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closed, If you could only hear him say papa. it would do you good. The little fellow has cared for himself much of the time this week has been a very good boy to day. I do not take him to the table at all or find him from the table while we eat. always give him his dish of bread & milk before we sit down. there he plays about and makes no trouble for any of us, till we are through. Mother says she never saw a better boy at meal time. He has a passion for daguerreotype & books. wants every one he sees I have been making a book on purpose for him. I took an old superannuated grammar and pasted pictures in it and he likes it much. The day I wrote to you last I mailed a letter to Mallie & Lucy in answer to the one telling me of the coming of the little stranger among them I am glad mother is there. Sorry they all feel so badly about Charles' remaining as not wonder poor Albina feels it. Dont let him stay a great while longer will you. I am glad Col. Mason is coming in Sept, and shall be anxious to know what he says about your coming East. Can not you and Charles come together? I want to see Charles very much. He seems so near to me because he was with us so much in Du Quoin give love to him for me. I think I shall write to Albina next week, and try as much as I can to comfort her. She will know I can sympathise. I have been reading out loud to the people this eve from the Independent. I do like * very much as well as Cheever the first, best perhaps, his style is so simple so buoyant and enthusiastic. I always look for his signature first after a glance at the news. But I must shut up this picture it has been looking at me all this while and go to rest. I do think it is an excellent likeness. Good night. says your loving Nettie.