le Winslow's, the
walking being so bad I rode there & back to meeting. Every drop that
fell froze, so that from yesterday morning to this time the appearance
has been similar to the discription I sent you last winter. The walking
is so slippery & the air so cold, that aunt chuses to have me for her
scoller these two days. And as tomorrow will be a holiday, so the pope
and his associates have ordained,[20] my aunt thinks not to trouble Mrs
Smith with me this week. I began a shift at home yesterday for myself,
it is pretty forward. Last Saturday was seven-night my aunt Suky[21] was
delivered of a pretty little son, who was baptiz'd by Dr. Cooper[22] the
next day by the name of Charles. I knew nothing of it till noonday, when
I went there a visiting. Last Thursday I din'd & spent the afternoon at
unkle Joshua's I should have gone to lecture with my aunt & heard our Mr
Hunt preach, but she would not wait till I came from writing school.
Miss Atwood, the last of our boarders, went off the same day. Miss
Griswold & Miss Meriam, having departed some time agone, I forget
whether I mention'd the recept of Nancy's present. I am oblig'd to her
for it. The Dolphin is still whole. And like to remain so.

Dec^r 27th.--This day, the extremity of the cold is somewhat abated.
I keept Christmas at home this year, & did a very good day's work, aunt
says so. How notable I have been this week I shall tell you by & by.
I spent the most part of Tuesday evening with my favorite, Miss Soley, &
as she is confined by a cold & the weather still so severe that I cannot
git farther, I am to visit her again before I sleep, & consult with her
(or rather she with me) upon a perticular matter, which you shall know
in its place. How _strangely industrious_ I have been this week, I will
inform you with my own hand--at present, I am so dilligent, that I am
oblig'd to use the hand & pen of my old friend, who being _near by_ is
better than a brother _far off_. I dont forgit dear little John Henry so
pray mamma, dont mistake me.

Dec^r 28th.--Last evening a little after 5 o'clock I finished my shift.
I spent the evening at Mr. Soley's. I began my shift at 12 o'clock last
monday, have read my bible every day this week & wrote every day save
one.

Dec^r 30th.--I return'd to my sewing school after a weeks absence,
I have also paid my compliments to Master Holbrook.[23] Yesterday
between meetings my aunt was call'd to Mrs. Water's[13] & about 8 in the
ev