Mr. Bowne has just bro’t me a letter from you in which you mention
coming on with Mr. Wood. I am fearful my answer will arrive too late,
as your letter has been written nearly a fortnight. At any rate, come
on with Mr. Wood if he has not set out. You should not wait for an
answer from me—I shall be ready to receive you at any time, at
housekeeping or not. We go in town next Monday, every body is moving
in; for the last 3 days there has been no death, and for 5 no new
cases. If, unfortunately, Mr. Wood should have gone and you not
accepted of his protection, come the very next opportunity without
consulting me or waiting a moment. I hope to get to housekeeping very
soon. We have just returned from Uncle’s, where we had been to meet
Mr. and Mrs. Paine (Mrs. Doble) from Boston; she is less beautiful
than I expected,—charming little daughter. I am more and more
delighted with Aunt King, she is so unaffected, easy and ladylike.
Margaret and Mr. Duncan married? I expect to hear still stranger
things from Portland—now Ellen Foster is married. I _suppose_ she is,
tho’ I have not heard. I am hourly and impatiently expecting to hear
from Martha. How unfortunate! What would I give to be nearer! Adieu:
’tis late; come as soon as possible. Give my love to all friends.
Yours affectionately, ELIZA S. BOWNE.