(seq. 52)

Saturday, Feb 18.

I was roused early this morning by sister
Eliza's coming into the chamber, and saying there was fire
cried. In a moment I heard the bell and voices in the street.
We were all greatly alarmed for a short time, for as the people
passed, they said Mr Edwards works at Roberts meadow were
all on fire. It has proved however to be the dwelling house, of
Mr Edwards that kept the tavern at that place.
There has a deeper snow fallen the past night, than before
this winter, the storm does not appear to yet over.
The first thing when I awake in the morning, my thoughts
are with you. I think how very much I am wanted at that
time, and I cannot feel perfectly happy.
Dr. Sugar prescribes for burn(?), and with great success, an
ointment made of the lead water, and oil beat together.
I wish that Mrs Halley would make use of it.
Monday, Feb. 20. I have taken my pen to try to compose myself
by writing to my best friend. This morning Father burned
the chimney, it was done quite early, as we were all sitting
in the parlour. All at once, four hours after, a large quantity of morter
came down the chimney. we heard a great roaring, Eliza looked
up, and found the wooden mantelpiece all on fire. We sent
instantly to the store. Father soon came with two carpenters,
and they tore away the woodwork and found the fire had
burned fifteen inches deep. The whole wood was only
eighteen inches. My hand still trembles so much, that I
cannot write any more at present.

Tuesday 21, I expect a sleigh every moment, to take me on the hill.
I shall spend the rest of the week there. Sister is a little better today
her husband went to Chester to day to stay till Saturday unless she was more unwell.

Half past nine in the morning.
I again resume my pen although at this late hour.
Sabbath eve Major Dwight and lady came to see me. Mrs. D.
side she greatly rejoiced that I could leave home to visit Northhampton.
I answered, "Mr Pierce was quite willing to take charge of the
children, to let me emjoy my friends here, a short time."
"Well" said Mr Dwight "I suppose you would like to have such a
husband." Addressing his wife. She answered in a mild tone
of voice, "Mr Pierce's habits and yours, my dear, are very different."
I was delighted with her manner. She was always interesting to me.
We have had a constant succession of company since two o'clock.
First Miss Susan Lyman, then Mr. Strong and wife, from O'Hadley.
They spent an hour, wished to have us set a time to come and
see them. But I have not yet spent any day with either of
our sisters. Miss Julia Strong called. Mr and Mrs. Storrs passed the
evening, she is a very pleasant woman, and good neighbor.
Sister Edwards has had a cold ever since I first came. Today
she was so unwell as to have Dr. Munt. I hope to see her tomorrow.
I have had a violent headache ever since our fright from the
fire. I hope a good night's sleep will relieve me.
We are now in the north room, the other is all in confusion.
The woodwork over the fireplace all tornaway, and the
chimney, as far as the chamber. I must really say I was
dissapointed, not having a letter today. I hope I shall soon
hear from you, and the dear children. I feel as if I had been
gone a month, although time as passed pleasantly.
Remember me to Miss Stebbins (sp?). Kiss all the children for me.
I hope they will all try to be good till Mamma returns.
Tuesday 11. I have been all the forenoon assisting Eliza. She has just
set off for Springfield in a double sleigh, with Miss Sally and Julia
Strong, with Mir. Packard for a gallant. Julia is here every day.
You cannot think how much I want to hear from you, and the dear children.
Mr. Minckley returned from Boston today. No letter for me. Adieu, yours L. Pierce.