
          I have scarce laid down
 my pen now for three hours


 When next I want it for little
 jobs more than [crossed out: ten] [inserted: 20] seconds each
 I shall fill it


 I really must write
 no more - If you cannot
 conveniently answer this
 ask Eliza to [for?] Herbt) though
 I owe her one & to him much
 love


 Yours truly


 I F Holton


 I have broken open the letter to
 so that a man has called to announce
 a second happy death in a very
 wicked family - first a son went to glory
 a month ago after six months [?]
 and form of serious sickness. The
 aged mother gave herself to God on
 Last Sabbath _ was taken sick on
 Monday & will be buried next Sabbath.
 The old gentleman who once Kept
 an amateur groggery & spent much of
 his property in defending it from the law will
 be called soon - I am very happy
        