[Philena Bodman to her husband, Luther Bodman, Jr., 1856]

Charlemont, Oct 1 1856

My Dear Husband,

      I have felt so sad and lonely today that I hardly know what to do with myself; What is it that has kept you from home today?   it seems to me that I could put up with almost any inconvenience if I could only be with you. I do not believe it is right for us to be seperated [sic] so much as we have been for a year past, I cannot feel reconciled to it. I hope Edward will be over this evening, I think he will as Angeline is gone; I suppose you are at Williamsburg, do hurry them thru on the house, for I long to be where I can see you more. I must not forget to tell you the prevailing news, that is. David has got the Post Office.   his appointment came Friday evening, Father said today that George felt pretty bad yesterday, David no doubt feels as if he had accomplished a great object & is ready to crow over you & the Mayhews. Horace Williams has just been to see you, we are all well Whitney is trying to write a letter to E-- I think it will be quite as well for him to go to Lucy to school, for he will not learn much at the other school   I intended to talk with you about it if you came home, but I must act without you this time, shall I see you before Saturday night, if not do write. How is Mr. Hale? The children send their love, give my love to Edward. How does William stand it? Father & Mother came down last night to see if he had come, Edward has come in, so I will stop.

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