Handwritten letter from Dr. George R. Starkey at Oak Nest, Pittsburgh (home of Walter C. Childs) to his wife, Caira Skelton Starkey. “W. C. C.” crested letterhead. 1 page, double-sided. P.S. and P.P.S. added by Walter C. Childs.

Contents: -Starkey and the General (J. P. Stuart) arrived safely via separate trains in Pittsburgh -Childs improving, not as melancholy as before, wishes the other 2 boys were there (Pitcairn & Benade?) -been drinking; General has taken responsibility for keeping Starkey in a state of propriety -P.S. from Childs: been made to feel by Dr. Starkey the desperate depravity of his conduct towards the young ladies of the Academy in Phila; implores their forgiveness; invites them to Oak Nest where he will find places for them all, even if he has to hang his other guests to the wall; General promises to chaperone -P.P.S. from Childs: Starkey failed his mission to bring Dr. Farrington dead or alive, so he is held hostage & will remain a prisoner on parole until Farrington presents himself -Signed: “J P Stuart. Gen (?) in command”

Names mentioned: the General (James. P. Stuart) Phila ‘Kademy (Academy), (Walter C.) Childs, Dr. (Ernest A.) Farrington Places mentioned: Phila. (Philadelphia)