TO: Louise and Frances Norcross
FROM: ED

mid-July 1862

. . . Just a word for my children, before the mails shut. Loo left a tumbler of sweet-peas on the green room bureau. I am going to leave them there till they make pods and sow themselves in the upper drawer, and then I guess they'll blossom about Thanksgiving time. There was a thunder-shower here Saturday at car-time, and Emily was glad her little ones had gone before the hail and rain, lest it frighten them. . . . We wish the visit had just begun instead of ending now; next time we'll leave "the mountains" out, and tell good Dr. Gregg to recommend the orchards. I defrauded Loo of 1 spool of thread; we will "settle," however - and Fanny's ruff is set high in my book of remembrance. They must be good children and recollect, as they agreed, and grow so strong in health that Emily won't know them when they show again. . . . Such a purple morning - even to the morning-glory that climbs the cherry-tree. The cats desire love to Fanny.

          Emily.