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Did you arrive home safely, dear Walt? and did you vote? did you vote seven time "as the Count did when he first become a citizen of these United States? If not in your own person, I hope that you caused as many as seven raving Democrats to vote right this time, however as the result was all right we argue that you did your part.

Now, now, Walt, are you aware that your "ten days" expire to-morrow? Not that I at all expect to see you then for ten days would be a short time to stay at home after nearly a year's absence,—but we have    been counting the days in the very faintest hope that you might come then.

Mr. Eldridge comes as usual every evening, and we always ask each other—"have you heard from Walt?" He has sent you two letters, one the next day after you left, and one since. We have drank your health on several occasions, and in a variety of liquids, tea on one occasion.

By the way, all of the Piatts including the sweet Patsy & the baby have dined with us since you left. I shall save all details to tell you when you come. But you were asked for, and we all wished you present.  Of course Mr. Eldridge & Mrs. Cooper formed two of the dinner party. Mrs. C. is still with me, being detained much longer than she expected to be, for which I am very glad. I shall not know how to get along without her, especially while you are gone. She is very bright and keeps us alive, she knows how to cook nice things too, and has exercised her genius for me several times, and if you will come back before she is gone, we will have a nice dinner for you.

I fully intended to be able to tell you something about your boys in hospital, but I have had so bad a cold since you left   and such an annoying troublesome cough with it, that I have not been able to go to see them. They must miss you sadly, poor boys, I pity them.

How did you find all at home? Did your good mother look as when you left her? & did you remember to give her my love? how did little Hattie look? had she grown much? & what do you think of the new baby? did you kiss them both for me? If not you must.

How about all the other members of the family? I hope you found all better than you expected. You know I feel personally acquainted with each   member of your family.

And what about your New York boys? Of course you have seen all, and have had that great time which we are to hear all about when you come back. Indeed, won't you have "lots" to tell us! You know you must come back prepared to give us a full account.

Have you seen Mrs. Price. I wrote her the very day you left. Do you find her much worse than when you left last year?

And Walt, have you seen Mr. Howells? If not I beg that you will, and with all the skill and talent of which you   are master do what you can to disenchant him with those people. I know more about it than when you were here, and I assure you that you will be rendering a service not only to Mrs. H. & the family, but to all who care for him if you can only get him out of this. If he could but know the real truth in regard to "the great head" and leader of the reform it would surely open his eyes. He evidently thinks Mr. A. a "great light" & a saint of a man, sincere and true. Oh! can't he be enlightened? It is awful, and unless his eyes are soon opened I don't see what will be the end. I depend on you  Walt, to see him, at any rate, & your own intuition will tell you whether you can do more, but I feel that you can. He has great regard for your opinions of people and things.

William is well as usual, he is at the office or would send lots of love. Mrs. Cooper has gone in to the other house to dress for dinner, or she too, would send love. Do you know that in the innocence of her heart she fully believes that you are going to stop and see her on your return through Philadelphia, and I have not the heart to undeceive her, and tell her what a promising youth you are   so I don't see but that you really must make the promised visit,—& you would have a very good time, I assure you of that beforehand. She wants me to go home with her, but I doubt if I shall. Can't afford it.

By the way, one bit of intelligence in regard to our dear friend and neighbor Gwynne I must tell you. They think of moving & renting the house up here, & a lady whom I know came to look at it. G. was much pleased at the idea of having such a nice family as hers for tenants, & offered to rent it for   one hundred dollars a month unfurnished. The lady politely declined & told him that she rents her present house furnished for that sum. Mrs. G. & the new baby are well. I can't think of any more news to tell you.

To tell you that we miss you awfully would not be news would it? You expected that, but I do have a most uncomfortable sense of "goneness" all the time, & I shall welcome you home here very heartily.

Can I do any thing for you in your absence?

Don't forget the three things you were to bring for my especial   benefit. The picture, letter, & "Drum Taps"—

Now good bye—and very much love from us all. I have said nothing of Jeannie, she is not as well as I want to see her looking, she is out playing, or I would ask her what message to you. She asks for you often, and hopes you will soon be back.

With love always, Yours, Nelly O'Connor.

Do write very soon, & direct to Corner of 14th & L Sts. The two letters Mr. E. has sent you, are letters that come for you. How is your head now? Your hearing? better I hope.

Nelly.     E M O'Connor & a note from Mrs Cooper Nov '63