Bartlett, I. Chapin. Letter to aunt (January 23, 1859)

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Danville Jan 23rd 59 [January 23, 1859]

Dear Aunt

I was I assure you very much surprised to see in a former letter that you had condescended to overstep the highest rules of etiquette, and honor your humble nephew with a letter without his previously addressing you. But my fair "Dulcinea-Del-Toboso" I was not so much taken aback as to forget to answer your welcome note.

Well! I hope you have [unclear word: then?] recovered from your startling Buffaloe fight. Ha! Ha!-(What a pleasing remembrance of the past) and am now abel [able] to resume your former duties. We are still struggling with some very hard lessons, yet after two & three hours study on each of them we have the exceeding joy of knowing that we have

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them. What a pleasant contemplation as we sit and look around on our room, lately fixed so nice, and tomorrow we expect to have our grate put in as Mrs Green has determined to make the change. Then we will be free I hope of colds, headaches, and all other such diseases consequent to the little insignificant stove which now either heats our room beyond a reasonable temperature, or renders the fire of little avail. What a happy change it will be to us, accustomed as we are to an open fire.

Your advice and instruction concerning bathing came too late, [illegible word crossed out] as I commenced it soon as we got here. My feet, as well as neck, yet I do not think that it has been the cause of any sickness of which I have been complaining lately. This is a most beautiful day and equally

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as cold as pretty.

I wrote to Uncle Virginius some time ago but as yet have received no answer, as I also did to Grandmother and Uncle Vess.

I should judge by the tone of your letter that you were all enjoying yourselves finely indeed! I know the "younger [illegible word]" are as Lida writes me that with the club meetings and social parties they never had a better time.

With one parting injunction I shall leave you. I am aware of the fact - viz - that I write a very bad hand but think I am excusable. Now don't think because that is a lamentable fact that I cannot see the evil in others. I wish to be as comprehensive as possible. Ahem!

Write soon to yours etc.
Chapin

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Tell Pa that if he has not sent those candles to Mrs Green yet, to add, 25 pounds of rice, the best rice.

Love to all. Tell [unclear word: Lizzie?], Pauly, Nannie, and Sis that they all owe me a letter which I shall soon look for.

[Chapin scratched out]