Huntsville          April 6^th 1858

                        My dear Papa

                            Ma would

have written but she felt

too unwell.  She says if she

feels any better she may write

yet before the mail closes.

She received the plasters and

bulbous roots some of the

bulbous roots have bloomed

In the collection were beau-

tiful pink and blue hyacinthe (sic)

We have a great variety of

roses in bloom

I hope some of the prettiest

will be blooming when you

come home.  The little multiflora

roses have commenced blooming.

Pa I should like to know

how many letters I have written

to you I think only two

since you have been in

Washington.  Pa when will

you be home?  I hope soon

The catalpa tree is covered

with pretty large leaves

and tolerable large buds

It is getting rather late and

I am afraid I cannot get

my letter in the post office

in time if I write much

more.  Pa if your business

did not require your presence

longer in Washington I

should be glad for you to

hasten home with all possible

speed.  We are all so anxious

to see you.  Do make haste

won’t you?  All send their love.

            Your affectionate child

                        Nannie