Coomer Niagara Co
		Sunday July 7th 1861
    "Dear Cousin Agness"
			        Your letter was recd a 
[illegible in original due to tear in paper] and should have been answered
[illegible in original due to tear in paper] found time, we have a considerable
to do in fact spare moments are scarce
with us. It is very warm to day, also yesterday
Corn is growing rapidly, it is more forward
than last year at this time Cherries and [illegible]
are getting ripe, we had green peas the third, 
Wheat is not as forward as last year.
The fourth I went to Lockport; they had
a grand celebration, there was a dense crowd 
of people, I did not enjoy it.
Are you at home this summer. I am. I
am [illegible] of all work. I do get so tired of
work, and especially housework, for the fact
of it is, I cant say that I like it; We are
going to make carpet; for our hall, or the hall
at the head of the stairs, we are going to

commence it this week, and we talk of make
blanket: if we do, I shall learn to spin.
Wool is 18cts per lbs, Butter [09?]cts in trade. and
you cant hardly trade it of. People thought the
war would fetch everything up, but it is [illegible in original due to tear in paper]
reverse now. I dont know what people [illegible in original due to tear in paper]
and especally those that are in [illegible in original due to tear in paper]
will be heavy another year, & they will have [to?]
be paid. [Mr York?] has sent 38 regiment; doing
well I think. there was four Companies went
from Lockport; Father youngest brother went,
he is first-Lieut _ One of our nearest neighbor
is another, five went from our neighbourhood
all in office, They were the smartist of our neig-
bourhood, well educated & intelligent; it is very
lonely. They are doing their duty, I allmost
feel as if I would go, if I was [crossed out] [not] a man
I would not hesitate a moment. Although
they are hard times. Yet they are not sorry,
Aunt Betsy is living alone. she has
two Goslins. 16 chickens, One pig, and [Cats?]
she enjoys herself well, [illegible\] is [illegible in original due to tear in paper]

Curtis, [Jane?] is to Mr Belknap. She is
very well this summer. I have got me
a new bonnet; it is Straw, with a white
silk cape covered with black lace, trimmed
with flowers & black lace, face [trimmings?] pink &
[illegible in original due to tear in paper] I have a new dress, also a
[illegible in original due to tear in paper] [hard?] time we dont have much,
We milk five cows, we are going to make
cheese this week, we have about 100 chickes
Thursday
	      It is has been raining all the forenoon
and all last night; Mother has gone down to
Aunt Betsies, this afternoon, and I have been
cutting carpet rags, Amy goes to School Charlie
has been a few days, he is [mischious?] as he
can be, he knows his letters, I will send
you a piece of my dress. Is Charlie at home
I have been trying to have Ben write to him
but he thinks he has not time, & he is not
very well. Now, we have a hired man,
Write soon, Dont wait as I have done. I
will do better next time. Have you hurd
[illegible in original due to tear in paper] Lewis, Love to all,      [Rosa?]