Well, Sis Synthia, December 11th 1859 in this place is a pritty as day as you or I ever saw in the month September. It is day, be warm. I have been sitting by and open window, (not just to tell of either) but because I wanted the fresh air. I cannot realize that winter is passing. The ground has twice been partly whitened with snow, but not for more than an hour or two, three times the ground has been brozen a little in morning, but not to last half the day. Well, I guess this will do for the times ? weather. You have doubtless heard the particulars of our journey and safe arrival at our home. Since that time we have been well. And prospered in all our worldly undertakings. I have got my work pritty well squared up and the last week commenced sewing some for one of the clothing shops, my first work is some fine vests for which I expect one half dollar a piece for making. That I think is better then, be lonesome, for the want of something to do. A letter received last Thursday from Father and Mother informed me that they spent Thanksgiving day alone and lonely. That I think was to bad. I think if this day would admit of any of you, going anywhere, it ought to have been to Fathers, even ? had to get your own suppers. I anticipate you would all be there together, and as we should not be with you, I for the second time since we were married prepared a little extra for our suppers, I invited ?? the company of a Presbyterian minister and wife and daughter (from the state of New York) that live in the house with us. If you wish to know the particulars of our supper, just to and see Mother and read my letter to her. And you will get them in full, although of but little consequence. You may say to Mary that I have the week passed learned that ?? school teachers get from 25 to 30 dollars per month and board themselves which costs from 2 dollars to 2.50 a week. There is a Lady teaching a kind of a Select school here in Phillipsburg that is expected to leave in the Spring for a School for life and her place will be to be occupied by another.
I do not know what more to write that is in any way interest you, so shall soon have to close for the want of subject matter. People are born, get married and die hereabouts just as they do anywhere. (For ought I know) but if I tell you who, you will not know any more about it than you now do so that will be of no use.
You will please give my good wishes to all enquireing friends and accept to yourself, husband and children my love and good wishes, for your prosperity and happiness in this wold. And tht happings in the world to which we go that this world knows not of. Please write when convenient for I have time to read a great many letters if I could get them.
Yours with a Sisters Affection,
Celinda ? Goodele
Envelope addressed
Mrs Nathaniel Baldwin,
Potsdam,
St Lawrence Co, NY