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Thursday eve
[Jan 24th 1856]

Dear Julius.
My beloved will rejoice to know that Missus Johnson has given to the world another edition of his great work. We need say nothing of the merits of this work having already run through six editions, its popularity is of course its highest commendation. But, oh! that one agonizing pain, how dare any woman try that more than once. Oh! how my soul died within me as I approached that dreaded never to be forgotten ordeal. I laid me down had two pains which brought the baby, in fifteen minutes the deed was
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and here I am in the land of the living rejoicing that a female child is born into the world. I suppose you got Kits letter telling you of the arrival of Miss Harriot Eaton last Sunday afternoon. We are all rejoiced that no boy was sent in her stead. Maggie’s joy over her little sister is unbounded. She is a nice baby, has plenty of dark brown hair, deep blue eyes a very rosy complexion and is said to look just like Kit. I wish dear Julius felt as much at ease as I now do but the time will soon be here and “that pain” will introduce to the world Miss Anne Miller. How is ______________________
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cousin Nancy? What does cousin G. say to the performances in Congress? I think the virtues of the “Staving off” policy have been fairly tried. Tell cousin N. to read the next numbers of “Little Dorrit”. It is a sad story thus far, but very interesting as everything of Dickens is. Do write soon and tell me what you are all doing and saying and thinking love to Charley, each and all
good night,
your cousin
Lib

P.S. How is Neal Barclay.
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[typed transcript]
[crossed out]
Original in
Alma Lutz Collection

Thursday eve (Seneca Falls)
(January 24 1856)

Dear Julius

My beloved will I rejoice to know that Massa Johnson has given to the world another addition of his great work. We need say nothing of the merits of this work having already run through six editions, its popularity is of course its highest commendation. But oh! that one agonizing pain, how dare any woman try that more than once. Oh! I how my sould [sic] died within me as I approached that dreaded never-to-be-forgotten ordeal. I laid me down had two pains which brought the baby,in fifteen minutes the deed was & here I am in the land of the living rejoicing that a female child is born into the world. I suppose you got Kit’s letter telling you of the arrival of Miss Harriet Eaton last Sunday afternoon, We are all rejoiced that no boy was sent in her stead. Maggie's joy over her little sister is unbounded. She is a nice baby & has plenty of dark brown hair, deep blue eyes, a very rosy complexion & is said to look just like Kit. I wish dear Julius felt as much at ease as I now do but the time will soon be here & "that pain" will introduce to the world Miss Ann Miller. How is Cousin Nancy? What does Cousin G. say to the performances in Congress? I think the virtues of the "staving off" policy have been fairly tried. Tell Cousin N. to read the next numbers of "Little Dorrit" it is a sad story thus far but very interesting as everything of Dickens is. Do write soon & tell me what you are all doing & saying & thinking. Love to Charley, each & all
Goodnight
Your Cousin Lib

PS How is Neal Barclay?
(To Elizabeth Smith Miller)