University of Virginia Nov 18th (1853)
My dear Mother
I cannot tell you how much mortified I am at having to send
your cap unfinished, after taking such a long time to make it. I
must say however by way of excuse that I never could get the pattern
until this week, although I sent for it several times. I hope you
will not find any difficulty in making it up, or getting some one
else to do it for you. All the work is done with the exception of a
bow to finish it behind and that I can send soon by letter, and a
piece to go around the crown, which I will try to do this morning.
Mr. Smith joins me in thanking you for the nice presents you sent
us. We have enjoyed the cake very much. We are very sorry that father
and Summerfield must go to-day. I wish very much they could stay
longer. With much love,
Your affectionate daughter
Mary Stuart Smith
(To her mother-in-law Mrs. D. G. Smith)
