Your letter came a day earlier than I expected and I find, Dear Philip, that I seldom have reason to complain of your not being punctual. The same you cannot perhaps say of me, but I must say as late as my letters often have been to you that I think I have done remarkably well in answering yours as punctually as I have done, for I dislike so much to write letters that I have sometimes been afraid I should seriously offend you, but after I have begun a letter to you, and get my feelings a little engaged, I could not wish to be more happily. I have never kept up a correspondence with anyone – after a few exchange of letters I neglect for a time to write, till I am finally so ashamed as to leave off entirely. I know it is much against me, for it shows a want of resolution and energy, but – I will not try to excuse it. You knew my writing then, Philip – I did think of directing to Philip Battell Esq. but finally thought I would be as plain as possible. You know, Dear Philip, that any little you can claim most deeply interest me, and none more so than the one that is now yours, and then I am proud and happy to have others give it to you and I will promise that if I am obliged to direct another letter you shall have it from my pen. My last letter must have lain in the post office a day of it was postmarked the 15th for I recalled perfectly of carrying it Thursday, and should have sent it the day before if Ozias had called as he promised. It must have been known at the office for the direction of Pa’s looked much like yours and …