margarett - adieu Dear sister - I am
your affectionate {Brother}
Ralph Isaacs
My Dear sister Grace -
I acknowledge the [?] of your very kind letter - & feel much indebted for your early attention in I find that two letters of mine to you never came [?] [?] it to the inattention of the runner to our hotel [?] broke & dismays. From his office by our [?] I know not why? But my attachment to my relations of en[?] to an astonishing degree - I even dear call to remembrance all the little incidents of oc[?] & dwell with peculiar satisfaction on the [?] of our early friendship - I have never untill my [?] [?] realize the death of [?] dear Brother Will[?] have been bewil[?]ed enchanted & fascinated for [?] of late - but now find myself free - my children I love & will protect - pardon me for saying thus much - When you see my Father & our excellent Mother - [?]pare them of my entire love & dutiful regard - ask your best of men & husbands whether he need a lengthy letter from me in answer to his - I requested M Miles to hand A to W Willhoup to be forwarded - neither W Willhoup or any of our Connecticutt members did me the honour to call on me - I felt no mortification - my best love & respects to W Ingersoll - & ask to write [?] him that among the various letters I receive none are more welcome than those from him
I love & esteem him - adieu Dearest sister & be affirmed I am your affectionate friend & brother
W Ingersoll