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 THE RANDALL FAMILY 103

Boston, August ist, Tuesday afternoon, 1854. Dear Frank,

I but now got your letter. Held back by vexatious de- lays, I have not yet been able to go to the country. This afternoon I may perhaps be free, but this depends on the punctuality of others. As time will not permit to send you word, it would be pity you should delay going to Wil- ton. So, in the hope that after a few days I shall at any rate be untied, let us arrange it so that you go now to Wil- ton, and in a fortnight I will expect you all at Stow. To make assurance sure, I will direct a line to Edwin at Wil- ton on the day that I leave for Stow, which he may perhaps have to lie in wait for, as I know not to whose care I may direct it. For a few days still I may perhaps have occasion to be envious of Time, who is reputed to wait for no man. But the country will perhaps seem all the pleasanter, and all the more should the weather be hotter, i.e. if such a thing be possible. Meantime I hope you will get entirely well, for which I think so long a vacation will furnish facilities. As to the pleasure of meeting, it will doubtless be as mutually agreeable as ever ; and since, between us, a settled confidence precludes the ne- cessity of the customary assurances of love and esteem, I will only request to be kindly remembered to each and every one in the family, and am, as ever,

Yours and theirs affectionately,

John W. Randall.

Please notice if the old woman on the beech yet lives, and in what condition is the house.

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