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8 Mateo. Spent a few days at Black Point with an army officers wife who is a rel- ative of mine. The scenery from Black
Point is fine. Had sails on the Bay. You suggest that you may go East the coming winter, and may visit Washington. I hope
you will, for you are as far on your way that you will find it easier to continue than to start from San Francisco. I hope
you will like Washington. Dont judge it too hasti- ly, or you will wonder wherein is the attraction as my San Francisco friends
seemed to wonder wherein were the at- tractions of our Camp life, over which we so exulted. To them there was the snow, ice,
rain, and dust and hard- ships, To us a world of pleasure. Sympathy is necessary to enjoyment, whether it be in city or country.
If one is not in sympathy with the country he will see no beauties there, and the 9 same as regards to city. When I first
go to the city all seems lonely and dreary, but on reflection I remember the citys charm is its society, and I enjoy that
even when longing for the country; also there are other advantages which it is superfhious to mention. I make this little
plea for Washington lest you judge it too hastily, and because it was long my home. I would like you to see Mamma and Papa
also. You will like them I am sure. They may possibly come to see us this winter but it is not probable. They are now at Saratoga
They were in Meadville Penna, but left my sister there to extend her visit, are now at Saratoga, thence to Mass. Sallie expects
to visit New York, and Berk- shire Mass. later. This time last year we were busy packing our Camp equi- page, and a little
later we were on