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Nice,Oct.18,1869
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well, on many accounts, to keep a boy at home always; but Mary dreads the idea of sending her first born son away from her. His health is very good, and he is bright and disposed to study, and I think it is a pity that he should not have the benefits of a good school. Emily is well, and so is Mary.

I have never heard whether or not you received the book I sent you last Spring from Rome, nor Henry his pipe. I suppose that some letter, or letters, from your side has, or have, been lost to me: that's my luck, it seems. 

I wrote to Anna Marie, not long ago, and sent it to Pa, thinking that Philadelphia might perhaps be better known at the Post Office than Newburyport, and that consequently A.M. might be more likely to get the epistle: I have not heard from Newburyport for a very long time. Have you mosquitos where you live. Here their name is legion, and they flourish until January, then disappear for a few months; they are busy at my hands and face at this moment. Please drum some body up to let me know how you all are, as often as you can, writing to the care of Mess. Drexel, Harjes & Co. Paris.

And so good bye, My dear Mother, with best love to Pa and all the brothers and sisters, nephews and nieces, from Yours most affectionately
F.W.S.