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April 14, 1867
My darling Mother,
How kind it was for you to write me such a beautiful long letter when you have so much to do and so much upon your mind. I wish I could be with you, and relieve you of some portion of your care - I am rejoiced and depressed and then hopeful again every time I hear from you. It is very hard for you to be obliged to stay there so long, when you don't and do want to. I am very much afraid that your strength will fail, and then you will have to go home sick and I should never forgive them for letting you hurt yourself. In that case however I could test my powers as a nurse. I am glad that you approve of my fondness for Physiology. Next to Latin and Greek
Your loving daughter - Mattie -