f

My Dear Langdon

I am delighted to learn of your safe arrival, and gratified that you should have so promptly reported yourself to me, your venerable relative—on your father’s side.

Evidently however, you are a stranger in these parts, and are not familiar with my idiosyncrasies, else your would first greeting would not have been so familiar or so slangey. Your father ought to have told you, that I am opposed to every thing of the kind. He has had good reason to know. It may seem a little severe that I should caution you so soon, but my rigid ideas of propriety must be considered.

I fully intended to be among the first to welcome you to this planet, but you have been somewhat irregular in your movements, —another marked resemblance to the head of the house. I flatter myself, that your very early acquaintance with me, will serve as a healthful and counteracting influence against the besetments of your daily association with your literary parent. I propose to make myself to you, “a bright and shining light,” and to assume the prerogative of all grandmothers, (when they first are introduced to their new responsibilities,) of annihilating in your nature all tendencies that point remind me of your father’s short-comings.

Without doubt, you and I have a mission! Mine to advocate certain principles—Yours to illustrate said principles.

I infer from your over-coat, that you are not pompous or foppish in your style, and have at once adopted a simplicity of costume which is commendable.

I have resolved to present myself to you to-morrow, for a brief interview. Possibly you will not drive to the depot for me, but on this occasion, I will waive the ceremony. I am already arranging for you to spend your college vacations with us. I have spoken only of your father, because in my introduction to his son, I have felt impressed with the importance of at once revising and correcting this pocket edition.

Of your sweet mother, I have only now to add, the more you have of her nature, the less I shall have to do. Put your tiny hand up to her neck, and tell her as she kisses & fondles it to remember, that I am sharing her joy with her.