Richmond January 15th 1853
My dear Sister
Having written so recently I think it hardly necessary
to write so soon again if I was not aware of your great anxiety
to hear from us and more particularly when anything is the matter.
I am happy to say my dear little Williette is much better
than when I wrote to Fannie. Although she has not recovered her
former appearance. She is very sprightly and has a good appetite
I think she will have two teeth through in a few days. Tencia
says she can see two lower teeth just coming through the gum.
She will not let me examine without making her cry. I dreamed
last night she had four teeth I only wish it were a reality. I
am so anxious about the dear little creature teething. The Dr.
says I must not keep her long at one place. he is of the opinion
that change of air and climate will prove more beneficial to her
then anything I can do. He also says whenever the weather becomes
settled I must bathe in cold water with some salt thrown in. I
have been bathing her in the same kind of bath I used at home.
WhenWhen ever the weather admits of it I have her carried out we
have had some very pleasant days I wish it had continued to be
mild. Williette gained her strength considerably while she was
kept in the open air. I am almost ashamed for her to walk with
the bonnet she has it is so much soiled. I wanted to buy a fur
flat but her Papa thought $5 too much to give. I do not know what
to do about it when I go to the University. I said something to
Fannie about making some kind of a little bonnet and sending it
to Charlottesville and the Cloak. You will be somewhat surprised
when you find this letter is from Richmond and that we have not
left. The day was so unfavorable the day I fixed to leave that I
was afraid to turn out with Williette and I was suffering with a
very bad cold indeed I think I never suffered more with a cold
I believe my head gathered it is much better. Tell Fannie all
Williette stockings are too short. I had to buy others. I am
sorry I got so many they shrunk so much. I find it one of the
hardest things to get a pair of shoes for Williette succeeded
yesterday bought two pair gave $1 and a quarter for them. I wish
you all could see her she is one of the sweetest and smartest
little things. I think she understands everything you say. She
tries to talk very much said buy buy papa very distinctly and a
great many words she says. It is really amusing to see her pointing
at the pictures in the book and trying to read. You will
think this too smart and that her Mama imagines a good many things
but more than myself notice her smartness. It pleases her papa
exceedingly for her to say pretty papa, he tries to make her say
ugly mama but I reckon it is to hard a word to pronounce. I sat
at the wondow this morning looking at the funeral procession of
Judge Cabell it was very large. The sermon was preached in St.
Pauls church which is directly opposite from the house I am boarding.
You will think I have very little curiosity about me when I
tell you I have not been within the walls of the Capitol the
weather has been so disagreeable that I have had no inclination
to go. William came this morning for me but it is such a damp
unpleasant day that I did not go. When I return to Richmond that is if I do I can go then. William wants me to return in a week or
so and go to Norfolk and spend awhile. I feel more like going
home but I reckon if I do I will have to return and go by the way
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