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Steuben, March 10, 1862

My dear old Playmate

A few minutes ago mother looked up from her paper and inquired, "Is it the 10th to day?" "I believe it is I replied, and the date awakening pleasing memories, added. "Mary Ann Pierce's birthday the tenth of March." Quick came the thought, "I wish I could see her", as a thousand times before it has sprung up in my heart. I ?uld not gratify the wish just then, but thought I, why not write and send my love for a birthday present, in lieu of something better. So you see how I came to trouble you with the unexpected missive.

I wish I could think of some pretty speech, in which poetically to express my heart's warm wishes for your happiness, but you know pretty speeches are not