Transcribe Washburn, George F. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1852-02-09)

Lenox Feb 9th, 53

My Dear Fellow,

I received your letter of the early part of the term more than a week after it was sent on account of its being directed to Lenox Furnace instead of Lenox. Still when it did come it was "sweet as honey to the taste not only as coming from our Williams: (we will say ours for I feel affection growing for our "Alma Mater" as sensibly as Horace felt the feathers growing on his legs and arms). But especially too I rejoice in that epistle which brings to mind a face :u>continually wreathed in the smiles of affection</u> and inward pleasure I must certainly conclude that the seat of temper was uncommonly easy as it scarcely ever jostled his equanimity in shifting its position. But suffice it to say that I so often change imagination for reality and look upon that benign face and doze in that third story which occupies the N.W. corner of my memory. The sad thoughts which sometimes come into my mind when getting into bed with a warm [chin?] here at home and comparing an airy mattress to it are perfectly [purifying?]. But never mind. 'There is a better time coming boys there's a better time coming" and I look forward to my reinstatement in our own domicile improved some what in its appearance as another era in my life [?] my first entrance into [NC?] one.

PS I have got some muslin curtains. The whole length is 9 1/2 yds. Each is 2 3/8 long I can get you some [?] ones. Is our room papered yet?

(Transcribed by Anya Arseneau)