late summer 1876

Dear friend,

The "Happiness" without a cause, is the best Happiness, for Glee intuitive and lasting is the gift of God.

I fear we have all sorrow, though of different forms - but Life so very sweet at the Crisp, what must it be unfrozen!

I hope you may sometime be so strong as to smile at now -

That is our Hope's criterion, for things that are - are ephemeral, but those to come - long - and besides,

The Flake and the Wind exasperate
More eloquently lie
Than if escorted to it's Down
By Arm of Chivarly.

I bring you a Fern from my own Forest - where I play every Day.

You would perhaps sleep as I write, for it is now late, and I give you Good Night with fictitious lips, for to me you have no Face.

"We thank thee Oh Father" for these strange Minds, that enamor us against thee.