1 July 1853

I'm sorrier than you are, when I cant write to you - I've tried with all my might to find a moment for you, but time has been so short, and my hands so full that until now I could not. Perhaps you do not know that Grandmother has been making a visit this week, and has just gone this noon - She has, and we are tired, and the day very warm, but write to you I will, before a greater happens.

Some of the letters you've sent us we have received, and thank you for affectionately - Some, we have not received, but thank you for the memory, of which the emblem perished. Where all those letters go - our's and your's, and Susie's, somebody surely knows, but we do not.

The note which came to Susie in the last evening's letter, was given her - She does not get the letters you say you send to her, and she sends others which you do not receive. Austin, if we four meet again we'll see what this all means. I tell Susie you write to her, and she says she "knows so" notwithstanding they do not often come - There's a new Postmaster today, but we dont know who's to blame. You never wrote me a letter, Austin, which I liked half so well as the one Father brought me, and you need'nt fear that we dont always love you, for we always do - We think of your coming home with a great deal of happiness, and are glad you want to come -

Father said he never saw you looking in better health, or seeming in finer spirits. He did'nt say a word about the Hippodrome or the museum, and he came home so stern that none of us dared to ask him, and besides Grandmother was here, and you certainly dont think I'd allude to Hippodrome in the presence of that lady! I'd as soon think of popping fire crackers in the presence of Peter the Great! But you'll tell us when you get home - how soon - how soon! [several words erased.]

We are glad you're so well, Austin. We're glad you are happy too, and how often Vinnie and I wonder concerning something of which you never speak. We are pretty well, but tired, the weather too so warm that it takes the strength away. I am glad you are glad that I went to ride with Emmons. I went again with him one evening while father was gone, and had a beautiful ride.

I thank you for what you sent me, and for your kindness in saying what you did. I sent your little brush. I admire the Poems very much. We all send our love to you - shall write you again, Sunday.

Emilie -