Some of the highlights of this letter from his stepmother: I know you will be surprised to hear I am in Richmond at the Hospital; Lucy my brother's wife in Tappahannock was brought here... and she has been very ill with neuritus & she is still very sick; she needs some one by her side all the time; delighted to get your letter saying you would start Saturday; I hope you will meet with me; Mary Van Horn is still at home & I am afraid she will take you away from me--but I know better--you are all talk; this will be hard to get mailed to you but I will figure it out.