Handwritten letter from Dr. George R. Starkey in Washington, D. C. to his daughter, Gertrude Starkey Pitcairn. “G. R. Starkey, M. D.” letterhead. Starkey is “naughty” for not responding to Gertude’s letter of a week ago. He has been at the opera or theater five nights in a row and has not had time to write. Mr. Castle gave him tickets to the opera for four nights, and then the mother of Sara Jewett- of Daly’s 5th Avenue Troupe- came into Starkey’s office and gave him three tickets to her daughter’s benefit. Starkey took West and Driver with him and enjoyed watching the opera with people who have such appreciation for it. One night, he gave two tickets to Dr. and Mrs. Hatch and bought a third for himself, and another night, he took Mrs. Hatch. During one of the days, he also closed the office and got a floor pass from his patient, the Speaker of the House, to see Judge Kelly make a big speech. On coming out from the speech, he ran into Maggie Divine. On Friday evening, he met Miss Preston at the depot. She attended Mrs. Grant’s reception and Starkey escorted her through and around the Treasury building. She is delighted with Washington and says Starkey should permanently change his residence instanter (i.e. immediately). He received notes from Mamma and Auntie P. yesterday which brought news of Gertrude being in Philadelphia. Mamma is relieved by the “prospect of having a desirable girl” (servant?)- not an Irish Catholic. Starkey will visit home this week. He expects to arrive at 1626 Wallace Street around 11 o’clock, by which time, all decent folks will be in bed. Names mentioned: Mr. Castle, West, Driver (?), Sara Jewett, Daly’s 5th Avenue Troupe, Dr. H. (Hatch), Mrs. H. (Hatch), Judge Kelly, Maggie Divine, Miss Preston, Mrs. Grants, Auntie P. (Peirsol) Places mentioned: the House (of Representatives), W. (Washington), Phila. (Philadelphia), 1626 Wallace Street