Elmira N.Y.

Dear Miss Dickinson

We had hoped that June would bring your cheering presence to our home again, but June has come & is half gone, while no message has gone to you— This delay has not been of thoughtlessness, but I have waited, and hoped for Father’s decided improvement, that I might say to you, come.

Then too, he has been most unwilling to have the pleasure of a visit from your Mother & yourself denied him. And until this morning has felt that in a few days he should be able to write you that he was able, and ready to enjoy your visit.

Now, however he consents to have me write, that as his progress toward health is so slow, and uncertain, the anticipated visit must be delayed for a time.

Father and Mother regret this more than you can, and send to you messages of loving remembrance.

They returned from the South Ap 29 having gained nothing, unless it be that Father learned more fully the importance of taking care of himself, which he now tries to do, although his active working head compels his worn, weary body, far beyond his remaining strength

The nature of his difficulty, nervous dyspepsia, is such, that we are constantly vacillating between hope and fear— We are hopeful when for several days he retains his food, (beef tea, milk &c) Then we are cast down and fearful, when for three successive days he retains nothing. He is about the house and yard much of the time, but suffers constantly from pain and weariness.

Mother is worn with nursing and anxiety, still is wonderfully sustained and hopeful most of the time. Of course you can realize somewhat of the darkness which would overcast this household on Fathers illness. June, with its usually cheerful influences, has not power to lift, or brighten the cloud.

Livy and Mr Clemens were at home for a few days last week. They were well and very happy.

Sat night I dreamed so pleasantly of you, that since then I have seemed to carry with me your dear personal presence. You are a guest in my heart and know it not. I know it, and am thankful. Is it any comfort to know that all over the land, wherever you go, there are great hearts—and little hearts thus carrying you with them, in loving thought? I know it for you. Hoping that you may have a pleasant restful Summer I am Yours sincerely

My dear Son

Your letter of 27th April from Beirut to your Father & Mother only is this morning recd— I have written you one letter upon the subject when in the South, which you have not recd—& my opinion is you had better calculate to reach home as nearly as you can consistently one year from the time you left. We do not feel that we can do without you longer, and think it may be as well for you to visit Europe further some day, when perhaps Clemens, Livia & Ida can go with you. My health is not good & the Doctor thinks a sea voyage at present would be hazardous as my difficulty is altogether or nearly so in the stomach, I am doing very well now & believe home is the best place for me to secure my health

I wrote you in my other letter, that I had made arrangements for you in business that I had no doubt would be satisfactory to you I did not mention what it was for the reason that I do not want any thing to divert you from the object of your going viz health & mental improvement, but I will state: I organized a firm J. Langdon & Co. May 1st

J. D. Slee    10 pr ct of profits

T. W Crane   10 ″  ″  ″  ″

C. J. Langdon 10   ″  ″  ″

Slee to receive a salary from the firm of $4000 per annum.

Crane                              3.000

C J Langdon $1.500 for the 1st 2 years

2.000  ″  ″  2d 2 do

3.000. ″  ″  the balance of the time, which is 8 years——

I intend when you return to give you the notes I hold for your investment in the Hardware business—

With industry & prudence this will enable you to support Ida comfortably——I expect to lean much upon you & to have great comfort in both Ida & you— She has been here this morning, helping Susie prepare flowers for the Decoration of Soldier graves

She seems in good health— About your wedding we are making no calculations, or arrangements, I propose to leave that to Ida & you as far as I am concerned———

Your Mother will finish, if there are further questions to be answered in your letter. I cannot write more. Give my love to Prof Ford & say I should write him if I was in my usual health. Am very glad to receive letters from him

My very dear one.—We were very very glad to get your letter this morning.—Your father has answered it, and I will not detain it to add anything more now but will try & write you by the Saturday’s steamer June 4th. Good bye my son Your Mother