My Dear Mrs. McQuesten,

I owe you many apoligies [sic] for my seeming negligence in answering your first epistle, but presume your kindness has excused or you would not have writen [sic] a second. I will not therefore fill my sheet with excuses, but will merely say, come and see me, and you will see that I have my hands full. I know that duty cannot call two ways at the same time, and things of sight press so hard upon me that things at a distance get neglected. Husband has often said to me you ought to write to Mrs. McQuesten and I have as often resolved to write, but a whole congregation to visit and a family of five children with but little help is a heavy burden for so weak a back as mine.

When you last arrived at Seneca Falls we were on a visit to Galway. We had information that Mr. Platt's mother was dangerously sick and started as soon as we could consistently but did not arrive there untill [sic] some hours after her death. We had however the melancholy satisfaction of seeing her mortal remains and being with our friends at a trying time. I spent 3 weeks there and during the time sisters Margaret and Caroline received a letter from Louisa informing them of brothers intention of coming west. I should be gratified to have them near us as our family are so much scatered [sic] if it could be for their interest. I hope you will find it convenient to visit us this summer or fall--we have the prospect of an abundance of fruit such as peaches, plums, apples &c &c.

Our situation here partakes of the varieties of life joys and sorrows. We have sometimes been a little encouraged that Zion was about to arise and shine and then again a death like stupidity reigns nothing very flatering [sic] either with regard to temporals or spirituals. But still we labour in hope--there is abundance of earth here and the earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof and he can turn the hearts of the children of men as the rivers of water are turned. Doubtless if we laboured with more faith we should see more fruit. We have only engaged to stay here until next November. What we shall then do is uncertain.

Sister Preston mentioned to me that you had written her but her hands are pretty full and you must excuse her delay in writing. Caroline is now with Sister [Hinman?] at Nassau 12 miles from Albany. I saw them all however at sister Prestons. I was sorry to heare [sic] of your loss of a little son¹ and extreme sickness at the time, but hope you can say "it is good for me that I have been afflicted." It has gone from a troublesome wicked world to rest.

We had a call from Mr. Fisher of Geneva Lyceum last Saturday found him a very pleasant young man and one who bids fair for usefulness. We have often spoke of visiting you and should brother and sister come out we shall probably have an interview some way or other. Husband joins in love to you and husband. Hope as you have leisure you will write us often and accept of our best wishes for your happiness and usefulness. Adams & Sarah Platt

[Envelope wrapper:] Mrs. Calvin McQuesten, Brockport, NY

¹ This refers to Calvin Jr., Margarette and Dr. Calvin McQuesten's first son, who had been born on August 15, 1834 but lived only ten days. To learn more about Margarette Barker Lerned [McQuesten] please see W0609.