We will switch, there—or shunt, as the English say—my German being about as limited as Jean’s, who says “Woshah, Washer ho’en” (Rosa, Wasser holen), “Papa ho’en Boony” (holen Blume), &c &c.

Kein Brief—merely a word to you & Mrs. Whitmore (from all the Clemenses) to say Jean was pretty sick, here, a couple of weeks, but is well again; I was sick a week & am well again; Mrs. Clemens has a crick in the neck, but is getting better; we lost a splendid cat but have found her again—in fact we have been having a thoroughly adventurous time, altogether, but things have quieted down, now, & we are commonplaceⒶemendation again.

Been playing many games of billiards with former antagonists of mine—took them into camp, every one.

Before leaving Hartford, was advised by a man of good ju[d]gment to buy 200 shares Oregon Trans. at 71. Didn’t do it.

The old carriage is sold, for $300. I am glad.

That cat of ours went down to town—3 miles, through the woods, in the night,—& attended a colored-people’s church-festival where she didn’t even know the deacons—was gone 48 hours, & marched home again this morning. Now think of that! That cat is not for sale. Talented cat. Religious cat. several words canceled, including a canceled insertion And no color-prejudices, either.