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Sacramento Dec 24 1865

My Dear Mother

It is a good while since
I have written you. On this Sunday
afternoon I have been thinking of
the days that are past of all the kindness
of both parents for their children
How many sacrifices you have made
for us all and comparatively how
little we have been able to make
return. Charles has the advantage
of the east in having you with
him and being able daily to care for
and add to your happiness for
the past two years. I have been
anticipating that the opportunity
would soon come when I could
make you a visit but the
demands of business have
hitherto forbid until now
there does not seem any certainty