(seq. 69)

Northampton, 4th May. 1817.

My dear Husband,

After you left home, for Boston, I
put up my clothes, then called at Mrs Clark's. The stage came at
a quarter past one, four passengers in it. Mr Tuckerman Sen.
and Miss W. his granddaugter, I found very agreeable com-
pany. We arrived at Worcester at eight. I met a most cordial
reception from Mr. and Mrs Allen, and Maria. They regretted
you could not be there with me, and urged my making a longer
visit on my return. I left Worcester friday morning at eleven
o'clock in company with a lady from Hallowell going to
Western and nine nun. They were civil and several of them
entertained us with sacred musick. From W. I took charge of Clara.
It was past four before we left Brookfield, and eight when
we reached Belchertown, from there I had a very fatiguing
ride. The roads very rough, and it was quite dark before the
moon rose. I found Father, Mother and Eliza at the door to
receive me. You would have laughed to have seen the table,
that was waiting to regale me. Hot cakes and tea, two kinds
of meat, it was then eleven o'clock. The children had gone
to bed; but I found Elisabeth awake and rejoiced to see me.
Lucy soon opened her eyes and sprang into my arms. You
would be pleased to see how much they have both improved.
I really feel proud of such children, and I pray I may
be gratedul for such blessings. Saturday forenoon Mrs Storrs called.
Sister Stoddard spent the afternoon. Julia Strong part of it.
Eliza had a [montuamaker?], brother S. came in the morning
with four little boys, to see me. Mrs Storrs also sent her little
girls to welcome me. I can assure you we had a busy day.