Anna Webster Bunting letter to Martha Schofield

[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

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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.

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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.

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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
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[Envelope Writing]

Anna
Martha's blue bonnet

Martha Schofield
Darby
[Pennsylvania]
[Crosshatched writing: answered]