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Rock Spring
Feb. 3rd 1885
(the 18th year of marriage)

Dear Carrie (presumably in Alex.)
Why I have seated myself to write to thee tonight or what I have to
say I will leave thee to find out, the only explanation I can give
is that I am thinking of thec and want to be with thee and as that
is impossible, the next thing is to write and tell thee so. If
this should turn out a sentimental letter it ought to be left until
tomorrow to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of Feb. 4th. [a date
wedding Nov. 20 of that year]. Thee says sometimes I have no sentiment
and perhaps I have not as much now a days as would be best. I
still have a good deal in connection with the past, and its association
with thee. Thee will never know how desperate and discouraged
I was after that event, and how strange it seems that I can look
it was all for the best. Would I think so if I had not eventually
acquired the desire of my heart, is a question that is of no moment
now. [Perhaps he had proposed and she refused him? The excerpts
of his diary edited by RBF Jr. for Montg. Co. Historical Soc. does
not show an entry for 2/4/62.]

After seventeen years of married life I have no regret, except so
far as my own shortcomings are concerned, in not properly enjoying
and appreciating my good fortune. I am proud of my wife and each
and every one of my children [the last of eight, Harry, was born
the year before] and would not have any of them different; so as
HCH says, I ought to be one of the happiest men living.

Rog [son, aged 8] and I went to Rockville this morning and got thy
letter. Am sorry to hear Mother is not improving. Hope thee will
send a better account tomorrow. We went to Olney and Rockland after
dinner, found all well. The chocolate party was a great success,
they took in over $90.00 and the expences were about $30.00 so Edie
is quite elated, says she has had half a dozen applications for
help already. She and some of the others were pretty well worn out
with their exertions.

This evening Sarah Kirk is having a party and 5th-day evening Joe
Hutton is to have another at the Grange hall.

Rog did not wnat to stay up so I did not insist as he is a great
comfort to me both day and night. Mother was wishing thee would
send Alice and Malcolm up there to stay [they were 6-1/2 and just
over 4, resp.] in Alex. while Mother is so sick. If thee does conclude
to send them before thee gets back, they had better go up
there as I do not think they could get along well here. SMH talked
of going down tomorrow evening if they did not hear better accounts
tomorrow.

It is bed time and I know of nothing else that would interest thee
so goodbye with much love

/s/ Roger B.F.