Portsmouth Sabbath afternoon October 22, 1830

– You are probably at this moment my dear Charlotte, in the House of God & I trust holding communion with the father of your spirit, the God of all grace – and oh may you recieve those gracious influences, that will enable you to persevere in your determination to devote the morning of your youth to his service

– To see you, & your brothers desidedly religious characters, would afford me greater happiness than any thing this world can bestow – and if I were taken from you, I should then have no fears for you, & your sisters would naturally be influenced by your example – with regard to Alexr his mind is fill’d with doubts, and to day I told him I expected soon he would doubt his own existence, “I shall not be the first person who has” was his answer – I do not think I understand his character & his Father still less – but I think you may obtain a very salutary influence by continuing occasionally such conversations as we had a few weeks ago [–] I should tremble for him to leave home with the present feelings, so you see my dear Charlotte that you will have a little to do this winter. Charles has been in quite a consiliating mood lately, which has had a great effect on our tranquility, indeed everything has been pleasant as need be

– I have not told you how much I miss you, but will only say when you think your visit has been long enough you will recieve a cordial welcome at home – with regard to your teeth do you wish to have them fixed or filled? if the latter they may be done, but your father has great fears of fixing them, least you should loose them entirely Mary I suppose has given you an account of Dr Cheevers wedding & of the trouble which preseded it; at one time I thought it highly probable that it would never take place –, but I rejoice that all their trouble terminated so well, The night before they left town little Charles was taken with the measles, but they did not tell his Father, and he has had them very favourably Louisa has likewise had them.

The first of last week Adaline was quite sick with a cold, & for a few hours I felt quite anxious least it would terminate in the croup – but she is finely now, and says every day, “dear sizzer has gone to see little dear Em–i–ly

– On Friday my foot was well enough for the first time since you left us, for me to take tea at your Grandfathers; soon after I was gone, when Ruth was out of the room for a few minutes she took the Scissors and cut all her hair, that she could reach – she looks like a little fright. I scarsely ever left home for an afternoon, but I have had cause to regret my absence your Aunt Ladd a week ago came without sending word, and took tea with me we had a very pleasant social visit, talk’d about Hannah, but not directly about Alfred – he has been attending court in the country; but I understand he has business that will call him to Boston next week

– Although Woodward has been in town more than a week, I have not seen him – he has been quite unwell – Miss Elizabeth Eustas has returned from New York, I understand she takes the lead in talking about the fashions – Mary will write you early in the week, and can give you more information about your acquaintance than I can – Harriet Roberts is well; no letter has been recieved for you [but] one from Mary Green, and if a private opportunity [does] not offer in a few days, I will send it by mail

– Your Grandfather has been quite sick with a billious affection which has left him extremely feeble – but I hope he will be out again in the course of the ensuing week – I hope this will be the last Sabbath that I shall be prevented from going out by my lameness – Mr Hawks has made me a famous pair of Boots, but wither they will benefit my ancle remains to be proved – Your Father has returned from Church & Alexr & Mary are regaling themselves on Baked Pumpkin It disappears very rapidly, I wish you could enjoy som[e]

Good night my dear Child may God bless & preserve you

Your aff[ectionate] Mother M T L