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this letter. Mother writes me that Harry joined the Mother Hubbards; I suppose he had lots of fun, wish I had been there to enjoy it with him. She also said he had written but up to date I have received nothing from his mighty pen; neither have I receved anything from the quill of the great Small but I [[strikethrough]] atr [[/strikethrough]] hear he has also contributed. I suppose they [[strikethrough]] thave [[/strikethrough]] have been lost. Such a pity that the handiwork of two such great men should be doomed to obscurity. Just cast your eye over that last sentence if you have any doubts about my ability to write up a dog fight or a raffle!

Did you have a nice time at Mrs. Good's? I trust you did. How happens it that you are mingling with older people. I thought it was against your principles to associate with [[strikethrough]] with [[/strikethrough]] anyone over 12 years. You know I dont mean that and so will forgive me I hope. Will you write me a large description of the party? Were there any people whom your humble servant is acquainted with?

There is a small dog running about the table on which I am trying to write this dizzy epistle and it rather confuses my somewhat

limited intelect, so you will try to overlook any omissions or mistakes. Today we walked down town to see if there were any mails or papers but there not being anything for us we took a walk about the town and so over the world renowned London bridge; I did'nt see any thing about the old place to warrant its fame. We also saw Cleop'ra's needle that was brought from Egypt some time ago; it is stuck up on the embankment at the edge of the Thames: I should think the old shaft would be disgusted to find its self placed in this nasty foggy town. They say that its crumbling away and I dont blame it. I will consider the regards of the Misses Smith sent in all your letters and will you be so kind as to give mine to them.

Also give my regards to your mother, father, Maud and the children &c. Was it you that told me that your mother was going to write or was it my mother who wrote to that effect. I should be delighted to hear from her anytime it is convenient for her. Mother told you about my desire to see a photo. of the old master did she not? Will it be too much trouble if so never mind. I see I shall have to stop as I am getting towards the end of the paper. Be a good girl and don't get sick. Yours with heaps of love as usual
Ned.

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Have you had any of those pleuresy pains since you wrote before? I hope not.
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Transcription Notes:
There seems to be often misspelled as "their." 5/19/20: I think the spelling is correct, but he sometimes writes the final "e" kind of like a script "r". He is not consistent in this regard. Cleopatra's Needle is misspelled as "Cleop'ra's." There is something written along the side of the last page that I'm not sure where to insert in the letter. 5/19/20: [[left margin - right page]] In consideration of the previous note, I compared Tarbell's writing of on the the word "here" on page 17 with his writing of the word "there" on page 18, and I think that he has spelled the word as "there".