Albany [N.Y.], Dec. 16th, 1840

Dear George,

I have neglected writing to your party because my time has been much occupied with Colledge duties and partly because [Frank's wife / George's sister]Orrilla [(Smythe) Parmele] wrote to Susan shortly after our arrival from whom we expected an answer long before this for which I have been waiting thinking that I would write as soon as we heard from you through her.

But we have not heard from Newark from any source since we left there. I wrote to Dr. Stanberry some weeks since from whom according to promise I was to receive money by the 1st of Dec. I directed him in my letter to pay you're the $20 and to forward the balance to me -- but I have heard nothing from him. I need not tell you that I am much in want of the money. Having confidently calculated upon receiving it I have taken the tickets to all the lectures Mr. Patterson and Fred[eric]k Cole having kindly advanced the recquisite amount -- $80. I cannot ask or expect any more assistance from them. There are additional expenses attending dissections together with other ---ssisury expenditures which I have no means to meet. I wish you would see Dr. Stanberry and let me know immediately whether I am to expect any money from him or not -- I sold him books to the amount of fifty dollars which he has to pay as above stated. ...

... We feel extremely anxious to hear from Newark and are wholly at a loss to concern why Susan should not have replied to Orrilla's letter before this -- I expect that the news of our marriage caused surprise and a good deal of talk. Those who expected me to marry in another quarter of course call me anything but a clever fellow. You know that I am oversensitive to these things and the thought that I may have forfeited the good opinion of my acquaintance in Newark give me much uneasiness. But Orrilla is with me and happy and if all the world disapproves I cannot regret that I have taken her in preference to another.

Our friends are all well. Orrilla & myself are pleasantly situated in [brother-in-law] Philo [Cole]'s family. My time as very agreeably occupied and were it not for an anxious thought for the future which often intrude[s] upon me I might say that I was never happier. Orrilla wishes to be remembered to you and Sarah from whom she feels extremely anxious to hear. I hope you will not leave us longer in suspense but write immediately upon the recpt of this. Give my love to Sarah and all enquiring friends.

Your affectionate brother,
F.B. Parmele