Troy Tuesday after x
[Between birth of Son Smith Thompson (14 Feb 1843) and death of husband Smith Thompson (18 Dec 1843). Jane gave birth to son William Reed Thomas 8 Nov 1843, so probably before that date]

My beloved sister Elisa

Mary Ann Winehill is gone down this eve. & I could not let so good an opportunity pass without letting you know of my safe arrival & good health.

After I left my two dear cousins at the wharf, I went immediately in a very warm cabin full of noisy women and all the crevices filled up with children from very young babies up to say eight or nine. I must say I never say I never saw quite such display before. Thinks I my self - no chance of sleeping the night - But fortunately the noises began to grow into a gentle buzz and I caught myself sometimes making graceful bows to strangers. And the chambermaid (under whose especial care I was placed by a very kind protector) was very offacious and anxious that I should retire into the berth she had selected for me (probably to get rid of the great responsibility). I at last consented - and making happy this black du lait - and without any more ado crept in and was soon fast asleep and did not awake until I was assured that the Troy [x] was in sight, and determined to appear before Mr Burden which was all very soon accomplished. We then stepped on board the John Mason and in one half hour we were arrived in the delightful city of Troy in five minutes more I was seated at Mrs Slosson's breakfast table. [Catharine Schenck was Jane's first cousin, married to William Slosson.] They were all delighted to see me and made many & anxious enquiries about the dear Judge and you all.

After breakfast Mrs. S and my self sallied out to make calls on the numerous relatives - and among the rest the lovely Julia. She was very well and very pleasant too. Full [x] & milk she is going to remain home all summer. The [x] on and never [x].

I [x] letter on to Mr. [x] in the morning [x], and if he has got to the post office, will [x] [x] this afternoon after [x]. He was [x] [x] [x] [x] on his return from Albany. He was very well and the [x] were also. I went a shopping also this morning and got me a [x] of [x]. Exactly like those you have been wearing for 4-6. They are beauties. You must send up by [x], & Julia Slosson will get them for you. She is going to get a pair for herself.

This is a beautiful day. Have I not been fortunate? Now I must stop as she will soon go - or is gone now I fear. My very dear sister I love you [x] and ever & [x]. Give my very best love to your dear husband and tell him of good wishes and affection could make him well, he would [x] recover. Love to Helen from L [x] Kiss dear Smith and Jeannie for me. Your loving sister.

Jane

When I get home I will write again.

[Elizabeth Davenport Livingston married Judge Smith Thompson 2 Nov 1836. Son Smith Thompson was born 1843, and daughter Jeannie Thompson was born 1841. Another daughter, Eliza, died a year old. Smith Thompson died 18 Dec 1843.

Jane had married Rev. William Barber Thomas 23 Nov 1830. Her eldest children, Jane and Gertrude, were 12 and 10 respectively. William Reed Thomas was born 8 Nov 1843, so unlikely she traveled between then and the December death of Smith Thompson.]