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4 Hickory Hill July 21, 1871. Dear darling Dr. With extreme pleasure I now address a few lines to you, And heartily
congratulate you on the successful termination of your college course, and am happy to hear of your bright prospect for the
future. At present, I am enjoying a good old visit at home, but much regret, that we could not have made our visits at the
same time. I received your good, kind letter before leaving Madison, but shall not now attempt to answer it, as it deserves
more time and space in margin: than I can now spare, but as I have much to say to you I shall write in a short time So Good
bye, Your loving Sister Mary Mary E (Muir) Hand Riggs July 22d 1871 1 Danl. Dear I have been intending to write to
you every day for a week just I have been greatly disspointed for the present in regard of what I intended to do - but still
hope I may be able bye and bye - I am happy to know by your letters to others that you are succeeding very well every thing
considered - I hope by this time you are begining to feel at home and are successful with your patients - Ann came home for
a few days at the beginning of the month -