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[typed transcript]

Scrapbook. Vol II

(copy of letter from Mrs. Stanton to the fiancee of her son, Theopdore, whom he married in the early summer of 1881 in Paris, France.)

	Tenafly N.J.
	April 20th [1881]

My dear Margaret,
	I am very happy to learn from Theodore that he has at last found some charming girl at whose shrine he can faithfully and lovingly worship. I can assure you his family will receive the one loves with open arms and warm hearts. Making all due allowance for Theodore partiality we are quite prepared from his description to make an idol of you at once. Your name “Margaret” awakens at once in my heart the tenderest memories. My angel Mothers name was Maragret, one of my own good sisters too, and my first born daughter. After I had four sons and feared I never should have a girl came sweet little Maggie, but alas! on a warm October day a youth coaxed her away, and I have had no daughters at home since, for Theodore persuaded Hattie to go to Europe with him. So I am counting on all the pretty girls my boys will bring to fill their places. I cannot tell you hom impatient we all are to see you. Theodore’s old nurse is unable to express her delight, and is quite resolved to return with you to France. I think you will find much to surprise, and amuse you in our young civilization, but there is no Paris this side of the Atlantic! We have grand rivers, magnificent lakes mountains, and vast prairies where you can travel days on a level over the beautiful grass and flowers, not a hill or tree to be seen, boundless solitude like the ocean. I can hardly realize that I am writing to Theodore’s future wife. You will seem a myth to me until I can clasp you in my arms. Please send your photograph, we are all so impatient to see your face. I hope no accident by sea or land

(Mrs. Stanton to Margaret -2-)

May detain you. You will find a large circle of family friends ready to greet you on your arrival. Theodore has not told me whether you can speak English. I hope so, as I cannot speak French, and I should dislike to have all the tender expressions of a mothers love translated by another when intended for your ear alone. With best regards for your family from Mr. Stanton and myself, and love for you dear Maragaret, sincerely
	Mother.