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New York 1, Dec. 1863 My dear Nan, Uncle Rutson recived a few days ago your flag of truce letter from Richmond of the 9 Nov.--It was a comfort to us to learn that you + the dear children were well. I left Liver- pool in the Persia on the 7 Nov. and had a very good pafsage arriving here on Thursday 19 Nov.--Mrs. Potter occupied the same state room with me both in going + returning. Neither she not I were seasick--Altogether I think I spent about two months of my visit with Mifs. Mary Wakefield. She suffered much from the le douloureux, oftentimes having more than 100 paroxysms of pain in one day. About a month before I left England she tried homeopathy + had a Hungarian Dr. named Blumberg. It is hard to say what is cause + effect but I really think she was benefited by the treatment. It was hard for me to leave her. When I last home last May I thought I would stay a whole year in England, but after a while it seemed to me that I was wanted at home + so I decided to return about as late in the year as could be comfortable to crofs the ocean.--Mrs. Cooper was wonderfully well. She + her daughter Maggie were staying Sedgwick when I came away.--I spent two days at New Brighton with Margaret Addison + her daughters. It was very affecting to see mother + daughter, both made widows within 48 hours of each other. Emily Maude has a lovely baby 4 days younger than Turner.--I saw Lizzie + Katie Lowndis shortly before I left Liverpool. They retain for you all the affection of early days + hope some day or other to see you again in your native land Old England.--I left as I always do when I go back to England that I never admired the beauties of the natural scnerey as they deserve.--You can imagine what a sorrow it was to me when I reached Jersey City to learn from Walker that my friend Mifs Van Nefs was no more.--I do not think any one except her brother will mifs her as I do. Each year we were more united.--I found all well at home. Uncle Rutson has had a trying summer from my absence + from Walker's accident. Sarah too had been far from well, but had recovered before my return.--You may conclude we are strong + well, for we walked from the College in 49th St today, making various calls by the way.--Uncle Rutson has written to James F. Maury prisoner on Johnson's Island, as you requested. No answer has yet been recei- ved. You will rejoice to learn that Ms. Gilpin was well enough to dine with us on Thanksgiving Day. She seemed to enjoy her- self + was no worse afterwards.--She praised the old + original Plum Pudding.--Your old school fellow, Mrs. Cromwell, somehow heard when I was to leave Liverpool + sent to see by post carrier various little remembrances for Harriet and her children. Mylton had tried to find her when he was at Durham without succefs. I believe her husband is Head of the Training School there.--Mylton was at Genoa when I last heard from him.--I have a letter the day from Tobin at Shanghai. He says he is coming home. He wants to see Japaa before he returns. I have been over Highwood to see Ms. King since I came back She has been quite sick since her daughter's death, but is better. I did not see your Aunt Bridget Hughes once during my stay in England. I saw Uncle Horatio 2 or 3 times during the last week.--I went to his office for the purpose of seeing him. Love to James + Mary L + to the boys. Your affect Aunt Ann Mary