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��INTRODUCTION

��However, 'twill do for a change. She will be tired of it in time, and value independence even more than experi- ence.

I am sorry to say that my young friend Ellen Richard- son, whose sister Emily will remember, is near death from phthisis, and, though blue-eyed (which gives hope — for black eyes give none), is, I fear, too far gone to be saved. Mr. Gumming, also, who has resigned his governorship, and has been deeply depressed on account of the destruction of the Union, has been lying at the Revere House so near death that we had till now no hopes of his recovery. His case is still critical. But I have no room to say more. Thank your wife and Emily for their remembrance of us all, and reciprocate it. As for you and me, our friendship was long in blossoming, and I suppose fruit may be ex- pected to succeed blossom. We have associations with too many mutual enjoyments easily to forget them. When you write, tell me if you have received this letter ; for I should be vexed to be obliged to replace it by another as long. We shall all look to see you among us next

��summer.

��Your friend,

John W. Randall.

��_ ^ Boston, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 1862.

Dear Prank,

I perceive by your last that you are a little out of spirits. Perhaps my last week's letter miscarried, but the present may reach you. I trust, however, to being so well known by you, as you by me, that we shall not be obliged to scrape acquaintance from time to time, like traders rarely met. You need not fear to be forgotten by

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