(seq. 79)

Thursday. 15 May
Sister Stoddard came at eleven in the
forenoon, in their chaise, for one to go to Hadley, and spend
the day with Mrs Huntington. We had Cousin Solomon for an
escort on horseback. We went over the Northampton bridge, going, and returned through Hattfield. When we got to Mr N__s
we found his wife had only been confined six days with her
tenth child. Her Mother is very sick. The black woman that
waited on us, said that Mrs Phelps was thought very near
her end. I think that Mrs Huntington does not know the real
situation. Poor woman: what must she not suffer, not
to be able to see her Mother. We made a short call. then
went to Dr Lymans and spent quarter of an hour,
and returned to fathers to dine, our ride was rather
a cold one. I felt fatigued, and have been on the
bed, since dinner. It is now mast night. When I got up,
I found Eliza gone to meet for the last time with the
education society. I suppoe to render in her account,
they are to choose another treasurer, I understand.
Friday. 16 May. I have been with Eliza, at Sister Stoddards, making
cake for the wedding. We went in the morning. At four in the
afternoon, I left them resting the cake, and came home [?] the
late and a delightful walk I had. I had not taken off my
things, when a chaise drove up to the door. a gentleman got out.
I went to recieve him, as Mother was upstairs. He said, "is Mrs
Pierce here" on my answering to the name. He replyed "my
name is Huntington." I immediately knew him to be the
husband of my friend Mrs Phelps. He said when I was
at his house yesterday, he was at work in te field, but came
directly in, but before he could change his dress, we were gone.
He brought two of his daughters with him, they only staid
fifteen minutes. I am engaged to take tea with Mrs Storrs.

The clock this moment strikes five. It is time I was dressed,
as we are engaged to make a friendly visit.

I can spare your, I am quite impatient to hear again from you.
I have been from home more than a fortnight, and have only
received one letter. This is the fourth I have written.

I jope, there is one on the way for me, if not, I shall be quite
homesick. I returned fro Mrs Storrs late in the evening. The first
thing that caught my attention was your welcome letter, on the
table. I felt grateful to your for being so minute. I can assure
you, I had a much pleasanter night for reading your letter
twice before going to bed. Dear little William; how I long to
see him: I hope you will not let him forget me. I think
much of the other children, Abby, I presume, is now able
to attend school. We had at Mrs Storrs Dr Flint and Lady.
also Mr Nurse, who it is said is going into partnership,
with the Dr. your acquaintance often gratify me, but their,
particular enquires after you. I hope you will have a ples-
ant ride to Mingham, my heart will be with you,
on occasion, as indeed: it is at all times. I shall rejoice to be
again in the bosom of my family. Yet I enjoy much in
this visit to our dear parents. It is not probably, I soon
shall have it in my power, to leave home for such a length
of time, and never again, perhaps, shall I see Eliza here.
Brother John intends being here on Wednesday, May 21. it is
probably we shall leave this place, for B on the 26 of May.
And I presume shall reach home on tuesday. We hear from
the Williams family, that Mr Phoenix sister A. talks of
going to Boston, should her health permit. We shall have a
large if not merry party. Saturday 17. May. I open the forenoon
with P. P. she went with me to return Mrs Hinckleys call. Mrs David Nount spent
spent part of the afternoon her. I took a walk with father + Eliza, between
six and seven, over round hill. I had not been on it, since before
I was married. The Shepherds have wonderfully approved it.