New Years day
1859.
My dear Sister,
I sent a letter to you this
morning before the turmoil of the day
began. The table was arranged before 12 –
the usual box of cake came – and the
other things much as they were I suppose
last Winter saving the punch . I think
the guests have been more quiet in consequence
of this omission and some of the visits
much less protracted. It is now past
3 oclock – still they come – a few ladies
not many. Fanny goes to town occasionally
to see some one who enquires particularly.
Will comes up occasionally to take breath.
I have not seen Henry since 12 oclock.
Nicholas attends the door. Mr Cook
helps John & Elizabeth Louisa. The
box of New Years cakes are is reduced
to half of the last layer. Kate super–
intends – there is one striking inconvenience in
this house – no access to the back stair-
case without passing through the dining
room or making the circuit of that
room on the outside and entering a

a side door. After raining a week, the
sun has appeared once or twice today
but the mud is indescribable. I
hoped it might freeze last night.
I received Clara’s letter night before last
which we were all glad to see. We have
her daugerreotype to look at occasionally.
I found Kate she owing it to Maud Baker
the other day and seeming much pleased
with Mauds commendations. It lies on my
bureau with Augustus & Fred. Will has
taken his which was in company with Fred
Howes' to his room – says he wishes to keep
it now. So Amos is married again.
Yesterday Joseph Youngs came to see us. He is
in this neighborhood seeking a patent
for a husking machine. He has been constructing
it in Mary land somewhere near the place
where they lived – it is more than a month
since he left home, all were well then. Thomson
was still with his wifes aunt – undecided
what to do – the baby was then at his
mothers. I am still reading Irving's
Washington. I intend to send the first
vol to you when Fanny finishes it. It is
very interesting. I think Clara would like
to hear it. It is by far the most clear
and comprehensive account of the Revolution

that I have ever seen – though the 1^st
volume is chiefly occupied with the
French and Indian war's. There are so
many accounts which remind of
events told us by Grandma. Irving’s appreciation
of Washington's character is very pleasing. It
makes one sad to learn how one so good
and just as Washington could be the object
of envy & calumny so bitter as was man–
ifested by some of his enemies. I do not
like Theodore Parker's lecture on Washington.
I can see no possible good that is accomplished
by pointing out the defects of such a man
as Washington. Of course he was imperfect
as he was a mortal, but it is the
occupation of a little mind to dwell
on imperfections. Theodore Parker ought
to be above this. His fault seems to be of
the same nature as Ethan Brand's in
Hawthornes story. Fanny and Kate
are reading, evenings, Madame D' Arblay's
memoirs. Next week Fanny commences her
lessons. She had a letter from Sarah Hance
a few days since. Sarah inquires about
you & Clara and writes cheerfully.
Mrs Watrous writes too but the world
does not go smoothly with her. She
seems to feel it a great hardships to do

any thing but write. Fred writes today
that Anna cannot come with Mr &
Mrs Corning but will come next week
if Will will meet her in Albany. I think
she has been detained by having dresses &c
made for Fanny & I. She sent a box
with them a few days ago. A silk
dress & a de Laine dress for me & a poplin
for Fanny also a velvet bonnet for me.
I am sure I should never have succeeded
in getting them so well made for myself[ . ]
Sunday morning –
I am up early to send this letter by
the morning mail. New Years day was a
very busy one for the family – passed off quietly[ . ]
Henry thought there were about 400 people
here – none came after dinner so we had
the evening to ourselves. Our folks are
still in bed except the men making
fires - it froze a little last night but
is not uncomfortable without a fire
this morning. Bell has gone into bed with
Fanny. How does Pisgah do alone?
Will has written to Mr Brown to have our in-
house filled – it must be repaired first – I
suppose that will depend somewhat on the state
of the weather. Love to Clara
Your own
Sister.