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Please return
I suppose, - Ann, dear girl, drinking deeply at [Leaming's??] fount, Mary can see and be after with you.
I desire to be kindly remembered by them all --
Mr Blanchard has a flourishing school here, is assisted in his labors by five lady teachers, each one having usually 70 and 80 pupils - but I doubt his ever regarding it with the affection or interest that he did the dear "Peoples' Academy" - a spot around which memory will ever love to linger --
Pardon this long letter, write me if you will - permit me ever to remember you among my friends - believe me always.
Truly Yours Abbie A. Blanchard.
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Sycamore. Ill. Sept 30, 1862.
Dear Mrs. Stevens,
Wishing to hear from yourself and family, I know of no better way than to write you, asking the favor that you will write me in return -- I prize so much any thing from any one I can really call my friend, as sometimes, those I deemed were friends, proved otherwise --
Little Frank and myself left our own dear "Green Mountain" State August 21st --
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We are beginning to like our Western home quite well, though I think sometimes the sight of a green hill would be quite a relief in the picture it is so level here.
There are very many beautiful shade trees, here, which make it delightfully cool and pleasant in a warm day --
We are boarding with cousin Norman Bickley, who, with his family are very kind to us, and indeed, all whom we meet, seem very cordial & kind --
Very many of the people here came from Vermont and other N. England states; are refined and social, more so than in some Eastern towns, and such an unusual manifestation of cordiality to a stranger is truly gratifying.
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Thank you, dear Mrs. Stevens for the nice towel you so kindly sent me by Ann - thanks to her also for sending her photograph to Mr. Blanchard - we both prize it as its original well deserves -
We have now, three likenesses of your family, and do so much wish for your own genial, kindly face, too - Will you not send it to us?
Your home circle has been broken - your family scattered, yet loving hearts remain to cheer and comfort, obey and bless you Long may you be spared to them, for no love is so truly, unselfish, selfsacrificing, as that of a true and faithful mother - God bless you -
Thomas, James and Charlie are perhaps with you - Timothy is still in Kansas - Willie in the Army,
