In the spring of 1874 my mother had so far recovered, as to be able to walk about a little; and, in company with her oldest sister, Tamson Cuff, since gone to rest, she made a visit of a few weeks to Newbern, North Carolina. Soon after her arrival she wrote the following letter: _Newbern, N. C., April 17th, 1874._ Dear husband, and all the loved ones at home. WILL wrote for me last night, so you will know that we got here all safe; but Tamson is not feeling very well this morning. I am quite as well as usual. I found Will and his folks as well and happy as can be; Will is fatter than I ever saw him. I did not get to see Theoph, I can't tell why; if you hear from him let me know; and if you do not, after a week or two, write to Mr. Hamilton, and see where he is. It was cold and dreary enough when we came from home, but we have come right into midsummer here; the birds are singing, and flowers blooming, and the swamps and woods along the road are as green as in the first of June. In the yards here, there are fig trees, and peach and plum trees, as green with leaves as in July with us. They are having peas, and onions, and lettuce, to eat. I had a nice bunch of flowers given to me last night, and I want to send you some before they wilt. * * * * We had a nice ride around the city (in Washington,) saw the Capitol, Patent Office, and Post Office, and I cannot tell you what else, until I get home. We are invited to stop a week in Washington on our return; but I reckon I shall want to come right home when I start. As ever, wife and mother, R. S.