[Embossed "A.C.W.] Utica [New York] [January] 11th, 1864 My dear Mart, I was so glad to receive your letter that I must answer it immediately. Last week, I was beginning to feel lonely not hearing from you [inserted: for] so long, yet knew it was because you had much to do. You have been very kind to write me so often while away and it only makes me feel more reproached when I think how I neglected you when on [underlined:my] visit, last fall. I know too, you must have had as many things to occupy your time as I. I am [underlined:so] glad your health is so much better and that you have had such a happy time while away. Don't work too hard now you are at home. I know you so well that as long as there is any thing to be done, you will labor until you tire yourself all out. I have no doubt that all your friends are glad to welcome you back to Darby. Dear old place! how [Page Break] I wish I might see it and all my friends just for a little while! For all I have said I never would like to live there. I became very much attached to the place while there. I have spent too many pleasant hours not to ever think of it with pleasure. I wish I could be in your little sitting-room alone with you tonight! I can remember how every thing looked there and how pleasant it [?] to seem to spend my evenings there. It was such a rest after working hard in school all day. I have been as well as usual since I last wrote you and [underlined:so] busy that I have very little leisure for recreation. Tonight we are expecting a few young ladies & gentlemen to spend the evening, but I much rather be quiet. Last Wednesday, we heard [Underlined: Chapin] on [Underlined:Europe & America]. All thought it splendid. There are to be no more lectures until [February] 22nd, as the fair comes off soon Christmas eve had considerable company to dinner, 14 in all I believe part of them spending the evening so we were very busy. [Page Break] The Saturday [inserted: day] after New Years Brother Henry came home on a furlough and remained until last Saturday. We have plenty of fine sleighing & cold weather. The young people have splendid times skating on the canals and park. I had a New Years present of a pair of stakes but have not tried them yet. I practice two hours each day, study read sew & do housework, the rest of the time. But the days are so short. I do not seem to accomplish much. I shall be so glad when this cold winter is gone. Every thing is so dreary. You received a great many Christmas presents. I think, I do not wonder you think so much of your friends they are so [tired?]. I presume the weeks passed very swiftly. I am glad to hear so good accounts of Edward Wilson. I doubt not he is fully worthy & has nobly earned his honors. Oh dear I had such a laugh over your description of [Underlined: your dress]. The idea of [Underlined: Mart] Schofield wearing [Underlined: blue & Solferino] ribbons on her hair & her winter bonnet [Underlined: blue]!! What is going to become of her? I would like to see your ma. [Page Break] when she first notices them. I never shall forget about your bonnet last summer. Really, I do not believe I should know you- but I think too I should recognize you in [Underlined: any] dress. I would like to see you with your winter bonnet on. Blue is my favorite color- & I should think [crossed out: I] it would be becoming to you. I am as much opposed to gaudy, flashy colors, and wasting money in trimming, as Friends possibly can be-but I never could see the sin in wearing, modest, becoming colors. Gold has clothed tho Earth in bright hues, the grass the trees, the flowers, the sky all [crossed out: bear] are robed in beautiful hues, & I do not think it wrong for [underlined: us], if we do not spend our thoughts and money on such things when they might be of use to others. Dear me, how I would like to see John without his [?]! Do tell me [underlined: how he looks] I am so thankful they are out, both on account of his health & looks. His new ones will be a great improvement I presume you knew before this that Lewis Walkin is married, I received a long letter from Mary Sipler on Saturday. She has suffered much but she has a pure, noble heart, and her Christian faith will support her. I do not fear for her. This has been written in great haste and it is not evening. I would write more but I am afraid the expected visitors will arrive before close. Good night. Write me Soon and often, and ever believe me Your devoted & loving Anna [Page Break] [Envelope Writing] Anna Martha's blue bonnet Martha Schofield Darby [Pennsylvania] [Crosshatched writing: answered]