Dear Sister Margarette,

Today is Election day, and as it is so still, I think it a very good time to write. I attend Mr. Ballard's school, like him very much. Monday I went up to school, and found Mr. Noyes there, with a bundle for us and Mrs. [?]. I did not take but two steps coming home, I was so anxious to know the contents, & your letter and present were very acceptable. Yesterday the third day of June, was your birth day, I thought much of you, and how I should like to be with you to keep you company. I send you two rosette baskets, as a birthday present; each rosette is made seperate [sic], and then wove [sic] together. Catharine has wrote [sic] all about my visit to Boston. I liked Boston very well and had a very pleasant visit.

Mrs. McAllaster with Sarah & Louisa Jane, were here last week to make a visit. Mrs. McAllaster said she would give me 2 shillings a week, if I would go on to the West with her, to do her fussing work as she called it. I should like to very well if Mother and all the family were going.

The village looks very pretty this summer, the trees on the sides of the road, are whitewashed. Minister Chase has had his house new painted. Lucy Ann attends the Academy; Mary Childs is the instructress; she is not liked so well as Miss Adams. There is [sic] but 24 ladies, and 40 gentlemen, a very small school, only 7 ladies out of town.

The Lilacs look beautifully in blossom, every thing looks pleasant. I wish you was here to see how we look here. Mr. Flanders carries on our garden, to the halves. My flower garden is planted, but the seeds are not up. Elizabeth goes to Miss Blanchard's school, she has just begun to write, I believe she is a going to write to you. I write rather a short letter, but you must excuse me as I have only Saturday afternoon to myself, and I have my Sunday lesson to get, and every fortnight to meet in our society, called the Juvenile Circle of Industry. We have earned 12 dollars in one year; it is just with the large societys [sic] in the savings bank. All send love. I shall always be glad to hear from you, from,

Your affectionate Sister

Hannah [Lerned]

¹ To learn more about Margarette Barker Lerned [McQuesten] please see W0609.