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Chicago Feby. 22 1881
My Dear Sister
You are very kind to notify me so promptly of baby's advent. I am glad for all the household that the trying hour is past and all all [sic] promising so well. You will please extend my congratulations to the parents of the young lady and I sincerely hope that her good star will always be in the ascendant.
Am glad you told me
[In upper margin:] Affectly your sister Lydia D. Kempton
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what Eliza was doing it brings one nearer to know little matters of this sort.
This has been a season of unusual gaiety - even for Chicago - but the literary instead of the social element prevails in our family. We rarely accept invitations to large gatherings.
Our family connexions so far as I know are in usual health. I was out yesterday and fully intended to call on Geo. at his place of business but the snow commenced falling and I was glad to make tracks for home.
Hattie and the babies visited Chicago about three
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weeks ago first with her sister on the South Side and afterwards with us. The more I see of Hattie with her family jewels - the more notice to admire.
One day the eldest was with me in my room and for a long time was perfectly quiet. On looking up found his eyes intently fixed on me. After a little said he your face is all marked up. Then it dawned upon me that my wrinkles had made a profound impression upon him. He is a very slight, but muscular and active child. The little Charlie is a very comfortable child both to himself and to those who have
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have the care of him. He is called a fine looking boy. Heard from Mary W. yesterday in usual health - Anna will visit us for a day or two the last of this week. I can discern no abatement of interest in study either in Mary or Carrie. It seems as if the more they know, the more they find is to be learned. The distance at which I follow is infinite. Never the less I get something.
We have enjoyed a visit from Ben Clark and son. They took the very best time in all the year round - all the relatives were in the city and each happy to make agreeable his visit.
With much love to you all will say good bye.