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Monticello Dec [underlined in red] 1857 [underlined in red]
My Dear Cousin Robert,
You see I am
at home - I have not yet bade farewell to all my
"loved ones at home" - I am so very ^busy preparing for house
key ring - which we intend to begin the 1st of January
I have stolen a little time to answer my Dear Cousins
interesting and affectionate letter - Oh! how Cousin
Bella loves to hear from you all - and you must still
continue to write and often too - I wish my husbands
(is it not a little singular for Bella to say Husbands)
to see and know how well and dear my relatives love me.
And for him to be proud of them as well as I which
I know he cannot I help but be. My Dear one, is proud of
your letters now - he thinks you write finely for one so young
Oh! Bobbie, and you must visit us soon too. We all
look forward to this time with great pleasure. When some of
you will make the good resolve to come forth. Ma
says the knows you could do well here - and especially as
a good Physcian - she will write you a letter as soon as
she has leisure. portraying the advantages that you would have
at the South - .
We have succeeded in getting for you some reptiles - &
insects, and will continue to make the collection larger.
Cannot get Aligators until Spring.
We have beautiful weather now - and some few lovely flowers