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5 yrs (September 16,1861)

me, not above a year ago, on the folly of such capillary attractions. However, I am glad to see he has overcome such a ridiculous idea. If I could "raise" a thick, heavy beard, I would allow my hair to grow all over my face and neck, - partly because I like the appearance of such a covering, - which is consonant with reason and nature, - and partly because it would save one a great deal of time, trouble, and discomfort, in the matter of shaving. If you and Pa have had your portraits taken, do please to send copies of them to us: we should prize them more than I can tell you. I sent you Emily's sometime ago; did you get it?

21st Sept.  Since my last sitting at this note, the weather has been so cold and otherwise unfavorable, and little Emily has suffered from it so decidedly, that we determined to hasten our departure from these high regions for the plains; and we have, consequently been very much occupied in making ready. I have also been busily engaged in contriving, and superintending the making of, a little platform supported on C springs to carry her little bed in travelling, so as to diminish, or obviate entirely, the joltings and shakings of the carriage in travelling; and I hope I have succeeded. We leave this pleasant place on Monday, for Geneva, where we shall remain perhaps ten days preparatory to going to Nice. Johnny is pronounced to be too big for petticoats, and he is accordingly to have constructed for him in Geneva, a suit of "knickerbockers", - a sort of Zouave dress, consisting of loose trowsers extending halfway between the knee and the ankle, caught in tightly around the leg below, and a blouse or jacket; he will also have pockets allowed him. This, and other dress-making arrangements, will occupy us in Geneva. Little Emily, by whom I am sitting in the garden, or the sunny side of the house, - desires me to say that she will draw a