L[ydia] M[aria] C[hild] ALS to Louisa Loring, December 22, 1841

New York Dec 22d 1841

Dearest Louise,

It seems a long, long while since I have
heard sociably from either you, or Ellis; for in fact all our
communications on both sides, since that flying visit, have
been of a business character. I do have unaccountable yearnings,
sometimes to live in Boston, instead of N. York; and as for my
husband, I have been ten times as homesick since I came back
from Northampton, as I was before. I am sadly weary of this
lonesome life. Our mortal span is too brief to be thus wasted,
for the sake of money. Every once in a while, I resolve to snap
the cords that bind me; but then I can not. Free Will is girt
about with the iron chain of necessity.

I am very glad you invited I. T. Hopper. It
pleased the good old gentle man, and perfectly delighted
all the members of the family. Abby Gibbons, especially, would
kiss your very feet; she does so dearly love to have her father
treated with respect.

I send you a trifle, merely to show that you are ever present
in my most affectionate remembrance. Give my love to
Rebecca with the ribbon, and tell her I wish her many
happy new years. I think of her very often; for I wear my
black velvet bonnet this winter, and my black silk gown.
Tell her she must have put more than "three stitches to a