RK-841

[printed letterhead] No. Smithsonian Institution, Washington D. C., [written] Dec 22 [printed] 18 [written] 62.

Dear Folk at Home

It just struck me that this my v may very possibly reach you on Christmas Day so Ill say Merry Christmas to you all and desire you to think of me several times - Not a bit sorrowfully for that is needless - I think I shall be in a very pleasant friendly circle of good honest men here, whose influence will be for my good in every way you could all desire.

And considering the

fact that industry is now of the greatest importance to my success in accomplish ing good for science or for myself - You ought to be glad that I am here in this atmosphere of industry rather than at home where only my affections are stronly exercised -

I am well, with a good prospect of usefulness and honorable reputation before me - And within influences that if not so perfectly pure and refining as those of Home are yet very decidedly good and elevating. Altogether it is far better that I am here for the present than at Home Love to you all collectively & individually

Bob

[page turned, stamped] J. Kennicott Brenton Collections