RK-972

Wakingford[?] Feb 27

My Dear "Bob" -

I am just recovering - from a severe cold - which has confined me to my own room - for the last two weeks - & made me quite sick - This morning, I took a short ride - and hope now that I can once more breathe the fresh air - to gain a little strenght. My eyes have been a good deal inflamed - & am still very weak - So I cannot read - or I [illegible] and only write a few lines - at a time. Your most welcome letter was duly received - & I am very sorry your health is so poor this winter I wish I could write something that would cheer - & interest you - & if I was housekeeping - Should insist upon having a long visit - from you - as

I think change of air - I come &c would do you - more good than [illegible][underlined] - Perhaps - if you could see me - you might think - I was - too gloomy a face - to talk of cheering others - but I would try - & [illegible] my music - (if my[underlined] playing[underlined] can be called music[underlined] I have scarcely touched a Piano, for the last two years - & have forgotten all I ever knew - The last time - I played St Patrick's day - (your[underlined] favorite[underlined]) was for my [illegible] Freddie - [illegible] have had a long - cold winter - & been nearly buried in snow drifts since the middle of Dec - The snow is now gradually disappearing - but sleighing still very good - The weather is mild - & pleasant and I hope we shall have an early Spring I am sure every-one will be delighted to see the ground again -

We have had a great many sleighing parties - [illegible] &c - here this winter - but I have not attended any of them - but have passed on my quiet winter with my old Grandfather who is eighty-four years old - The young ladies had a leap-year dancing party last week - They wanted the gents choose their own partners &c - but took good[underlined] care[underlined] to send the [illegible] to the gentlemen - I hear from my Father almost every week - He is [illegible] out, with his lectures & has had more than his share of colage duties for the last winter - Charly is still at the commercial college - I hope is improving - I sent him the [illegible] [illegible] - from your letter - but have not since heard from him -

I hear from Carrie once a week - She continues to like her school

& is very much engaged with her studies. I wish Alice & Cora were with her - think they would enjoy it - & your Father & Mother could not object to such a school Carrie would like to hear from you. & would write - if she had time but she has been obliged to give up most of her correspondents - She has a good many lessons - & this time is attending to [illegible] & instrumental music - So her time is very much occupied through the week - and Saturday is the only day she has to write - mend rest &c -

I expect Mr Pease will come east [illegible] the first of May - & I shall return home with him at that time. Carrie will remain until fall & it is uncertain about her staying another year - I do not know as your