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To Miss S. M Galt Williamsburg, Va

Norfolk, Saturday Ap. 2nd 1864

My dear Sally,

I received your Note with a letter enclosed to Mrs L._ She was delighted in deed to hear from her poor afflicted Sister, and showered blessings upon your head for your great kindness.I have not seen her since save once, and she begged me to write to you expressing her thankfulness; but I have not been able to fulfill her request till to-day on account of the terrible storm; but I have no doubt that she is well. Let her sister know this, and that she sends a heap of Love to her. This message I can deliver from her, by her last conversation with me.

I am delighted to hear that you are so well, and that your excellent friend Miss Dix has remembered you in these terrible times. For sake I wish I was acquainted with that great philanthropist, who has done so much good to suffering humanity everywhere.

We are all well, and I am getting on even better than I could have expected,con- sidering the present state of the times here.I am above want; for which I am thankful. I have a very large family to support, as we

now nine children, the last a fortnight old. He is named Alexander. May he be worthy to carry that Sainted name, sacred to philan thropy, honor and genius!

I am grateful to you for your affectionate remembrance of Johnny. He is a noble boy indeed, and I hope he will be like him, whose name he beared, _ if that is not too much to hope.

Jimmy reminds me very much of him. Cousin John Williamson remarked the very strong likeness, not only in person, but in ways and actions. Mary is very well, and sends a good deal of love to you, in which Mollie and all the children

join. Johnny says, "Give a heap of love to my cousin Sally" and Jimmy says the same.

Had Alick lived, he would have taken Mollie to Florence with him. Her talent seems fully equal to his. Cousin John W. was of the same opinion. Roger and Willie bid fair(?)to exhibit great genius also. I have been astonished at their drawings. Thus of my four oldest children three are Artists. I cannot tell what the little ones can do.

Mollie heard a few days ago from Johny Williamson, son of your Brother Gabe. He was at Fort Warren and well. He sent her his pho- tograph, by which he must be very handsome.

All of us write in warm love to Gippy. I hope she is well, and am glad to hear that she is making a support at keeping a school. How I wish I could see you and her! We are but few in number and now, Sally; and this makes me feel nearer to all my surviving kindred. Hoping soon to hear from you, and that you are well, _ believe me dear Sally, ever yours affectionately, Wm. R. Galt

P.S. Looking over an old Masonic book the other day, giving a record of some proceedings of the Grand Lodge in Williamsburg in the Revolution, I saw the names of John M. Galt, James Gale, Peyton Randolph, John Marshall, and George Washington.