I send this to beg that at least you folks will avoid this damned fool’s example. I shall never thoroughly like him again.

in ink:

Your letter has just come and is most welcome for the good news it brings of your health, besides being very delightful itself.

I’mⒶemendation going to let Charley print part of it,—that part about English History—and I’m going to do it before you will have time to prevent me; so don’t fret a minute.

And what do you say to my putting into the Courant (with judicious editing, of course) an extract from Beard’s observations on Gerhardt? That I won’t do without your advice.

It is matter of local interest, and its publication might procure him a commission. It might be explained in a prefatory note that he has been assisted by friends in Hartford, without intimating who they are I can’t think of any harm that would come of it.

All the children (except Ed.) are home again and the dreary tranquillity we have suffered is over. Make my prostrations to Livy, and wish the girls a Merry Christmas from the uncle.