
It was my intention to have noted my recent call upon you, with my expressions of the great pleasure that visit had given me, but I have been prevented doing so, from having taken cold in my eyes, subjecting me to a sort of vagabond life for the past week.
To meet one of whom I had heard & read so much, I feared was denied me, as I had never received any acknowledgment of the letter I sent you some three years since.
You think you never received
such a communication.
I wrote you at the time of Mr Farnam of New Haven commencing the Whitman genealogy, hoping I could have the pleasure of sending to him so worthy & honorable a branch of the old tree, as yourself would be—
Perhaps when the weather becomes more spring like, I will bring the volumes over to you to examine & you will be able to point out your position
You would like to see it, would you not?
Let me thank you for the very kind gift of your photos. I greatly prize them, doubly so, as containing your autograph.
Do you often see Mr Childs I hear he is a friend, & a good friend of yours?

I fear I may weary you, if I say more. I should be delighted to have you acknowledge this note, if you feel, it will not be a task—
Accept dear friend, my hearty best wishes that your life may be prolonged & your declining years made comfortable to the close.
With sincere regard I am respectfully Lavinia F. Whitman 1740 N. 15th st.PhilaMy [illegible] father was John F. Watson author of that inimitable work, "Annals of Phila in the Olden Time."
Did you know him?