My dear Mr. Apperson,
I thank you for your favor of 20th inst. And regret exceedingly that you cannot see your way clear to make us a little visit, as a talk would seem so much more satisfactory than writing. Perhaps later on, you will be able to take a short vacation. You would find this a delightfully shady, cool place in summer, very restful when one reads of temperatures in the nineties, elsewhere. Leslie was very good in drawing plans and Howard used to execute them. Perhaps, it would do no harm to tell you a little of their father. He inherited great mechanical ingenuity from his father, but with it also a fortune that seemed adequate without actual necessity of labor. The result was that he did not use his talents to any extent, altho’ he did spend a few years learning machinist trade, when a young man – intending to go into the engine manufacturing business – but he gave that plan up because of ill health and sought to live as easily as possible to prolong life. I have endeavored to inculcate in the boys, the love of work and development of their own powers within themselves and now, since a bank failure and when severe losses came, am glad they have ability to fight their way, if only the opportunity is given them. So the thought has come that should both get together we might live there in the winters, at least. If not all the time. This is a very pleasant old homestead and I have hoped we might preserve it for the boys – but can not see any bright outlook, just at present. I note, that you belong to the Southern Club, and that has perhaps influenced me in writing so unreservedly to you – a stranger. I also am a Southerner. My birthplace was Louisville, and I have many warm friends there and in old Virginia, therefore I believe the kindly interest you have taken in Howard is the more sincerely appreciated, Hoping you will pardon so great a trespass on your time and that you may be able to come some time, to see us. I am gratefully yours,
Mrs. Annie L. Hitchcock