8 o'clock Dearest mother,
It is a dismal winter snow storm outside, and as I write I am sitting here by a good wood fire in the stove—have been alone all the evening—I sit up as much as I can, especially evenings—as I sleep better afterwards—I rec'd a letter from Jeff to–day, Matty was as well as at last accounts—about the same—no worse—I also rec'd a letter from Heyde—he said Han was well as usual—
I have been sitting up nearly all day—& have less distress in the head than I have had—which is a great gain—I had a letter from Mrs. Price to–day—she invites me to come & stop awhile there, as soon as I can journey—
Mother, it is kind of company to write to you—it is very lonesome to sit here all the evening in my room—about 9 Charles Eldridge comes in & assists me to soak my feet in hot water, & then I turn in—(I have my trowsers on this evening, first time in 3 weeks)—
Friday noon
Feb. 14
Mother, I am sitting up again to–day—passed a comfortable night, & as soon as it is favorable weather I shall try to get started for outside—first, to get down stairs—& then perhaps across the street—
3 o'clock
I have just got a letter from Jeff, which I enclose as it is the latest—Mrs. O'Connor has just been to see me—brought a basket of nice things—
Mother dear, I hope you will have a pleasant Sunday—I send you Harper's & Frank Leslie's—I am having a very fair day to–day—it is moderate & pleasant here, but mostly cloudy—I have been quite occupied writing several letters about business—have set up all day, with the exception of an hour—Love to you, dear mother,
Walt