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in margin: Dear brother do write soon, and often? to us. You know not, the pleasure it affords us, or perhaps you would write
more than you do. I know I have not written to you for some time, but I must say, I feel discouraged when I receive no answer
Yours affectionately, Mary as we could had we been attending school at Portage. I never thought I would fancy teaching school,
but for my own amusement and benefit, attended the examination, not expecting to use my certificate. But however, have been
advised to apply for the school, in Grahms district and last friday had the contract signed; and so it is decided I know teaching
will be of as much benefit to me, as going to school and perhaps more, and as our summer teacher is not much further advanced
than ourselves I knew It would be much better than staying at home. I should like very much to study botany and intend to
do so e're long but unless we had some one to help us I am afraid we would not make much progress. Anna picked these wildflowers
two or three days ago and we pressed them for you they are the first we have seen this spring. I composed these pieces last
Feb. and for certain reasons wish you to express your opinion in your next epistt tell all their faults and oblige your sister
Mary 3 All Alone All alone I love to wander; all alone I love to be; All alone I love to ponder; In the shade of yonder
tree. Sweeter, are my thoughts and better, Mong the birds and flowers alone, S illegible ed is the binding fetter Which,
oer city life is thrown. All alone I love to wander, By the rushing river's brink; Time thus spent I do not squander; Time
thus spent gives time to think. All alone I love to wander, When the earth is dressed in gray; When the birds have sunk
to slumber, Having sung their evening lay. When the flowerets sweet and tender, Close their petals with the day, Till the
sun in all his splendor, Ope's them with his warming ray.