Flushing Institute Jan 14^th—47

 

Dear Friend

                        After having returned from home on a visit and being disappointed in not seeing you there I take the opportunity of writing to you hoping you will receive it as from a friend

 

You will see by the beginning of my letter that I have been home and I regret much that you was not there. I arrived home on Christmas Eve just time enough to wish them a Merry Christmas it being near eleven oclock. George got home the evening before me so the whole J. B. Child's tribe was there together. He started two weeks before I did and went by the way of Esopus he was there nearly two weeks before he could get home. Hannah came with him and was at our house when I got home. She went home on Christmas. Well done for Sandburgh. Who would ever thought that place could raise a singing school. I would not. But the reason is I expect because they have such smart young men there. Don't you think so Ann. Well after they have raised one it is pity you could not go for may be the two smart young men might—  —  —I was there once and the way I did sing was a caution And if you had been there, two such elegant singers as you and I together we would have charmed the school house 

 

By what I heard I expect you or they had one of the greatest sprees entirely I think A Devoe served you a pretty trick but it is no more than could be expected from one of the smart young men. Uncle Richard and Betsey were at our house on Christmas. I was home just a week and had a first rate visit. Jane was to Theodore's so I did not see her but twice I had a letter a few days since from Eloisa Gildersleve her sister is married that she was talking about at our house and I don't know but that Ann that used to be at our house is to. But if she is and has not let me know anything about it Woe unto her don't you say so Ann. George came back with me and we started New Years morning. I must bring my letter to a close by asking you to write to me on receiving this

 

And Oblige

Your friend Neal Y. Childs

 

Ann D. Mason

Snarltown

 

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