Washington, D C
28th Jan. 1866
My dear sister Jenny,
Your letter of
the 24th was waiting for me
yesterday when I returned
from driving. I had
a letter Thursday from Mrs
Warden– telling me of the
last days of Julia's life
and the beautiful truth with
which she met death. I will
show you the letter when I come
home, I am sure you will be
touched & interested by its
contents which I found very
precious. Mrs Warden
mentioned the ring. I think
you had better keep it for
me till I come home, or

[left Margin]
Aunty

x

Lazette Worden

Birth: 1803-11-01 Death: 1875-10-03

sends love.
Mary has finished reading the “Mutual Friend–”

x

Our Mutual Friend

Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Hurd and Houghton Place of Publication:New York City Date: 1866

to us– and
we are now deep
in “Bleak House”

x

Our Mutual Friend

Author: Charles Dickens Publisher: Hurd and Houghton Place of Publication:New York City Date: 1866

–
It is perfectly delight-
ful. I like the
“Mutual Friend”, but
it does not equal
that.
Much love to Will–
Kisses to both the children,
Your very affectionate sister
Fanny

[right Margin]
Donaldson has just come to tell us that the "De Soto"
has been spoken passing the Capes. We look for
a telegram from Fort Monroe

x

Fort Monroe, VA

– and for our traveller’s
themselves tonight or tomorrow.

some of the family go there or come
here. Kate Barrett wrote that
she had heard Will was coming
here after Father’s return. This
sister would be delighted to see
him. If he does come, please
send the ring by him.
I suppose you have read in the
telegraph that the vessel “Stars
& Stripes” arrived at Phila–
reports the “De Soto” with Father
& family on board, to have
reached Havana on the 20th
We looked for letters all
day yesterday– but not receiving
any concluded that the “Stars
& Stripes” must have left as the
“De Soto” arrived– allowing no time
for writing letters. Gus thinks
we may look for the return
of the party within two or three
days. As they have already outstay-
ed their time, we cannot feel very

certain how much they may prolong
the trip. Donaldson thinks they will
just use up this week.
Do you know where Mrs Warden
is going to stay? Did you attend
dear Julia’s funeral? Was she buried
in the North burying ground?
Mr Dill’s death was very
sudden. I read it in the Auburn
paper.
I am glad you & Will have found
time for even one drive. We were
all interested in the astonishing dis-
play of mind which those incom-
parable children manifested. I should
like to listen to Nelly, & to see Willie
manoeuvering– I am very sorry Eliza
has hurt her knee– I hope she consented
to see the doctor– for such a fall
might prove no trifling matter.
It being Sunday, Mary Grier
has gone to church– a place
from which my strangling tendency

makes me an exile. Yesterday I felt
better than I have done for weeks,
& today I am getting on nicely.
My cough is much better than
when Father left. Mary & I
drive a long time every day– &
when the streets are passable
shall resume our walks. You don’t
know how much snow we have!
Our latest calls have been from
Mr Sumner & Baron Gerolt. The
latter was here last evening– free
of his cough at last. He has
previously sent me a polite little
note for my bottle of cough mixture
which he took faithfully, &
thinks he received great benefit.
Mr and Mrs Gutman called day
before yesterday– & Mrs Peale,
& Alice Hall. From one & another
& by papers, & cards of invitation
I learn that society is diverting itself
to the utmost by parties, receptions, etc.