Scope and Contents

does not write to her often,, but has always been fond of her, ever since she first met her in 1833; she [SFM] was mending stockings, and she felt sorry that she had to work so hard, so she bought her new ones; if she goes to England this summer as planned, she will bring six pairs of quality English stockings, for old times' sake; does not buy American stockings; never writies what she intended to write in letters;had planned to write about Nan; was reminded of her [SFM] father, though, and his kindness to her fahter; has a good memory for trivia; has always thought that she would be better and happier if she had a sister; Nan and her three youngest boys [Charley, Turner, and Rutson] are with them; they all look wel except that Turner has had several chills; Lewis was well when he was here, and it is hard to realize how ill he has been; does not hink Lewis could have lived through another season; is anxious about the plan, since it is her own; visited the area of the farm last summer with Miss Mordecai to see her [Miss M] neice, and everyone looked healthy; it is close to the New York markets, too; although that Lewis and Nan could come there because of health reasons; when she found out they could not make a living in Gloucester, Virginia, she knew they had to leave, no matter what the cost; feel sorry for Lewis, because he has always been so generous, and now he is entirely dependent on others; is sure that he is relieved that Jody would not have been able to handle it; it is different with Charles, because he has the house in Washington to fall back  on; Lewis has nothing; knows that nan would have liked to have been near her [SFM] if she could not be with her immeadiate family; she thinks of her as a sister; thanks her for confiding in them and asking for brandy for Cousin Eliza; if there is anything else they need that they cannot get in Charlottesville, they would be glad to help out; Harriet and Nan have both named their youngest sons after their Uncle Rutson; feels it is a well-deservede tribute, since Rutson has been like a father to them; he has been primarily concerned with their welfare for the past 16 or 17 years; thinks the boys would have done better if he had not given them money so often; sends loe to the family;' she gets letters sooner if they are addressed to 17 East Fourth Street rather than the office; the house is the same one she has always lived in but the number has changed; when she writes to Nan or Harriet, she usually includes a tract for the children; does so now [not present]. 6pp. ALS Includes Ts of ALS, 3pp.