Ashwood School Sept. 29th 1850

Mrs. Edward F. Cheatham

Dear Sir,

I have been here two weeks, and this is the first opportunity I have to write to you. It is now (Friday) and as Mr. Creasey has gone to the North to carry his son to school, & as I have no lesson, to recite this hour, I embrace this opportunity of fulfilling my promise.

I suppose the first thing will be, how I like Ashwood? I am very much pleased so far, but I was very much disappointed, in the place; for from the description I heard before I left Nashville I thought it a perfect Paradise: but far from it: it is situated on a hill, very few trees in front; but a lofty hill behind; Mr. Lucius Polk has a beautiful place; so has Mr. Andrew Polk. I think the church the prettiest place about here, it is, near a mile from the school, and I assure, that it is, quite tiresome to walk so far, there, on Sunday, but you are not, obliged to go, but once a day, still the teachers would rather you would, go both, morning and evening, but there are not many of the girls, that go not once. I have only been once, since I came, here, but the reason why is I have been quite sick, with a very large boil on my nose, which was very painful, a very conspicuous place, I think.

We got a letter from Pa yesterday , morning and was delighted to hear, that we was entirely well again, but was very sorrow, to hear that he was to busy to pay, us that visit, but was said, that he would come up, by next week or the week after. I hope that you and Mrs. Cheatham have not given up the idea of coming up to see us; oh do not., you do know how delighted we would be to see you; but recollect you are not to come without Jane for I would not care to any of you if you left here being.

I suppose Bobbie still goes to school; and like it as well as ever. Susan as mischievous as every I reckon; and sweet little Jane as sweet and pretty, yes I know she is. Oh kiss the dear sweet child for me an hundred times; and tell her Aunt Sallie, sent all those, kisses to hear; also kiss Bobbie and Susy.

Cornelia, send her best love to you and brother Ned and say kiss all the children for her, and do not forget to remember, her to Mr. Green. She does not like Ashwood, on account of not having, something to cut as often as she wants it.

You know that I do not write long, letters, therefore I must not write much more; but I think, that, I will extend my letter a little longer.

Oh you do not know, how very busy I was kept every day, with school; every moment of our time, from, ½ past eight in the morning to, four in the evening with, only time enough to eat dinner. I wish Christmas would come, for I would like to see, Nashville again, as Pa promised to let us come home, then.

Lizzie desired me to give her love to you and brother Ned; and tell you to tell her ma; that she must be sure to come up. Give my best love to brother Ned and tell him, that if I can find a spare moment that I will write to him. Tell Fanny, howdy and wright, and old Aunt Fanny,

Write soon, and remember, your

Devoted Sister, Sallie