Full transcription:

When I take up the pen to address you, my dear Mother, every feeling in my heart is opened, love for the tenderness you always bestowed upon me and gratitude for the care you took of my in my infant years – And the (precepts) you have instilled into my memory, and fortified by your own example, never will wear out until the lamp of life ceases to burn – I know lately I have been an unremitted source of anxiety to you; and still must be as long as I am removed from under your parental eye but the many concerns which affected me in Bridport I endeavored to leave with the town – It was a hard journey over here for me. I walked to the foot of the mountain, for fear of riding after our colts, but the roads were so bad they got steady in a very little time; We started from Bridport near ten and arrived here between five and six. Sally (Crane) came with of which you already know; we found a dirty house and took us all day friday to clean it, but it was too much for me. I was unable to (?) he called in Dr. Nichols; I imagine my complaint arose from the difference of the water, but the doctor thought otherwise and he said “If I did not wean one of my children, immediately within two months the whole of my story would be told” he said further that he did not mean to tell me a frightful story no administer medicine but if I would let hard work alone and rest a little while from my jaunt down here, and wean Nancy which he expected over a number of times, there might be some hope of me enjoying good health. In conformity to this advice I have not let Nancy suck since. Do not let this information increase your anxiety for my welfare. I feel much better today, but have a poor appetite. I hope that will be better tomorrow and the next I write I shall be quite well. Mr(s?). Simonds lives in the house they have but one child five weeks old, they appear very agreeable – she told me she was a granddaughter of Elder E Sawyer – the other Mrs. Simonds lives just across the road, she in the niece of Mr. (Hurd), she has been the mother of eight children the oldest ten years, one of the twins she lost, the sign was raised yesterday and until midnight it seems like and Indian pow-wow, this is but the commencement of such a (scene) of life – I hear the children around here call us the “new folks” I guess I have written as much as I had ought to to-day. I will finish this if I am able before (S?y) you(rs?) home

April 25
To you my ever dear and beloved mother shall a few lines this holy Sabbath be cheerfully dedicated(.) The people have all gone in the meeting house for (fore noon) I expect a number here at noon, so I have but a moment to write, Sally will probably go home next Thursday and by her I expect these lines will be conveyed to you. My health as been tolerable good for the week past, better than I expected. I do not know what girl I shall have next Sally has been very good and since she has been here I have favored myself considerable – I had an opportunity to see some of the Whiting ladies on Friday, the visited Mrs. Simonds and we were invited in to drink tea. Capt. Walker’s wife and sister came her on purpose to get introduced which little circumstance, I feel grateful for - as he was the only person I had seen in Whiting before I came - Mr. Brisbee came here on Tuesday ... [continued]