Handwritten letter from Pauline “Paul” Starkey Wells in Woodside to her sister, Theodora Starkey Smith. “S” seal pressed into upper lefthand corner. Paul writes about her journey to California and seeing Aunt Em and Uncle Robert’s ranch. By Thursday evening, she felt at home with the Sargents, who invited her to visit them in Washington. Uncle Robet is funny and nice, Addie is unchanged and could benefit from city life, and Aunt Em does not look quite so large, but is still just as jolly. The ranch is at the foot of a mountain, and the house is surrounded by moss-covered live oaks. Animals on the ranch include: 4 cows, 6 horses, 3 colts, 7 cats, 5 dogs of various sizes, and “innumerable” chickens and pigeons. They lost their crop of cherries, almonds, apricots to frost, but the apples, pears, peaches, and quinces are alright. Paul suspects father is home and that Ned is wishing the whole family were together. She feels quite far away and probably won’t be home until June. There is a little girl named Laura staying on the ranch with her brother, who reminds Paul of Jennie Divine. She sends her love home to the family. Names mentioned: the Sargents, Uncle Robert (Robert Tripp?), Addie (Adeline Tripp?), Aunt Em (Emeline Skelton Tripp?), George (George G. Starkey), Ned (Edward Starkey?), Laura, Jennie Divine, Gertie (Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn) Placed mentioned: Washington, California