Ellen W. Randolph Coolidge to Bennett Taylor
| My dear Bennett, | Boston. 17. February. 1865. |
your letter of the 9th has been received. You had not then got Mr C–s enclosure, the answer to our representative, Mr Rice and the few words added by himself. Matters do not look very hopeful for your exchange. yet I hope on, and remember that “relief is often nearest when it appears at the greatest distance.” I was very glad to hear news of your family through you. It is very long since I received any direct communication and my affection for the friends of my youth has suffered no change. I loved your mother when she was younger than you are now, my dear Bennett, and I love you.
What I know of your uncle George’s movements came in letters from England. He was told by the physicians in Va. that his lungs were out of order and that he must try a sea-voyage. Arrived with his wife in England, he consulted a London doctor who confirmed the opinion of the other doctors, and adviced him to try a winter in the South of France and recommended Pau at the foot of the Pyrenees. This is the last I have heard. Farewell my dear nephew. Your aunt Cornelia sends her love. Ever most affectionately your aunt,
We hear absolutely nothing of Margaret Anderson.