That I may have a "chat" with you this afternoon, I lay aside all other business and take up the pen.

It is a delightful afternoon, similar to the one on which you and myself assumed the solemn title of [?] Unclear or illegible  "husband, and 'little spouse". Have you forgotten that memorable ride?

I have not, and indeed, I think I never shall. I sincerely hope and trust my dear Augusta, that the friendship which had existed between us, is founded upon a basis too solid to be shaken by trifles. How many friendships, (so calledCorrected:so-called, but sadly miscalled) have such a foundation that a mere word is sufficient to dissolve them– forever. But I hope such will not be the case with us. If we each possess a forgiving spirit, much pain may be spared us. I can but hope you will be ready to forgive all you have ever seen amiss in me, for I am conscious I have not faithfully performed all the duties incumbent on a "little spouse." But I don't know but I shall lose you. I hear strange reports about you. How does the "Doctor" do? I hope he is well and prosperous.

Dear A―, would that I could give you advice with regard to the religious state of your mind. But I feel that I wander far, very far from the path of duty, therefore I cannot say as much as I would to others. O, the sinfulness of my own heart! When I look within, and see the vileness existing there, and how exceedingly prone I am to wander from the Source of all good, I can but wonder at the forbearance and long-suffering of God towards me. Pray for me dearest Augusta, and be assured you are remembered by me.

I rec'dExpanded:received letters a few weeks since from Miss Balch & Greenough. Miss G- was then at Salisbury on a visit to an aunt.

She thinks of going to Ipswich this summer to school. Miss Balch expects to go somewhere has not decided where.

I rec'dExpanded:received a letter from Miss Burnham in San.Editorial Note: Possibly Sanbornton Bridge (now Tilton), New Hampshire I am expecting another daily. She was then attending school at R— Miss L. Howard wrote me last week. She has been attending a singing-schoolCorrected:singing school & dancing-schoolCorrected:dancing school. She wrote that Miss Shedd is engaged, and that Caroline Dean received letters from Geo A. Merrill, who by the way, is now at BostonEditorial Note: Boston, Massachusetts.

Miss Sutherland's father has been very sick. I have heard that Miss Delano is preparing in all possible haste to be married next Autumn. I cannot vouch for the truth of it, for I believe but few repor [?] Unclear or illegible ts that I hear "now a-daysCorrected:nowadays". I think if every oneCorrected:everyone would be cautious in reporting flying stories, a great deal less of falsehood would be saved. spoken—

I have not heard from Elisabeth Noyes for a long time. I have expected a letter for more than a week. I can notCorrected:cannot write more now, for I must write a letter to our daughter Betsey this P. M. I rec'dExpanded:received one from her week before last. Her school had closed. Please to write soon, if you can take the trouble. I have written in great haste.