Frankfurt Maine Dec 30th 1869 My very dear friend: The almost inexpressible pleasure was mine to receive another of your very welcome letter [inserted above:]this evening dated the 27th. I wrote you on yesterday to your new adress, which I hope you have received - I then gave you the reason for my silence of the last few days- With me suffering of mind, always brings on some sickness or other- my poorhead is generally - the sufferer. [2]This morning dear Taddie, brought me in a New York Tribune of the 17th in which your good brothers name was mentioned among the Congressional proceedings offering resolutions for pensions for the widows of the soldiers of 1812- I knew it was only a prelude for future action- The Secretary of the Consulate here- a very excellent old gentleman- who is very anxious in my behalf & had written a letter to his friend Sir Carl [Shurlz] on the subject- sent me his reply today- I cannot say, that his view would entirely suit either your or my sanguine hopes- He takes a very cool view of matters- I hope [Shurtz]- will prove a diligent worker not withstanding- for he is a very good man. [3] As I have so frequently said before Grant can do every thing- When he kindly shakes the hand of each member of Congress- as they call upon him- either Republican or Democrat- if to each one- he would urge upon them - the case of the widow & fatherless - it would not be unheeded - My husband made him- we will see - what he will do - in the case- before we judge. But his time for action- has almost expired- and let me whisper onto your safe, loving ears- my earnest belief- that from him or his- not much will be gained- [inserted above: or done]- of course it is entirely confidential. [4] We are indeed a sricken family and appear to have been marked out by fate- for sorrow- This evening I received a letter from dear little Mary, urging me to write to Robert - to take a little rest - as he was looking so thin - his health was so poor- from his unending confinement to his office. It is fearfully expensive living in Chicago- in the simplest - way & of course my poor boy - in his exertions- must [struck: not] forget his health, which has never been strong- I find myself, my dear friend- writing you on all home subjects - Let us pray, that defeat will not come for where shall I be - in that terrible event. It is now midnight & I [crosswritten on page 1: might as well write for I cannot sleep. I am fully assured that your kind brother in Wash & our other friends will act, entirely for the best. I feel so sad about Mr. Stanton. This night I would like to be in his place - yet, I know it is wicked - If I can only be made perfect through so much suffering. ] [crosswritten on page 4: always lovingly, yours.] [crosswritten on page 3: Private]