Monday morning
My dear Sister,
I meant to have written yesterday
but as I went to Church once and Abbey
twice I found no time Bishop DeLancy
preached for us – I heard him only in the
morning I agree with you in thinking him
inferior to Dr. Hale — We have had three
days of the coldest of cold weather yesterday
was moderate or I should not have ventured
out — Henry Underwood brought me the packets
the morning he returned – appeared much pleased
with his visit —Tell Frances I am much obliged
to her for the beautiful cover I have put it
away carefully until her uncle can afford
to get me a piano bench — At present he thinks
I had better sell the piano which I cannot
think of doing unless there was urgent necessity
Did Frances succeed in getting a frame for
her pretty screen? — Henry is going to Albany
this afternoon to decide upon a portrait painter
for the Common Council in N. York. It is really amusing
to read the pipe layers correspondence upon the
subject — Henry left it to them to decide upon
the merits of a painter — After making their

intentions so publick that all the painters had exhibited
specimens (each of course thinking his own the best)
each believing himself the favoured candidate
they have unanimously come to the conclusion that
Henry had better decide for himself – no two being
able to agree upon the same man – and in truth
no one except Bowen giving a decided opinion
upon the claims or merits of any – It made
me think of the veto Message – Mr Blatchford
is in favor of at least 3 – The artists have
written to Henry themselves and their friends have
also urged their claims, upon the whole it
has become a pretty complicated affair which
Henry thinks can be better arranged by his presence.
If it were Spring or warmer weather I should be
tempted to go along and get my tooth set which
I broke off two or three weeks ago – perhaps
it is well to stay at home and keep my
mouth shut – Little Harriet is so well
as to come down stairs again and eat I should
think 8 or 11 times a day – Willie's eyes
are very bad but he has no symptoms of scarlet
fever – Freddy is well – gone to school – he is
reading the Neighbors for us – we think “bear”
rather amusing – Weed sent it to me the New
World copy – he admires it very much because
his wife is not as accommodating as “bear’s” I suppose
I could not think of wearing out my eyes reading
that fine print –

I am reading Miss Sedgwick’s tracts– Pa took Mrs
Jameson to himself directly he came and yesterday
came to me for the other volume – As the
ladies of the Church insist upon my becoming
a member of their sewing society I think
of sending them Mrs Graves’ sentiments on the
subject of female associations – I’d not think
they were ever beneficial when they are composed
of women who neglect their domestic affairs
to attend them — Women without families
like Mrs Miller undoubtedly find them a relief
from ennui — it is a pity that their exceeding
benevolence will not allow them to let other
people alone — We hear that an amendment
has passed the Senate which will enable Augustus
to get his appointment – nothing official on
this subject – I did not write him that it was
doubtful – Clarence has concluded to remain
at Hopkinton until next Oct when he thinks
he will be prepared for College! precocious!
I believe Clara has thoughts of going to Mrs Millers
though she has not precisely told me so – Unless
Mrs Miller grows very amiable I fear she will not
find her new home very agreeable – We have
in our Museum a series of Dickens' from Blackwoode
which is extremely happy – if you have not do
read it – I do not think Gurnee and Adeline
will come to see you, I have been so strongly
impressed with the belief that they were coming in this
direction – also Harry & Rhoda about the same
time—

Willie’s candy was just the thing – it lasted until yes-
terday – He came up this morning when he heard
his father was going to Albany to enquire if there would
be “room for me and Abbey”– he says he wishes to
go and see Nicholas – wants to know when
Nicholas will have a carriage and horses again –
Catherine Beardsley little girl is still suffering from
the effect of scarlet fever – her tonsils are enlarged
and have been subjected to an operation–
Mrs Alvah Wooden
Canandaigua
Auburn N.Y.
FEB 20