Washington, D.C. 30 June [1875].
MY DEAR DAUGHTER:
Your dear letter with one to mother each containing an excellent picture of Estelle has just come to hand. This, being almost daily in communion with you, makes it unnecessary for me to be running backward and forward at heavy expense—and great loss of time on Rail Roads to see you. Emerson says that those who made Rome worth going to see staid there. And I may say, that people who make houses worth visiting stay there. I have my little garden, and my horse and carriage and my house duties to look after. The demands upon my time and attention by my Books and papers, and by visitors are incessant. Besides, I am beginning to look upon a journey as a positive misfortune.
My long public career of travelling has cured my desire for change in location—and I now like to remain in the same place, dine at the same table, sleep in the same bed—bath in the same tub, and do an hundred other same things. I suppose, if I were in Rochester, I should manifest the same love of locality that I do here. A thousand times I have wished I never had left it. I have been nearly ruined financially by coming here—I have things to tell you concerning my affairs which trouble me very much and lead me to fear the worst. Age and want are an ill matched pair. I should have been glad to have dropt in upon you while Molly was with you, but that is out of the question. I have told mother to take Dear Lew and have her answer your note to her. It will seem more like coming from her if Lew: writes than if I should. Your Dear little Estelle is doing very well.
My letter to dear Hattie will give you some idea of Estelle's daily life.
Yours Lovingly
FATHER