Sunday afternoon June 4^th
My dearest sister I really began to think I never
should find time to write to you again. I have been too
sick two or three days of the last week and the remainder
of the time hurried. I was sick Monday when you left
Tuesday I kept my bed the greater part of the day
I think it was the effect of a severe cold from which
I have not yet recovered. Wednesday I was some better
but not able to keep up all day. Thursday I went with
Mr and Mrs Seward to Mrs Hortons – we dined there and
came home to tea – it was very very w warm and uncom-
fortable riding. When we came home I found a letter from
Henry whom we were expecting every hour, saying he must
return to New York and possibly to Philadelphia – yesterday
I received another letter – he was then in New York the 1^st of
June – hoped to arrange his business the next day – we look
for him Tuesday though he said he should write
again. Friday Clara went with Mr and Mrs Seward to
the Owasco lake and yesterday I had Boyce come
and whitewash my room it having become so smokey
that I could endure it no longer. Mrs Fosgate Mrs
Horner and Mrs Smith had called so that upon the
whole you will perceive I have had very little leisure – add
to this the the vexation of spoiling a little silk frock coat
for Fred, and having the tailor do the same kind
office for a pair of pantaloons for Augustus and you
have about the sum of my weekly experiences. Mr
Seward has become very impatient for Henry’s return – he has
a great many ill turns but is upon the whole much

better than I expected to see him – his plan of travelling varies
with his feelings – sometimes he is going to travel the remain-
der of the summer through Ohio Indiana and Illinois
then an uncomfortable night convinces him it is best to
return immediately to Florida which he sometimes purposes
to do before Henry comes home. My impression is that
they will remain here until Henry comes and then will
wish us all to go on to Chautauqua together. I need
not tell you that this plan is by no means consonant
to my feelings or if I come along some time next
week you may take it for granted it is because
women do not rule here. I am just as much unprepared
as when you went away. Anna Benedict has made that pair
of pantaloons and partly made the said silk coat[ . ]
I have neither dress or hat and the boys are minus
at least two suits each. I hope you will be ready
to accompany as in the Telegraph - there is nothing
like brisk motion. Clara has been to Mrs Jenngings and
Miss Riggs to look for hats. Mrs Jenning insisted upon
her taking one of the hats she had made for you which
Clara does not seem to relish exactly.
I am anxious to hear from you again I am afraid the ride
was too long for you. Nicholas came home between 4 & 5 the
next day long before I excepted him. Mrs Fosgate regretted
very much that you did not stay two or three days with
Serene. I am sorry that you did not stay all night[ . ]
The little boys missed Frances very much. How does the warm
weather agree with you. Mr Seward did not learn until
Monday afternoon that you had been here he expressed
much surprise that he did not see you. I could

not help laughing when I thought of your encounter
in the kitchen. We all went to Church this morning
and this afternoon all have gone to Methodist meeting.
Pa has been unwell a day or two but not confined to
the house. John Williams never made his appearance
the basket is in safe keeping. Mrs Post and her son called on
to see you Wedns Monday – they did not come in when
they found you were gone. I think I will go to the store
tomorrow and if I can I will call on the Posts that
is if I go alone. My head aches violently do write
I will write again when Henry comes – your own sister
Frances

Mrs Alvah Worden
Canandaigua
AUBURN N.Y. JUN 5
June 5