To Dr. J.G. Holland
From ED

3? November 1855

I come in flakes, dear Dr. Holland, for verily it snows, and as descending swans, here a pinion and there a pinion, and anon a plume, come the bright inhabitants of the white home.

I know they fall in Springfield; perhaps you see them now - and therefore I look out again, to see if you are looking.

How pleasant it seemed to hear your voice - so said Vinnie and I, as we as indivudals, and then collectively, read your brief note. Why didn't you speak to us before? We thought you had forgotten us - we concluded that one of the bright things had gone forever more. That is a sober feeling, and it mustn't come too often in such a world as this. A violet came up next day, and blossomed in our garden, and were it not for these same flakes, I would go in the dark and get it, so to send to you. Thank Him who is in Heaven, Katie Holland lives! Kiss her on every ceek for me - I really can't remember how many the bairn has - and give my warmest recollection to Mrs. Holland and Minnie, whom love, this Saturday night, is no trifling thing, I'm very happy that you are happy - and that you cheat the angels of another one.

I would the many households clad in dark attire had succeeded so. You must all be happy and strong and well. I love to have the lamps shine on your evening table. I love to have the sun shine on your daily walks.

The "new house!" God bless it! You will leave the "maiden and married life to Mary Powell" behind.

       Love and remember
          Emilie.