Har'g [Harrisburg] Dec.[ember] 14th '63
Dear Callie,

I received yours of the 12th this morning. I was surprised to hear so bad an account of the house Mr. Cox (1) lives in. The carpets I spoke of as worn, were only our entry and dining room. You can not judge a home and living such as Hampy (2) would like: for if I could live in elegance, he would be so delighted that he would attend to nothing. I left our own home, not from choice; but I cannot bear the thumping of that bell & besides I had such severe troubles in that old home, that I left it with little reluctance- but these little adversities, in being knocked about in the world, are, I have no doubt, for our good. But what I say, I think, ought not to be repeated by you- I am sure. If we take all things into account, our last 3 or 4 years have been quite prosperous. The boys have behaved well and have become men & men of business habits, which would not be the case if I were rich -- probably.

Out of nearly 3000 men in town 5 or 6 have built new homes, persons like Mr. and Mrs. Briggs (3), Mr. Cox, and others who have inherited fortunes. I suppose by this time you have received my letter about the baby. He is to be James the 3rd (4). Uncle William is to be Mary Wilson (5) they say. Mary (6) and the baby are doing well, and the baby's hair is like yours, quite black and plenty.

We have had a few cold days, but now we have warm & wet like April. Tell Mr. Willand (7) to keep your toes down, and keep that foot from shaking [& etc. ?] How do your studies in dancing and painting progress?

Your truly,
Herman Alricks