Doubtlessly my own darling Annie Belle has thought Aunt Anna [i.e., Anna Holmes (b. 1837/8)] has entirely forgotten her own precious little daughter I assure you baby such is not the case. I know a day has not passed since I left home that you have not been spoken of and frequently does Aunt Anna exclaim I long so much to see Annie Belle. You and Rose must not forget me and you must tell Rose to be ready to go to see her "Grand Aunt" by the time I come home.
     Darling you must go over and kiss every body at home for Aunt Anna and tell Grand pa & grand ma [i.e., Richard C. and Isabella Holmes, the author's parents] Aunt Anna will be home next monday night and that Mrs M[illeg] H[illeg]

is coming with me. Aunt Anna has just received an invitation to a partie this evening at Mrs. John [illeg]. She has been exceedingly polite to me this being the second time she has had company for me. I went out last night through all that hard rain to a partie, but my escort had a carriage and I kept very comfortable. Darling Aunt Anna can not write you a long letter this morning, as she has a good many visits to make to day and it is long after ten o clock. Tell papa [i.e., Dr. Allmond Holmes] Aunt Anna has been a good girl and has not flirted with the boys one bit, she is going to take a ride this afternoon with Mr. John Baker. You must tell Mama [i.e., Frances Sillers Holmes] Aunt Anna wants her to get some Whistleberries, and make a pie for her by Thursday of the fair She wants it for a

Anna —

Little Lillie Draughon sends you a thousand kisses. She says she would like so much to go down to the fair but her Mama is not well enough to take such a long ride. Mrs Draughon sends you a kiss and says she has

a pretty little sweet heart with beautiful black eyes for you She wants you to kiss Mama and all for her and to remember her to your Papa —

Aunt Anna —