Roxana Chapin Gerdine to Emily McKinstry Chapin (1861 February 4)

              A.L.S. February 4 [1861]. �Em� [Roxana Chapin Gerdine] to �Dear Sister Em� [Emily McKinstry Chapin]. West Point, [MS]. 4pp. Note: Part of the last page continues onto the front of the first page.)
times and is the greatest mimic that ever lived. he persists in being a little Black Republican and will �Hoorah for Inkon� notwithstanding his [Gampa] tells him he shall not. Dr. Smith dined with us one day & Tom as usual would be heard. the Dr. says what does the little fellow say. Tom replied �Mean Mitch. Mean Mitch.� I never felt so mortified in my life. The Dr. had given him some medicine & he would call him mean. I may publish a book of his witty sayings & doings & will then send you one. Pet is too sweet & innocent to talk about but she is almost a lady. tell every body How dye. I will write soon to them [illegible words] I am as ever Em"
						West Point Feb. 4th"
Dear Sister Em-"
	I really do not know who it is my duty to favor with one of my inimitable epistles to night as I ought to write to every member of father�s household also to Aunt Eliza but your letter I think the most aged consequently deserves my earliest attention.
	I really believe Lucy�s presence operates upon my senses like a dose of Morphine for the spirit of laziness has seized me since her arrival here. I have not written a letter she is beginning however to revel against being my [Amenaensis]. I expect you half envy me sometimes don�t you because she is"