Handwritten letter from Dr. George R. Starkey in Washington, D. C. to his daughter, Dora (Theodora Starkey Smith). “G. R. Starkey, M. D.” letterhead. Starkey thinks Dora will probably be expecting a letter from him by this time. He hasn’t received any word from home this week, though he supposes he doesn’t deserve any more letters than he gets. Starkey was informed by Mamma’s last letter that everyone was feeling a little better, however he wouldn’t be surprised to learn that everyone in V. (Vineland) had colds again. Starkey sent Mamma a small check that Dora may have if Mamma doesn’t need it. He wonders if they have done any work in the garden yet. Dora and Cara will need someone to spade and fertilize the ground for them, and then they can sow seeds and tend their flower beds under the guidance of “older & wiser folks.” He suggests their two brothers might help, though he supposes Ned is probably engrossed by his bantam chickens. Starkey thinks Gerturde had better get the front yard arranged before the gardeners get too busy, and she must be sure to account for the wishes of the “California Miss”*. In organizing their program of social meetings, the New Church people in Washington have assigned Starkey the task of delivering a lecture on “Our Children.” He asks Dora, Cara, and Ned to confer about what they think should be said on behalf of the children – whether they are misunderstood, have grievances to redress, or have anything to be grateful for. He doesn’t promise to include everything, but he may use some of their ideas. Name mentioned: Cara (Cara Starkey Glenn), Dick, Ned (Edward Starkey), Gertrude (Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn), “California Miss” (likely Pauline Starkey Wells), Auntie Peirsol Places mentioned: V. (Vineland) *archivist’s note: likely a reference to Paulina Starkey Wells, who was staying at her aunt and uncle’s ranch near Renovo, CA at the time.