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Hillsdale, Mich, April 23, 1877

  My dear Mother & all, I am longing to see you, especially ma, and unless something I know not of now changes my plans I think I shall start Thursday or Friday next and perhaps reach home the first part of next week. They are all very kind to me here and do all they can to make it pleasant for me - and I am sure I am enjoying my visit as much as I possibly could without the presence of dear sister Elizabeth - I miss her every minute - I try to do what I can to comfort them but I cannot tell what to do. Brother D's health is good and he seems cheerful when all the family is about him - but it must be lonely when all go up stairs, as they do sometimes in the evening especially since How does our garden look? Has the snow gone? I found some myrtle blossoms out by the front path this morning as we came from College, and the forgetmenot is almost budded I think - I send a few of Azia's flowers in this - How is Sarah? had I better hurry home? J.E.