Cromwell Ct. July 7^th 1867

 

My dear son George

                                    You probably think it is a long time since you have heard from home & it is indeed so: but I have delayed writing for two or three reasons. In the first place, you was going to Washington, the fore part of the week, and I did not know when you would return to Baltimore. then, again I thought we would ascertain about the box, before I wrote, which we were not able to do till Friday P.M. when it was brought up by Mr Sage, across the road. then, from what you had previously written, I thought you might be home indeed considerably expected you this morning: but as all these reasons for delay are passed, I will now write you / hoping my letter will find you enjoying health, quietness & prosperity.

 

            We have been disappointed, from day to day, in getting no letters from either of you, having received none since Monday, when yours of the 28^th & 29^th were received.

 

            I suppose it has probably been a laborious & trying week for you, but what trials you have had to pass through, or what your situation now is, we know not. I can assure you, you are the subject of anxious thought & frequent conversation at home, & I hope tomorrow's mail will not be barren of intelligence from you. I suppose you have hardly had time, or heart to write, but you must recollect that we are very anxious to hear & that we do not always consider "no news, good news".

 

            The box contained some things that your Father will find useful. The pants / I fixed yesterday & he wore them today. The standard of one of the lamps was broken, but I think it can be mended. The freight on the box was $1.75. we think it was rather high, and if you should have occasion to send again we would suggest that you patronize the other Co. (I think it is the Merchants & Commercial) as it is said they carry for about half what the old Co. charge.

 

            We had extremely hot weather this week; but little good hay weather since Thurs. noon. To day it is clear, but extremely hot. I have attended church all day. Lina Smith & Mr Thomas Hubbard's son were taken into the church. A week ago today there were two funerals here: an infant son of Charles Sage, & a married daughter of Mr Lynch. Dr Hutchinson has been very sick with bilious colic, but is some better. The Methodists had a festival Tues. & Wed. evenings: I believe they were pretty well / patronized. we did not go either evening. The Fourth was exceedingly quiet, more so than almost any other day. in the evening, through the generosity of Mr Patterson, (Mrs Starr's husband) they had a splendid display of fireworks, on the quarry dump; we did not witness them, however. Mrs Beckwith told me at noon, that Cornelia was going to be married next Wed. evening. May peace & prosperity attend her. We are about as usual. I have the head ache all the time, & feel very feeble, but keep about most of the time Your Father is not well, but keeps at work, tho' he has to come in & lie down, occasionally. We are having peas & string beans, should have peas very plenty if the birds would let them alone, but it seems as if they opened three quarters of the pods. We do not have but few cherries, but a great many currants. If Loomis is in Baltimore give our love to him, as well as Susie. Tell him it is a long time since we have had a letter from him. I hope you will not get discouraged & above all, I hope you will not do any thing wrong. do right & leave the event

                                                                       

Your loving Mother    F. S. Palmer

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