Saturday Morning June 30^th 1838
My dearest Sister,
Take particular notice, morning, which
signifies that we have a new girl and I am released from
the duties of Chambermaid which I have performed
with great ability for the last three weeks - the girl
came last night - is Irish &c -- Clara and I and Fred went
to Judge Dills yesterday a visit we have been talking about
a long time - we found them all at home and tolerably well.
Uncle Peter has become superannuated - confined to his room many
months - is unable to get to his bed alone - his mind seems
very much impaired though they say he still reads with app-
arent pleasure - he did not know us at all and it was
a long time before he could be brought to recollect who Clara
Miller and Fanny Seward were - his memory is of that
fleeting kind which seems to afford no satisfaction to the
posessor - he gazed at us along time and when he said he
remembered us looked so bewildered that we could not
feel it a recognition. Mrs Fields is also much changed
but not in looks - her memory has deserted her - she
will repeat the same thing half a dozen times in the course
of an hour - still she seems intelligent and makes her observations
in the same humorous manner she used to do. You would
not think to look at her that she was changed at all
there is nothing of the vacancy in her expression that
there is in Uncle Peters. There is no change more perceptible
in Phebe than in her feelings towards her husband she invariably
speaks of him with kindness and is attentive to his wants
says she cannot leave him to come and see us he misses her

so much when she is away. Debby and the Judge are just as they
were four years ago. Robert and Cornelia have grown to be as tall
as their father. Robert works on the farm - Cornelia attends
school - is pretty, and much improved, Mrs Hall says, in her
manners - she just came in from school as we came away.
Phebe Eliza seems to be Debby’s factotum she is a good
girl. Debby says she could hardly keep house without her
assistance - she is much taller than her mother. Washington
is in New Burgh learning the jewellers trade. They all gave
us a very warm reception. I had forgotten to mention the
Major who is at 81 as young as he was at 61. Three
persons in the house upwards of 80. Mrs Hall came home
with us she has been sick a long time this winter and is very
much depressed in her spirits - she looks ill and is much
changed in many respects. I thought a change of scene
would benefit her for it is a dreary place where they
live - nothing to be seen but swamps and woods except
the canal - the house is a mile from the village of
Camillus - there seemed to be no near neighbours. Debby
would cook all the time and as her hired girl was sick
we did not see so much of her as we wished. Fred
enjoyed his visit exceedingly - he found abundance
of childrens books - young turkies &c - was vastly amused
with the passing of the boats of which nearly a hundred
pass during the day - we found the roads bad as far as
Brutus afterwards very good - got home a little after eight -
left at 5. I found a letter from Henry written Wednesday
he had been to Troy and delivered his address - at the Court House
which was well filled. He went to see Mrs Boardman and family
found them in deep affliction occasioned by Columbus death.

We had seen his death mentioned in the papers. Henry gave no particulars
says William is there with his young wife - the first I have
heard of his marriage. Augustus was also at home. They made
many affectionate enquiries about us all. Cary Lay etc have
not joined Henry yet – he was expecting them hourly – thinks one week
will suffice for his business at New York. Henry writes – “Last
night I attended Mr Buckingham’s first lecture. I was beyond measure
delighted with it – never heard any thing more successful in combining
usefulness & improvement” – Who is Mr Buckingham and what is he
lecturing about? remember the newspapers at our home are like Angels
visits. How shocking the steam boat disaster. Judge Rochester
is undoubtedly among the lost. Mr Throop has gone to Buffalo to see
his sister. she is but one of a hundred of those suffering from
similar affliction. This waste of human life is horrible and does
appear to be altogether unnecessary - a little more care would
have saved all - how little we know of the dangers to which we are exposed
while we are travelling - we escape unharmed and think no more of
the matter. Mrs Horner and Eliza seem to waver about going to Buffalo
at all events they go in the canal so Clara cannot come with
them. I can only say I hope and think she will be along this
summer some time I will let you know when I ascertain
the time. My boys were to have two weeks vacation which le terminates
next Wednesday. If Sanford teaches them another term Augustus must
wait until next vacation if not he can go at any time -
however should there be any prospect of Clara's going next week I will
prolong the vacation. I was at Mrs Goodwin's one day this week
she told me she was going to Canandaigua the 5^th. Goodwin goes on
business. She said she should see you while there. I believe they
take both babies. Judge Conkling delivers our address.
Goodwin reads the declaration of Independence. I heard

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Editorial Note

this marginalia also appears at the top page 2.

I have opened this letter to say that Mrs Wright

x

Martha Wright

Birth: 1806-12-25 Death: 1875-01-04

was here last week – she seems grieved that you have not
answered her letter – her health has been poor this summer they talk of moving to Auburn
do write to her.

that Leonards family were expected home this week. Amanda was with
them - perhaps they have been to see you before this. How sudden
Maria Harris death seemed - it was so recently you had seen her
Poor Maria she has not had a pleasant pilgrimage here - she
has gone where the wicked cease from troubling & the weary are at rest.
I am sorry to announce to Cousin Frances the sudden departure of
the little grey hare - the rascal ran away the first night Gussy
put him in his new pen which he had spent a week building
was it not ungrateful. Your own Sister Frances.
Mrs Alvah Worden
Canandaigua
AUBURN
NY
APRIL
1

[left Margin] I have forwarded W's letter.