Concord
Sept. 20th 1839

Dear Sister

I received the enclosed letter & check [sic] this Eve & hasten to forward them by stage thinking you would get them sooner then you would though the Post Office. The check [sic] is good in N. York City for $48- but the bank here will not give more than $47 for it- It must be endorsed by yourself before it becomes negotiable-

If you think of returning this fall it will be necefsary [sic] for you to curtail your suit at Bedford or the Doct. says there will be no certainty of a package on the take after 10 days from the date of his letter which will be on the 9th Oct. it will be necefsary [sic] for you to start by on about the 1st of the month- If your health will not permit your return at present or you should conclude to pay the reintro [sic] you can protest you suit A B. & then return to my house & [?] at your home as long as you choose. The Doctors suspicion respecting [??] your things is a new idea to me & I think it is so with them- I do not think that Mr.Auctin or Mr. Lerned would be guilty of any such mense trick- neither do I think you had right to leave privately but you can not your pleasure I shall say nothing about your letter till I hear for you should you return to B. before you come here. I think you had better say but a little about. We shall expect a short word from you at least before you leave- I do not think of any one at present going west that would accompany you without it is by break of Nearpat (& I am afraid he will not go early enough for you and cousin Gilsom McAllaster of Bedford if he has not you- their [sic] may be other I will make enquiries.

Any afsistance [sic] you may want call on me, I shall be happy to accommodate you- Louise is quiet with this one she has come of her turn of it headache & am, children you met over for we might mark you a witt [sic] instead of sending this but it is not impossible- Remember us affectionately to your brats & sister and say to them we should be happy to see any of them at our home should see fit to accompany you here- you must ten [sic] to my friend should you see any of them.

Yours &c
H. McAllaster¹

6 o'clock

Saturday morn I do insist upon Hugh going to B but he thinks this will answer every purpose if not you better take Samuel & ride up here, it is impofsible [sic] for you to go on alone, you must not, shall not, think of it we should soon hear from you as among the company, I would write tomorrow to the Drs. [?] S. you can go by the boats as far as you can stand it & then take stage, Dr. must meet you & set the day when at [?]- do as you think best, improve on opportunity if they offer but do not alone & take leave of your friends- I am very sorry Dr. has provided no way nor even told you your unit only wants you to come- Sis do write back Monday. Anxious to see you & have tough talk with you if a chance go it [?] till Dr. provides a better way than a poor weak sister to go off alone & run away in the [?] I am better this morn & do wish I could see you, Alfred & Mary next week

[Address on Cover]
Mrs. M. B. McQuesten²
Bedford
In the care of Doc. C. McQuesten

¹ Hugh McAllaster is Margarette's brother-in-law. He married her sister Louisa and was prone to financial difficulties throughout his life. For a large footnote on Hugh and Louisa see W0889.

² To learn more about Margarette Barker Lerned [McQuesten] please see W0609.