My own dear darling Hubby,

It does seem too bad that you and I are so far separated on our tenth wedding day [anniversary]; but still I feel thankful that we are all so very happy, having so much happiness in each other and though we have lost our little darling and my dear mother, still there is no sad or unlovely thought about them¹; and we are thankful to have so many dear ones spared to us. Thank you so much for your kind telegram this morning. I hope you received my undying protestation in reply. Tell Tiny [Mary], Cally [Calvin] received her letter and photo and was much pleased.

I am feeling particularly well, better than I have felt at all. To-morrow morning we expect Calvin [Dr. Calvin Brooks McQuesten] and then if I keep well we intend leaving here on Thursday morning for New York and leave New York on Monday morning by the Albany day-boat, leaving Albany on Tuesday morning. If Tuesday doesn't suit your plans for meeting, let me know. At present I am very well off, but if I find myself suddenly short will telegraph. Have done no shopping yet, really the noise and hustle of New York was too much for my head, I hope it will be stronger when I go back (my head I mean). Miss Fisher sends her kindest regards and congratulations². Just as soon as I see Calvin it will be decided where we go in New York, and I will send you a P.C. [post card]. Give my kindest love to Papa [Baker]. Kind regards to Miss H. and Miss S. and Kisses to the darlings³.

Ever my dearest, yours alone

Mary B. McQuesten

[P.S.] Don't let them forget to send me a bit of the checked stuff to Calvin's address.

¹ Mary's mother, Mrs. Mary-Jane (McIlwaine) Baker died on August 13, 1882 of the newly-diagnosed disease, diabetes (W3597) and her son, Thomas Baker McQuesten, was born on June 30, 1882. Her daughter, Muriel, 22 months old, died on August 27, 1882. Also, Mary had had six children in ten years, was exhausted, and had gone to Asbury Park for rest and treatment. She suffered from a nervous disorder that recurred periodically throughout her life.

² Miss C. Fisher was a relative on the McQuesten side. Isaac's paternal grandmother was Margaret Fisher (1760-1833). Miss Fisher lived in London, England and travelled a great deal. Mary may have visited Miss Fisher when she was in New Jersey or may have received a letter. Miss Fisher corresponded regularly and visited occasionally (W2440, W4387, W4436, W4582, W4738, W5181).

³ Miss Henwood and Miss Stanton were housemaids at Whitehern (W4309).