DemingHorace18641010_001

Andover. Monday. Oct. 10th /64

Dear Mother,

I have a half an hour to spare
before dinner and am using it to answer your letter. Mr Eaton
arrived all safe, but the grapes , ah, me!, must have met
with some difficulty on the road. For they were huddled close
together as though they had been badly frightened and had not
recovered from their fright. A great many of their heads were smashed
in and they had been enjoyed ^weeping profusely. Some had been even
skinned alive and ^{the disposition of} others had been badly soured in consequence.
The bushel had sadly depreciated in size but were sufficiently
appreciated by me at least I'll warrant you. When we had
unpacked the trunk I carried my share to my room including
of course, the unmentionables, and spread them out to-day.
They have improved considerably already as my stomach can
testify. Nothing like the Andover atmosphere to make a schoolboy
enjoy a bushel of grapes. Mr Eaton came in just "the nick of
time." Friday night and on "Matics" week too. I was busily engaged
in sawing wood and as busily talking to John S Eaton Esq when
suddenly hack shots in front of House. Lt Com. John exclaimed "I'll
let father's come." Rev. Horace Eaton dismounts. Embraces John.
Shakes hands with me. Pays hackman. Assist him. left the