Post office receipt for bundle box of beans &c I suppose, & from Mamas letter of Feb 28 just came.

 

Ranger, Vallejo, Cal.

March 9, 1883.

 

Dear Alice

                        Your letter of 25 February I received, was glad to hear from you, and to see your improvement in writing. I thought Vallejo was a poor forlorn place when I first came out here,—and when I can get away I shall never want to see it again,—but it is good to get back even to Vallejo, from the Mexican coast.

 

            The market is good here and the climate is better, tho' not what I like exactly.

 

            I am dreadfully tired of the Pacific Coast, & am counting the weeks and days.

 

            I sent box with sea beans & a mat, while we are down the coast I may get another made. One of the firemen makes them. 

 

            About your going out towards the country, New Worcester as you call it, I can't say anything of it of course, except that I am sorry. I should want to live a little nearer town myself I think, but Mama will have to be the best judge I think. If you have a pleasant house a good table, nice people, & if you all have good health you have a good deal to be thankful for I can assure you. I only wish I was with you. Put up with a few inconveniences for the sake of all the comforts you have. We cant expect to have everything you know. I see so many children here & elsewhere that have such a hard time & look so forlorn & neglected that I often wonder what kind of a home they have, / and am glad that you, Frank & George are not like them, that you have not got to go hunting for work for a dollar or two a week. Enjoy yourself as you can. Make the best use of your time in school you can now while you can. Devote yourself to two things, health & study. You are young, and have lots of time.

 

            When pleasant weather comes so you can walk it will be a pleasant jaunt to come in & see Aggie, only ¾ mile.

 

            Am glad you stop'd at Uncle Georges so long as it was such a nice house & so convenient. Mama can perhaps fix things so you can have a good dinner on return from school.

 

How would you like to spend a year down the Mexican / coast, live on canned meats & vegetables, besides the intolerable climate, & be obliged to sit and see no one but a lot of noisy, rowdy vulgar Naval officers? And can't get away from them either? It is paradise where you are compared with this life. My only consolation is that each day makes it so much the shorter in time.

 

            Remember me to all at Cousin Henrys. Do you have a piano where you are? Should like you to keep up your music somehow. I hope you will all keep well. Tell Mama she had better keep a fire until weather is warmer & have you & Frank ride one way or both in horse cars if best. I will send money by & by.

My neuralgia gives me an occasional twinge as a gentle reminder.

 

Love to Grandma Uncle Geo & Aunt Anna when you see them.

 

            Lots of good wishes & love from

                       

Good bye                    Papa.

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