BLACKWELL FAMILY 1855, 56, 57, 58 LUCY STONE Stone, Hannah1855 Copy of letter (not date given) Dear mother While I have been packing my things away in their new places of deposite, Harry has written you all that need be to let you know of our journey, and safe arrival - I know you will be glad that he so thinks of you, and he is all the more dear to me because he is thoughtful of you. We had a pleasant trip. My head ached the first day very badly but Elizabeth and Maria ac- cused me from the company they had invited, and I went to bed, and Harry came into with- out making me, so that I had a nice sleep and have been resting more and more ever since. When I had written the above, on Sunday, company came, and I could not finish and yesterday, I went and to see Sarah and now take the first leisure to send you. I found Sara and Emma in school. Little Emma mimicked in my lap and laid her head on my shoulder, and hugged me neither saying a word, She was just as glad as she could be. Sarah and Emma both look pale. The place is damp and is not fit to live in. Sarah says she shall go back to Gardner with her, if she does not get strong and well. They are coming to spend Saturday night with us. Our friends here, had not received our letters, and so Mother Blackwell says she put on her other cap, and the best table cloth three evenings, before me cause, thinking we might come. My room has [been made] nice, and all the things came safely. I have two windows looking west and north; - and open stone, rocking-chair, breraus, wash-stand, three hair seat chairs, and a woolen carpet. The house is all surrounded with trees which are in full leaf- apple trees and lilacs areout of bloom and corn is an inch high. It has been very warm, but is cool just now. All the external surroundings are very pleasant. And if we are only good and fit for each other, we shall have a worthy, and happy life. At any rate we will try to make it so. If I can secure the esteem and love of Harry's relations as Samantha has that of all of us, and can feel the same good neighborhood with them, I shall be glad and think I care, for I esteem and love them now, and hope to do so, still more when I know them better. But Mother dear, much as I shall love Harry's mother, the larger and warmer room in my heart is yours, and will be ever. You gave me birth, watched my varied and vagrant life, and to you, as to no other, I owe love and gratitude which will gush pure and warm, as long as my heart beats. So here is a kiss Mother dear, and good hope for the future. If you, or father should be sick and need me, send, and I will go at any time. I hope you are all rested from the weary work of the wedding. You may be comforted in the fact that you will never have to make another for me. I thank you all, very much for being so kind, on the occasion, and for contributing in every way to make it pleasant. I am sure that though the children may wish a wedding evry day, the "old red" won't. I suppose Phebe C. has gone home. You must let her see this letter. Little Emma knew the likeness of Father and Mother at once. So I guess they are good. Harry and I have this done up about 40 pieces of cake, and sent to friends, and when the calls infancy, guided my perverse childhood, guarded my earlier youth, and have lived and sympathized with all my are over, I am going to begin to read in good earnest. I am getting strong, and well. With much love to all. Yours affectionately LucyDear Mother While I have been packing my things away, in their new places of deposite, Harry has written you all that need be, to let you know of our journey, and safe arrival. I know you will be glad that he so think of you, & he is all the more dear to me because he is thoughtful for you. We had a pleasant trip. My head ached the first day very badly, but Elisabeth & Marian excused me from the company they had invited, and I went to bed, and Harry came up without waking me, so that I had a nice sleep and have been resting more and more ever since When I had written the above on Sunday, company came, and I could not finish and yesterday, I went out to see Sarah, and now take the first leisure to send you. I found Sarah and Emma in school Little Emma jumped in my lap and laid her head on my shoulder, andhugged me, without saying a word. She was just as glad as she could be. Sarah and Emma both look pale. The place is damp, and is not fit to live in. Sarah says she shall go back to Gardner with her, if she does not get strong and well. They are coming to spend Sat next with us. Our friends here, had not received our letters, and so Mother Blackwell says she put on her other cap, and the best table cloth, this evening, before we came, thinking we might come. My room was made nice, and all the things came safely. I have two windows looking back, and one north; - an open stove, rocking chair, bureau, washstand, three hair seat chairs - and a woolen carpet. The house is all surrounded by trees, which are in full leaf. Apple trees and lilacs are out of bloom and corn is an inch high. It has been very warm, but is cool just now. All the external surroundings are very pleasant. And if we are only good and fit for each other, we shall have a [?], and happy life, at any rate we will try to make it so. If I can secure the esteem and love of Harry's relatives as Samantha has, that of all of us, and can feel the same good neighborhood with them, I shall be glad & I think I can, for I esteem, and love them now, and hope I do so, still more, when I know them better. But Mother dear, much as I shall love Harry's Mother, the larger and warmer room in my heart is yours, and will be ever. You gave me birth, watched my infancy, guided my perverse childhood, - guarded my earlier youth, and have lived and sympathised with all my varied and vagrant life.Lucy Stone And to you, as to no other, I send love and gratitude, which will gush forth and warm, as long as my heart beats-so here is a kiss mother dear. and good hope for the future - If you, or father should be sick and need me, send, and I will go at anytime - I hope you are all rested, for the weary work of the wedding. You may be comforted in the fact that you will never have to make another for me - I thank you all, very much for being so kind, on the occascion [occasion], and for contrib- -uting in every way to make it pleasant. I am sure that through the children my wish a becoming every day. - the "old red" heart - I suppose broke. I has gone home you must let her so this letter. Little Emma knew the likenesses of Father and Mother at once - So I guess they are good - Harry and I, here this morning sent off choice slices of cake, and sent to his friends - And when the calls are over, I am going to begin to read in earnest - I am getting strong, I feel With much love to all - yours affectionately Surias, Mich. Jan 30, 1855 Dear Mother You will want to hear how we got over the long journey. We left Brookfield at quarter before 11 on Tuesday, and were at Cleveland the Wednesday, at 2½ P.M. Sarah was very tired but she slept well, and in the morning we started, all bright, and reached Cincinnati at 6½. Harry was at the depot, but Mr. Lawrence was not. Sarah & Emma both looked blank. But we got her a carriage, and sent her to the House of Refuge. About half an hour after I got to my place Mr. Lawrence came there for Sarah. So when she got to the Refuge, he was not there. Emma cried as hard as she could, and Sarah wanted to. But after a while Mr. Lawrence found them, and then it was all made up. Mr. Lawrence came later to the cars, & Blackwell had told him that he would see to Sarah. So that was the way it happened. The next day I went to see Sarah. She lives in a fine place. She was very tired, and has lain down to rest. Emma stood the journey well, enjoyed every thing, and did not care for any body. I had a pleasant visit with my friends. We did not fix a time for any thing, but shall wait to see how things seem. I left there Monday, (yesterday) morning, and am now among the Michiganders, where I shall probably be three or four weeks. You may send any letters to me, to Ann Arbor, Mich. Care Michael Glazier. I will write you again where to send after that. It is very cold and stormy here, cars are frozen on the track, and sad times to get on. With love to all Lucy Stone [*L S 1855*] Saturday evening May 26, 1855 Dearest Mother It is Saturday evening, and Harry and his brother [?], always, on this evening, stay in the city to attend a literary club, which they enjoy very much. So I sit here alone in my chamber, for the sake of having a little chat with you. It would be more agreeable if I could sit close by you, at the old homestead, but as it is, I am thankful for pen, ink and the mail. I have had Emma with me about a week, (the little rat is sleeping now, on a lounge close by my bed) and she is getting much better; will probably stay a week longer, & then, may be Sarah will come and board here, through the hottest weather. Wont that be fine? You shall then have a standing invitation to visit us, just as often as you can make it convenient; and you will be sure of a hearty wel come. Sarah came over last night to see Emma and Mr. Lawrence came today, made a short call, and Sarah walked back with him, across; lots, shortening the distance considerably. Sarah is better, and if I get her here, she will be well, I guess. She brought me your little note to her, and also to me. Thank you dear mother a thousand times. I know it is a great effort for you to write, and when you do so, it shows how much you love us. And you were crying for your children. Well, mother dear, Sarah & I cried for our mother, but in the midst of the tears, we thought it was worth a great deal, to have a good mother to cry for, and that you too, were happier for children, even though you may now and then drop a tear for them. You must not think that we are lost to you dear mother, or that we ever forget you. There is no hour of the day that I do not think of you, and there is no distance so far, that I would not fly over it, to do you good, or to take care of you, if you needed me, so dearest Mother, wipe your eyes, and be glad, that we have a home in the heart of a loved one, who, when you are with the angels, will be making our life bright and happy - Harry is very kind and good, to me, and thoughtful for my happiness, and so are all his friends - and now that his hand is mine, he shall with all the little private notes for you since you can read his writing - I am glad that I have one hand that can write well - I have no privacy yet, but if I have, he shall write it, as I have no secrets from him - Your trees are bare yet! our peas are nearly large enough to eat, and today, Emma found a ripe strawberry in the garden. Had you not all better come and live, in so good a place? I suppose the cheese-making goes on nicely, there are so many more helpers, this year than last - The children, (so many cousins together) no doubt find work, "almost as good as play," and I hope they love to help - - I thought of the children at home, while at the Refuge the other day, where I saw little boys not larger than Eddy, and girls as small as Phebe - One little girl 6 years old, had been taught by her mother to steal. but she did not love to do it - and once when she had crept under a bed to get a silk dress out of a trunk, she asked her Mother to put her hand in to get it, for she did not want to steal - Her Mother tries to get her from the Refuge, but they will not let her have her - And so you have old Lincoln for a neighbor!. Well, it is fortunate that our neighbors dont visit us much, - How mean of Gov. Gardner, He not signing the removal of Loring and how grand that the bill to protect personal liberty, pressed by so large a majority, in spite of him! So much for having men and not politicians in our legislature - I hope Bo will go to the Boston anniversary if he can for the sake of blessing his spirit. I thought of the N.Y. meetings with a sort of feeling, that I ought to be there - What a grand time they had. What a change since 4 years! But I am at the bottom - Father dont work too hard, and take good care of Mother - Love to all - and a lot of it - LucyWednesday June 7 [*after her marriage*] Dear Mother - I got your letter, with that of the children, just as I was starting for Boston. So, I did not have time to answer it. Sissy was delighted with her letter, and will send another sometime. We had a good Anti-Slavery Convention, and a good Woman's Rights Convention. But, I never saw Boston in such excitement before. Poor Burns was, after all, taken back to slavery, and there was no way to prevent it. It seemed horrible. I saw Charles Robinson just a moment in the Anti- Slavery office. He looked remarkably well. Harry and Sarah went out to see Clara last week. She does not board herself, and Sarah persuaded her to give up Latin, and study... [*Am glad the children keep out of my room so well.*]physiology. We also let her have what money she will need for the term. and that's small. blue & white shawl, of mine, and a pair of stockings. Harry has had a dreadful sore on his hand, The Dr. Lanced it, it discharged a great deal. Sarah did the milking and barn chores. The colt is not born yet, but the calf is, and the pigs are a very fine lot. I found my money in the bank yielding 8 per. ct. and the stock selling at 106 per. ct. So I think I have a good investment there. I have bought a hydropathic] cookbook. The books that Frank wanted are not yet published. but I have bought "Hot Corn", and "Isaac T. Hopper", which the children shall have to read, when I can send them. Lucy is about the same, The others are well. Mary went to Hardwick yesterday, to work for a few weeks. When you write again, tell me all about P.C. Is Jane going to help, this summer. How do the men get on with their work. And how does the school flourish? Tell us all the news. I send a little poem to Mother. All send love Lucy StoneL S Time Anthony Burns was taken back Monday Oct. 2. 1855 Dearest Mother Here I am safe, at the home of one of the best husbands in the world - We had no accident staid at Albany the 1st night - on the lake the second - and were here, on Sat. at 3 1/2 P.M. Sarah & Harry, and Harry met us at the Depot - Sunday, Harry and I went over to see Sarah - She is going to keep school this week, but if she feels any hurt from it, will stop - They were glad enough to see Emma, who was just as glad to see them - They thought the living with the Grandpa & Uncle had done her a world of good - I am very busy today, writing letters for the Woman's Rights Convention. and have only time to let you know that we are all safe and [sou] sound. I will write more soonI shall expect a letter before long from the children telling me what they did with their 10 cts - With lots of love to all the dear ones at home - ever your own child - Lucy -[*L.S. 1853*] Cleveland Oct, 10 Mother Dear Our convention is over. We had Mrs. George Prest, and she did not know anything how to act, the only mistake we made was in having her preside, but we had a good Convention, It held three days. Sam Brooke and Blackwell both attended, and made speeches, I am going from here to Cincinnati. Shall spend a few days there, and hold meetings with Lucretia Mott, Then I think I shall return to this part of the State. for more lectures We had a grand meeting at the ferry reserve, I spent the next Sunday and Monday at Niagara Falls. Went over on the Canada side, walked the suspension bridge, It is a wild, wonderful place.I should love to live there. That eternal roar of water, is so soothing and so grand! I expected some letters, would be forwarded from home for me here, but none have come. If there are any letters, for me, and you forward them immediately, to Cincinnati, care of Harry B. Blackwell, I shall get them. From there, I will write you again. I hope you are all well; that the children are good, and that every thing goes nicely - Sissy must save some chestnuts for me. I suppose Frank and Eddy pick apples, and Mother and Phebe C. are drying them. I hope Phebe has some good plans, for her Mother. I am well, I have not made much money, but then I have done some good. Most affectionately LucyCincinnati Oct 2, 1855 Dearest Mother Here I am safe at home with one of the best husbands in the world..... I am very busy to-day writing letters for the Woman's Rights Convention, and have only time to let you know that we are all safe and sound..... Lucy Cincinnati, Oct. 23, 1855 My Dear Mother ..... I have been very busy in getting up, and attending to the Woman's Rights Convention. It finished last Thursday. Lucretia Mott, Mrs. Rose, Aunt Fanny [Gage], Mary Anthony, and Joseph Barker were there, who all came up here and made us a visit on Friday and Saturday; and now, hardly rested from the Convention, I am busy putting up and making things for the Anti Slavery Fair which begins to-morrow, and next week I shall go to Wisconsin to lecture for two weeks.... Lucy Stone[*1855*] Dec. 6 /55 Dear Mother I am at Walnut Hills Emma is packed in Aunty's bed, and aunty in the bed with her, She is sick with the Jaundice and I have come here to stay a while and see what I can do for her. She has been unwell about a fortnight Her eyes and skin are almost as yellow as ever Phebes were She is very anxious to have the time come for going to Massachusetts, wishes next spring would come in two minutes. [*all the family - Einmar is hearty to eats as well as ever plays all the time, if she can get anyone to play with her. She has been out to walk with me today and is getting better - We have got the letter of Frank & Mary and thank them for it, and shall answer it next - With much love Lucy -*]I suppose you had fine times Thanksgiving, feasting and visiting. We had a mammoth turkey baked for our dinner Emma inquired when she went into the dining room and saw it on the table if that great hen, was a goose. I made as much of a home party as I could that day by opening your miniatures and father's, and setting them on the mantle piece, with Lucy's and Henry's Emma's and mum between, Henry has no trouble with his boys now, some of the worst ones made their escape over the wall, which makes it much pleasanter for him. He gets very tired sometimes, but his health is good, I am quite well too. With much love for all Sarah. Dear Mother, I am sorry you can't read what I write as well as you do Sara's, but I'll do the best I can. I have just this week came home from Wisconsin Harry is in Illinois, & will come tomorrow. I shall be so glad to have him come! Sarah is great deal better, looks well, can go up and down stairs and her back is not lame. Emma is better too, but this climate is not fit for her. We gave her an Emetic yesterday, but she looks yellow enough yet I am well and hardy. you dont get all my lettersI am sure, for I told you about Ellen, and yet you ask again - We have had only one letter from her. Phillips and Garrison went with her to the ship. She was 11 days on the trip. Had a good time stopped a little time in Birmingham with her brother Howard, and then went to Paris, for two weeks, and is now, I expect, in London - I sent Bo a letter, telling him of the deed. The man who holds the deed says, the man he sold it to. (the one of whom we bought, is good, but he dont know Stone, and rather hold the other man to pay him.) Smith, of whom we bought, says he will return the money we have paid, and give up the papers, if we wish. but we think it is all safe. but will give Bo our note to the amount he signed if he dont feel safe - I shall lecture some. but be ready to take care of Sarah, when she needs - Harry's business is nearly sold out, so that in a month, we hope to be clear of it - Mrs. Blackwell is well, and Sam is absent. So we women make all thew Walnut Hills. Jan. 8/1856 Dear Mother of Mine. I wonder if you are almost froze! It is terribly cold here, so cold, that our Irish girl just told me, that her "smock froze every time" she went out to the cistern. We have had more than a week of very cold weather, as cold as any we ever have in New England There is a slight coat of snow, and it creaks under foot. A few sleighs are to be seen, and the merry jingle of the bells reminds me of the old times at home I hope you keep warm, I imagine you are in the West room, with the old red, and black plaid blanket shawl on, stopping now and then to warm your cold blue fingers. And, at last when the "chores" are done, sitting down with the warm stone, that same old stone (a friend by day and night) for the comfort of toes that will be cold, in spite of thick stockings and buffalo shoes; and then, when the papers have been read, you mend for big and little, and get the best times that you can. Well, blessings on you mother dear Sarah is getting on nicely. She has had no drawback of any kind - The baby is three weeks old today and it is surely a pretty, healthy, sweet little thing. ever came to bless this cold world. We all love her so much! Emma gives up all her privileges for the sake of her dear little sister - touches her hands and feet strokes her hair, and pats the plump dimpled cheek. and has not a bit of jealousy - Sarah has not near milk enough for it. but a new cows milk supplies the place - Sarah has a good old woman with her now, who will stay a week longer, and then she hopes to do alone - She has for one day, and two nights, one Flo wanted to give the baby oil, and parregerie, and when it rolled its eyes as all babies will, she whailed it by its heels, so we bade her take to hers, and now [*1856*] [*Now does Frank [?] mean brother Frank. He never writes me. You must give my letters to Phebe C.*]Love a quiet motherly care taken, who sews & wishes for baby, and is just what Sarah needed. The yellow, has all gone from Emma, and except a cold, she seems very well, but she is pale, and I shall be glad for her sake, when they are back in Gardner - Mary Lawrence is alone in the house there, all the families have moved away They expect to go back about Apr 1st or rather to leave here at that time - I have lectured three times since I wrote you last. & have several invitations to go to other places, and there is nothing to hinder my going, only that it is so much pleasanter staying at home, where in good truth mother dear, I have one of the best husbands in the world. He is always kind and good, and never gets in my way by word or act, has been otherwise - He is here only evenings. (at the store all day) and I listen for his footstep at about 7 o'clock, glad always to hear it - Then we read together, or by ourselves just as we please. I know you all felt a little badly, at our wedding, because [you] Harry was a stranger, and you did not know what I was risking, nor what future I might be making - But I have learned to love and trust him vastly more than at the wedding. It is 36 weeks today, since that time; each Tuesday morning as it comes is a little sacramental season to me, and week by week I grow more grateful for Harry's love; more and more he comes to be to me all that I need - I too, try to be a good wife - and I know he loves me very much. So Mother, think of me as happy, now, and in prospect - Mrs. Blackwell is very kind & truly motherly, only Sam, is here this winter besides I hope the children have good times with their sleds, & are good scholars. What is the reason Bill Thomas did not keep the school? I hope the water does not freeze in the kitchen. Do you know that I have had only one letter. and that the children's since I left? Pray my good sister Samantha, dont kill your hand, but make these little boys hands do a lot - Does Bo draw wood t Ware? What is the news? Wont you write, you & Father - do - With much love Lucy -Part of letter Walnut Hills, Jan 8, 1856 Dear Mother of mine . . . I have lectured three times since I wrote you last and have several invitations to go to other places, and there is nothing to hinder my going, only that is it so much pleasanter staying at home, where, in good truth, Mother dear, I have one of the best husbands in the world. He is always kind and good, and never yet in any way by word or act, has been otherwise. He is here only evenings (at the store all day) and I listen for his footstep at about 7 o'clock, glad always to hear it. Then we, read together, or by ourselves just as we please. I know you all felt a little badly at our wedding, because Harry was a stranger, and you did not know what I was risking, nor what future I might be making. But I have learned to love and trust him vastly more than at the wedding. It is 36 weeks to-day since that time; each Tuesday morning as it comes is a little sacremental (sacramental) season to me, and week by week I grow more grateful for Harry's love; more and more he comes to be to me, all that I need. I too, try to be a good wife, and I know he loves me very much. So, Mother, think of me as happy now and in prospect. Mrs. Blackwell is very kind and truly motherly. LucyWalnut Mills Jan. 16 1856 My dear Mother Sarah got your letter, one began in November, and both sent in Jan. a few days ago. enclosing one from Clara and H. C. Wright We are always so glad to hear from home! but it made us both a little sorry to find you and father so very much bent upon leaving the old homestead. We could not help thinking that it is the result of some little breeze that will soon blow over Everything seems worse in the cold winter weather especially when smoke is added to frost. I have always wished that the old home, "the cherished stage of your active life," when some of us were born and some of us have died, Where the mornings of near forty years are gathered, should give you and father shelter and rest. So long as you need them; and still believe, that you will both be happier and more contented there, than any where else – you never will find better people than Bo and Samantha to live with. They + you will both have something to bear. They will do it patiently in anticipation of their own old age – And you and Father must remember that when you were in life's prime, you loved to manage your own affairs, and were competent to do it too; and trust your children as you trusted yourselves at their age You and Father must not think of going to live alone either, in old Lincoln's house, or any bodys else, alone. Two old people, even when three score and sixteen years are gone, could not be safe alone. Now, I advise that you give up all trouble about it, until Sarah + I go home in Apr. or May, as we shall (for our business is sold out, and we are free) and then we will advise - Sarah Days you may go with her to Gardner you can do that, if it seems best So dont worry.so long as you have four children, or even one, you will never be friendless, or homeless— We expect to go East, in the spring. And while Harry looks a place I shall go home, and to Gardner — Sarah and Henry want very much to get back — though she dreads the being with Mary again — Her baby is four weeks old, and grows very fast — but it is very troublesome, and cries a great deal, so they say, though it always behaves like a little Christian when I go there, so I tell them I think it cries just to see me — The nurse goes today and tomorrow I am going to see how she gets on. I was there last Sat — Sarah had a huge blood boil on her thigh — but she was very well, and so was Emma. And the baby is well too, in appetite & bowels, & everything — I think it does not get food enough. Henry finds his work too hard for him, and is not quite as well as he has been. I don't think he will have time to work for Bo, though I don't know — Harry goes next week on a collecting tour, and I go to lecture for a few weeks — You ask if I made money in Wisconsin — I cleared about $350. I lecture next Tuesday evening, to a lyceum that is to pay me $50. & I I lectured week before last to another that paid the same. I am glad that you have a good time with X.G. Wright. He would not mind sausage, if you did not make him eat it. I hope you have not frozen. It has been dreadful cold here. Cold as I ever felt it at home — You ought to be in the West room. What a housefull you have with Clara, and the teacher added Well, the more the merrier! The baby grows shockingly homely. She has the most atrocious little pug nose, that ever disgraced a human face (to say nothing of mine) but she is so fat & strong! We all love her dearly — the little rat! How bravely Charles Robinson is acting, in Kansas. But is'nt C. Stearns a jackass? And Mr. Putnam too. He better go and see Mary Lawrence — I got a [little] letter from Phebe C. yesterday & shall write her soon We are all well. Mrs. Blackwell sends love. Love to all Lucy—(Letter from Lucy Stone to her mother) 90 Main St. Cincinnati, O. (Ohio) Dec 28 1855 Dearest Mother This will reach you just in time to wish you and all the home group a "happy New Year." Not quite so many of these though as an old lady at the Refuge wished merry Christmases for me, viz a thousand, which I assured her I should be very sorry to live to share. We have owed you a letter some time but have really been so busy that is was impossible to write. I spent part of Christmas with Sarah, and part at home. As Christmas gift, Saul and Henry and I gave our Mother a new pair of spectacles, and they all three gave each, a donation of books that I value very much. As we gave this mother the spectacles I thought of you, too far away to receive a with dark grey eyes & the sweetest little mouth in the world. I was there before it came and staid (stayed) until last night, i.e. ten days. Sarah is getting on nicely and has a good nurse with her now. I am going to see her again to-morrow. Emma was wild with delight. Said she would not need her doll any more and wanted to give it away at once to one of the little girls who have neither doll nor baby. We gave baby some cold water, at first, and then it did not have a drop of any thing until it was 20 hours old. Then we gave it some sugar water, as it seemed hungry. It never cries, and makes regularly once in ten hours, to be fed and goes to sleep. It has slept with me all the time till last night, and I love it almost like an own baby. Henry looks proud and Sarah happy, and Emma thinks she is very rich, because she has a sister.gift, yet sure that the love your children give you, and which you have so well earned, was more riches, and better than all gifts which the market can supply. This is a good place too to tell Father that the reason I did not thank him, for his generous kindness, when he told me to come home any time, in welcome, and stay as long as I please, was because my heart was in my throat, and I could not. I felt his kindness, and was as truly grateful as though I could have said so at the time. Little Emma had a Christmas gift. She wants the children would guess what it is, before they read any further. It did not come with the gifts of Santa Claus in the stockings. Now guess children. Then Emma wants to know what they guessed? Well then, I will tell you. It is a dear little sister, which came to her on Tuesday the 18th of Dec. It weighed 6 pounds, is very plump & perfectly well, and is very pretty. it has plenty of black hair. They all want to get back to Gardner, and hope to do so in April. I have lectured only once since I came from Wisconsin, but now that Sarah does not need me, I am going again next week, but to places near, that I shall be home every week. As we did not get a deed for the land for which Bo gave his notes as trustee, the notes have been returned, and we take the land only by contract, binding it with $4000 if he breaks it, Henry proposes to send the notes back to Bo, but it will double the postage. So I will turn them & Bo will believe me as much as though he saw it done. Our business is not yet sold out, but we hope it will be before spring, and then we shall go east. Which will give me a chance to see you much oftener. Our first snow is falling and it is cold. I shall answer the childrens letter soon. With love to Phebe, and all. Lucy90 Main St. Cincinnati Dec. 28 [*probably 1856*] Dearest Mother This will reach you just in time. I wish you, and all the home group a "Happy New Year" — Not quite so many of them though as an old lady at the Refuge wished Merry Christmases for me. Viz. a thousand. Which I assured her I should be very sorry I live to share — We have owed you a letter some time but have really been so busy, that it was impossible to write. I spent part of Christmas with Sarah, and part at home - As Christmas gift. Sam &Harry, & I gave our Mother a new pair of spectacles. And they all three gave me, each a donation of books. that I value very much. As we gave this Mother the spectacles. I thought of you. too far away to receive a gift, yet sure that the love your children give you. And which you have so well earned, was more [than] richer. & better than all gifts which the market can supply — This is a good place too, to tell Father. that the reason I did not thank, him, for his generous kindness. When he told me to come home any time, in welcome, and stay as long as I please, was because my heart was in my throat, and I could not - I felt his kindness. and was as truly grateful. as though I could have said so at the time. Little Emma had a Christmas gift. [Which we] She wants the children. Would guess what it is. before they read any farther. It did not come with the gifts of Santa Claus. in the stockings. Now guess children[*LS to her mother*] Tthen Emma wants to know what they guessed. Now have you all guessed? Well then I will tell you. It is a dear little sister. Which came to [them] her on Thursday the 18th of Dec.. It weighs 6 pounds, is very plump & perfectly well. And is very pretty. It has a plenty of black hair. With dark grey eyes -- & the sweetest little mouth in the world. I was before it came & staid until last night, i.e. ten days. Sarah is getting on nicely, and has a good nurse with her now. I am going to see her again tomorrow. Emma was wild with delight. Said she should not need her doll any more & wanted to give it away at once, to one of the little girls who have neither doll or baby. We gave Baby some cold water, at first, and then it did not have a drop of any thing until it was 20 hours old. Then we gave it some sugar water, as it seemed hungry. It never cries, & wakes regularly once in two hours. to be fed and ever to sleep it has slept with me all the time till last night, and I love it, almost like an own baby. Henry looks proud & Sarah happy & Emma thinks she is very rich because she has a sister. They all want to get back to Gardner, and hope to do so in Apr. I have lectured only once, since I come from Wisconsin, but now that Sarah does not need me, I am going again next week. But to places so near, that I shall be home every week. So we did not get a deed for the land for which Bo gave his notes as trustee, the notes have been returned, and we hold the land only by contract, binding Smith in $4000. if he breaks it. Harry proposes to send the notes back to Bo but it will double the postage. So I will burn them, & Bo will believe me, as much as though he saw it done, our business is not yet sold out, but we [hope?] it will be before spring, and that then we shall all go East. Which will give me a chance to see you much oftener. Our first snow is falling and it is cold. I shall answer the children's letter soon With love to Phebe C and all. LucyLucy Stone to her mother, Hannah (Matthew Stone) Cincinnati, Dec. 28 (1857) Dearest Mother: This will reach you just in time to wish you, and all the home group, a "happy New Year" - Not quite so many of them, though, as an old lady at the Refuge wished Merry Christmas for me, viz. a thousand, which I assured her I should be very sorry to live to share. We have owed you a letter some time, but have really be so busy that it was impossible to write. I spent part of Christmas with Sarah, and part at home. As Christmas gift, Sam + Harry + I gave our mother a new pair of spectacles, + they all three gave me each a donation of books, that I value very much. As we gave this mother the spectacles. I thought of you, too 2 far away to receive a gift, yet sure that the love your children give you, and which you have so well earned [deserved], was more, richer and better than all gifts which the market can supply. This is a good place, too, to tell Father that the reason I did not thank him for his generous kindness, when he told me to come home any time, in welcome, and stay as long as I please, was because my heart was in my throat, and I could not. I felt his kindness, and was as truly grateful as though I could have said so at the time. Little Emma had a Christmas gift. She wants the children should guess what it is, before they read any farther. It did not come with the gifts of Santa Clause, in the stockings. Now guess, children. Then Emma wants to know what they guessed. Now have you all guessed? Well the, I will tell3 you. It is a dear little sister, which came to live on Tuesday the 18th of December. It weighed 6 pounds, is very plump and perfectly well, & is very pretty. It has a plenty of black hair, with dark grey eyes, & the sweetest little mouth in the world. I was there before it came, and staid until last night, i.e. ten days. Sarah is getting on nicely & has a good nurse with her now. xx Emma was wild with delight: said she should not need her doll any more, & wanted to give it away at once, to one of the little girls who had neither doll or baby. It never cried, and wakes regularly once in two ten? hours to be fed, & goes to sleep. It has slept with me all the time till last night, and I love it almost like an own baby. xx I have lectured only once since I came from Wisconsin, but now that Sarah does not need me, I am going again next week, but to places so near that I shall be home every week.[*I am lecturing every evening to small audiences but to those that listen well. But the season for lectures is nearly over this year, & the Presidential election will be in the next. Lucy*] [LS 1856?] Urbana, Ohio Mar 25 Dear Mother I received your letter of Mar. 2nd on the 18th. Two or three letters of mine must have reached home since then. Do not be afraid, Mother dear, that I shall get into any difficulty. There is not the slightest danger here, any more than there is at home. Besides, I am not in Cincinnati half the time. So trust me dearest mother, till I get home in May, and then I will tell you all about it Phebe thinks, I shall come with a little baby, and I shall but it will be Aunt Sarah's, and unless some of my nephews, or nieces, will consent to be my children, I don't see, that there will be any chance of my ever having any. I shall be in N. Y. at the anniversary of the American Anti-Slavery Soc. on the 6th of May. I think I shall go home before that, with Sarah, but ascertainly know I sent not long ago a letter to Bo telling him that I had got his draft from Mr. Loring, & asking him to send me the note of Covenants Ryland & Blackwell since which, I have sent him two notes of a thousand dollars each. Secured by real estate in Ill. He must keep them safely. It is great bother that a wife can't manage her own business. I sent some stamps so that he need not be taxed in money, as well as time. I am much obliged to him for his half of the letter. He must not work too hard. I feel troubled, any time I think of him. I sent the letter to Sarah. Harry had sent it to me. I had not heard that Martha Cutter was sick. What kind of funeral did they have? Phebe must feel terribly alone. You must all comfort her. The children I presume have got my letter and know why I waited so long. I think that we all have reason to be fond of Charles Robinson. He has surely acted very discreetly and very nobly And the recent Kansas triumph in Congress is grand With best love to all -- Lucy StoneLectures in [?]. and often visiting. it go to no go and [?] is for lectures. We are all very well. [?] off - Love [?] all Lucy-79 East 15" St. New York Dec. 1, 1856. Dearest Mother I expect to go home about the middle of December, just for a few days. So you must be ready to let me keep you all I can for that time. Harry has gone into business which will make him travel about six months of the year, but it promises well, and so we must bear the temporary loss of a home, and during these three years look out for just such a place as we want. We had a good Woman's Rights Convention. Next week I go to Philadelphia to lecture, and the week after, home, to make some lectures in Massachusetts, and after visiting, go to New York and Ohio for lectures. We are all very well. - - - Lucy.Orange. Thursday June 11 1857 Dear Mother It is almost a month since your letter, filled up [?] Father & Bo & Frank & Eddy, reached me. I was very glad to get it, for I had started to go home, and failed to do so. And a good letter from you all has the next best thing. I had had three invitations to lecture to Lyceums, right on the road towards home; the last one almost up to Palmer [?] thought I could earn my passage and would leave Harry to keep bachelor's Hall while I made a flying visit to you. I went to the first Lyceum, and then both the others failed, and so I came back with real sorrow for I did so want to see you mother dear. And to go to the old home, with that kind of home sick feeling that does not know how to [declined?]. I will consider the children's letter the next time I write. Love to all Lucy Stone There is something very naughty & wicked and bad, & atrocious, & outrageous, that makes he daughters live away from their own relatives, and I don't like it a bit, though I do like Harry very much. I wanted to help you fix gowns, caps, & nightgowns, and various little things that you need but now I don't know when I can do it. Mrs. Squires must make you a black lace cap for every day that will [save?] doing up. You ought to have a big loose dress to wear if either you or Father should be sick. Pen Father's lame back may need it before summer. By the way, Father I don't know anything better for lame backs, than pleasant journeys, & I have no doubt it would do you good to get an easy seat in the first train from Brookfield to N.Y. and take supper with me, the same evening, as you could easily do. I am sure you would like to see this snug little place, which tho not all grand, gives us a good pleasant home. You should see how well I have [learned] [?] the farm lessons learned at home. Our potatoes are six inches high, corn four or five [ears?] in full bloom, while the pole beans I brought fro home look as if they liked the change of view. Our vegetables are well up, and if nothing happens we shall have a fine garden. Wont you come and see? I'll give you some supper [?] with delicate little slices of raddish, cut in vinegar, just as Mother used to do long years ago. And as there is a fish market near, I will cook some fish of any kind you like. And this years potatoes, brought from [?] mealy and nice and the very best bread you ever ate. Which I make, and then carry to the baker near, who bakes for a cent a loaf. Come Father. Pick up Mother & come. and let your back have a chance to rest. and not hold so tightly to that old English grit, that wont let you own, that you ought not to work at four score years - I hope Bo will plant all the Chinese sugar seed. for it makes excellent fodder. I wish too that he would make his meadow into a cranberry lot - It would pay - I think - Mo helps Samantha this summer? I am glad there is no cheese to make. We pay five cts. a quart for milk. I wish you got as much - I am rather glad Bo did not buy the Kent place. He might have made money from the wood, but he has too much to do now - I hope Bill Thomas will pay up. But the truth is. he is lazy - Have you good help out doors? I wish you would send me the straw carpet - just tie it up in those pieces of oil cloth. that Jane took off from the other carpet, and then drop Harry a line the same day that you send it. For they charge a great deal for storage. The other things were stored a day or two. and we had to pay $3.75 for it - But we will keep a lookout, if we know - Dont be in a hurry. but suit your convenience. I enclose a private note to mother. which Harry has copied. so that she can read - [*If Mother should die, Father could not get so young a wife as old Lincoln has.*]Orange, June 11, 1857 Dear Mother: It is almost a month since your letter, filled up by Father, Bo, Frank and Eddy reached me, I was very glad to get it, for I had started to go home, and failed to do so, and a good letter from you all, was the next best thing. I had had three invitations to lecture; the last one almost up to Palmer. So I thought I could earn my passage, and would leave Harry to keep Bachelor's Hall, while I made a flying visit to you. I went to the first Lyceum, and then both the others failed, and so I came back with real sorrow, for I did so want to see you, mother dear, and to go to the old home, with that kind of homesick feeling that does not know how to be denied. There is something very naughty, and wicked, and bad, and atrocious, and outrageous that makes the daughters live away from their own relatives, and I don't like it a bit, though I do like Harry very much. I wanted to help you fix some caps and nightgowns, and various little things that you need, but now I don't know when I can do it. Mrs. Squires must make you a black lace cap for every day that will save doing up. You ought to have a big, loose dress to wear if either you or Father should be sick. Poor Fathers lame back may need it before summer. By the way, Father, I don't know anything better for lame backs than pleasant journeys; and I have no doubt it would do you good to get an easy seat in the first train from Brookfield to New York, and take supper with me the same evening, as you could easily do. I am sure you would like to see this snug little place, which though not at all grand, gives us a good, pleasant home. You should see how well I have practiced the farm lessons learned at home. Our potatoes are six inches high, corn four or five inches, peas in full bloom, while the pole-beans I brought from home look as if they liked the change of soil. Our vegetables are well up, and if nothing happens, we shall have a fine garden. Won't you come and see? I'll give you some pepper-grass with delicate slices of radishes cut in vinegar, just as Mother used to do long years ago. And as there is a fish - market near, I will cook some fish of any kind you like, and this year's potatoes brought from Bermuda, mealy and nice, and the very best bread you ever ate, which I make and then carry to the baker near, who bakes it for a cent a loaf. Come Father, pick up mother and come, and let your back have a chance to rest, and not hold so tightly to their old English grit that won't let you own that you ought not to work at four score years. I hope Bo will plant all the Chinese sugar seed, for it makes excellent fodder. I wish too, that he would make his meadow into a cranberry lot. It would pay, I think. Who helps Samantha this summer? I am glad there is no cheese to make. We pay five cents a quart for milk. I wish you got as much. I am rather glad Bo did not buy the Kent place. He might have made money from the wood, but he has too much to do now. I wish you would send me the straw carpet. Just tie it up in those pieces of oil-cloth that Jane took off from the other carpet, and then drop Harry a line the same day that you send it, for they charge a great deal for storage. . . I enclose a private note to Mother, which Harry has copied, so that she can read it. If Mother should die, Father could not get so young a wife as old Lincoln has. . . Love to all Lucy Stone.Viroqua Bad ax Co. Wisconsin July 6 - 1856 My own dearest Mother How I wish I could see you today! And if I had not a husband here. and a good one too, I should be scampering eastward in less than no time - Dont think I am homesick, for I am not. but I like the East vastly better than the west - But, personally, we have little to complain of. We have our head quarters. in this place. at a hotel called the "North Star". We have a sitting room, and bed room up stairs. with four windows, which look out over some of the most beautiful prairie land in the world. 160 acres of which, belong to Harry - The house is quiet, and we have plenty of books, and Harry has abundance of work, and actually does enough to kill two men. I expect to carry his skeleton home with me, after a few weeks. We have just returned from a novel expedition. Which I must try to describe. but no description can read the reality. I own 640 acres, about 25 miles from here. We started last Friday morning to go and see it in [company?] with Mr. Grace, who wanted to trade with us. It was a bright clear day, and rather too warm We went about 12 miles over decent road and then it became bad. Our horse fell down. Mr. Grae's broke harness. but we picked up. and pushed on. till we came to a log house at the end of the road. There, a woman told us that if we would take down two fences, and go across a corn field, we should find a blind road about 2 miles. and she did not know whether there was any beyond. We went the 3 miles, and found it indeed a blind road, which gradually grew more so, until we were entirely lost in grass. as high as my shoulder. which was full of sloughs, frightfully deep - Harry walked, and I drove. At last, no track could be seen. The men, searched in all directions for nearly an hour, while I staid and took care of the horses. but not the slightest trace of road could be found It was 6 o'clock P.M. The last house behind us was 5 miles, and we were 3 hours in getting over that distance with the daylight to help - It would be utterly impossible to go back. at that time. and we could go no further with the buggy. So we took out the horses. fastened them to a tree. x gave them oats - and we travelled on through nettles, briars, tall grass, sloughs, and brush, bitten to death by mosquitoes, and black with the wood ticks that fastened on us - Harry tore his pantaloons (one leg) from the bottom to the waistband, so nettles, briars x bugs had free access. I was bit to my knees - Mr. Grace, ditto. The sun had gone down and the stars were thick over us. x still we toiled on. in the right direction, but not knowing whether a human being was to be found - At last we came, where we wanted to, to the junction of Kickapoo. & otter creek rivers. but both were in a [freshet?], and wild and high rushed past. The first thing, we quenched our horrid thirst. then started again and again. x only the bluffs echoed the sound. and we began to be seriously afraid that we must remain out. when shouts answered to ours, from two directionsyou never saw gladder souls than we 1856 A young man came, and told us how to cross the "otter", by a log. but alas! The log was swept away - So he went far up the Kikapoo, and swam down, whirled like a straw by the current, our man pulling him out. He took us up a quarter of a mile to log over otter creek, then another quarter to a log house. but they said they could not keep us - so we went another quarter to a boat about as large as your hand. that took us, one at a time over to the home of the young hero, who had helped us. The log house with two rooms. Here we got supper, washed and dried our feet. and at 10 1/2 were in bed. - We were now within 8 miles of my land - but Mr. Grace would go no farther - So Harry took the horse as far as he could, near to the river where we could row over and feed him - and then went on foot the 8 miles. and found the land already in demand, so that, what last spring cost me, $800, will within a year give me $3000. and if Harry had not come home, with the skin all off his ankles, so he could not get his beets on. we should have been satisfied But he borowwed some soft Moccasins. & last night saw us safe here - We stopped at a log house, so far in the woods, that the sun has never yet seen it. (for the woods here are woods) where there was a good spring. and while we watered the horse, - a woman came down to ask me, if my bonnet, (a sunbonnet, I had just made) was in the fashion! When I see you, I will tell you more, of this trip - I have been up the Mississippi, to La Crosse, and there went over to Minnesota and climbed a bluff 370 feet high - xVirogne, Bad Axe Co Wis. July 1 1856 My Own dearest Mother, How I wish I could see you today! And if I had not a husband here, and a good one too, I should be scampering eastward in less than no time. Don't think I am homesick, for I am not, but I like the East vastly better than the West. But personally we have little to complain of. We have our headquarters in this place, at a hotel called the North Star. We have a sitting room and bed-room up stairs, with four windows which look out over some of the most beautiful prairie land in the world, 160 acres of which belong to Harry. The house is quiet, and we have plenty of books, and Harry has abundance of work, and actually does enough to kill two men. I expect to carry his skeleton home with me, after a few weeks. We have just returned from a novel expedition, which I must try to describe but no description can reach the reality. I own 640 acres about 25 miles from here. We started last Friday morning to go and see it in company with Mr. Grace who wanted to trade with us. It was a bright clear day and rather too warm. We went about 12 miles over decent roads and then it became bad. Our horse fell down. Mr. Grace's broke harness, but we picked up and pushed on till we came to a log house at the end of the road. There a woman told us that if we would take down two fences and go across a corn field we should find a blind road about 2 miles, and she did not know whether there was any beyond. We went the 3 miles, and found it indeed a blind road which gradually grew more so, until we were entirely lost in grass as high asmy shoulders which was full of sloughs, frightfully deep. Harry walked, and I drove. At last no track could be seen. The men searched in all directions for nearly an hour, while I staid and took care of the horses, but not the slightest trace of road could be found. It was 6 P.M. The last house behind us was 5 miles, and we were 3 hours getting over that distance with daylight to help. It would be utterly impossible to go back at that time, and we could go no further with the buggy. So we took out the horses, fastened them to a tree, gave them oats, and we travelled on through the nettles, briars, tall grass, sloughs and brush, bitten by mosquitoes, and black with wood ticks that fastened on us. Harry tore his pantaloons, (one leg) from the bottom to the waist-band, so nettles, briars and bugs had free access. I was wet to my knees. Mr. Grace ditto. The sun had gone down, and the stars were thick over us, and we still toiled on, in the right direction, but not knowing whether a human being was to be found. At last we came where we wanted to, to the junction of Kickapoo and Otter Creek rivers. Both were in a freshet and wild and high, rushed past. The first thing we quenched our horrid thirst; then shouted again and again, and only the bluffs answered the sound, and we began to be seriously afraid that we must remain out, when shouting was answered to ours from two directions. You never saw gladder souls than we. A young man came and told us to cross the Otter by a log, but alas! the log was swept away. So he went far up the Kickapoo and swam down, whirled like a straw by the current, our men pulling him out. He took us up a quarter of a mile to a log over OtterCreek, there another quarter to a log house. So we went another quarter to a boat about as large as your hand, that took us, one at a time, over to the home of the young hero who had helped us. A log house with two rooms. Here we got supper, washed and dried our feet, and at 10 1/2 were in bed. We were now within 8 miles of my land, but Mr. Grace would go no farther. So Harry took the horse as far as he could, near to the river, where we could row over and feed him, and then went on foot the 8 miles, and found the land already in demand. So that, what last Spring cost me $800 will within a year give me $3000. And if Harry had not come home with the skin all off his ankles, so he could not get his boots on, we should have been satisfied. But he borrowed some soft moccasins and last night saw us safe here. We stopped at a log house so far in the woods that the sun has never seen it, (for the woods here are woods) where there was a good spring, and while we watered the horse, a woman came down to ask me if my bonnet (a sun-bonnet that I had just made) was in the fashion! When I see you, I will tell you more of this trip. I have been up the Mississippi to La Crosse, and there went over to Minnesota and climbed a bluff 370 feet high. (end of letter. Missing pages may be found later) L.P.B.79 E. Fifteenth St. N.Y. Oct 13 1856 Dearest Mother I promised to write you, at once, and am almost ashamed that I have not done so. But the very next day after I came here, I went to Orange, in N. Jersey. to help hunt us a home and spent the whole week and came [home] back tired enough to rest on Sunday, [and] taking the spare time to talk matters over with the rest of the family. Then on Monday we went up to W. Chester Co. N.Y. for four days, and then back to Orange, and have only returned today - We find plenty of places that can be bought. One place in West Chester Co. of 80 acres. we can have in exchange for Western lands. It has a most beautiful view. and is well walled. with good springs, good buildings, very fine, old, & young orchard. comprising hundreds of trees, and the whole farm in a [*Please get Mr Duper to 79 E 15th St any letters that may be there for me.*] good condition. [But] It is 2 1/2 miles from the Depot, and 34 from N.Y If it were nearer N.Y. I think we should take it. We may, as it is, but for a few years Harry will have to be in business, and it is too far off for us to live in just now We have all sorts of experiences in hunting, and find land vary from $50 to $1700 per acre. We concluded to defer the Woman's Rights Convention, till the last of Nov. When the effects of election is over - I saw by the papers that Charles Robinson was in Chicago last Friday - If we goes to Brookfield give him my best respects. He has been so brave and wise, that he deserves the esteem of all decent people Mr. Hyatt spent Sunday evening with us. He wanted us to help raise funds for Kansas. He seemed very earnest. Last evening Greeley staid with us. We are very well. Love to all LucyDear Mother 1858 Feb. 12 (N.J) I know that I deserve to be pounded for not writing you more and oftener. If my daughter serves me so. I'll make her sorry for it - But then, with baby, work, company, & the tax gather, I have been very busy - You saw that I did not pay my taxes - Harry & I had an overflowing meeting about it, night before last. I will tell you all about it, when I go home. which I expect to do, before very long - Harry starts for the West, next wed. He will be gone till Apr. and perhaps longer - I am going to dismiss Bridget - get a sewing girl. to sew & help me with the work for a while, and then I am going home, and to Gardner for a visit. I am glad you had a good time with [Bridget?] Sarah & her children - My baby is quiet & good & I hope wont disturb you much when I go home - Tho she sometimes cries very lustily - If it should come in sever cold. I shant go - You kno that Harry owns the house next mine. He rented it yesterday to the man, who is in it now, (and who is a good tenant) - for $500, for the year now coming. that is good - We have not sold our wheat yet. But George Blackwell - starts to Wisconsin today, &will go at once, to look after it. Harry is covered with sore boils - a kind of carbuncle, poor fellow! it is very hard for him to travel, but there is no help for it - and we hope the change will do him good - Mother, I am getting as fat as a duck. It lies in rolls, on my ribs, and my thighs are as large as yours - my dresses that used to be so loose, wont meet on me at all now - What shall I do if I keep on at this rate? I am very sorry for Frank. I know he must feel sorely the loss of his children. It is the strangest thing I ever heard of - But baby is waking & I must stop - I did not know that this side of the paper was so soiled, or I would not have taken it Father sends his love to my daughter. Please give his daughters love to him. . With real love to all of you even tho I don't write often Ever aff Your daughter Lucy - Did you read Aunt Franny's "fiftieth birth day" in the Liberator? Her husband's brother & wife, were here [three] two days last week -Orange - Tuesday - Mar. 16 - 1858 Dearest Mother Sometime since I wrote you and Eddy - I told you that I thought I should pay you a visit this spring. How I expected to see you before this time. But I took cold. Which settled all over me, and I had two attacks of pleurisy - So that for the last two weeks, I have been quite sick. But I am almost well now, and should feel entirely so if I were not afflicted with boils - I have four, that are just getting better. They are not very comfortable things to tend [?] with. But they are said to be healthy, so I take comfort out of that. I do not think I shall go home this spring now. There is a great deal to do about the ground & garden, and I can't well leave. Harry has been gone West two weeks, and will not probablybe home till June. - Mrs. Blackwell and Maria expect to move here the first of Apr. They will keep house for themselves - and I shall be less alone, when Harry is absent. The baby grows finely, and seems very healthy. It is a real pleasure to see her growing in soul & sense. She was six months old on Sunday last. I think she is a short tempered child - at any rate, she is very genial now. I hope to show her to you next summer - How do you all do? - We are having terrible revivals here. - Prayer meetings every evening, and in the morning before breakfast. - It is shocking - If the people were only learning to care for the slaves. - or had any higher sense of justice by it, then it would be a gain - but they are as pro-slavery as they can be - I have a little Irish girl with me for help, and Mrs. Blackwell came and took good care of me when I was sick I expect to lecture a little, next week. With love to all Lucy Stone [*Lucy Stone*]Orange Sept. 26 1856 8 Dearest Mother (letter misdated Should be 1858. Alice born 1857) I got your two letters, but just when I ought to have answered them. baby was taken ill, with what we first feared, was scarlet fever, and next measles, but finally proved only a bad cold, and teething: - in the midst of which, Harry had a carbuncle on his nose, which made him so sick that mother and Marian came here for a week to help me, and at last, we had to get a nurse from N.Y. He did not open his eyes for five days. - his nose was more than five times its usual size - The forhead, ears cheeks and neck were frightfully swollen, while the eyes and nose seemed ready to burst. - The nose at last opened in five places, discharged a great deal - & now has a hole: that will leave a small scar. He wears a patch over it - He had a dreadful time of it, and came near lossing nose & eyes. He has been into N.Y. the last three days, and is quite well now. I remembered my birth day, and had no doubt that you did too. I did not forget yours, but honored it, & thanked God for it, as I always do. For what would have become of me, had it not been for you. Our baby's birthday is Sept. 14th. I dont suppose any of you thought of it - I am weaning her now. Poor thing! how hard it is - I pity her. tho she bears it very well. she has six teeth, and eats, in a way to suit father If she were at the old home, she might have a few "good mouthfuls [?]" We have been to mother Blackwell's [*Sunday [Sept] Oct. 4. I have been a long time about this letter. but will finish it up now. We are all well, and wish much good to all of you.*] with her today - Sunday and now she is at play with a little Irish girl, the child of the woman who does my work, - a pleasant lady-like little girl, of seven years. We give the woman four dollars a month, and the childs board - She is quite a comfort to baby - who remembers only Carlo & Eddy, of all the acquaintances she made in New England - She takes great delight in having me tell her of Carlo & Eddy, she always associates the two - I [and] am surprised to hear their father is almost a vegetarian - I think it is an improvement, - but the baby is carnivorous, and cries for meat, and will eat a large slice, and so long as the meat is in sight, dont want anything else - and Father takes to cold water kindly!! that is the most wonderful. he always used to choose to be in hot water. I am very glad your health is better. I suppose we shall have to go to Chicago - I dont think it will kill us either - Harry must go, and so I rather go too - It will take about ten minutes longer to do to N.Y. from Bloomfield, than it does from here - It will be a nice place for baby, - who improves in knowledge very much - she is "so high" - and pats her cake, etc. she does not walk, but gets all over the house very rapidly - she says some words very distinctly, and is a fine child - she knows nearly all we say to her. Oct. 1st. - I have had no time till today to add a line - I have a girl here to sew, enjoyed for a month at $8. I have work enough to last her that time - Sarah writes me that Mary Lawrence carried Clara home, so you did not see Sarah as you expected - Clara has gone to Westfield to school for a year - Sarah has another family in her house, and she lives in the room [*that you and father slept in - - I hope you will, write me often - I am very glad to hear.*]