Letter from Catherine Webber and Mary Trawin, April 20, 1859

Delphi April 20 1859 My very dear Sister I feel quite ashamed when I look at the date of Mary S' last letter, to think how long we have let it remain unanswered but the frequent rains and muddy streets prevented sister T and myself from seeing each other as often as we wished and when we did meet it was more often at church, or for a short time when it was not convenient to be together long enough the weather has been more unsettled this month than it was in March. We are very anxious about your health now, the spring and the pleasant weather will I hope have a reviving influence on your health and strength; would you not feel better from change of air and situation, if your health is equal to it; could not you and Mary Susan come before the weather gets too warm for you, and pay us a visit the cars run through Delphi now, the seats are constructed so that they can be turned over for beds at night the accommodation [sic] on them is far better than they used to be. I do not think any of our people will go east this summer Nancy talks a little of going to her Mother's but she would not be gone more than two weeks at farthest; she is just begining [sic] to get out about her garden, has not been up street nor to church since the last of July. I hope however her health is as good now as it generally is, I left her in the garden at work when I came up here I am sorry Mr Martin told you they expected to visit your part of the country this summer as I do not think they expect to Brother has purchased a pianoforte for M J that cost four hundred dollars, and he has to economize this summer to make up the amount, for he did not pay it all at once. It is very handsome and has an aeolian and harp accompaniaments [sic], Mary has not taken lessons two quarters yet she has not been well these few weeks past and could not take any I think she plays quite well for the time she has been at it, she is however fonder of singing and playing hymns than any thing else, and might acquire a habit of playing too slow in consequence and now my beloved Sister I cannot conclude this without again saying to you cast all your care and burden on the Lord he careth for you and he has said all things shall work together for good and although we cannot always have the eye of faith to pierce beyond [across top of page] P.S. I had just clos'd the envelope & handed it to Abner to take to the Office when he handed me yr paper I have reopen'd mine to say how much delighted we are to see & read dear S.J.s letter__ I could almost weep for joy--indeed I can scarcely help it--may the Lord accept our thanks & continue his blessings.__