(seq. 67)

I found Polly and the children all in good health,
as they are at this moment. It was so extremely cold yester-
day, that I prevailed on Polly to put off washing, of course
she is doing it to day. I have all the children about me.
Ever since I began to write, William has insisted on my
taking him, or letting him get on the table, and pull
about my papers. I have expostulated in vain, and told
him I was writing to Dear father: he only reply's, Pa: Pa:.
Lordsday 19. It was a severely cold morning. Mr Lyman
came quite early. I paid him every attention in my power,
he was very social. He gave us too excellent sermons. Those
that heard him, I am sure, were paid for going out, such
a day. I am sure think I never went out a more uncomfortable
one. The wind was very high. It seemed almost impossible
to reach the steps. Mr Lyman was quite short. The singers were all
out, which I was glad of. Mr L. dined at Mr Hyslops, seem'd pleased.
I found, when I returned from Boston, that Uncle James -
had brought the Disciples. I have distributed some of them.
Yesterday, monday, Mrs T. White and Polly Thayer visited me.
Mr W. came for them and brought the chaise fairly loaded.
A bag of meal, a leg of pork, a bushel of apples, and some beans,
he had previously sent a turkey. It really seemed overwhelming,
how can we ever repay such kindness.
Nancy Murdock told me, that Miss Prudy said, if all your
people lov'd you, as well as she did, they would not send
you over the lakes to run the risk of getting drown'd.
May a good Providence return you in safety; is my con-
stant prayer. I do not relish your being absent a week
longer. Yet I rejoice you pass your time so pleasantly.

Poor Maria Hammond is very low. Dr Warren has said, her
case was almost a hopeless one. I pity her parents sincerely.
George Bond is in a sad state. From what I learn, he is
very much as Mr Holdens son was, of Dorchester I mean.
They had a consultation yesterday, on him. What the result
was I have not heard. I do not hear of any one else being
sick in town. I should have put off writing till evening,
but have engaged to go with Mrs. Goddard to take tea, with
Mrs Ingersoll. My letter must be sent in the morning.
Since I have been writing , Mr Goddard , was in consequence of my
sending your letter, for them to read. I receiv'd a letter while
in Boston, from Miss Abbott. She engages to take the charge of
our school, and said she should go to Dorchester early in the spring
and should then come and see us, to make some arrangements.
I have not heard a word from your father, fmaily, since you
left us, presume they are all well or I should. I believe you would
laugh to see our William, for twice, he has slightly pulled my paper from
under my pen on to the floor. I shall finish when I return.
I came from Mr Ingersoll, at half past eight. Mr & Mrs Babcock were
there, & we had a very pleasant visit. Mr and Mrs Goddard went to Brighton,
found Mrs Foster and fmaily well, she had received a letter; the same date
with my last. Mrs F sent word, I must not look for you, before saturday
after next, a long while for you to be absent. I really hope on your
own account you will reach home before the last of the week,
putting myself and the dear children out of the question.

Do remember me to Mr and Mrs Clark, their friends here are all well.
I have not been to see Mrs {Captain} Goddards yet, as she has been making a visit in Boston, she returned a
few days since quite unwell, and is now confined to her room. From your L Pierce.