Transcription:
6 The Rodgers is expected to leave tomorrow, so there is little time, but I write as much as I can for I know it will seem
good to you to hear about your own wee bairnie. All the morning she was too restless, but is now sleeping quietly with her
face against my breast, while I write, so here is a little curl from her dear head, and a spray of fern worn in the laces
at her throat; with her kisses and mine upon them, and O, the love and tender longing that go with them to our dear wanderer,
no words can tell. So much was left unsaid a month ago, and we have felt so troubled because father could not go to see you
on the Corwin as you asked. He could not be absent from the annual Warehouse meeting that Wednesday, and so wrote you with
his regret about it, but 7 in the morning he thought that something he had said in that letter might seem too reproachful,
and he did not send it and I not knowing till afterward, did not write you the reason for sending only Charlie. Only your
first letter of Monday came Tuesday evening, and during the night while baby slept a little while, I gathered together what
I could for you, then mother packed them in the rubber and in her hurry, left out your Alaska coat still we hope that you
bought every thing very needful for your comfort. In my misery and terror about the baby, I could not write more. I have never
received the letter you said you wrote Tuesday evening, so much is a blank to me adding to my bewilderment. Mr. Upham with
the little boys, came up Sunday and 9 flowers, the first of Wisconsin spring time, with a kiss and her love. Maggie has
sent a picture of Master John Muir Reid. Sarah herself has come in a letter with Gracie, 7 years old, a sweet, bright lassie
with rounded cheeks delicate chin, and the very look in her face that has so often puzzled me in that of our own Anna So I
love Gracie too, and now I can write to them all. Charlie is waiting to take this letter to the express, so there is no more
time. Mr. Upham will deliver it to Lieut. Berry. O john, my letter is but just begun; and there is so much that I want to
say I am trying so hard, dear, to be good, only I need your help. Call to me, answer me,