Handwritten letter from Dr. George R. Starkey in Philadelphia to unidentified friend, referred to as “old boy” and “old fellow.” Addressed to “My Heart’s Adorest.” Embossed seal of the Caduceus (winged rod of Hermes) behind a winged helmet pressed into the upper lefthand corner. 2 pages, double-sided.

Contents: -letter in patriotic & variegated envelope received -Starkey looking forward to Vineland visit; does Father expect Starkey in Vineland on the 16th? Is he getting ambitious for more chess or badinage against Starkey?; wont come until he knows Robinsons are ready for him -won’t play as much chess this time; played nearly 60 games in 5 days last time -saw Sothern in the “Crushed Tragedian” Friday evening -asked Charlie about France; hadn’t seen anything about a panic but thought it was possible; Senator Jones predicted this when France stopped coinage of silver & contracted the currency -endorses picnic idea; will foot reasonable share of expenses -must prepare for commencement on the 15th; New Church folks will be in strong force -glad teacher in the Barnum Respiratory School got well; Starkey will now have opportunity to get better acquainted with the “smart girl” -received second letter from G. Paul Smith -Mahlon P. has been “talking very big” since Price & Prichard beat Starkey in chess; the “crew” are all “doubled-tongued, double-faced” and are the “three most conceited boys in Phila.”

Names mentioned: Caissa (mythology), Morphy (Paul Morphy), Paul (Pauline Starkey Wells?), (Edward A.) Sothern, Charlie, Senator Jones, Lou (or Sou?), Geo. Bolles, G. Paul Smith, the Robinsons, Mahlon P., Price, Prichard Places mentioned: Vineland, France, Barnum Respiratory School, Phila. (Philadelphia)