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18th December 1860

My dear Miss Sue!

You need never fear that any
delay in replying to my letters will cause me to
erase your name from my list so long as I believe
you love me and love to read my letters as you
assure me you do. -- To be sure my last was a
long time unanswered, but the answer was very welcome
when it made it's appearance. -- Had you written
earlier I hardly think I could have acknowledged
the receipt of your letter, as I have been feeling very
badly ever since my return from Hillsboro in August
and writing even to my children has at times been
quite out of my power. -- I am sorry to hear your Ma's
health continues delicate. -- Oh! Miss Sue what a
blessing 'tis to have a Mother & how often do I wish I could
go to mine to lay my head in her lap & hear her say
"bless my child" as she used to do, but she is safe in