43

[upper right corner]
New Haven 25^th September
1852

My own dearly beloved child

I do no know why I begin this letter now - but
the fact is I do so love to write to you. I can never tire of the pleasure
Nothing has occurred of any consequence since I dispatched my letter
yesterday evening - I have been engaged all day in patching & fixing up
the "girls's" [sic] flannel - the rats of No 15 having feasted even on them
there really seems to be no end to mending. In fact I have done
more sewing since I left home than I have done for years - & yet
I cannot see what I have accomplished - all mending ________
I wonder Tootee dear if I shall ever know what peace is - I do want
to get home very much - & yet I shrink from its troubles. If I had
my wish - I would have William yourself & children join me here
& let us all go to California - The more I think of the troubles which
drove me from home the more I dislike holding negro [sic] property --
Oh! that we could sell out & invest in some other pursuit less trying.
But enough of this for the present. I lament this morbid state of mind
I ought to know there is no perfect happiness for mortal. I have
my blessings if they are mix'd with trials. Now let me be done with this
prosing - I ought not to depress you my darling - for tho' you are
blessed with having your husband with you - your pecuniary pros-
-pects are no brighter than my own. Let us both my Child try to gain
riches - which will ensure us a better home: --- ---

I have not heard from Georgia since Lord & Flora left here on
Thursday. I do not think she has written over a dozen letters since
I came on. She no doubt is much taken up with entertaining her
Uncle & Aunt - Flora soon tired of the excitement - From what
she tells me nothing but the purse of Fortunatus would induce me
to go to the Metropolitan. Andrew & Louisa have a splendid
suite of apartments - they pay $9 per day - for board & Lodging - this
tells when weeks roll on - The extra's [sic] no doubt are great -