Handwritten letter from G. R. Starkey in Washington to “Chere Baby” Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn. Seal pressed into upper left corner. Starkey has received Gerturde’s letter of January 31st. He wonders if her sore foot has kept her at home, and he notes that the foot corresponds spiritually to the proprium, or selfhood. He believes that keeping the natural body healthy is essential for spiritual development, and that self-love is good when it is in its proper place. He can’t see any good reason why he was sent to Washington this winter, and he feels there is too much “dead weight” there for him to make any progress against it. He thinks he may “try [his] Phila. business alone,” but won’t decide until he is home, hopefully in the next week. Dr. H. is 55 years old today, and Starkey must help congratulate him. Dr. H. and the others send their love to Gertrude and the rest of the family. Starkey is glad Gertrude has been keeping up her dancing and Shakespeare reading; He hopes she will have just as good times as she innocently can. Names mentioned: Dr. H. (Dr. Hatch?) Places mentioned: Philadelphia