Dearest Phoebe,
We are getting along perfectly well, and without a single event that could make a figure in a letter. I keep a regular chronicle of all our doings; and you may read it on your return. Julian seems perfectly happy, but sometimes talks in rather a sentimental style about his mother. I do hope thou camest safely to West Newton, and meetest with no great incommodities there. Julian is now out in the garden; this being the first time since thou wentest away, almost, (except when he was in bed) that he has left me for five minutes together. I find him really quite a tolerable little man!
Kiss Una for me, and believe me,
Thy affectionate husband,
N. H.
Mrs. Sophia A. Hawthorne,
West Newton.
TO MRS. HAWTHORNE
Lenox, August 1st, Friday [1851]
Dearest Phoebe,