96

Raleigh, Apr. 17/54

My dearest Mother-

See if I can't write you a home letter - a real homely one.

If you could see beautiful blue-eyed Susan, with her fat plump white
cheeks, looking so interestedly at the children playing, rolling her head
about and having the strongest fancy for gazing at the ceiling, you would
wish to turn cannibal on the spot. And if you could spend the night with
her, see the white eyelids close over the blue eyes at the close of twi-
light, then hear nothing more from her than an occasional chuckle or
mutter of what-ever you call it, until about XXX 1 o'clock, when she rouses
herself with reluctance for a slight collation, you would call somebody to
hold your arms to keep you from turning into a chronic state of acute
hugging. And if, when you place her on your knee and chuckle at her, you
could see her eyes beaming with intelligence, her red lips quiver into a
smile, the dimple deepen on her cheek, the crowing from her throat, the
spasmodic throwing herself back with delight and plunging both her chubby
fists into her XXXX mouth, then your heart would get warm within you and
you would wonder if there ever was, will, can, or should be such another
baby in the wide world.

Turning from the baby you stumble over the grave, de-
termined, imitative, intently looking Herbert, with his very small hands
and feet, playing on the floor. He has a bundle of pin sticks, and spends
most of his time in XXXX this weary wet weather in mkaing pens and fences
and knocking them down again. He is intensly anxious to go out doors
always when he can, but when not allowed to do so, he is the most patient
and contented child imaginable. He knows the names of most things and
has an odd way of attempting to do himself, whatever strikes his fancy. He
has had his hair cut lately and is improved by it, tho' not handsome, has a
find intelligent look. Poor fellow he has had two bad frights lately,
rolled from the back porch all the way down the steps, much to Pat's fright.
This was done twice which is surprising as he is very active and surefooted
for his age.

Tom, or Cap. Fat, is also much improbed by having his hair
cut, (at cost of $2.) Pat sent $1[?] to pay for his and Plum's cutting both!!)
is as healthy and bright as boy as be. Is a strange compound, for he is
the boldest boy we have, loves to ride Button, which he will do by himseld
if he is allowed, and on the other hand, he cries more quickly than herbert.
His temper is high, his hands, teeth and finger nails and feet prove to
violent deeds. He lately bit Plum on the cheek so as to leave a blue
place for a week- yesterday he pinched the blood out of his lip, and he kicks
or stamps his adversary without mercy. But he is generous and warm hearted.
"Tom, don't you want to go to the cow-plaster?"- (his name for cow-pasture)-
"Yes, sire, may brother go too?". "Tom don't you want a cake?" "Yes, sir,
may Sissy have one too?" At the slightest cross he pouts up and says, if
not afraid to strike, bite, kick or scratch, "I'm mad with you!", at the same
time twisting his face into a comical expression, pouting out his lip
and drawing down the corners of his mouth in the most expressive way. As a
consequence of this compound character of manliness, ferocity and generosity,
his easy, familiar ways, tho' not so hugging as Plum, he is popular with the
ladies. Miss Mary is his warm love and XXXX Hagar dotes on him- He will
come from Mr. Freeman's by himself any time and it is a picture worth seeing