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talent for representation of nature. As to Julia, she is
very intelligent and has a charming disposition, but she
does not evince great love for the arts or literature. She
is mercurial in the highest degree and amuses us with a
thousand ways and tricks, all perfectly original and ingenious.
I shall have much to do, as the labours of the
whole school devolve upon me. I have painted much lately
in oil colours, and have so far succeeded that Caroline says
she is willing to sit once more -- When you read the beginning
of this letter, for aught I know, you supposed I
was about to announce to you the publication of a new novel,
or a tragedy, now this is neither novel nor tragical, but
a very happy event for the result of which I have every
reason to be grateful. It is not in my power to write a long
letter. I have to inform *Fabius & *Henry and I am uncommonly
tired. Give my best love to Solon and our two sisters as
well as *Danforth, and believe me as ever

Your affectionate son

*Fabius -- Henry -- Danforth -- Mother's brothers --

Mrs. B. Whiting
Care of Solon Whiting
Lancaster
Massachusetts

[This appears on the back of letter] See Page 10 for
reference to the occcasion of Sister Callie's birth, and the
writing of this letter -- When our family reached Florence,
it consisted of father & mother-; he aged 37, & she 34 -- I
was the oldest child, aged a little over 7 years -- Sister
Julia-, aged 5 yrs 9 1/2 months -- Thaddie, aged 4 yrs 5 1/2 mos.
and Callie aged a little over 7 months.
Facsimile Copy --