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Charlotte has not yet returned. They still write that Willie is improving, and is bright & happy, he is a sweet interesting child, but I do not think he has as affectionate a disposition as Frank, cultivate it and deal very gently with him bear with him and soothe him, let his feel that you love him dearly, and when he is old enough to understand you he will obey you from a sense of duty and affection. This thing of suffering children by the rod is cruel and nine times out of ten does more harm than good, by exciting their passions and arousing a spirit of antagonism. let your child always breathe an atmosphere of love and gentleness and if it does not oust old Adam the rod never will. Old Adam is pretty strong the spirit of love is almighty. Various experiences and observations lead us in to various reflections. I suppose you are beginning to think I am indulging mine at your expense and troubling you with some of my theories, but never mind by the time you are as old as I am, perhaps you will have a few too. I hope this theory of love will be one? We are all about as usual, Pa coughs a good deal but is as well as when you saw him. I believe Julius has about made his mind to be a druggist but think he cannot study at home, poor boy I wish he could go to school as he wishes. Frank is doing very well. We have had such a drought every thing is nearly killed. no potatoes, no corn, no apples nor peaches, few grapes, we anticipate a hard winter. Wheat crop very poor, flour 8 & 9 dollars. Our wine apples have all dropped off. I hope your provisions are not so scarce. Ice has to be brought