To Mrs. S. S. Russell.
Wayland, September 23, 1880.
My precious friend,--I have not answered your last kind letter as soon as my heart dictated, because I have waited in hopes to give a better account of myself. ... At last, by the help of my friend Mrs. S., I have found a pleasant old doctor in Weston who has made rheumatism his specialty and been very successful in curing it. He is very positive that a cure will be effected in two or three weeks. Mrs.-- has been very kind and efficient, and the neighbors very attentive.
It is a great blessing, also, that my general health has been and is extremely good ..
Some of my poor neighbors have been in trouble owing to protracted illness, and I shall make up to them the days when they have not been able to work.
The worthy young man who comes here to sleep needs some help about learning a trade, and I am going to give him a lift.
Divers other projects I have in my mind, and I expect to accomplish them all by the help of Aladdin's lamp.
Oh, it is such a luxury to be able to give without being afraid.
I try not to be Quixotic, but I want to rain down blessings on all the world, in token of thankfulness for the blessings that have been rained down upon me. I should dearly love to look in upon you at Newport, as you kindly suggest, but it is impossible.
I once made a short visit to Dr. Channing there, and the loveliness of the scenery made an abiding impression on my memory.
Your most grateful and loving old friend,
