I shall keep on with my journal for I find it is the only way I can keep you posted as regards our movements, for a little written each day will be better than hurrying so at the end of the week.  Bob has, together with Henry, taken our letters down to the consignor of the Morro Castle, and a week from today they will probably reach you, allowing for all delays.  We like our new hotel very much, and Henry’s friend, “Mrs. Gorham” of Boston has already followed in our footsteps, and we all dine together “en famille” on or own floor - and enjoy our Spanish repasts very much, Sara so for trying each dish and I generally wait until they decide whether there are onions in it or not. We have lettuce, green peas and radishes- - and served pretty much as Professor Blot taught us.                                                                                           p42

       Friday Eve-

        We went to the Circus again, it being the last night of Mr. Robinson’s performances.  He sails tomorrow on the Morro Castle.  It was crowded and jammed.  The concert was perfectly deafening.  Our fellow passenger and his wife were also there and seemed to be a great object of interest. I mean Van Rice--

-

        Saturday -

        Breakfasted about 10 o’clock.  It is almost impossible to rise early here,  we are so tired out at night.  We then took a carriage and drove out to the Bishop’s Palace, a very long distance and quite warm.  It is so amusing to see Henry try to make our driver comfortable.  We have had the same one each time so that he appears to be quite used to our frequent screams of laughter and rather enjoys it.  I was quite disappointed to find the palace had been sold recently to a Mr. Antonio, now in Paris, and no person was admitted.  However we walked up to ( the entrance)_and took a peep at whatever we could.

       From here we drove to the  (Conde Di Palatino, Count Palatini’s) palace and gardens.                                           p43

The houses as all are so very immense.  Seems to be built of yellow limestone only two stories high. The gardens had fine hedges and trees and in the front a flower garden. From here we drove though the “Lisso”.  Saw interminable palaces and residences of Counts and Marquises - to the Governor General’s country residence on the Pasio di Facon.  And this was really magnificent.  Cascades of water in different parts of the grounds,   (groves) of orange trees and arbors of different kinds of wood, fountains without number, beautiful flowers, --the gardeners gave us a few-- , tall palm trees.  It was quite oriental, I assure you.  It was near four when we returned tired out.  Washed and dressed to go to the Theatre di Facon - with Mrs. Stearns, the interpreter, and Mrs. Briggs and daughter of New York.  This box was placed  at our disposal so we accepted.                                         

        We were accompanied home by Mr. Clausen and this Mr. Chapman, received from the latter an invitation to a Creole Dinner on Sunday but I did not think it very proper to dine with bachelors and strangers, as they were, besides its being Sunday. They quite laughed at our scruples and tried to overcome them.

       Sunday Morn. - Was aroused by music on the Campo di Marti which is directly in front of our Hotel - selections from Faust, waltzes, etc.  We all rushed to the lattice doors in our night dresses, the troops and primer( new being reissued ) fire engines.  They looked like a child’s cart.  We sent Elizabeth to call Henry and he was perfectly convulsed with laughter when he saw them.  We had decided to go to church but were told so many different times that we did not manage to go.  Church is over here at twelve o’clock.

        The Sundays are often just like any other day and in fact I believe they have more going on than at any other time.  Theatre in the evening.

        No other religion than Catholic is tolerated here.  The men went to a bullfight in the afternoon.  I believe they are quite content and do not wish to see another.  Henry nearly fainted away and I do sure understand from the descriptions they p46 gave me.  It is arranged with a ring and seats like a circus, men cased in armor or gay silks and colors of any hue.  Six mules and five horses of arms or firemen were killed.  The horses were driven in again and again, when their entrails were all hanging out. They said it was a most fearfully cruel sight - hell!

        They none of them wanted any dinner when they returned.  Clara and I dined alone at four and then went for a drive on the Pasio at five in a volante, our first drive in such a carriage. It was a two horse one and (quite) handsome.  The Pasio and Lisso were crowded with carriages.  We had a few words in Spanish written down for us, enough to enable us to turn, stop and go home. It was getting dark and we called to the Coachiso to turn around (a vuelta). He nodded and turned into a lonely sort of road directly away from home - no carriages were passing                 p47 and for a short time we thought we might be mistaken, but pretty soon the Negro stopped his horses and got down as we supposed to fix his harness, instead of that he walked up to the carriage holding out his hand and saying - “una dollar”- several times. Of course we were frightened to death knowing we were alone in a lonely road - no money with us and not being able only to say a few words - but we tried not to show how frightened we were - shook our heads and said “si, si” which means “yes, yes, a Hotel Telegrafo” - meaning when we got to the Hotel.  He demurred -- at last.  I called  “Pronto”- quick to the Hotel.  He got on again and drove very slowly.  We called to him to “Pronto” and finally we did reach the Hotel, frightened out of our senses.  We called the interpreter, Mr. Strauss.                                             

       The Negro got a good whipping and we found he was begging.  It created quite an excitement.  However it showed us still how dangerous is it for women to be alone here. We find no woman can go out alone and I can quite understand now how it could not have been very pleasant for Sue Williams alone -  Why they make love to you right away.  We should think they never saw a white woman before -- “Bob” says he would not leave me alone here for anything - we live and learn Why!

    We cannot walk at all, have to ride constantly so of course one has so little exercise that it is not very pleasant.  “Bob” met here Sunday morning “ Mr. Stebbins” who used to live in Buffalo, moved to Brooklyn, his daughter Maria married to a Mr. Bartlett - brother of Mrs Orido - he died last summer.  Since that time his daughter has been here with Mrs. Orido on the plantation and Mr. Stebbins is going to take her back with him.  He is in the Treasury Department at Washington and on ____ for government.

He called upon us and made arrangements for us to visit the “Minorski”, our gun boat, which is in the harbor Monday aft, and had invited “Bob” to go with him Tuesday to Mr. Orido’s plantation.  I don’t yet know whether he will--

        Sunday eve we had a number of gentlemen here to call upon us, and after they left, in company with,___  we  drove to the Santa Hotel to call upon our Consul “Mr. Minor”- did not find him at home however, but were introduced to a number of Americans from New York, a Mr. Antonio Rasiney and mother and sister - Mr. Roberto and wife, Skip Henderson, Mr. and Mrs. West.

        Monday we took a carriage, and drove out about eleven o’clock, went to the Custom House for our permits - took Elizabeth out with us this time--- went to the Consul, he asked us to waive ceremony and come up into the office which we did.  I like him very much indeed. He is expecting his family on the next steamer.  p 50

We then  went to Dr. Thomas.  Bob delivered his letters and he is to call upon us tomorrow aft.  Bob said he liked him very much.  We did a little shopping and lunched, just reached the hotel in time to meet “Mr. Stebbins”, also a Mr. Springer from the Consulate.  We then found a gondola  waiting for us and round to the “Minorski”.  The officers were expecting another large party on board - they soon came.  We visited all parts of the boat and were entertained with cake and champagne and insisted we attend a ball given to the American Ladies on board - Wednesday evening.  After returning home had calls all evening.  Mr. Clausen, Mr. Chapman, Stebbins and Wiley (?). Also Mr. Rasinez with an invitation to attend a concert but we were too tired to accept---                                  Tuesday - Bob had the asthma all night dreadfully, had to sit  up all night in bed.  It would be rather cool and uncomfortable to sit up in a chair on a marble floor all night.  We both are rather tired.  I can’t conceive how he took cold unless it is with all these drafts.

       I quite forgot to mention we were all  vaccinated the other day by Dr. Billot, one of the first physicians here.  It was considered necessary, the smallpox is raging so in Matanzas.  Three (?) thousand and three hundred cases, and most all that are taken.

        Fri. All of our vaccines are going to take.  The doctor called this surprising to see them.  Said Elizabeth’s was the worst exposed of any.  He had vaccinated her on both arms, six places on each arm, and says she will not feel very well for a few days.

        The steamer arrived with fifty-five passengers on board.  We sure all expected letters, and only “Bob” and Henry got any.  Too bad.  I thought we should certainly hear from you. Henry’s were from “Mr. Morgan” with letters of introduction to different plantations. “Bob’s” from Chas. Henshaw.  It is too bad one cannot go to Matanzas there is so much to see.  there.                      p52

        We went out driving today. Saw the Plaza des Armes and the Cathedral where Christopher Columbus is said to be buried. Dr. Homes called this cruising. I like him very much indeed.  He asked up to go down to his house, but Bob was going to a Spanish Masonic meeting and Clara was expecting some gentlemen - Mr. Gorham, Rasinez , Mathis called.  Clara went up to the Pasio and Henry Kips --- All have gone at last.  I get awfully tired when night comes.  There is so much to see and do, but I’ve improved wonderfully and am really hungry their first time in months.  Spanish or not I believe I could really eat onions.  They have only two meals a day Sunday and we are famished when they come around.  “Bob” does not seem at all well - he ought to stay out of that Express Office, much longer than he intends to -- I shall go to New Orleans with them and if I can find pleasant accommodations will remain there, but shall not think of doing so here.                          

I might as well remain in a jail. A week more until we hear from you.  I can hardly wait.  I kiss Mother’s picture every night and think of you all often.

       Wednesday

       Bob left this morning in company with Mr. Stebbins for Mr. Ovidos plantation to remain until Thursday morn, taking with him two of Henry’s letters of introduction to different planters who lived hear.  The letters were for us as well as Henry, so it made little difference who presented them. Bob had to get up at half past four.  He has not yet got over his asthma.

Dr. Billot was to bring him some tincture of arsenic, one drop in four tablespoonfuls of water and one tablespoon a dose, but he has not seen him as yet again.

       This morning your letters from you all reached us and we all fairly cried.  Henry had a beautiful letter from his Father.  It was really a family one to us all. Dear Mother, I read ours many times.  Yours and Ev’s were full of news.  I hope Grandma is much better by this time.  We received also Buffalo papers and it seems very funny to hear of seasons being so diff. and to feel here the  very warm weather. -It is hard to realize it is only January.  We went out  shopping this morning with Mr. Chapman an English              p54

gentleman living here- no favorite of mine, for he is egotistical.  Prices are very cheap here. I bought a pair of gaiters high on the ankle, leather and ___ for $4 in gold. ___ or ___ $1.25 in gold and exquisite jewelry is also very cheap. other things very high--

       We did not get back until way past three - then dressed for dinner.  Mr. Whitney, a Boston gentleman and friend of Mr. Gorham’s, also Mr. Chapman dined with us.  After dinner our rooms were filled with callers - a Mr. Campro - Young and a Cuban. Mr. Matzo, Mr. Rasinez and Chapman.  We went to the Pasio at about eight to hear the music, after which took some ice cream.  It is beautiful moon light nights here -- and there’s always a great deal of riding at night.

        Thursday: - Mr. Rasinez breakfasted with Henry Kips this morning.  Mr. Gorham has gone out on the Lisso to stay overnight, so our table (loses) numbers each day. Bob has not yet returned. Clara is receiving calls and our plans are today to go aboard the Spanish Man of War at half past two to hear the music.   Quite a large party have been invited and going to take  a drive this evening by moonlight to hear the music near the Governor General’s residence.  It is very strange to hear the watchman at night call the hours - half past ten and a clear night -- in Spanish, and it (sounds) until you hear it die away in the distance.  I still think I should not care to remain here alone, for it would be terribly lonely, and of course I could not stir out of the  hotel.

        I bought some spoons with some, Mother, so don't write about them.  No___ and ______ gentlemen have come up from the Santa Isabel Hotel to see if we re going out on the Spanish steamer and have made arrangements to meet at four o'clock.

       “Bob” returned but felt very miserable, he had one of his bilious attacks together with his asthma.  He looks and feels badly.  I gave up going this afternoon. The rest had a beautiful time.  Supper, music on board.  In the evening we went out shopping, saw many beautiful things but did not insist so much.

       Friday--

        The letters have to be finished today as the steamer leaves tomorrow.  We are to go today to a Cigarette Establishment to get a permit from the Government. After that a drive on the Lisso so I believe that is all the plans laid out so far ).  Have just time to add we went to the Cigarette          p56 establishment and were all presented with - a present - upon leaving and names written or rather engraved.

We are going to call upon Dr. Thomas and family-- and now I have to say goodbye and recommence my journal from tomorrow again. I hope my darling Mollie keeps well. I treasure all her little letters. When you see Dr. Bull tell him upon examining my case of medicines for asthma for Bob not one of the bottles had anything in them, and __ with just about half of them.  They looked as if they were full but on taking them out nothing was in them.  We send much love to Aunty Burt and family, dear Em, and Vick, Lena - Will and Henry. You do not say one word about the house and Bob is quite anxious to hear.  Tell Henry to write us one of his good letters - if you only knew how much your letters are appreciated. Kiss my own little girl a thousand times. Papa and I have been looking for something pretty for her.  With much love - I hope Mollie will keep well.

Aff Yours - Sara

My Own Little Girl,                                 Friday, Jan 18, 1867

Your letter was very dear to me, and I keep them all with great care.  I was glad to hear you had commenced school, for I want you to get along as fast as you can.  Elizabeth is quite well and was so pleased when i read to her Grandma’s letter that her little girls had been down to play with you and Lena. I saw such beautiful dollies here today, one which could move its arms, head, and legs and say Mama too. I wanted very much to get it for my little girl, but Papa’s purse was not quite long enough to pay--- for it.  You must be very kind, and gentle to Lena- and mind Grandma well--- Papa and I have been out this evening to see what we could find for our little darlings at home.   Don’t forget to say your prayers and remember both Papa and Mama.  Dear Papa is not very well. He has a very bad cough --- and I weigh 102 lbs. Only think how much better I am.  Now goodbye my own little priceless girl, and God keep you safe and well until I hold you in my arms once more. p57

Your own Mama

My dear little Pokey,

Mamma has left me a wee little place, just big enough to put a small package of love for my precious darling.  I hope you have been a great help to Grandma at home and at market.  If you could see our Market here -- with Negroes and Chinamen, instead of Dutch women, and oranges, bananas, pineapples, cocoa-nuts, and such in place of chickens, apples and so on -- The weather is cold - so the people here say -- though all our sleigh-riding is done in volantes: things like a wheel barrow going wrong end first. (drawn picture of a volante)

Goodnight my little darling. Be a good girl and write every time to Mamma and Papa                                                                                          

 Having sent off our letters I resumed our weekly journal.  Our call upon Dr. Vonnes and wife was delightful. I admire her exceedingly.  She was a Miss Bowen from Providence R. I so of course “Bob”  and her had an abundant source of conversation. She is very lonely.

       Saturday -- We were very late in rising this morning and had barely time to array ourselves for Mr. Clausen and Chapman -- Bob and Henry, Miss Merryback, Clara and I had formed a party to go to the Cathedral where Christopher Columbus’ ashes are interred.  It is very large. Fine organ.  Saw also a picture which had been painted fourteen years before Columbus landed here.  And the tablets to his memory.  Once a  year they have a day          p60 dedicated to him.  These ashes are taken from the Church, and carried in a procession to the first chapel which was erected in the island, and many interesting ceremonies gone through with.  We dined at five and were invited to a ball at the Santa Isabel.  Henry and Clara went - but Bob and I did not care to - so we took a drive in the park to hear the music.  Clara looked so pretty in her pink silk and “Mr. Minn” said she was quite the prettiest girl there-

       Sunday -  We had determined to be up early enough this morning to go to one of the churches, but it was raining hard, in fact pouring like a hail storm in the States, and continued to all day -- so going out to drive was quite out of the question.  We read and talked all day, having made the acquaintance of a party of Americans who occupy the rooms opposite to us, and very pleasant they are -- New Yorkers - Mr. and Mrs. Annport, Dr. and Mrs. Keef, Miss Gurnian, a Mr. Wiley. I mention their names for they know many of  our  friends - the  Blisses, etc.  Sunday evening the Chapmans called.                                                          

       Monday - We concuded to have our photographs taken in a Volante.  Mrs. Frums accompanied us.  We created quite  a sensation for it was some trouble to keep the  street clear long enough to take them.  The streets are so extremely narrow we could not  have the volante taken sideways, and could wish these were better, but we tried four times.

       Hot does not express the term since the rain. It is worse than ever.  Oh! for more thin dresses, I continually sigh, for I’ve absolutely  nothing in that line.  Clara is well off. I’ve invested in a "Nipa"” or pineapple  dress and a chemise.  I do not see, with the exception of shoes and these dresses, that anything is very reasonable.  The custom here is to send up a clerk from the different stores, with samples of his goods arranged in books. You order what you like and it is brought to you.

        Tuesday - my birthday- “Bob” was terribly disappointed.  He had expected my present which he had ordered in New York before we left, by the steamer, which did not come. We spent a very quiet day-- it was so hot we could not think of going out. So in the afternoon we all took a rest. We just got dressed in time for dinner.                                                                     p62                                                                 

        Dr Grimes and his wife called to take us out on the “Cirro” to visit Mr. Fairchild -their carriage and footman. Only Bob and I went with them and we drove out in fine style.  We were received very cordially, spent a pleasant evening, and met a number of Americans there.  They used to have a regular night proceedings(?), but their daughter married a Spaniard, against their will, and they have  been very quiet since it occurred.  Mr. Fargo and wife seem to have been quite intimate with them.  Clara and Henry took a drive on the Pasio, while we were gone - to hear the music.   We had a number of calls the rest of the evening.

       Wednesday - what a quantity of things we had proposed to do today. We have come to the conclusion that we are getting lazy and must make amends.  We have lounged (?) about with the rest of the American party on one floor all the morning. It is the “Infanta’s” birthday - so we all congregated upon the  balcony to see the grand services by the Governor General in the Campo de Mar which is directly in front of our hotel. Almost twelve p63 thousand troops have passed - think of that, good people! I never saw so many before, not do I expect to again.   The cavalry were very fine, with flags on the end of their pointed lances and about thirty abreast. Canon were being fired in the harbor, and from Morro Castle, and bells ringing.  Quite a display, you see.

       The evening passed with callers - a Mr. Casanova who spends most of his time in New York, and is there a great pet of the ladies - knows Mrs. Patikin, and the Kinns, is very attentive to Clara.  Do you remember. Eh? Laura had quite a time with him when she was at school, and Mr. Wilson interfered. Mr. Casanova corresponded with her -  I remembered it all when I found out who he was.  He has been a great flirt.

        Henry Kip has been very careless and lost the letters of introduction to different planters which Uncle Henry sent.  So our prospects of seeing a sugar plantation are small, still  we shall make an effort to  accomplish it, if we can do so by writing to one whose name “Mr. Rande” Bob remembered,  and the most of the letter of introduction, telling him about it being mislaid- and it may have some effect.  Upon many of the plantations they take boarders but just not this season, the sugar is being ground and all have guests.

       Have been adding a few lines to my resume, of our weeks’ doings.  Find there is no steamer this week, only from Baltimore and if you wrote in time for that (which is not probable) we may hear today by the “Cuba” for she is first in and  leaves for New Orleans - Saturday.   The Morro Castle is not due here until next Thursday, so we can not hear from home until then.          p65  

We are going to send our letters home by this  steamer, Cuba, from New Orleans, for no doubt you will be wondering  why you do not hear from us.

       I  do not know what at the  trouble is  in New York but there has  been some change made in the sailing of the steamer.  It seems a very long time to wait - two weeks- until we get some  news from home.  Some said that the “Columbia” may be in tomorrow,  and that the change made is the vessels leaving on Saturdays after 3 o’clock.

       We are going to visit the forts today  -  Fort Catanias and Morro  Castle - quite a large party of us. Such a tramp, as we  have had a very tiresome thing accomplished, but see all concluded.  We should have missed  a great deal if we had gone without seeing the forts -  They are wonderful with their concealed passages and numerous walls and  crannies(?).  By the last  steamer one of our American passed guns (sure?) brought one for them,  and  was just being mounted.  It is the only decent gun there is.  The others,  and many of them, are quite old fashioned as you may judge, built  in (1724).   We did not get back until seven o’clock, had a hearty dinner and then went down p66 into the city for medicine for Bob’s asthma which continues very badly.  He has slept only a few hours again through the night, sitting bolstered up in the bed.  None of the  medicines have seemed to benefit him.  Will you get that prescription from Mrs. Staats again and send it in your next letter to New Orleans.  I will tell you before finishing this letter how to direct-   Bob left the one she gave him before in Buffalo amongst his papers.  We could have the prescription put up in New Orleans if we had it.  We shopped considerably and were tired enough when we returned to go to bed.  Clara slept with me for I have been kept awake so much with Bob that I was feeling pretty tired.  Our beds are fearful here.  I long, many times, when I am so tired, for my own comfortable one at home.  If one could only be at home  when night comes.  It is still very warm but a cool breeze --the nights, however are very damp.  Our clothes  all stick that we put on in the morning.  I find upon looking back that I did not tell you what we did Monday evening.  Mr. “Joseph Frums” gave us a moonlight dance on the top of his house.  There were about thirty Americans and Spaniards present.  He had a nice supper and punch and enjoyed it very much indeed.  He is extremely cordial, talks a good deal about Sue Williams and what a pleasant time they had when she was here --- His wife I heard from is dead.  Everyone with whom we have been acquainted have been exceedingly kind, and we have  been told that very few who come here have been about, and seen as much as we have.  We shall go to Matanzas for a day before we  leave, for it would be such a pity to miss it.  We have written to Cap. Sturgeon that we leave here on the 9th, and to get us good rooms.

       We shall come  up the  river slowly stopping at St.  Louis,  and different places.  I have  made up my mind to return with the rest. But really,  it  would  be  very uncomfortable  to remain  alone.  If  I had friends even,  in New Orleans,  it would be very different.  But you see, I  could  not  remain without a gentleman  -  exposed to insults!  Mercy!- they press a white woman  here,  even when we are out shopping.  The other night an impudent thing went from store to  store just as we did.  Bob says he would not leave me here for anything.  Besides, the journey has been of great benefit to me,  and I think if I am careful I can get through March.  Only thirty days to weather through,  for we shall soon be home, before the first of  March  _ _ _ .

       Friday -- Clara was up so  early this morning to go to the market with  a party.  I was quite too tired.  She  came back having tasted every variety of fruit they have here, and bringing home for breakfast some delicious  berries, bananas, corn, tomatoes, and peas.                                                                

       We have just got news that the  Columbia is in, and so all the  gentlemen have started off to see if we have any letters.  I hope we shall get some.  We  have no settled plans for today, expect to  drive out on the Lisso.  Had calls all the evening --- and received Em’s letter dated the 12th of January and mailed the 15th.   No steamers leave from New York again until the 26th, reaching  here Thursday the 31st.  The Columbia by which our  letters came was six days coming, very bad storms, also the Cuba had a bad passage from New  Orleans.  The passage is three days.  Dr. Belloit said if I would only go back home by sea I would derive so much benefit you would scarcely know me. --- But the others are all desirous of going by the river, so we will do so, stopping at St. Louis and other places.

       Saturday -- another rainy day which prevents our going out.  We received our present from New York.  It is an amethyst set in diamonds - exquisite. We have made a great number of acquaintances, and so have a number of calls.  Robert is very far from well, his asthma continues so badly. He called in a “Dr. Caro” who  gave him chloroform, only a temporary relief  however.  Pray don’t forget to send us to New Orleans the prescription from Mrs. Staats.  I am improving splendidly,  never did eat so much, and weigh 102 lbs.  Is not that doing well in four weeks?  

       Now Mother’s clothes are all too large for her before  we left. Mercy!   Elizabeth says she used to pin them on they were  so  loose -- I think she  must have a better appetite, and the change has benefitted her.  You are a  precious darling, Mother to take so much trouble. Let Em fix  them, dear  Mother,  and

don’t  you worry yourself.  How is the house getting along?  Robert frets once in a while over it.  I do wish Henry Sizer would write to him and let him know.  I think he is quite uneasy at times.

        Clara went to the Cathedral this morning, saw the bishops’ robes which are embroidered in precious stones.  Dr. Frumms sent his carriage for us to drive out in.   We went out on the Lisso about four miles --  beautiful drive.  Robert had a more comfortable night.  The  weather is quite damp here at night and I am afraid it does not agree with him, but there are no steamers before the 9th so I am afraid we cannot get away before that time.

        Monday - we are off for the day, going to ride about, do some shopping and sightseeing.  Robert is writing a few lines to go by the Columbia which sails  Wednesday, to Henry Burt, and sending a check to him as we are going to be gone longer than we intended.  We thought he might need one.  Let us know  if it reaches all right.  Henry Kip seems very contented.  He gets homesick  once in a while-- Clara is well -- getting fat. She says I write everything and she does not see what there is left for her to say ---Elizabeth seems quite pleased when I tell her about her children, for she has not heard  a word from home. I  should think her mother and brothers might write to her even a few lines. By the time this reaches you they would have to                           p70

direct to New Orleans . She is well and I  think could  enjoy herself if she could walk out, and we cannot take her with is but a few times as there is generally quite a  party . We were out until nearly four o’clock this afternoon, got a couple more night dresses and quite beautiful.  We are all anxious to smuggle cigars but do not know  whether we can do so or not.        

       Bob wrote to Mr. Rande when Henry could not find Co. Morgan’s letter explaining to him about it’s being mislaid,  and enclosed another letter of introduction which Mr. Morgan had sent to a Mr. Santini, that he might see we were no impostors. (Bob) received an answer this morning to visit the Hasmer estate belonging to the Marquis of Aldan and should go the last of the week, staying over at Matanzas a day or two, the smallpox has nearly abated there.  So we shall be able to see a sugar plantation after all.

       Don (?) Stetts came in from the Trinidad estate, bringing his daughter, Mrs. Bartlett.  They sail for home Wednesday on the Columbia. He came up for us to go and see her.  She was staying at Mrs. Nicolo’s city house, he  waived etiquette as she was so busy getting ready to  leave.  He was delighted that we did go.  She is extremely beautiful, resembles Eliza Gordon, seemed  to  (weight?) having Mrs. Nicolo say much,  She showed us the house,  also Mrs. Nicolo’s  bedroom furniture, picture in her bridal costume, etc. The house inside is very, very large and beautiful.

                                                                                                   

Friday, Jan 25

       My own little girl. I  wish I could print you a nice letter that you could read yourself but “Mama” cannot do so well as Papa in that way.  I am real glad that you have commenced school again and you must ask Miss Manchester to show you how to write, so that you will not have to trouble “Aunt Emmy”. I wish every day you were here to have some of the nice fresh bananas and pineapples, and to run about on the green grass.  Just think of the beautiful roses, and flowers of every color that we are enjoying here. I presume this will seem very strange to you while you are sitting by a warm fire and the snow is deep upon the ground outside.

        While I am  writing today, Auntie Clara is reading on the balcony and wears her muslin dress and I have on my white billante,  and you, I suppose, are toasting your little toes by the fire - Well!                                                                                          Mama has concluded she cannot stay away so long from her precious daughter and so  we shall all be home together.  Now I hope that you are one of the best little  girls ---  obedient, kind, and gentle.  You remember, if I hear a good account of you I shall have some packages for you to open-- But I know  you will be just as good as  if “Mama” were standing right by your side, peeping over your shoulder while you are reading this, or Aunt Emmy for you.  I kiss your picture every night and would often, often like to  have it kiss me back again.  Don’t forget the  handles.   Yes and  no lis---?  Remember dear -- Papa will add a line --  and with a  kiss for Cousin Lena, and dozens of kisses for yourself. Good bye my precious little darling.

Your aff- Mama

P.S.  My precious, your dear little letter was very comforting.  I think you must have grown fat since you went to Grandma’s, for Aunt Emmy says your clothes were all too tight and had to be let out.  Now they say loose at the Life House, so Elizabeth used to pin them on.  Do you remember?  So we  all think Grandma’s nice things are doing you good.