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Feb. 17th 1866
My dear Mother,
Before I tell you how very glad I was to recieve your letter, I shall feel it my duty to apologize for the extreme untidiness of my sheet of paper. I didn't notice how very much tumbled and soiled it was. Hoppie (short for Emma Hopkins) left this morning for Vergenes, amid the lamentations of the whole house. Every one from the President to Miss Pratt head waiter seemed to regret her departure. As far as we have learned, she left nothing behind her, except her napkin ring - We miss her sadly, especially at table. I am very glad that she is going to stop in Detroit - How I wish I could be at home. I am glad that your skirt for Sara
Your loving daughter
Mattie
Did Helen ever tell "Fannie" King that we couldn't make appilication for her without regular authority, and her father would be far the best one to do it.