Confound it, the “menagerie” has to be given up for a year. Bothe Howells & Aldrich are to be absent a long time in Europe; & then Uncloe Remus vanished southward again, without giving us a chance—according to agreement—to try the strength of his voice in some empty Boston hall. I suppose that if we ever do get the menagerie on its feet we can’t hope to have Remus, because he evidently can’t conquer his diffidence.

Osgood was here last night, & we had a pleasant talk about our trip & all you charming people. I wish you would remember me gratefully to our friends the Guthries; & also to Mrs. Cox & Miss Nellie. (Which reminds me that I’ve ordered 2 copies of my new Sketches to be sent to you—one of them is for Miss Nellie, with my affectionate regards.)

Our packing is all finished, today, & a special car engaged to transport our family 400 miles to Elmira N.Y for the summer—but now a horrible rash appears upon the body of the baby!—& there is much scarlet fever in the town. The child has been pretty sick during several days; consequently we are now all of a sudden become unspeakably alarmed. The doctor cannot tell, yet, whether this rash is only heat or the other dreadful thing.

Please remember me to Mrs. Cable, & thank her for her courtesies & kindnesses to me what time I broke the bread & ate the salt of hospitality under her roof. And if there is scarlet fever near, gather the babies to your breast & fly the town!