My poor Mary is still confined—She is well enough to pass to an adjoining room but has not yet ventured down stairs. The sores on her breast have proved most obstinate & will not I fear be easily healed without the aid of the knife to which she feels as is natural a great repugnance—

I left her for one day on business to Richmond and learnt from George Jefferson his having forwarded a letter for me to Petersburg—We have received none from you since the 17th of January & I have enquired regularly at the post office until within the last twelve days—Patsy who is here joins with Maria in the tenderest greetings.

adieu Yours sincerely