The question marks mean I am not sure I deciphered the spelling correctly. Mary Hannah married Daniel DUNNING in Feb of 1851, and from new info I just got, I believe Elvira is Daniel's aunt, and mother would then be Jemima Hallock DUNNING, whom Elvira likely brought over for a visit, or for others in family to take care of. Jemima died in 1852. The Jacob is likely Elvira's brother and Daniel's father. Jacob had moved his family to Broome County, New York, around 1840. I believe the Caty with the 23 boarders is Elvira's sister Catherine who married Joseph DURLAND.
12 Oct 1851 Ridgury, Orange County, New YorkTo Mary Hannah Barteau Dunning from Elivra Dunning
"Well, Mary, according to promise I now sit down to tell you how I got home in about half an hour after Jacob and the girls left the cars came along and I took my seat, not a person that I ever saw before did I see there, ever some smart looking people in the cars. They were one hour behind the time when they got to Deposit but they gained the hour of that time before they got to Middletown. I never was in the cars when they went so fast. We got to Middletown before sundown.
"Preston and Jane were on the platform waiting for me. You may guess I was glad to see them. The children and all are well. Fanny did not know me at first but she soon found me out. We have been to church today and Fanny went with me. Mary, you may tell the girls I did not see those Cannady ladies after I got in the car. I expect they took seats in the first car where they had been used to riding.
"Mary you will excuse me now if I write the next page to mother.
"Dear Mother, I will now tell you about our old friends. The neighbor most all of them have called to see me, Aunt Sally, Dolly, and Mrs. Young. And Saturday Thomas Boak? and his wife were here and made a visit while we were eating dinner. Peter came with Elvira and Timlow? Elvira is almost as large as I am. Timmy has grown quite tall. I asked him if he remembered Grandmother, he said he did then stayed here till after tea and went to Thomas's.
"Mother Franklin's wife is fat the same place she was when you went away and is not any better. Jane has not heard anything from Aunt Hallocks. Anjaline D has gone back to New York but was not very well. Uncle Ben's folks were to meeting today but I did not speak to them. Every one I meet with inquires how I left Mother. Sally Jane and her baby were here Friday, it sits alone. Uncle Jonathan and Aunt Caty are well and Jessy C Stewart is fat as ever. Mother I said I had seen eight of our neighbors but they are not all here. Mrs. Decker is dead, she died with the dysentary about two weeks ago. She died at Johnlyn's and his wife have been very bad but is getting better. Preston got a letter from Caty the other day. They were all well and she had 23 boarders.
"Peter said I must tell you he has not forgotten you and thought he would come out there this winter. I cannot tell when Preston will be there but before a great while. I must stop for it is dark. Good-bye Mother.
"Mary, I hope you will write to me soon. You must excuse my spelling and all mistakes. Write soon after you get this. Good night. "Elvira Dunning "PS Jane sends her love to Mother and M? you and all of her friends out there."
Contributor's Note: I think it possible that some of these folks are related through Jemima's husband's (Daniel DUNNING died 1849) mother's second family with husband Jonathan BAILEY. There would then be an Uncle Jonathan and Catherine STEWART BAILEY for Elvira.