George Henry French 1857 (1845-1867)

Andover. July 5th. 1843.

My dear brother,

I suppose you think me rather tardy in answering your letter if you call it thus. I hope you passed yesterday very happily I often thought of you and wished I was with you. I speak some hours in inviting composition, some in reading, taking, &c. I went in company with two girls that board here; to see Miss Ann Maria Foster. In the evening, four of the students came. Mr. Everett. my lab school teacher, and Mr Trudy the singing teacher, also a gentleman what came up with Joseph Foster, (Mr Stockbridge) and a Mr Stevens of Boston. We had a very pleasant time havie plaies and sings beautifally. I had an invitation to go to a picnic at Indian Ridge but I diclined. There is to be one Friday next It is among the Episcopalians. I some expect to go. There was one in the West Parish which was very interesting it included both old and young. Many of the children spoke. Frances went. Mr Everson gave me an invitation to go and I should have gone had I felt able to walk so far. Last Saturday I went to the Annual meeting of the juvenial Missionary Society, of which I am a member. Frances has joined it. She answered almost all of the questions and many of them she respected alone, and I must say I felt much pleased, for I had good reasons to be. I then thought of you and wished you would have been there.

Frances said she would write to you soon and tell you about the 4th. She seemed much pleased with the idea. Las Sabbath I went up to Mr Jackson's meeting with Uncle Charles and Miss Ingalls. It was the first time since it ^the meetinghouse was repaired that there has been a meeting. Mr J'n preached a dedications sermon.

in the morning he preached from these words "The house is perfected." In the afternoon from these words "Let us go up to the house of God."

The house looks very nice. The pulpit is nice but perfectly simple. The singing seats have have been repaired, the iles have been carpeted and the pews painted. What do you do you think about my going to school next Term? The term closes three weeks from yesterday. There is to be an examination My room mate is to write a composition for the occasion. There will be 5 weeks vacation. I hope I shall be able to come next term and I shall if Mr Jackson is willing. I have not been well for almost a month. One thing is I have much headache with some other things. Last week I was obliged to stop study for two or three days. My head feels very strange if it does not ache. Today I left my class it felt so bad, but I do not like to say much about it because there are so many complaining. I am very happy although othere have thought otherwise, because I do not mingle in company much, but I am happy most of the time although I suppose I must have the blues as almost every girl as well as boy has them sometimes. I have not seen uncle Charles once when I could give him that money, but I mentioned it to him. I guess he and Miss I's will not break through.

Uncle Hiram is in the factory of the Frye village, as an overseer. I have not received a letter from Augusta Battles yet, but have had one paper. I shall not write to her agen unless she answerers my last letter to her. I want to hear from her much. you have mentioned something about going to Canton. All I have to say is, that if you feel it a duty to go you must. But do you think it is right to leave Frances and myself here alone without some one to go to as a brother? I hope you will think of all things before you make up your mind. you must know it would be hard for me to bid you farewell with the expectation of not

seeing you for years and perhaps never, it is just what I should expect. I hope you will get employment if you have not and I trust you will if you can. I do not know as I have much more to say, and I think you will say I had better stop unless I can write better than this is written. But I must tell you that my hand treambles so that I cannot write. give my love to Mrs H family. I do hope you will write soon.

From your affectionate sister Augusta.

6

Mr. George H French, Care of Baker Whitney & Co Boston Mass.

Mary A. French July 5, 1843 recd 6th inst

Andover July 7 "45

Dear Henry,

I received yours of June on July 1st. Then I expected to have had my meeting this week and neglected to write because my intention was to see you this week.

The arrangement has been altered and proberly. I shall not see you until next week or the week after. The good people of Old Andover are generally in good health. Dea Ron, Neighbor Chandler, Dea Deisre Mr Carrith & Family are well. Charles, Oh! if you could only have seen him yesterday when he corried that Boy up to the Priest. Bohy, he looked as pale as a ghost. Those ox bows of his went strong.

You wished to hear something about Augusta's School. There has been some rather unpleasant feelings and is now respecting her punishing so severe. But I hope it is mostly over with. They (The District) growl about that Uncle of hers. For, (say they,) he tells her to put it on to them. I can tell you more about matters and things when present with you I was at Lowell ^on Saturday and paid that Battle's note for Charles. Mrs Wright & Mrs Priest were well. That house of hers proberly will not be sold at present. The new City is in a flourishing condition with about 150 men implored. Report says that it will go on Methuen Did tell.

Yours Hiram