My dear friend,¹

Yours of the 23^rd inst. arrived yesterday. Were it not for my confidence in that wise "divinity that shapes our ends," I should feel disappointed at our inability to accept your friendly and generous invitation to go to Hamilton. I am packing to leave tomorrow for Granville [Ohio], and have written to my friend Mrs. Gray to that effect, and she will expect me on Thursday--2^nd June.

I dare not propose to go to H. because I judge you will be ready to leave before I could arrive. So I write to say, I expect, providence permitting, to leave Cleveland, Tuesday morning, June 7^th and proceed to Niagara same day if I can do so by daylight, otherwise I shall stop at Buffalo till Wed. morn., and than go to N. I have made no plan how long I shall stay at N. because I thought I would suit my [?] after my arrival--so if you can visit me, I will endeavour to accommodate myself to your convenience, so as to enjoy your company to Waterloo,² when I feel at liberty to invite you to tarry with me as long as agreeable.

I will go to the Cataract House at Niagara, as that is the only one whose name is known to me. I will book my name as soon as I arrive, and inquire if you are there--and you may do the same. I hope we may not miss each other. If any thing detains you, and you come on later, I hope you will stop to visit me at Waterloo, spend the Sabbath, if agreeable, inquire for Dr. Patterson--he lives 1/4 mile from the depot. In all probability, I shall reach W. by the eve of the 10^th June.

I have just been informed that I am desired to meet the Fem. Dept. of this Institution, and receive their parting gift, a ten dollar portable writing desk, and a two dollar portfolio--and I am expected to make a speech in return--after tea this evening.

My kind regards to your good husband, and with much affection, believe me

Yours faithfully

Mary S. Patterson

¹ The date of this letter presents a dating dilemma at this time. The date on the letterhead can be verified by the context which provides 2 dates, Thursday June 2, and Tuesday June 7. Both these dates occur in the 1853 Calendar; the letter clearly is declining an invitation to visit Hamilton, and it sends regards to "your good husband"; however, according to the records at Whitehern, Dr. Calvin and Elizabeth Fuller did not marry until December 22, 1853. Also, Dr. Calvin wrote to "Miss" Fuller on December 3, 1853, stating that he would be visiting "by way of Boston" and would like to stop and visit her.

² The writer is likely referring to Waterloo, Ohio. She will travel from Oberlin to Cleveland, stay a week, then go to Niagara, meet Elizabeth and they will travel together south to to Waterloo, Ohio which is near the border of West Virginia.