Transcription:
may your life and health be precious in His sight. I suppose you have heard from Emma of late, that Mr Basset had moved into
the Mondell with Mr Pelton and Emily, also of old Mrs Jacksons death. We had a letter from father Newton a few days since
they are very well I am hoping to visit them this Summer or Fall. Sister Katie, Willie and I intend to go on East in June.
I shall go to my Vermont home first. That would be a fine trip for you to take. You had better go on with us. Father mother
Newton would be delighted to see you, and the mountain scenery would suit your taste for wildness beauty. Willie often speaks
of you he says give John my love tell him to come see us. Prairie du Chin April 17th, /64 Dear Friend John Accept many
thanks for your letter, which was very welcome and would have been replied to before but on account of my own health and many
cares I have been unable to do as I would. I have been quite unwell for two or three weeks past but hope to soon be well again.
We have been having dark unpleasant weather for weeks past. Spring seems to linger in the lap of winter. I am anxiously waiting
for warm sunny days, and again behold our beautiful earth clothed with Can you not make us a visit this Spring? Mr Newton
joins me in sending his kind regards. I hope you will soon let us hear from you. Sincerely your friend M E Newton P.S. I
will enclose a photograph of myself. I wish I had one of Mr Newton to send. Mine is not a very good one.