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1960 N. Pa. St., Indianapolis, January 19th, 1898, My dear Mr, Muir, I thank you for your kind letter of January 3d.
It did my heart good, and was just what I wanted. I know that you have loved these children for many years, and your affection
for them has been one of their richest blessings. I wish that I could write more hopefully of Janet's condition. Charles saw
her last week. He had a long talk with her physician. The Doctor says, 'she must improve physically before mental improvement
begins.'The 'voices' which torment her, as did the evil spirits in our Saviour's time their victims, seem to be more than
she can bear. I had a long letter from her this week. She seems perfectly conscious of her condition, and tells me not to
worry, but to leave it with God. You know that this is hard to do. My fear is that she has not the physical strength to bear
the strain, and that she will sink under it. I thank you for every word of your letter. Janet spoke of the letter you wrote
her, but she said nothing of the magazine article. Yet she probably received it. She rarely writes, and scarcely ever speaks
of things sent her. It was very touching to see the effort she made in her last letter to remember her friends, and their
Christmas gifts, with messages of love. I must hope, for it seems to me that I should die if I did not hope and keep up work.
Merrill and Charles wish to be remembered to you, as do my sisters Kate and Mina. How much they enjoyed seeing you and yours
By the way Christmas Day brought us a dear little girl baby, yclept Emily Moores, much to the delight of all, especially the
father and mother, Charles and Elizabeth. But when you come to my house, which I hope will be soon, you will see and hear
everything. Give much love to Mrs. Muir and your daughters. I wish that I could know them all. If Janet only gets well enough
to travel, we will go to California. Ever with love, Julia Merrill Moores. 02385