Betsy Mix Cowles Letter to Martha Cowles Regarding African American Students

              Portsmouth Sept 28. 1842 
My Dear Cousin Martha. 
You were the last one 
left; wh. is one reason why you occupy a full 
share of my thoughts. I am well aware that you 
will give me a little or no credit for being 
honest; when I say this; but be that as it may 
I know my own heart; & that heart usually 
dictates my letter writing.  I am very tired 
to night, more so than when[ crossed out]ever before Since 
I left home.  I have one of the best of homes; 
could not ask or wish for better.  My school 
thus far has been very pleasant; it seems 
more so to me than the last term.  I find 
but little time to think of home, tho my 
thoughts do occasionally fly away & mingle 
with loved scenes "awa."   That gloomy night 
of leaving home  I never shall forget. 
I as yet find no reason to regret my re 
turn here; or to think I was not doing right. 
I find but one amazance; this th'o 
you may think it trivial; is a serious one 
I assure you; & that is musquetoes, I have 
been literally poisoned almost to death 
by them.  One night I chanced to sleep 
without bars; & my feet were one swollen 
block wh. lasted with all of its fire two 
weeks.    O Martha  I wish I could see you 
this night; four weeks to day since I said 
good bye to you.  Time flies more rapidly