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 Norfolk, Jan. 29, 1870

Anna, my dear,

  I haven't heard the sound of your voice for many a day, let's sit down in the corner and have a chat. The Feb. no. of the Am. Missionary has just come, and I have read it all through, as I sometimes used to at home, but with an added interest. I wish we might have read it together. The first letter, you notice is from Mary Kildare. Her name is a household word among us, as last year she was one of the Norfolk teachers. Often and often have I heard the inquiry among the colored people, "Do you know where Miss Kildare is." She is an Irish lady who came from Ireland 3 years ago purposely to teach the Freedmen, and is a warm enthusiast in the work. Mrs. Rodger speaks

crosstext the first time in 16 weeks it made us all happy to welcome her. As I came from S.S. this afternoon, I was perfectly astonished to catch sight of her face through the dining room door and I could not refrain from entering, hat on my head, to see if it was really herself seated at the dinner table. We are a little late to dinner Sundays but it is set in the oven for us. Good night--good night, a kiss please for Cynthia