BLACKWELL FAMILY  GRACE BLACKWELL  BLACKWELL, DR. ELIZ.My dear Aunt Elizabeth,
I wish 
you A Merry Christmas
and a happy new Year!
We are having quite cold
weather here, and the North
wind is whistling down the
chimney in rather a
dismal way.  It is also annoying
a little.  Last night I
went with Agnes + Ethel to
a gathering at their school.
We danced, + had recitations,Dear Elizabeth,
What an unnatural natural
thing it is for the Blackwells to be scattered
to the 4 winds, like the lost tribes.
The very best part of our lives when
we have heads on our shoulders and are
Ninnies only now and then--our Wit and
wisdom warm and illumine our little household
apiece merely and the rest of the beams of
each little candle are strewn upon strangers.
Well perhaps our galaxy might set the 
World afire.  But it would be pleasant
exceedingly if we were near Enough to
drop in of nights and do some
good deeds together by day.
Happily I can send a pretty good
report from Bridgewater Township
Somerset County, New Jersey.  I certainly
wouldn't change my 5 girls and their
Mother for any other group I know of
and I believe they are victims of a corresponding 
amiable illusion. -- I do hope you
two at Hastings-- and Anna & Marian
Each in her nest will have as good a time
as I think we all shall have on this

[*side the Sea!   Affectionately, R.M.B.*]music + singing by the girls.
I enjoyed it very much, and
became acquainted with most
of the girls.  Agnes was very 
anxious that I should wear
my best dress + bracelets, so
I did.  They intend to have
these little entertainments
every two weeks now, at
Mr Patison's (the principal's.)  This
one was the first of this
year.  The boarders have lovely
rooms there.  They have quite
a quantity of boarders.
Almost every morning I
walk up with Agnes + Ethel,
or alone + get the mail, +
go in the Library, + sometimes
the Bank or the stores.
With much love to Kitty
and yourself,
affy,
Grace