Annals of our ancestors; one hundred and fifty years of history in the ...

VOICES FROM THE PAST 343
she was never to see. The letter appended is from my httle
sister, written in her fourteenth year.
Harrison, Ohio, September i, 1858.
My Dear Sweet Daughter:, I have deferred writing to hear
from you. The noon mail brought the welcome news that you are
still blest with health and peace. We are also well through grace.
Father and Sister Krewson left for Iowa on Monday morning. She
is visiting her father in Illinois, just below Burlington. I presume
father will write to you when he gets to his journey's end. We got a
letter from your brother William. They are much pleased with the
place, have got a commodious house, and were very cordially received,
which would help him to begin his school in good spirits.
You would scarcely believe what a nice quilted skirt I have got
out of my old cloak. I put in more than a spool of thread; and I
finished quilting my old debeige dress this evening, and to-morrow
shall put in Ida's challis skirt. If you need any this winter you had
better quilt it soon, for we do not know where our lot may be cast.
If father likes the place and concludes to move, we will go this fall.
Brother Lowrie told us there were no lung diseases there. You
just get the shoes that please you, and we will do the best we can for
you. I was much gratified that you spent two dollars in the church
contribution. I want to leave two useful women behind me to bless
the circle in which they move; and you will never forget, "Impart
your portion to the poor." I want the influence of that precept
to be felt in all my posterity for ages to come. Ida goes up to the
college and I have the work to do. Emerson has gained six pounds
since Joe came down. He has improved in looks and color very
much, but yesterday and to-day is not well. He will visit Antioch
after father returns. He enjoys himself first rate with us. Write
often, dear daughter; your letters cheer me.
Your mother,
S. W.
Thursday evening, 9 o'clock.
Dearest Sister: I have just gone over my arithmetic lesson
twice and thought I would write to you just a few lines, for I have
not got time to write scarcely any. Oh, I do love to go to school!
I had no "idee " of liking it so well. I know you would like it, though
they gave us twelve pages in fractions for to-morrow and twelve pages
in grammar. I have to study pretty hard; it won't kill me though,
I guess. I am going to (at least Mr. Oyler wants me to) take up
"Watts on the Mind." I do not know how I will like it. Mrs.
Oyler gave us a lecture to-day for talking to the boys from the third
porch when they were on the ground — said it was the height of ill
manners, and said the young men would not think half as much of