Otego Sept 17th 1876

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Dear Brother

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I have been looking for a letter from you till I’m almost discouraged. It is two years since we heard from you, I’ve written to you twice since ma died. It will be two years in Nov. since she crossed the river of death. I wrote you how peaceful and quiet her end was and wrote again a year ago. I thought when she died I would often write but have neglected to do so and then you scarcely ever write and I get discouraged. Ade lives in Ky. Elvira is with her. I work at Orrin Houghton’s this summer. I like it first rate but I’m worn out. I can’t more than half work. My health is very good. Elvira and I intend to go to housekeeping again and I can weave carpets and she can sew. I shall enjoy myself better than I do to work out. I can’t earn quite as much but I can make a living. I think we have had a very hot summer and rather dry, crops with the exception of oats have been good. It is raining like suds to day. There has been a good many deaths among old people this summer. Ira Corly and Dr. Saunders and Mr. Newland have passed away. Lucius is living in the village. Mr. Kyle, a son of Almon Kyle, lives on their farm. Sally Whitney was buried day before yesterday. I don’t know what to write that will interest for I suppose you get all the news about the centennial. Every body that can afford it is going to the big show. How I wish I could go but I can’t this time. I wish you could come home but I spose you feel there was not much to come to now our parents are sleeping in the dust and our home has passed into the hands of strangers. If you could only come back into the bounds of civilization I should feel ever so much better but you have the same merciful Father to watch over and protect you there as here and if your peace is made with him you are safe what ever may befall you. The maples are beginning to put on their gorgeous attire. How beautiful they look. Whit if you could only send me some flower seed from your northern -- how much I would think of them for I should prize them very much if they would only grow for I should think my brother looks upon such as these and it would seem to lessen the distance between us. Now do write. You don’t know how anxious I am to hear from you. Ma used to say don’t neglect to write when I am gone and tell Whitfield that I said to him don’t neglect writing.

your Sister

T Chase