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Middlebury Oct. 23 1814
Dear Louisa Before this time I suppose you are there rejoicing in the prospect of our dear Brothers' recovery or are mourning their loss. I hope the former - In that case you will I know be very happy yet not so much so but that a little remembrance from me who claim an almost filial affection from you will be welcome. Yet should your heart have been doomed to feel the agony of a separation from those you love then I know you will feel the want of consolation yes - more than created beings can bestow. If it is so may the God of consolation himself fill your desolated heart and my his blessing attend the efforts of your friends to console you. You must consider my dear girl that you have a part to perform in case your Brothers no longer live that requires the exercise of fortitude. This is to console your father. His loss would be much greater than yours. You are yet young and probably will hereafter have connections more tender than any you have yet known on which your hope and dependance will be placed. Such connections were your brothers to your father. If he has lost them no future notably hope can fille their place - Yet Louisa it is for you to reach
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make him feel if he has lost them he has not lost all - Make yourself useful to him in every way you can - and endeavour to beguile him of his sorrows by the interesting conversations, and endearing others, but do not suffer your own melancholly countenance if you can hopefully avoid it to be a perpetual memento to him of his bereavement.
You perceive I write upon the supposition that your brothers are no more I still hope Louisa they are still living and are better. If it should be so it will make the blessing of their existance doubly dear to you to realize what you would have otherwise felt. Lucy Iivson has been called home [since??] you left us to attend the funeral of her only brother - He died suddenly as was supposed ina fit - Poor Lucy was most mold unhappy - Our melancholly parting with her brought forcibly to our recollection the one we had so recently saw with you - Indeed Louisa the girls miss you much yet I think not so much as I do - I often look to your place at the table and in the school room with a sigh. They are filled but your place in my heart my dear girl you shall still retain whether
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present or absent. - Your letter to Sally Davis I have sent - Julia Pierpont and Susan Shinmer have arrived from Manchester. The former however does but study to make a visit. Three day schollars have entered my school since you left here - Mrs Schayler and Mrs Burnham are both dead - Mrs Louisa Toole is dangerously sick.
I sometimes indulge the hope that you will return and spend the winter here - but I have found anticipation so often the harbinger of disappointment that I have learned to indulge it with caution. The girls mourn your absence more than Jane, she sends much love to you - So no doubt would the other girls if they knew I was writing Susie c Vend particularly - Write to me often I suppose you will have written before you receive this.
Affectionately your friend E. Willard
Julia Cambell is in town.
Miss Louisa Foote
