Handwritten letter from Dr. George R. Starkey in Washington, D.C. to his wife, Caira Skelton Starkey. Mr. Pendleton agreed with Starkey that reading should be attended to. Starkey sent a letter via Daniel to Mr. Arther on Friday as soon as he decided not to come home. If Mr. Arthur was in the office as usual, it would have been practicable to reach Mr. Campbell or someone else. Starkey is chagrined at the way matters transpired, but thinks it is “much sadder that the people should allow themselves to be betrayed into such an unchristian state of demonstration.” The people would not have made such a fuss if Mr. Pendleton had gone “any where else than at Convention,” and now he plans to “set Mr. P. right before the society.” Referring to Caira’s last letter, Starkey is sorry for Dora and Ned, but can’t do anything until he gets home. He was encouraged by Geroge’s report, the near completion of Gertrude’s dress, and by Caira’s decision “not to spend much force in regrets.” They are having splendid weather in Washington and strawberries are selling four quarts for a quarter. The Hatches thought Caira’s message was “a wee bit saucy,” but they will get over it. Starkey can’t find the key to the brass pad lock for the closet down (?) cellar, and he asks if George knows where it is. Names mentioned: Mr. (William F.) Pendleton, Mr. Arthur, Daniel (Daniel Taber Starkey?), Mr. Campbell, Convention, Dora (Theodora Starkey Smith), Ned (Edward Starkey), George (George G. Starkey), Gertrude (Gertrude Starkey Pitcarin), the Hatches