When I was telling you in such a hurry a fortnight ago, dear Robin, that a letter from you had just reached Ogden's hands, I had little idea that two of its welcome sheets were especially for me. An hour afterward I was enjoying them as heartily as you could have desired, but it was too late to thank you by that mail. The dates are Oct. 19th & 20th, and how very interesting I find all the details you share in the busy "preparations." Whither your expedition was bound, and how successful it was in accomplishing its first purpose, we read with eagerness and great delight in the papers brought at the same time and a few days later. You know how deep has been our interest in this great struggle from the very beginning; but now that

you are in the army, dear Rob, our impatience for latest news has increased tenfold, and we can hardly wait from one mail to another for some assurance, or some ground for belief, that all is well with you.

     Feb. 8th I have been looking at what you say, dear soldier brother, of preparations for "wiling away those vacant hours" supposed to be numerous in camp life, the "Tennyson" & the pack of cards. I can well understand how superfluous they had proved. One who regards his duty toward those under his charge as thoughtfully as you do will seldom lack for occupation. I like to think of you, dear, going about among those poor sick fellows with the "bread and the jelly,"—the very care itself was comforting to them,—to say nothing of any thing else. Your letter suggests so much to me that I could

easily fill this sheet with just an outline here and there; but my time is so limited today, and the mail leaving, too, that I must turn at once to the three or four items I have had in mind to mention to you. One is that with your letter came a long one from Lizzie, telling more about their stay in Hunter last Summer, and dwelling particularly on the pleasure her husband had in knowing you. She thinks he has quite taken you "into his heart," and she rejoices because, as she says, "Robert is such an especial friend of mine." No doubt Annie has written you that they have given up their house and are boarding. Another item was that the ship in which Ned came out has lately arrived here from San Francisco, and the Captain & his wife are staying with us. It makes a good deal of difference to me,

I find, to have a lady guest, and it is the especial cause of my scribblings for this mail being so short and hurried. Then, too, we had three mails arriving within a few days of each other, which (of course) trebled the amount that ought to be written.
     The most welcome things that said ship brought were some California apples! The real fruit, and as fragrant, and almost as good as when fresh. You can fancy what a treat they were to us. — Ned has looked in for a moment, and we have been discussing his ability to attend tonight's ball at the Casino. The climate, or the occupation at the desk, or something or other, is acting unfavorably on him, and the Dr. has him in charge, and disapproves of his going out tonight. He, of course, wants to; but I have no doubt he will "be good" and yield. My dear Robin, will you receive this second hurried letter from me patiently? I

will really and truly try to do better next time.

Most lovingly yours,
Nellie