To Mary Todd Lincoln1Jump to section
In this troublesome world, we are never quite satisfied. When you were here, I thought you hindered me some in attending to business; but now, having nothing but business---no variety---it has grown exceedingly tasteless to me. I hate to sit down and direct documents, and I hate to stay in this old room by myself. You know I told you in last sunday's letter, I was going to make a little speech during the week; but the week has passed away without my getting a chance to do so; and now my interest in the subject has passed away too. Your second and third letters have been received since I wrote before. Dear Eddy thinks father is ``gone tapila[.]''2Jump to section Has any further discovery been made as to the breaking into your grand-mother's house? If I were she, I would not remain there alone. You mention that your uncle John Parker is likely to be at Lexington. Dont forget to present him my very kindest regards.
I went yesterday to hunt the little plaid stockings, as you wished; but found that McKnight has quit business, and Allen had not a single pair of the description you give, and only one plaid pair of any sort that I thought would fit ``Eddy's dear little feet.'' I have a notion to make another trial to-morrow morning. If I could get them, I have an excellent chance of sending them. Mr. Warrick Tunstall, of St. Louis is here. He is to leave early this week, and to go by Lexington. He says he knows you, and will call to see you; and he voluntarily asked, if I had not some package to send to you.
I wish you to enjoy yourself in every possible way; but is there no danger of wounding the feelings of your good father, by being so openly intimate with the Wickliffe family?3Jump to section
Mrs. Broome has not removed yet; but she thinks of doing so tomorrow. All the house---or rather, all with whom you were on decided good terms---send their love to you. The others say nothing.
Very soon after you went away, I got what I think a very pretty set of shirt-bosom studs---modest little ones, jet, set in gold, only costing 50 cents a piece, or 1.50 for the whole.
Suppose you do not prefix the ``Hon'' to the address on your letters