We expect to be back in Hartford by the middle of September, & fairly settled & in running order in the house toward the end of September. But we cannot tell whether it will be best for you to come & see us this fall or not, because Livy’s strength remains so poor & improves so slowly—all the result of the heavy sick spell she had away back yonder last spring. I believe it will be a long time, yet, before she gets back to where she was before she was sick. Everything goes to her back, now—not only bodily fatigues, but mental excitements. As we were to take a new nurse to-day—a German girl who knows no English—Livy was in such a worry all day yesterday, for fear she might not be able to make herself understood in German, that her back-aches extended the whole length of the spine all night last night, & pretty much wore her out. This evening she is putting Jean to sleep in our room—for she doesn’t want to put her with the nurse for a month, yet, nights—& so she is going to have another bad night of it. We like the new girl exceedingly, & she speaks a good clean German, as easy to understand as English.

Rosa went away to-day—to get married. She has been with us eleven years; & I believe this is the first time she has been away from us a day in that time. All the children are mourning for her—but poor Jean thinks she is coming back, & nobody undeceives her. Jean looks just like you, most of the time, & like me when the devil is in her. Also when she walks. She is a great old comfort & satisfaction.

I can’t remember to drink the Rock Spring water, ma. They bring it to the room, mornings, but I cant forget to drink it. Still, there being always a bottle of it in the room, I can see that the bottle itself does some good & makes me healthier & stronger. I am going to have 2 bottles brought in.