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3.

have had sufficient rain for the present, and if we shall have an abundance in March and April no doubt the season will round out favorably to California.

Christmas week has rarely ever been so pleasant as the one now nearly past. I was absent from home on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday visiting Ione, but on Christmas day was at home with my family. We had a Christmas family dinner without visitors, and Mrs. Gage informed me that this was the first time in our family life that we have been alone at that time. I need not say that we very much enjoyed ourselves. I myself have no recollection of ever enjoying a Christmas so much before.

Mrs. Gage and the children desire to be kindly remembered to yourself and Governor Stanford, and to send to you their Holiday Greetings.

In looking after the matters with which you have entrusted me Mrs. Stanford, please do not, for a moment, think that you are imposing a task upon me, as I shall regard it as a pleasure to carry out your wishes as I understand them.

Yours sincerely,

ST. Gage