all the trifling, I come to what is nearer my heart. You are not half particular enough about Octavia. Does Isabella live in the same house she did when we were there? Has Octavia nobody with her to take care of her child? I am very glad to hear they are so cheerful. Pappa you say has been sick but is quite recovered. How is Mamma this winter, quite recovered her health? Adieu. E. S. B. Feb. 15. And so I must hear of all the important events of the family from anybody who casually may have it in their power to communicate them. Horatio has a fine son, I hear, of which I am very glad; congratulate them for me—do they mean to call him the same name as their other little boy? I suppose you have heard from John and Charles King[90] since they have been in Boston. If you would send the little bundle for them to bring on I should be very glad, and I wish you to get me 3 pr. of Mr. Smith’s little white worsted socks, such as I bo’t for Walter, only two or three sizes larger, big enough for him next winter,—don’t neglect it, for I wish for them very much. Let them be full large for a child 3 years old. How are all the family? Octavia, I don’t hear from anybody; you ought to write once a fortnight certainly. Poor Jane Watts is very low, confined to her bed,—I fear she will never go out again. Adieu; love to all. This is my second letter since I heard from you. I write more particularly that you may send those things by the boys. Yours ever, E. S. B. To Mrs. Octavia Browne. New York, March 30, 1806. My Dear Mother: