University of Virginia Library

I was extremely glad to get your letter a few days
since, and now hasten to answer it. We were all rejoiced to
hear that Mother was better, and hope she will be still farther
improved when we next hear. I need not say how much pleasure it
would afford us if you could pay the visit you spoke of. I
still hope you may find it in your power to do so. I shall be
very happy to see Fannie if she will make us a visit in the
spring. I hope indeed her health may be greatly improved by a
little change.

Mr. Hardesty I presume had left when your letter came,
at least it was some time after every one else had gone, who
proposed going away. I can get Maria's pattorn and send it by
the first opportunity, though it does not appear to be the most
fashionable style. Those most worn are made full to a yoke. I
dare say you have seen them, for every one here almost has one
made in that style. Miss Calhoun a young lady staying at Dr.
McGuffey's, who seems very dashing, has a black satin one made
in that way. Sister Maria has Maria's pattern. I will send and
get it, if you still wish it & send it by the first opportunity.

We had a very quiet Christmas. The morning was a delightful
one, but the after part of the day was rather gloomy. Mary
had a Christmastree Saturday night for the little children of
the University. It was very pretty, lighted with tapers and a
number of pretty things suspended on it. They seemed to enjoy it
very much. It was a pretty sight to see all the little creatures
around it. Sophy Bledsoe helped Mary a good deal. She is a very
smart ingenious girl, and has a great turn for fancy work, as
well as useful. Mary goes to Mr. Bledsoe's every day to hear
them read, as she is unable to read herself. They kindly insisted
on her coming over every day. Lucy Downing is also very kind in
going over and reading an hour every morning.

The day after I wrote to you, Mr. Nash and Edward were reinstated,
much to our relief. I am sure it would have been a
serious disadvantage to Edward. I hope he will be more prudent in
future, and that no similar occasion may arise to need his interposition.

Christmas is always to me rather gloomy time. We almost
always make some change in our domestic arrangements, which is
more or less unpleasant. Peyton, the man whom Dr. Harrison purchased
of Mr. Farish, got drunk a few weeks ago, and we thought
it safest to return him to his master now when we could do so
without any difficulty. In many respects he was a good servant,
but not such an one as I should care to own. He was almost too
large & too old to be trained well as a dining room servant. Henry,
Flora's second son, is confined by an accident he met with
some weeks ago. He was loading a cart with wood and the load fell
upon him, by the upsetting of the cart. He is now getting better,
and we propose taking him in the house. He is a smart boy, but of
course it will be very troublesome.

George was well when we heard from him. Mary's eyes continue

pretty much in the same condition. She thinks they
are rather better. Your brother has had a most troublesome
boil under his knee. It almost prevents his being
able to go about. It is in a bad place. Every time he
moves he irritates it. He is not willing to lie by all
the time, which is the only way to do.

Give my best love to Mother, Margaret, Caroline,
& a kiss for Williette, also to aunt Baxter.