Your letter my beloved sister, I read as soon as I was up this morning, and ___ home late even for me, and not getting up until I have my breakfast, and not having breakfast – until nearly nine o’clock, make the morning very tedious and the bed, after little sleep, very unattractive. Our hosts are exceedingly kind and would do a great deal more than we are willing to accept. Mr. Sawyer is also very considerate and sees that I cannot bear much.

How kind of you to write so satisfactory a note my dearest sister. I hope it made you no worse – and certainly gave me much comfort. You will I trust be ___ ___ all that is before you, it is much.

__ how well it is that you are not the person invited your sister is. How glad I am that it is not so – when I think of the great difference it would make in your dear self and all about you. You had a pleasant Thanksgiving indeed. I was touched by what you say of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence. They have much to struggle with. I feel almost sure that he will be acquitted of everything intentionally wrong – but this is an added weight – and involving much that is grievous. I hope Williams’ letter has reached you before this time. My thoughts were with you on Thanksgiving Day and much with all the loved and departed. A boy of 15 came about us – and seemed to like my notice he did not know that it was all not for himself alone. These shifting scenes almost harken me to go from all we hold dear we two among strangers from this time. May Jesus be our near and dear friend!

Afternoon – I drove out for our men with Mrs. Sawyer this noon to look at Norfolk a little we were gone about an hour. This day is light and beautiful. My husband sees Portsmouth people in some public places. He has declined all show, and the dinners which at each place they had prepared. Mr. P has visited the ship Capt. Pearson and others have been earnest in their endeavors to have everything completed – at least – I have heard so much of it – I shall be quite surprised if it is not so. I believe we go on board on Saturday – to sail on the first of the week.

Friday Evg – Today – Mr. Pierce has met the citizens of Norfolk and after the fatigue is quietly lying on the sofa – by a bright fire – with Miriam brushing his hair soporifically. I left my room, and saw Mr. Sawyer for the first time at one to drive with him. We went to the Navy Yard & saw the Protector – lying at the wharf. The great receiving ship Pennsylvania too – lying off. We came home by the Naval Hospital a fine building – and it is said an excellent institution. Last evg. Mr. P came in late from the engagements of the day and met a number of Ladies & gentlemen between 9 & 10. I went downstairs for a little while and did my best – but it was poorly enough. The weather is cloudy & doubtful. Mr. P talks of going to the ship tomorrow to remain until Monday when she is expected to sail but it is thought – Tuesday will be the day & we may not leave the Sawyers until Monday. I am hardly disposed to get weary of the ship before sailing at all – I shrink from it at any rate – sufficiently. I will write a line in the morning to ___ Mr. P did this morning to thank you for your letter dearest M - ___ to all dear friends about you. Miriam is as usual and seems interested in hearing from you all. I hope she will do very well – but had I known when at but you cannot tell how my heart goes back to you. Let me hear from you in every possible way. Your letters have been ___ to me. Mr. Pierce has not had time to read the last until this morning- when he goes to – a thorough ___ with his heart, but ___ he is yours dear sister. Oh! That he may be all that you that I would wish him. God his friend and he his faithful servant.

Sabbath Day – I have just come up weary, and anticipate a busy morning tomorrow – for our baggage goes at nine & we at 10 or 11. We all rec’d a good nights’ sleep – and the prostrating warm damp weather today is very debilitating. Miriam is packing – and considering what it is best to wear to be sick in.

Dear sister – This is my last letter to ___ for you while at least and I close it is haste. God bless my dear friends and keep us all in his Heavenly love.

Ever your own loving and attached sister – Jane

I feel as if the pain of another parting – is as great as when I said farewell in Front St.

[written vertically along the left margin on p. 1] I am sorry this is in so many fragments.