1876 April 9, Awbury, to Lilly

              Awbury 4 mo. 9. 1876

Dear Lilly 
Although I do not suppose I can tell thee anything that thy mother has not already told or will tell thee yes as I have now got rid of my last impairment to writing. a [----] in my hand. I feel that I had better make use of it before the son & successor of the [----] makes its appearance as he will be pretty sure to do. First news is health. I suppose that I am somewhat answerable with having given you such concern about mothers back. Your late letters are full of wise advice to her about resting it & so forth. Do not vex your righteous souls anymore on that account. Martha is not well to be sure - but her ailments are her old ones headaches & fears & worriments about children & servants & horses. As long as there is such a tendency in her to anticipate evil I don't see how she is to get well. We met the elephants on Chew St a few days since & though we turned off into Chelton Avenue before our horses noticed them yet mother was so sure they would follow us that she was very