RK-282

Anna Sunday April 19 (Probably) 1857

Dear Cora,

Now small girl, sister of mine, would you not willingly kiss me if you could. Verily I wish I could make you cry “noow sto'p”.

I have been homesick to day – Have not been very busy and got to thinking of you all and feeling blue I thought myself into an unhappy fit. Heard some good music this afternoon and felt better after it

It is good to be homesick sometimes – what is it aunt carries fine song “Isles of Beauty” says?

“Distance makes the heart grow fonder”

so it it is.

Busy enough you must all be now I take it. Wish I was digging trees in the

mud! mother makes too much of babies of us all – I get homesick too easily.

But as I said tis no bad thing.

Tomorrow I go into the woods for a week and shall not hear from nor write to you in that time.

I hope when I come back to find a good bundle of letters

I am in a hurry and it is bed time

I wrote to father asking that he and Charlie would send to Col Ashley by express several evergreens – and if convenient several of a couple or so good apple trees and some flowers.

If they do'nt care to send them as specimens I want them to pay for myself –

If they are not packed I very much wish father would let you wrap up two copies of the Ill State Agl Socy transactions marked to me and

2 pack them in the bundle of trees. I have promised one to Mr Ben. L. Wiley and if a chance does not occur to send them in a lot of trees I wish a copy could be sent him by mail – without prepaying postage –

Mr Symonds talks of ordering evergreens – Wiley will too perhaps – What are medium sized evergreens selling at – I ought to be able to tell persons here –

It froze last night! Can plant trees a long time here yet.

Tell major his dona =tion of the boots was a fortunate thing for me. They are invaluable.

I trust father is feeling better now than when he last wrote though this weather is bad enough for him.

How are the young birds?

If any musical papers come for me that you dont want at The Grove please send them to me – send me a copy of the Boston Atlas occasionally – mark my name on the inside and direct them to Col Ashley. I shall not always be here but will get them in time.

Col Ashleys folks are very kind to me – make me feel at home and give me much assistance.

Write to me Tell Emma not to forget her promise to write to me.

Love to all Bob