RKFP-037

Chicago April 17'' '53

Dear Emma,

Although it is Sun-day to-day I have but a few minutes to spare; but, as you were so kind as to remember your poor, lone-some uncle, I determined not to let the day pass, busy as I am, with-out answering your letter.

You do well to commence a correspondence with me, and you will will undoubtedly be the greatest gainer by it. - tho I shall not be a looser by any means. I consider that if I could have had such an opportunity when I was of your age, it would have been of incal-culable benefit to me now. I advise you to begin the practice now, of writing often to some friend, and never[underlined] give[underlined] it[underlined] up[underlined] -

It may seem like a task at first, but it will soon become a pleasant habit, the ad-vantages of which will become more and more apparent every letter you write. On some future occasion when I have more time, I will give you a few simple rules to guide you in letter writing. But one thing I will tell you now; - never be afraid to let your ignorance[underlined] be known - Don[t] hesitate to ask questions about whatever you do not uunderstand That is the only way for proffit by the knowledge of others. But you should mind and put your questions in a straightforward se[n]- -sible manner, and remember no[t] to perplex your correspondents or in -structors with a great many question[s] about frivulous or unimportant matters -

You write a very good letter Emma, for one of your advan -tages, but there is yet room for improvement. It is well to adopt a familiar style, and write as you would talk, not forgetting however that your object in wri[underlined]- ting[underlined] is to learn to talk[underlined] well, no less than to think[underlined] well. - But this is "good advice" enough for once when I see that you have proffited by it. I will then give you another "chapter" -

I was so busy while Bob was here that I could not attend to getting your pens. You can borrow some of Cora until I have another opportunity to send.

I presume that Uncle Will's folks are well, tho I have seen none of them except Jimmy since I was out to the Grove.

There Em, is your first letter from your "good Uncle"

Asa[circled]

[partial postmark] CHICA APR 18 ILL.

[written] Miss, Emma Kennicott (Care Dr. John. A. Kennicott) Northfield[underlined] Coo Co. Ills-

5/5/50 - Speaks of Emma's May Party; Wm's new house; hats for Emma, Allice & Cora. - Watchman crying "all is well" in Chicago.

Speaks of his laboratory. - "April 17, 1853." Presume that Uncle Will's folks are well, though I have seen none of them except Jimmy since I was out to the Grove."