(seq. 27)

New Rochelle [November?] 14 1839
First day morning.

Esteemed A.

Thy letter of of the sixth [?] was
recieved on the tenth and most acceptably too, though
not from the paternal roof yet from one who
condesends to relate the particulars concerning that
dearly loved spot called home. As to formalities
I do not accuse myself of having participated in
them, no, not in the least, therefore the caution
was not demanded. Thou spoke of my home
sick feelings, I acknowledge I have thought
much of home and friends, but yet I do
do not attribute these feelings to that distress-
ing cause. Indeed to feel that we have a
friend to whom we can frequenty write and
freely express our feelings, is an unspeakable
relief to the spirits and a blessing for which
we cannot feell too grateful. But I cannot agree
with the sentiments that communications
from friends increase this malady (as thou art
pleased to call it) at least with me, for to the con-
trary a letter, when my mind is depressed, seems
to soothe those bitter feelings. I am happy to
hear that H is pleased with her school and
hope she will endeavor to do justice by her
pupils, which of late, I am not [more?] persuaded than be-
fore cannot be done without the aid of a
higher power and better judge than enervate [praise?].