Letter to F. Jane (Flint) Wardwell (1) Austin (2) in Reading,Massachusetts from her daughter, Francena Isabella Wardwell who married Albert Hartwell and moved with him to his parents farm near Amherst, New Hampshire. Francena was ftfteen years old when she wrote this letter. There are no alterations in this copy.

Amherst, August 16th, 1860

My Dear Mother,

I received your letter a week ago Wednesday and I believe I was never so glad to hear from anyone before. I do get so impatient to hear from Reading once in a while it seems as though I could not wait for a letter. I have written to Grandmother, perhaps she has told you of it, and I should like to hear from Henry and how he is getting along.

Albert thinks some of enlisting in the Navy. Here they begin to talk of drafting and Albert does not want to be drafted for then he would get no bounty and I would not draw anything, while if he enlists he gets a bounty and I draw a dollar a week and two pretty soon so if he thinks he is likely to be drafted, I shall not try to hinder him from enlisting in the Navy for a year although it will be very, very hard to part with him. Amherst has got to send 62 men and there is only 140 to take them out of and that seems like standing a pretty narrow chance. If Albert goes, I shall still remain here as it is his wish. I like here very much and think I shall be contented.

I am glad Henry has got his picture taken for me. I shall think a great deal of it. I should like to see the picture of Uncle George on his horse. I wish you would bring it up and show it to me. Have Addie and Isabelle got started for New York yet? I have received no letter from them yet.

We have got quite a family up here now as brother Henry came home from his school in Bridgewater a week ago last night, and Mary (George's wife) is here with her baby and has been for a week. Mother Hartwell has got a sore heel, and has to go lame, that is quite troublesome to her. Otherwise I believe we are all well. Albert has gone swimming with Bainbridge. He goes swimming most every Sunday morning.

Oh Mother I guess I could tell you some news:who do you think called to see Albert and I from Reading last friday.I do not think you could guess so I will tell you.It was Mr.Farmer C & his wife,the lady that used to go by the name of Martha Cook.She had her children with her,she was as lively as could be,and so was he.They seemed real pleased to see us.I think I never saw Martha Cook appear as young and lively before.I guess it agrees with her being married.I treated them with apples and gave them some to carry off with them.They gave us a very polite invitation to come and see them when we came that way and I cannot remember half they said.

I have had a letter from Sara Willis.I was glad to hear from her.Tell Elisa Stowell I should think she was a spunky friend pretending to think so much of me and is the very last one to write me.I cannot afford to write first always,you may just tell her so.I don't know if I care much if she writes or not.

How is Harris getting along?Does he still drum for the Reading home guards?

You asked me about Dr.Dearborn.I thought likely Grandmother was the one who wanted to know the most so I wrote and told her,but perhaps she has not told you so I will.The way he lost his sight was by looking upon the sand at Ship Island.It was very white and glistening and they said they would all lose their eyesight if they did not move,Dr.Dearborn was to start from New Orleans the 16th of August which would be to-day to come home and stay for two months.I thought perhaps if Grandfather was so unwell Grandmother perhaps would be for coming up here.I should like to see her very well but I suppose if she did come she would get Mother off and talk with her a great mess and I do not want her to.Mother knows the whole now and that is enough.

What a nice time you must have had up to Andover.How I should have liked to have been with you.How happens it that Hattie Howe went also?Does Henry go with her again?If he does I shall laugh.Did he leave one of her pictures with her?I should think Mary Mead would have to stick her bill in and have a few words to say.

I think I shall write to cousin Josephine now.I suppose she was surprised to think I was married.Well I was never so happy before as I have been so far,but if Albert goes off and never returns.....

I cannot write much more this morning but I guess you will excuse me.I will try and write more next time.I have not written much news but there is not much to write.I have been right up to scratch[as Alick says] in writing you once a fortnight.I must with much love bid you goodbye.Be sure and write soon.Give my love to Harris and tell him I hope he will not have to go to war.

Goodbye

(Francena)