early May 1872

TO: Louise and Frances Norcross
FROM: ED

Dear Children,

We received the news of your loving kindness through Uncle Joel last evening, and Vinnie is negotiating with neighbor Gray, who goes to a wedding in Boston next week, for the procuring of the nest. Vinnie's views of expressage do not abate with time. The crocuses are with us and several other colored friends. Cousin H[arriet] broke her hip, and is in a polite bed, surrounded by mint juleps. I think she will hate to leave it as badly as Marian Erle did. Vinnie says there is a tree in Mr. Sweetser's woods that shivers. I am afraid it is cold. I am going to make it a little coat. I must make several, because it is tall as the barn, and put them on as the circus men stand on each other's shoulders. . . . There is to be a "show" next week, and little Maggie's bed is to be moved to the door so she can see the tents. Folding her own like the Arabs gives her no apprehension. While I write, dear children, the colors Eliza loved quiver on the pastures, and day goes gay to the northwest, innocent as she.

          Emily.