My dear friend,¹

If you carried out the programme as understood before leaving Hamilton fancy this communication will be early enough to give you a welcome home. I'm wrong--I'll say rather a welcome back.

I hope you are refreshed and gladdened by the brief change. [This placement surely to find yr. excellent father is well?]--in better health it seems to me, than when I saw him two years ago. And you enjoyed yr. brother's home and companionship as well as that of yr. new--yr. only sister. Isn't she nice? I love Mary for her integrity of character and I use this term in a comprehensive sense meaning all that is lovely and of good report. And now Calvin dear (a la friend) what was the conclusion of the favorable impressions made by my agreeable friend? I'm pondering the possibilities!

Although you would have us believe you have become indifferent, your heart's quite invulnerable, I imagine you'd appreciate your "own bride." And the friendly offices of some lady to wash your slippers. Ah well! I'll expect to hear all about it. (over)

In regard to business, beg to state that enclosed I send two circulars.² I do earnestly hope something will soon come of them. I'm confident that any young person placed under my charge will be well cared for. I hope you may hear of [?] whose parents or guardians may conclude to avail themselves of this health [?] chronicle and the advantage of training in matters I regard quite as essential for those expecting someday to be placed at heads of hospitals as learning lessons out of books. The expense, in comparison with only school is trifling. If occasion offer say whatever of good, you can.

School assembled to day so I am constantly provided with sufficient employment to keep me out of mischief for the remainder of the year.

With grateful thanks for your kindness which contributed to the pleasure of my [?] wish among the dear old time friends. And with all good wishes for continued health and abundant prosperity!

I am as ever, Yr. sincere friend

J.H.W. [Whittemore?]³

¹ This letter is heavily overwritten and difficult to transcribe.

² These circulars were not microfilmed and may have become separated from the letter.

³ We have suggested that this might be Dr. J.H. Whittemore who was a friend of Calvin's and wrote several letters to him from Europe during his medical studies.