Dear Robin, I have been "trying faithfully" these four hours past to begin this sheet for you, but what with Kitty, nurse, seamstress, cook and boys, I have had neither head nor hands at my own disposal. Now at length I am able to take out your good letter of April 13th (rec'd three weeks since), which I have so wanted to thank you for and to answer. (Well, Cipriana, what now? A dulce, Señora; I don't know of what kind." Where from? And I find the owner donor is a certain vender of piña goods, anxious, I know, to secure the favor of this house. Give it to the Mayor domo, Cipriana, and tell him to put it on at dessert tonight.) To return to your letter! What a pleasant picture it gives of enjoyments culled here and there, even on

Bird Island. I well understand how glad you were to move after Pulaski had fallen, and the "chances of a fight" were passed, and I am rejoiced to think what a pleasant spot Camp Perry proved to be. But the way, what you say of your view of the bombardment of Pulaski interests me very much. One reads of these things in print often enough nowadays, but how much more vivid seems such a description as yours! Another interruption — a hasty call from Ned, to announce a Capt. Atkinson of the Eng. army has called to present a letter of introduction to me from Mr. Hunter, our charming Macao friend, now resident in Hong Kong. Ned has been so thoughtful as to receive the gentleman himself and explain that I do not see visitors in the day time (a plan that has saved me a deal of trouble). I was just going to say, dear Robin, that though

we have always appreciated your letters warmly, they have never seemed quite so delightful nor so dearly welcome as now. We thirst so to see your handwriting by every mail, as if that could give us an assurance so far of your safety. Now we are wondering if you obtained a furlough for this month. I can fancy the greetings that awaited you if you did! We heard, with much satisfaction about that barrel Annie got up for you. I only wish we could have contributed to its contents.

Thurs. A. M. 21st. It was no use trying to get any further in this scribbling yesterday, dear Rob. The arrival of a lot of patterns I must decide about, for some piña commissions of importance, quite finished the matter. Now I have set three or four "wheels" moving, and sent off the old washerwoman

with only half her grumbling accomplished, that I may say yet a word or two more before Kitty will be needing me. You see by how many titles that little woman goes. you must take your choice for her, if you like, of Kate, Katie and Kitty, for she is known by all three. Mr. Graham tells me her health has been drunk at his house as "Katie," while Anna Herrmann never calls her anything but Kitty, and it is my own favorite name for her. A Spanish friend calls her "La Infanta," and a Swiss ditto "The little Princess," but for every day I think we'll keep to something more simple! Dear Robin, if I send you very few and very miserable letters it is not because I do not have you ever in mind. I cannot tell you how many loving thoughts and best wishes I am always sending you,

let my occupations be what they may. May God bless and keep you, and one day restore us all to each other.

Ever very aff'ly yours,
Nellie.