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Dearest Tootee I really do not know how you will
get that trunk to me. I think M^r JH Couper had better have
let Hamilton come on - He certainly seems to value his
money. I dare say he is right. I wish I possessed his firmness.
How I do long to see you all my own dear child - her
husband & dear dear children - my negros [sic] & my birds.
I do hope & trust you may all be permitted to get through the
summer without sickness - Poor Mrs Gale too - how bless'd
she is in having so kind a friend as you are - & I tell you
what Tootee - William has done more for her than either
Mrs G or myself could have expected - The time was when
this poor woman may have earned her board but now
she is a burden to every one with whom she stays - I hope
& trust she will not be sick again. You say nothing of Chris-
-tian. You know I left it entirely to your option to keep
her or not. I must say that I think it very strange
my hearing nothing of or from Amanda - M^r Woolley
is perfectly mad after novelty. I do long to see dear
Amanda. What long stories he will have to tell you
when he gets back. The girls will write to you very
soon. They have a great many correspondents
(their school fellows) & as I write to you so regu-
larly - they think I tell you all the news - & poor
me I am so stupid I do not know how to give the best
coloring to what really happens. Malley was here
yesterday - G. T. V. F. & Tip send lots of love & kisses to
yourself - William the babies & Mrs Gale - & tell the negros [sic]
everything that is kind for me. Rhina is now quite
well - she is quite home sick - I hope it will contin-
ue to be the case ------