1904 September 1, North East Harbor, to Dear Rachel

              North East Harbor9 mo. 1Dear RachelAs thee advises a prompt reply I will begin at hence. As Hannah Simpson has no right to vote, nor her nephews either, & if they had, would not listen to her advice, it would not be at all advisable to send her my words of wisdom. Besides, I know she would not agree with me & I value her friendship & good opinion so highly that I do not wish to [?] it farther than I have already done by expressing my dislike of the strenuous & unChristian life on which England & America seem disposed to enter. Also-- & this I know will have weight with thee-- Mother, as soon as she read thy proposal, raised hand & voice in holy horror at the idea-- Mother sees more of me than thee does, & she has no such opinion of my wisdom as thee has. Tis distance lends enchantment-- so say no more about it but follow James Blaines advice & burn the letter.I got both Annas & thy letters this evening & am much obliged for both-- but my answer to Anna I shall reserve till I have something better than politics to talk about. We all keep very well