Sarah's Letters to Lucy

 Benson [ILLEGIBLE]


Monday Morning


Dear Lillie


    Your letter came on Saturday but it seems to have mislaid and I did not see it until this morning. I got one from Jannie within the same day of yours but that was received Saturday.  I think it will be a good thing for you to have a change but I am think Pounco will miss you but it will not hurt him. I am getting along well and felt as if I might go home when Albert goes to New York which will be next week.  He expects to leave Chicago Tuesday night and be in N.Y. Thursday morning. He does not know but hopes to go to Northampton. If he does will probably [ILLEGABLE] Sunday.


Last week I went to the [ILLEGABLE] with Rebecca.  One of her friends [ILLEGABLE] with a concierge and took me [ILLEGABLE]  and brought one back and one evening went to hear Prof. Willet lecture on Friday we went to lunch with Mrs. Hasfham and had a pleasant time. I went to church yesterday for the first time since I came here.


Amy is having a very bad cold and was in bed all day yesterday and Albert thinks she has a good deal of fever this morning but she seems much better then she did yesterday.


Rebecca is just as busy as ever [ILLEGABLE] go some where every day.  She is going on one of her speaking tours next week will be gone [ILLEGABLE] night. I had a letter from Cassie Smith last week which I must answer soon. I think she feels that Mrs. Parsons and Mrs. Marsh are both of them very feeble.


I [ILLEGABLE] John  did get the situation at Battle Creek as you said nothing about it.  It would of course be a disappointment but we do not what is best for us but there is one who does and it is well if we can leave all to him,  Remember me to John.


Yours affectionately


write often S.W. Reed


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My Dear Lillie


    I am very glad that you are feeling so well and like staying in Greenfield.  We are having cold weather as well as you.  Yesterday was very cold with snow squalls all day but this morning it is warmer and the sun shines a seems quite pleasant.  Rebecca left this morning for Rangley where I suppose she will speak this afternoon and she hopes to get back tonight. She has been making me a black silk shirt waist. It is not quite finished will be when the collier and belt are [ILLEGIBLE] 


    Sunday as you know was my birthday and R. gave me a very handsome black silk [ILLEGIBLE] with white [ILLEGIBLE] and black [ILLEGIBLE] and a belt buckle.


    She made a birthday [ILLEGIBLE] we had a nice dinner within [ILLEGIBLE] four layer the cake for desert.  The boys sent me [ILLEGIBLE] colliers one black silk embroidered with white and the other white muslin embroidered.


    Albert came home Saturday night did not think it best to go to Northampton although he wanted to.  Cousin Lucius is expected this week and would like me to go home with him. I do not know what I will do. Auntie thinks I had better go I am so near and Albert is inclined to think so to.


    I am feeling very well but do not [ILLEGIBLE] I could endure a great deal. They are very [ILLEGIBLE] of me I went to the city again Wednesday and had a pleasant time.  [ILLEGIBLE] went to [ILLEGIBLE] parties these days [ILLEGIBLE] but two are in the afternoon. She enjoys life always has everything on hand.


    Amy is well again and busy in school and [ILLEGIBLE] also.


    Auntie writes that aunt Mary Wilson is very [ILLEGIBLE] and Mrs. McCloud has been taken to Dickenson Hospital. I do not think she will ever be any better.  I shall be glad to go home when it is best but I am not disconsolate. 


    Remember me to John.


Yours with love


S.W. Reed


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 Sunday Afternoon


My dear Lillie,


    I have been looking for a letter from you for several days but [ILLEGIBLE] that you are busy and have not been fit to write.


    We heard [ILLEGIBLE] though [ILLEGIBLE] this last week.  We have been having beautiful weather the last week although rather dry and dusty but this morning it has rained and everything is looking finely. Cherry trees [ILLEGIBLE] and daffodils are in full bloom. The flowering almond that was [ILLEGIBLE] when you lived here has blossomed [ILLEGIBLE] full.


    I went to church this morning although was rather wet but it was communion day and I have not been to communion for some time and was anxious to go.  I'm united with the church on confession and [ILLEGIBLE] by letter.


    You was much on my mind this morning and I was wishing I might have the privilege of sitting with you at the table of our Lord. Will you not come?


    These May days bring our dear Charles last days to mind with [ILLEGIBLE]. We shall go to him but he will [ILLEGIBLE] no more to us. Dear boy.


    We had a letter from Evanston last week and they are all well and happy. R. seems to be just as busy as you with duties at home and [ILLEGIBLE]. She is a great woman I think [ILLEGIBLE].


    All well at the Wrights and all went to church this morning.  The boys sheep are at home [ILLEGIBLE] and Ned has twin lambs and David has one.


    They have measles and [ILLEGIBLE] in the school and [ILLEGIBLE] likely they may get them but I have had measles and I am glad.


    [ILLEGIBLE] had a letter from Mrs. Foobes to yesterday and I think they must be quite near you. As near as I can make out they are at Lockhaven N.H. 


    [ILLEGIBLE] the [ILLEGIBLE] is not very [ILLEGIBLE]. It is near a lake and I guess a summer rent.  I think you will receive a call sometime from [ILLEGIBLE] and her husband.  Old Ted is all right has a good apatite but is not as fat as in the winter. I [ILLEGIBLE] it is of no use to say I [ILLEGIBLE] have but hopes you will be able to sometime. 


Lovingly S.W. Reed


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April 16th, 1905


 April 16 1905


Sunday Afternoon


My dear Lillie.


    We are having a bright beautiful day but the wind is very cold like March. We have had some nice warm days the grass is very green and the maples and elm trees are in bloom.  The men of the family have gone to ride and to look for cirbutus which are in bloom. This is David S. birthday eighteen years old. It seems barely feasible. Jennie has not felt very well for a few days.  She works altogether too hard and always if and the spring weather.  She is cleaning house and with her other work is much more then than she ought to do.  Aunt Lucy is felling very well these days lives on the terrace several hours everyday when the weather is comfortably. Aunty had a nice letter from Cousin [ILLEGABLE] last week all about as usual and Will Sanders has another Bug.


I think they are all well at Evanston.  I received silk very beautiful a shirt waist from Rebecca last week and said if I would come out there she would make it fit me. Aunt Lucy and Jennie gave me [ILLEGABLE] for a dress and the boys two pairs of stockings. Thank you for your pretty collars. I am glad to know that you are thinking of surrounding yourself with Gods people. It has been my prayer for you many years and may Our Heavenly Father enable you to live to his glory. You were not  [ILLEGABLE] in infancy and I have often wished that my children had been.


I am very anxious to have our boys know Christmas now in their early days but they seem [ILLEGABLE] Unconcerned and indifferent to spiritual things. Wont you pray for them that they my become the servants of God. That they may be blessings to them that they may lead holy and useful lives. I do so much wish that you could live nearer to us where we could see you often. It would be such a comfort. How is John since his ulcer. I think the weather we had this spring has been very bad for his rheumatism. I hope his cough is much better.


Jennie is having some trouble with a blister on her hand which troubles her some about walking.  What do you hear from mother Lawrence and liver another as well as usual.  I believe that Rebecca birthday is the 24 of April.


David has just took a new milch cow and her calf.


Give to my love to John and tell him I hope he will be much better. [ILLEGABLE].


With much love


Yours affectionally


S.W. Reed


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 Sunday Afternoon


My dear Lillie,


    Tonight I received by the last mail a package from you containing a very nice white apron for was birthday present from you for which I wish to thank you.  The boys are much pleased with their brownie neckties and if they knew I was writing would have done the same thing thanks. Auntie went to Hyde Park yesterday morning for a weeks visit with Aunt Charlotte and I am staying at Jennie's one Sunday expect Elinor tomorrow morning. Jennie is very poorly but is I think feeling some better then a week ago. The boys expect to go to school tomorrow and that will be some relief.  David did not go at all in the winter term but he but he went to church today for the first time in months.  


Uncle Albert Sanderson is very poorly and if the weather had been suitable David would have driven me  up there this afternoon. Received a nice shell comb from Albert for my birthday and Auntie and Jennie gave me a handsome lounge cover for the lounge upstairs and from the boys I had two plants a cornation pink and a heliatroper. We have been cleaning home and the girls went home and have the heaviest part of it done.


Aunt Helen went to Whately Thursday morning but will she think be back again about the first of May.  She expects to go to Calapair before snow flies.  Ned has just come in and sends love and many thanks.  Old Ted is well and has a good apatite.


Had a letter from cousin Elinor last week.  She left home Christmas day and got home the last of March. Did not hear from Evanston last week but at last accounts are all well.  I hope that your cough is better before this time. I wish you could come here. Write often.


affectionately yours,


Sarah W. Reed


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Sunday Afternoon


My dear Lillie


We got you letter yesterday acknowledging the receipt of the night dresses.


By the way they have some which I had in the house but they had fun was had and I thought you would like them better then those that had not been laundered.


I can get some more when I need them. 


I am sorry to hear that you have overdone but hope that you will keep very quiet until you are better.  Let us hear how you are. We heard from Evanston Friday all well expecting Father Strong and I think he seems to be failing. His fever had [ILLEGIBLE] few weeks and his [ILLEGIBLE] was 100. and his mind which been very clear seemed confused the morning A. wrote and I think that a bad situation. Hope we hear again soon. They are well at Jennies and mother Wright went to church today for the first time this year.  We have been having [ILLEGIBLE] family for a few days being the twenty second of February.  Aunties hand is better but not a strong as usual. Aunt Helen is still with us has been doing some work for Jennie.  I [ILLEGIBLE] you can keep warm these dreadfully cold days. Mercury went go below zero at [ILLEGIBLE] this morning. Ted is fat and flourishing. [ILLEGIBLE] good if he can have all the raw meat he wants.


[ILLEGIBLE] not well and we have to be careful of her. We do not let her do any lifting.  ([ILLEGIBLE] weakness).  I have been to church this morning for the second time this year. I am afraid we shall have more snow it looks like it this afternoon.


I am very glad that John sings in church. He will more interested to go and I hope he will get a blessing. I think it will be very pleasant for you to have him go.


Aunty sends her love. Little D. has just come in and he sends his love to you. I am yours with much love.


Sarah W. Reed


Helen is looking for [ILLEGIBLE]


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[ILLEGIBLE]

March 18


Dear Lillie


I have just received aunt Lucy's letter written Sunday but Jennie's written Friday I got last night. Jennie [ILLEGIBLE] picked up [ILLEGIBLE] in their front yard. I suspect the postman must have dropped it in the morning. I am glad that you are all so comfortable and hope that you will continue to be. I guess that Lillie will enjoy the change and it be a good thing for her but I think Ponco may not like it as well. I think it quite an undertaking for you to have the house cleaned but I know it needs doing very much. I did not do any cleaning so [ILLEGIBLE] but washed the paint most of it in the sitting room and the dinning room. The mopbonre behind the lounge and couch I did not wash and the window. The carpet in our room and in the hall above and below and stairs need it very much.


If I was home and able I would chosen the sitting room.  I am glad the windows and doors have been fixed they needed it so much and Albert says there is something wrong with the sink in the back chamber and it ought to be fixed. We had a very cold blustery day Sunday and yesterday was very sharp this morning Albert thought the mercury would be at two, but it is very bright and the sun is warm. Rebecca has gone to the city this morning I think it is Home Missionary Day. She has had two more invitations to speak but has declined one I think may accept the other. Albert does not expect to go to New York until the very last of the month Ruth is to have a birthday [ILLIGIBLE] which is I think next wee, Wednesday. I was pleased to see [ILLEGIBLE] letter and when auntie [ILLEGIBLE] write her give her my love. I am sorry Mrs Harvey id so proud and also Mrs. Pothan. My love to them when you on thu We see Mrs Harpham very after Watson her oldest boy got his nose broken last Saturday but is getting along very well. She has two very bright boys.


I cannot realize that it has been but two weeks since I left home it seems much longer. I have been hemming some napkins for R. and I am going to do some for Mrs Harphan when she brings them to me. I hope that you will keep well. I think a good deal about you and wish I could be home but suppose it is best for me to stay at present. Glad the boys are getting on well give them a great deal if life. Remember me to Nellie also. Did David ever will Little Lord Fauntleroy. I am sending it to Ruth. I read it good ago-but it seems new to me. It is a [ILLEGIBLE] book. Albert is having a [ILLEGIBLE] week and it is [ILLEGIBLE] troublesome but somewhat better. I am glad you let me hear so often.


With love to you all S W Reed

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Tuesday Afternoon


My dear Lillie


We received your letter yesterday morning and am glad to know that you are feeling better and I should be very glad to have you keep home from us is it sound best for us to go to housekeeping. Auntie is very feeble and is not able to go upstairs to sleep and I find I cannot [ILLEGIBLE] much and her am very comfortable situation. [ILLEGIBLE] have Jennie [ILLEGIBLE] and can have [ILLEGIBLE] when we like and the both soon is so near that we think it will be best for us to stay home through the winter. Some days auntie seems very comfortable but she grows feeble and has to have the [ILLEGIBLE] very often. She has little strength and when she rides needs someone to help her into the carriage. She cannot sow or knit but reads a great deal.


 If John does not stay where he is why not come here for the winter. I think Jennie would board you for less price than anyone else and it could be pleasant for us all.


Last nights gazette says that Harry Robberts is going to be married to a young widow with one child.  She is the head milliner at the Imperial and the family do not approve.  We have not heard from Albert this week but they are all well at last accounts with the exception of Edward who was not well when he wrote. The family here are comfortably well although Ned does not seem as well as usual. He is troubled with something but David seems real well and does a good deal of business for his father. The school commences again in two weeks. Amy Lane has resigned and will not teach this year. I tends to study her do not hear from Aunt Helen very much but she is keeping house in Whatley and the last we heard Hugh [ILLEGABLE] was with her.


I have not been feeling as well as usual for a day or two but think I shall be allright soon. I think it is a little indigestion. Hope that you will think best to spend the winter with us. Remember me to John. 


With much love,


Sarah W. Reed


Let us hear soon. 


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Sunday Afternoon


My dear Lillie


    I have been thinking of writing you for some time but as you know I do not like writing letters and auntie and Jennie write so often I am glad to be excused. Your Christmas package came all right and we were quite satisfied. I like the shawl very much and I think it must have been a great deal of work and I thank you very much. It is fuller than the one you gave auntie and must have been more work.  The others have pleasure {ILLEGABLE] and wish to thank you. The boys neckties are very pretty and nice and also Jennies collarette. I hope that your box which we sent arrived all right and in [ILLEGABLE]


The box from Evanston came Christmas day. Jennie had a pretty white apron and  [ILLEGABLE] silken chiefs and the boys some handsome silk hand[ILLEGABLE] and D.J. a box of candy and a [ILLEGABLE] and myself a nice book. Charles Wright sent Jennie a check for 30 dollars for the family. We were remembered by several people with fruit and candy and even other things. Lotta Arnold gave us a  call last week and she is looking very well indeed and is [ILLEGABLE]. Her mother is feeble and failing I guess by what I hear. We had a letter from Albert a few days ago and he had a bad cold and was was staying home the family are all well. I think it would be nice for you to visit them while you are in Ohio. It would please Albert very much and R. would be glad to see and I think the children would like it very much. Life is uncertain and you may not have another as good an opportunity. I wish you would do so if you possibly can. 


You seem to think you may not stay long where you are I hope if you make a change that you will come this way and be nearer home. Auntie and I must soon pass away and I wish you could be near where we can see you after we dine not having any company for Xmas and it does not seem much as it used years ago.


I think Auntie is feeling quite comfortable these days but does not try to do much but is looking much then she was a few weeks ago. Jennie is Jennie is having some trouble with an [ILLEGABLE] with and her face is considerably swollen. It has been a very cold day and I have not been to church but David and the boys went.


 Lotta Arnold has just been in [ILLEGABLE] so well oh took time with the Warners and so came in for a few minutes. It is getting late and I must close.


All [ILLEGABLE]


With much love

S.W. Reed


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March 17th, 1895

Sunday Afternoon


My Dear Lillie


    I was glad to hear from you for it seemed a good while since you wrote last. Do you not think that you can come home this vacation it seems a good while since you were here last thanksgiving. The term closes I think the third of April and there will be two weeks vacation.  This term has been thirteen weeks one week longer then usual. I am very sorry to hear that you have a bad cold and soar throat but think there has been much sickness and in many other places the last few weeks. I had a slight attack of [ILLEGABLE] week before last and had the Dr. down and he said he had not been so busy for ten years.


Little David was in bed a day or two last week but has been alright today. He has had a hard winter. If he takes a little cold it brings on a hard cough and he gets cold so easy.  Jennie is not at all well and I do not think she will be till we have more settled weather. WE have not heard from Evanston for nearly two weeks but I think they have been considerably well this winter. Cousin [ILLEGABLE] was sick [ILLEGABLE] with Bronchitis for two weeks as [ILLEGABLE] but has gone home I think. Mr and Mrs Josiah Pasnen were here to dine yesterday he is wonderfully sound for a man in his eighty ninth year. I have not seen aunt Helen for two or three weeks but she expects to work for [ILLEGABLE] the last week in March. I am inclined to think she will go back to California when she gets her affairs settled.


I went to church this morning and we had a very impressive sermon from Mr. Vandyke from the words it is appointed unto man once to die and after death the judgement. It is just one year today since father Strong died March seventeenth.


Little Ruths birthday comes one week from tomorrow the twenty fifth. I presume she will have a party. Old Ted is a Wright and has a great appetite but does not grow fat as I should think he might. Emma is very attentive to his wants and he gets a good deal of waiting. Her father was taken sick yesterday and she is at home but we hope it will be but for a few days. I hope that you will be careful of yourself these days I think March a very trying month.


Let us hear from you as often as you can. Auntie sends love.


Love to John.


Yours affectionately


Sarah W, Reed


Come home if you can.


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 Grimeel April 17


My Dear Lillie


    You letter came yesterday and am glad that you are feelin so well. I came here last Monday with cousin Lucius and I am having a very pleasant visit. The friends are all well excepting cousin Albert and I think he seems very much as he did when I was here three years ago this summer. Howard and his wife have grown old in their looks. Bernie is very much thinner in flesh and does not look as strong as she used to. Howard has not fully recovered from [ILLEGABLE] such fit of sickness he had a year ago last winter. Annie is out of town just now but expects to be home after a week or two. Yesterday I went with Cousin Lucius and Mary to a church supper and had a pleasant time. This morning I expect to go to ride with cousin Lucius and we are to call at William and Sue. The new baby six weeks old. I have been to will every day since I came. 


    I am anxious to hear from home. Albert had a postal from auntie last Saturday and she said Jennie was sick with griffer and had not been showed for two days. I hope I shall have a letter this morning saying that she is much better. If I don't I shall feel quite uneasy. Rebecca made me a black silk shirt waist and I think looks very nice. She found a remnant of silk and it is of very nice quality. I have not warn it yet. You speak of spring weather. She would better it have if they could have it. Very dry and dusty. Have had windy and [ILLEGABLE] for months.


I should like John get a situation where he is contented but wish it could be nearer home thus Battle Creek if it is best. [ILLEGABLE] him very low. I am feeling first rate and have a good apatite and sleep well. I seems as if might be of some [ILLEGABLE] a hour.\


With a great deal of love,

Yours affectionately

Sarah W. Reed

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