Washington City
Dec 12. 1858
Mary,
I recd. your note of the 8th inst.
last evening & was pleased to hear you
were all well. I desire to hear from home
at least once each week, even if you
have no news to write me. I however do
not insist you shall perform this every
time yourself. Mary & William can
write. Tell Lizzie to try her hand in a
letter to me.
My pen is probably little better than
yours & I wish Mary to take from a box
of bright pens on my table, in my room,
three or four pens & inclose them in next
letter to me, that I may see whether I
can procure any such here.
I have had little to do but it has
rained most of the time since I came
& I have therefore not been out much.
I have been to the Pension Office & called
on the President & have received his
card of invitation to dinner next Tuesday.
I will write you about it when it
comes off.
I have not been to Willards but
intend going soon. Mrs Foster & Mrs
Wood are at present the only ladies I
know there. Mrs Hatch does not come
this winter & he says their child is no
better. Mrs. Spinner is at Willards.
The Capitol presents the same ap-
pearance as when you was here. No more
seems to be done externally & the same
amount of rubbish, stone & litter around
it. Internally more is done & it looks as
if the new Senate Room might be
ready to receive us in the course of the
winter. You know however that I regard
our present room as the best.
I have just recd. a letter
from Frances. All well at Cambridge &
she says
Henry
is not only well & growing but is
really interested in his school & improves in
his reading.
Rain, rain. Love to you &
ours & respects to friends & neighbors.
Affectionately
Your Husband