Apparently both Edwin and Susan's schedules have not allowed them to see one another for nearly two weeks, since July 19th. Even plans to take the Burlington, Vermont excursion together appear not to be working. Susan writes from her home.
Danversport. Friday, Aug. 3rd '66
Dear Friend.
Your letter was received yesterday morning and although I cannot write concerning the visit to Burlington as definitely as I could wish, I will not defer writing any longer, lest a letter should not reach you this week. I trust you will not put yourself or your business to any inconvenience because of our going there. When I left Lynn on Wednesday P.M., the plan was that I should spend next Monday night in Lynn that we might leave there for Boston at six o'clock the next morning: and then start from the Fitchburg, Mass depot in the 7.30 Express train for Fitchburg. But I think that would not take us by the Vt. & Lowell Road. Mr. Hills was going to Boston yesterday to learn more with regard to the arrangements and I shall quite likely know today and will write to you directly on ascertaining; unless I should have the pleasure of seeing you before then. I have not been very well this week and it is possible that I may be disappointed in going, but I hope not.
I thought of you yesterday on your excursion and trust the rains which we had did not trouble you. This morning is very fine and shall I look for you today? Did I remember to tell you that it is vacation? The committee and some friends visited school on Wednesday and we closed about 11.30. They spoke in the highest terms of the school, thought it surpassed by none, etc. You will excuse my speaking of it when you remember I have been there so little while, that the praise belongs to others and not to me.
The view from my window, where I am writing, is delightful. The sparkling of the water through the trees adds not a little to the picture; and everybody seems to be on the move.
We believe the view Susan is seeing was from the house, still standing, on water Street in Danvers, Mass.
I have not time, before the mail closes, to write much now, but should you deem this worth a reply, I should be happy to hear from you. I think you must enjoy the visit of your brother and his family. Please remember me to them and accept my thanks for the tintype. In haste, I will bid you good morning and remain, as ever,
Very truly yr. friend, Susan Smith
Once again, her letter reaches Edwin the same day it was written. However, she writes a second letter, later the same day. It is mailed too late and does not reach him in time. Her excursion to Vermont is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, August 7th, so she is perhaps anxious.
Danversport. Friday, Aug. 3rd,'66
Dear Friend.
I have just finished my ice-cream, having remembered to eat one for you, which we hoped you would be able to take for yourself, and now I will write to correct the error which I made in the letter to you this morning. I received a letter from Lynn this afternoon, saying we are to take the Lowell & Nashua R.R. and are to start from the Lowell station at 8 o'clock instead of 7.30, and do not go through Fitchburg. I am feeling better to day and hope nothing will prevent my going on Monday afternoon to Lynn and starting Tuesday morning for Vermont. As I have not seen you today I have thought perhaps you were thinking you would be able to free yourself from business long enough to go too.
Cousins Lucretia and Annie came today and other friends have made us little visits since I have been at home. Perhaps as you have but just received my other letter you will not care for another so soon. I will mail this in Lynn, so it may reach you on Saturday. With kind regards & hoping you will not find the week without enjoyment, if you find it necessary to remain at home I will bid you "good night." Be assured I shall think of you if I do not see you.
As ever your friend -
S. Smith
There is a hint of disappointment in Susan's letter. Perhaps after brother James Fletcher's interference she harbors some anxiety at their lengthy absence from one another. Nonetheless, her vacation excursion is about to begin. Edwin responds to her early Friday letter the following day.
Acton Sat. P.M. Aug. 4th 1866
Dear Friend.
The last evening mail did not disappoint me for with it came the ever welcome letter for me to read after my return from the excursion, which was delayed one day on account of the rain, and which prevented my making you a visit this week. We had a very fine day and everything passed off very pleasantly and it was not our fault if the island was not satisfied with our entertainment of vocal music, for we intended to give enough of such as we had to last through the season. Our party numbered about fifty and I think we enjoyed it more than is usually the case in larger gatherings.
We had a splendid sail on the pond which is the best in this vicinity. We took dinner and tea before leaving and left a liberal supply for the inhabitants of the grove which I have no doubt was gratefully received. We had berries of the best kind in great abundance.
I was sorry to learn that you were not feeling as well as usual and can sympathize with you as I am suffering from a severe cold myself which I am not much accustomed to have and hardly know how to manage it but hope it will soon leave me and take care of itself.
I should have tried and made you a short visit today if I had been in my usual health but thought on the whole it would be better for me to keep quiet. I think I shall be obliged to give up making the excursion to Burlington with you, but trust you will have a pleasant time and return all the stronger for having taken it. I would advise starting with a good supply of strength and making as much addition as possible during your absence. I am very sorry that I cannot accompany you and shall think of you upon the hills looking down upon us in Massachusetts.
If I feel able I expect to go to Boston Monday and shall try and give you a short call but my cold may prevent my going as it has done today. You must excuse this hasty letter as I thought you would like to hear from me before starting for Vermont. I shall look for a letter from you tonight posting me up in regard to your movements and the state of your health. Shall I look for your next letter from Vermont or will it be dated at Danversport? With kind regards to you and all your friends at home I remain Very truly your friend,
E. Fletcher
Once again, their letters cross in the mail. It is ten days before Susan writes again, after returning from her vacation excursion.