Rockport March 20th 1860

Dear Father

I arrived at Rockport at ten minutes after five o'clock and almost the first person I saw was Mary Anne: as all the boys were engaged at work and [illegible] Mrs. Parson were out in the country about 14 miles from home, Mary had to come or wanted to come and I jumped onto the wagon and drove to three or four places for Mary had some shoping to do before going home. After coming home I found that all five of the girls were at home. After depositing my trunk in my room I went to the barn and helped to feed the cows, and at about 1/2 past six o'clock we went in to supper and after

supper we all went in the woods
to skate and skated untill 1/2 past
eight when I came in and
am sitting down to drop a few
lines home they all have condem
me for not bringing my skates
with me and if it is convenient
I wish that you would have them
sent with my other things. I must
cut this letter short as it is almost
bedtime and we must be up
at five oclock. I should like to
hear from home once in a while
and you shall here from me

I know this is not as good
writing as you would to see
but I am in haste so good
night

From your affectionate
Son

Charles R. Douglass