L[ydia] M[aria] Child ALS to Louisa Loring, January 31, 1843

her go to Ripley's for a few weeks. This question of
communities interests me more and more. I have no
thought whatever of joining at West Roxbury, but
I want to learn all I can about the internal structure
of such establishments. If my mind is ever much
interested in anything again, except literature, this
will be the one. However, I shall always avoid
belonging to any association of men. I could argue
much in favor of it, but my experience is all against
it. Do not understand that my desire to inves-
-tigate is what leads me to wish Maria should go
there for a little while. It is merely for her own
advantage and improvement. My own curiosity was
an after-thought. Will you try to accomplish it?
It is too bad to ask you to do things; but I do not
know of anybody else so likely to be in communica-
tion with W. Roxbury, except Mrs. Shaw; and I have
never been in the habit of asking favors of her.

Though you don't like activity, I know you are always
willing to work for your affections.

When I sent Anna's bow and arrows,
I forgot to send the rosin that came with them. Her