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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] -