Handwritten letter from Mary Lawson Young Pendleton, in Barren Hill (? or Banner Hill?), to “My Dear Sweetheart,” possibly Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn. Signed “L. Pendleton.” 1 page, double-sided.

Contents: -Pendleton missing husband who is away in Chicago for 2 months; wishes she had been left in Vineland instead of alone here in the “Dragon’s mouth” -settling into new location; multiple families of different backgrounds (Jewish, Bohemian, English), 18 children; feels very charitable towards them & has tried unsuccessfully to introduce some of them to New Church -spent yesterday with Dr. Boricke (Boericke?); first time hearing news about new society since Mr. Pendleton left; very exciting; wishes she could go to upcoming first service but does not have Caira or Dora to watch her babies -doesn’t know when she will “go in to stay”; waiting to hear from Mr. Taffel; hopes everyone will be there when she arrives -Mr. Pendleton pleased with Church in Chicago; no Academy men, but potential for interest to develop; class of 30 reading Heaven & Hell -Gussie was sick first week after moving; she and Lulu are better now; Pendleton’s health improved since departing Vineland -sorry that mother & Mrs. Peirsol are unwell; hope they will feel better in city in Academy sphere -finished reading “Minor Works”; interested in DeCharm’s (?) work on ministry & internal vs. external church

Names mentioned: Miss Preston (?), Dr. Boricke (Boericke?), Mr. (W.F.) Pendleton, Caira (Caira Skelton Starkey), Dora (Theordore Starkey Smith), Mr. Taffel, Academy, Gussie (Augusta Pendleton Cooper Brown), Lulu (Luelle Pendleton Caldwell), Mrs. Peirsol, DeCharms (?) Places mentioned: Vineland, Chicago, Phila. (Philadelphia), South