Dec. 25,1850 WM Beath to John Benjamin-1823

Dedham, Dec. 25, 1850

Dear John,

I have arrived home at last after a long and tedious journey.  I got as far as Boston and then had to wait nearly 3 hours for the Dedham train after starting at the depot from Bridgewater.  We went along primly for about ten minutes and then came to a full stop.  The “locomotive”, or engine, of the Fall River freight train had run off the track and it took them nearly a half hour to get it on again.  After getting started again and running a little way, we came to another halt by (I believe) the engine becoming detached and running ahead some way.  We were again stopped when near Boston by a train of dirt cars, there being so many on that the engine could hardly pull them.   All this caused no little uneasiness to some of the passengers being afraid that we should be overtaken by the steamboat train.   However, we got into Boston without any serious mishap, only a little to late to go home in the 9 o’clock train, and had to wait till 12 ½.

Dedham is more dull than ever.  I have wished many a time that I was back again with you, or that you were here today, being Christmas.  Thomas and I did not work, but attended church this morning, and I believe he has gone again.  He has found an acquaintance with the Bestwiches and introduced to the young lady this morning.  He has not been in to supper, so I think he has taken supper there and then preceded to church……. but of this not a word to him.  You know what differences arise between us sometimes.  I am lonely enough; I wish you were here again.  His temper and mine is not congenial, hence I do not enjoy myself.

It was bitter cold today and yesterday with plenty of snow.  The sleighs have been in full ___ today.  The folks are driving in all directions.  I was out skating a little while all alone and that’s not much pleasure you know.  We had an excellent dinner today and Miss Blems was wishing for you to join us in disparaging its relative qualities.  Both Thomas and her thought that you would come down with me to open the day at least.  I had liked to froze last night.  That room is like a barn.  You can’t conceive how cold it is.  I have twice as many clothes (beside coats) as I slept under while away, but I lay two hours almost & froze before I could get to sleep, it is ridiculous.  The children are getting real sassy and bad.  I cannot write with any degree of accuracy for it is chat chat all the time.  Forgive the dull hum of this letter for I am really vexed at myself as well as thus.  I have not been baking or been in the new shop since I came home.  They have it all started but it has been so cold that they could not clap-board it yet.  A machinist came out yesterday to set the engine, but the masons were not ready.  I understand he has set them all to work and intends driving business, he thinks he can get it all ready for action in six days.  I shall get to work tomorrow if not too cold.  I have no ambition to work this cold weather.  I have to cut stock and it will be very cold work I assure you.  Thomas is getting along finely making 2 ½ dollars per day – very good wages these short days; it makes a few envious I think.   Baker intends settling in January.   As usual, everything has a gloomy look about the premises.   A goodly number are walking about doing nothing and wishing to do more, but can’t.

I hope you will be in on New Year.  I suppose they are to have an engine supper that night.  I suppose I told you though Baker is on the committee of arrangements.

I have nothing more to add, but I hope you will excuse all imperfections.  I am at best but a poor letter writer and you know what difficulties we have to undergo here in the sitting room.  I believe Thomas received a letter for you this morning, if so, I will enclose it, he has not come home yet.  Give my best respect to the Bennets, particularly Miss Abby, a very likely young lady indeed.  Now my heart beats to the time of the old clock, only faster by many beats (not beers) to a bar.  Don’t you fall in love with her nor let Bates nor any other white headed genius run away with her, but a truce to nonsense – I hope you will consider me worthy of a line soon.  I shall consider it as a favor.  I dare not read this over for I might throw it in the fire and thereby lose an hour’s work, so if you will excuse mistakes and make up deficiencies.  So au revoir as La Lurshe would say,

Your friend ___ ___,

W.M. Beath

Remember me to Mr. Bates