My dear friend

I was delighted to hear from you and hear you was so happily united and to [??] happinefs [sic] you have a fine little boy.¹ Dear how truly I wish I could see him and his Mother too- But the distance forbids. I wish I could fulfill my- [?] & probable did not calculate distance when I [?] etc. shall you not come this way some time soon? I shall once more have the pleasure of [??] I have been here the most of the time [??] years past dont [sic] know how long [??] here. The Family is changed using very considerable [sic] since you were with us at Warners none of your Aunt's children living but John. He retains his boyish looks, I think you would know him. four others the two youngest are called mine one a name sake the other merely came I have had almost all the care of him from his birth he is a dear child to me. If he was my own I dont [sic] think I should love him better he is very fond of me and as good as he can be. Your Aunt is still feeble but some better. I have not heard from, or saw, your Hopkington [sic] friends for some time.

You have Mifs [sic] Mcquestan [sic] with you or near you I suppose my love to her. If you please and accept the same for yourself my best respects to your kind Husband.

Believe me your sincere friend Lydia Woods

Please write me soon.
August 24

[Address on Cover]
New Port, NH
Aug 25th

Mrs. Margaret [sic] B. McQuesten
Care of Dr. C. B. McQuesten
Brockport, New York

¹ This is a reference to Margarette's second son Calvin Brooks, who was born in 1837 and was her only child to survive past infancy. To learn more about Margarette's life and children see W0609.