This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.
Mr Lanier Once more I am your debtor for a bit of music. Your note written is like your note played. If our sincere appreciation could in any degree make slight return for the delight you gave us I assure you that our happiness is increased. Your Flute gave me that for which I had ceased to hope true American Music an awakened within my heart a feeling of patriotism that I never knew before. Indeed to put it strongly America did not seem to be my home save of necessity, my bread & [[cloctias?] & work were here and when my soul hungered & thirsted for the Divine inspiration of music I had to turn away to other lands & worship, as it were, in a foreign tongue. But when your Swamp Robin came upon its wings of melody & piped again his simple lay, he also Sang of what the world will be when its years have passed away" and I found worship in my native land & tongue. May God bless your gifts a thousand fold. Sincerely your friend Alice C. Fletcher Nov 14 1873.