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Brooklyn --
October 25th 1857

A week and more has slid by, my dear friend, since you left us - and I am once more deserted - for a talk with you - how long it seems since I bid you goodbye - It is time to look forward to your return - how happy it will be, to have you once more to love - and to look to - especially if you will come home any stronger or more courageous - for the winters work which lies before you - how that winter seems already to have begun - and the summer to be left far behind - I never go forward to meet a winter, very courageously - but God grant I may pass through the coming one, with more cheerful earnestness than the last - making a more successful - dear friend. remember this thy duty to scold when thee sees a falling off-

I do hope thee is feeling happy- and really enjoying being with thy friends- If today has been with you - such a forlorn wet Sabbath as we have passed through. I hope a cheerful fire-side, and dear companionship - has made thee forget the inclement weather- Mine has been pretty busy -- I have not indulged in any sad thoughts until tonight- I treated myself to a lovely half hour at the window - watching the withered leaves driven by through the wind and rain - and thought of the past, present - and their future- They may rise again Phebe you may not abscond from those thoughts-- Kiss darling Willie for his absent Cheechy and give my love to all the members of your sister's family. among - I suppose are at present, your mother and father Louis cheer me with a long long letter. - do-

Your very earnestly and deeply attached friend -

Fidelia Bridges.

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