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Farm in Benton Co., Indiana July 31st, 1870

Dear darling little Artie,

How I do long to see you! To take you in my arms! To feel your little clinging arms about my neck, & your sweet lips upon my own. Last evening at one time it seemed to me I must return to you at once. It seemed to me that you were reaching out your dear little hands to me & begging of me to take you. I did not know how much I loved you till I come to be away from you. It does not seem to me now as if I can be away from you, & your dear mother & brothers long. Last night I do not know why I had such a strong & almost uncontrolable feeling that I must go to you, that you needed