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Linden 12/23 1861.

Dear Wife:

We are now sitting in the dining
rom at Fathers, Mother knitting, father
reading the paper, & Annie & Becky chatting.
Last evening we took tea with
Robert & Ann very pleasantly indeed.

Of course we had much to talk
about, Ann having many questions
to ask about thee & the children
& our doings during the summer
generally. But to begin _ We
waited at the store for the stage
on 7th day morning nearly an hour,
but finally it came, when we began
to pack in upon the back seat
when lo! who shd [should] be there but father,
which made it the more pleasant.

We were then pretty full, several
of Frank's boys being in there.

We reached Laurel in good time,
& at almt [almost] 8 1/2 started for Baltimore.

Father left us at the "Relay House"
with the view of going up to Frederick.
When we reached Baltimore
we found Alban, Julia & Eddy awaiting