1

Newport. Aug 6th

My darling Helen: This being your birthday and
papa away I want to send you just a little line with
my love and hopes for a happy future. You have been a
dear good child and a great comfort to us, and I trust
may so continue, not only to us but to all others with
you may be thrown. I was so pleased to hear that your
little party passed off pleasantly and have asked mamma
whether she cannot have something of the same kind for you
Every week. The weather has been very warm and damp here, &
many musquitoes - but to day is some what pleasanter. Tell
mamma I wish she would ask abour the official letter she
says she mailed on the 3d. for I have not rec'd it. I will
ask her. Good bye dear child. With love to mamma
and the other children - Your loving Papa