Henriett Fawcett Gauss - 1862-09-29

Lowell, Mass
Aug 5, 1860

My dear Sister,
                I duly received your letter of the 12th July.  My joyful anticipations of the 26th June were fulfilled - on that day Jerusha B. Wight and your brother were united in matrimony in the presence of many witnesses.  We Were married in Church which was crowed with the relatives & friends of my wife.  Many of those who were invited to her mother's house brought with them testimonials of affection - many of them elegant; such as a Fruit-Basket silver plated - castor selt - lots of silver spoons - perfume cases - Books &c &c. The presents were all in good taste and their cost and the manner of their presentation showed that her friends were attached by no ordinary ties - and I would further say that I have never seen as many persons collected on one occasion of unexceptionalble appearance in dress & deportment - they wore the polish which can only be worn by happy & refined associations.
            On the advise of our friends & my own reflection I determined not to go south until about the 1st of Oct.  Since our marriage we have been on a visit to Jerusha's relatives in Vermont and we had quite a pleasant time.  We expect to sart out on an other trip of the same sort & visit an uncle of hers in the state of New York.  Jerusha is looking over what I am writing and on my asking her what I must write next - says "tell Ginny that I say that you are poorer than two crows and I want to know what to feed you on so that you may fatten up"!  She hardly expected me to take advantage of the licence - but you have it literally - and further you may feel assured of her abiding love - she wants to know how you got along with all those children on your visit to the Dardenne.
                I have just finished a letter to Niles & gave him an extract from your letter showing the length of time since the date of his & Keyes' last letter to you.
                Jerusha joins me in the assurance of living & lasting affection for Eugene, Net & theris, & Samuel, Lucretia & theirs.

Willis.