York Friday Nov. 25th ‘39

Your letter, my dear friends, which was received yesterday morning, was eagerly read, and then a messenger despatched with it to friend Jane, who, I know was as anxiously expecting to hear from you as I had been

— I cannot refrain from expressing my thanks, thus early, for it, nor from giving you, Sarah Jane, our particular thanks (which you well deserve) for urging dear Mrs Bradford to renew her determination of visiting us at Christmas – We have set our hearts upon seeing her then, and cannot be disappointed – Sally & Emy, I am sure, will not be happy without her, and indeed there is no other way to establish universal satisfaction, but by coming — Do, dear Mrs Bradford, give us the flattering conviction that our entreaties are not in vain – Papa advises me (and I have at all times found his advice good) to write, and request you to take advantage of the first pleasant weather, we may have between this, and Christmas, for your journey — With Sarah Jane for a companion (for I hope Sis that you too will come) and, with “Cousin John” for an escort, I hope you will find you’re your trip not only a pleasant, but a comfortable one

– – Should Jack Frost intrude, we will endeavour to dispel all his chilling effects, when you reach us — I called upon Jane this morning, and found her engaged in writing to her brother – she wished me to give her love to you both, and say that you must come – You see when on this subject, we are altogether in the imperative mood – this I hope you will pardon

– – We have not had a letter from Sally, for some weeks, but are expecting one daily — I heard, by a letter from Aunt, of your being in the City, and am glad to learn by your letter that you, the girls, and “the Gent. from the City” passed your time so pleasantly, although, we do not feel at all kindly disposed towards the last named personage, the pleasures of Philadelphia, or whatever it was that detained you, and thus rendered it impossible for you to visit us — Sally & Em only are excusable

– We may be induced to pardon the Agent if you will come with your Aunt. Mary Barnits is going to Phila to morrow, and, I think, I will write a few lines to friend Sally by her — And little Annie is in the City, happy, and contented – I am glad to hear it– We hope and expect to see her here with the girls, and are anticipating a very happy, and merry time with our friends – Lucy’s health is, we think, gradually improving – She is in good spirits, and looks forward to “the holidays” with much pleasure

— Miss Naudain left Town about a week since – she is a lively, pleasant girl, and probably may carry off one of our Beaux – certain it is, that Mr Barnits was very attentive to her, which, is all I have to found my supposition on. We are as yet without a stationed Clergyman — Mr Wallace who has preached here once, is expected this week, to remain six months upon trial – It is generally supposed that he will be continued, as he was universally liked, by those who heard him — On Sunday next, in addition to Mr Wallace; Mr Wolfe (the celebrated missionary), and Mr George Jones will preach here

— Mr Wolfe was here a few weeks since – A part of his narrative (which I then heard) was extremely interesting – – Dr Cathcart will move into the house now occupied by Mr Webb – opposite the Jail – Jane is in the City — Mrs Poor spent an afternoon with is this week – she looks much better than she did a few months since, and is regaining her strength – It was the first time she had tak[en] so long a walk since her illness — Your friends, Mr & [Mrs] Riley I have not seen since receiving your letter

— Mother desires me to give her love to you, and say that she does hope you will not fail to come – My good Papa will be in Gettysburg next week, so I expect we will be lonely enough

— Do let us have a favourable answer from both of you – My parents & sisters desire to be remembered to you – My love to Mrs Donaldson, Miss Fisher, and other friends who have kindly remembered us – My compliments to your brothers — – –

Your sincerely attached friend Louisa —

To my dear friends Mrs Bradford & Sis