Handwritten letter from Dr. George R. Starkey in Washington, D. C. to his daughter, Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn. Starkey received a letter from Mamma on Friday saying that she would return home yesterday. However, in a second letter, she wrote that the Board of Directors refused to give her her freedom, and she may not be home until next Saturday. Starkey sent a letter to Mamma in Vineland which Gerturde should now redirect to her. Most of this letter is his reply to several questions asked by Pauline which he would like Mamma to see before he sends. He and Dr. and Mrs. Hatch were quite impressed with Pauline’s letter- Her individuality stands out, and it is clear she has grown during her time away (in California). The Dr. said he was glad there was no command against coveting another man’s daughter. Starkey looks forward to welcoming her home. He supposes “poor George has tramp’d thro’ the naked ravine of humiliation since finding the letter.” Although it was pretty rough on him, Starkey wonders if perhaps it was a “jog which he needed.” He writes of George that “there is a kind of slackness in the warp & woof of his physical system, due to his age; -which may have extended itself to his mental system.” This state should not be cultivated. Starkey supposes Gertrude has not answered his New Year’s letter because she has been busy upkeeping the house in Mamma’s absence. He hopes the other children are helping with housework and that Anne is stronger and still improving. Anne has great responsibility now that both heads of the household are away. Starkey felt “sadly crushed” all week following the very impressive Communion service last Sunday. He has noticed a similar feeling after “a season of some spiritual exaltation” before, and he wonders if the evil spirits are allowed greater access once a person has been the strength to meet them. Names mentioned: Pauline (Pauline Starkey Wells), Dr. H. (Hatch), Mrs. H. (Hatch), George (George G. Starkey), Anne (possibly their servant, Annie F.?) Places mentioned: V. (Vineland)