Handwritten letter from Pauline "Paul" Starkey Wells in Woodside, Ca to her mother, Caira Skelton Starkey. Paul does not want her mother to write when her eyes hurt, but she hopes her mother will ask one of the children to write on her behalf, as Paul gets homesick when she doesn’t hear from home for more than a week at a time. Although she agrees with her mother that she is of little use to Aunt Em, she explains that there is not much for her and Addie to do besides the sewing because Sam “the Chinaman” does most of the work (washing, meals, etc.). She writes about how, despite objections, Uncle Robert gave her and Addie $10 each before the girls went to ‘Frisco, and how he insisted on giving her more when Addie asked for additional money a few days later. They had a very merry Christmas there, and everyone enjoyed their presents very much. Among other things, Paul received handkerchiefs, a necktie and necktie ring, a pearl charm, cologne, a fan, a napkin ring, a shawl pin, and a book a book of Shakespeare quotations. She is comfortable and contented for now, but she would still rather be at home. Names mentioned: Aunt Em (Emeline Skelton Tripp?), Sam “the Chinaman,” Addie (Adeline Tripp?), Uncle Robt. (Robert Tripp?), Davie / David, Mr. Greenwood, Mrs. Dawley, Green (Albert Green), Addie Kinsey, Shakespeare, Fanny Smyth, Longfellow, Santa Claus, Mrs. Farwell, Dickens Places mentioned: ‘Frisco (San Fransico)