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Dearest Johnny Sept 7th I fear I trouble you but I want to write to you to night so you must bear with me. I was truly glad to receive your letter but offended that you should send mine back, dear John burn as many as you please but never[underlined] send another back. I do not suppose you intended[underlined] to hurt my feelings so let us say no more about it. I am very sorry indeed if I said anything to hurt yours. I know I am hasty and excitable where my children are concerned but you have no idea of the depth of foolishness there? is in a mothers love, unfathomable and inextinguishable. I was sadly distressed at your sorrow and truly sympathised with you, and dear John how flattered I felt by your confiding love, how it strengthened my confidence in you. So don't regret it but let me feel and know that whatever happens to you whether of good or evil I shall know it, then would a load of anxiety be removed from my heart. I am not particularly anxious that you should remain in Chicago nor that you should pursue the law, if it is irksome to you, nor can I expect you to be with me (that would be too good), but as you are established and likely to do well I think you ought to persevere in it. It would add very much indeed to my happiness to see you often, you know all [underlined]my wordly happiness is centered in my children, but I cannot ask them to make any great sacrifices for me, this winter will probably try your Father's health very severely, should he be taken to whom could we look but to you