Gambier Knox Co. Ohio
3/13/06

My dear Frances,

In imagination I have written to you all.

All your letters and papers and kind wishes and remembrances reached me at Xmas and were very grateful to me. I appreciate your continuous affection for me. I had papers from Bessie last week. I hope she is not suffering from her liver it is so depressing to herself and all her sisters and brothers. This has been a wild winter but there have been many old friends and acquaintances carried to their long home. Just now the earth is covered with a deep fall of snow. The trees are so beautiful covered with the snow. I could give you no idea of is magic look! not a leaf or branch stirring. the snow so pure and soft and white.

Since Xmas I have been in quite an anxious state on account of Johnnie. He has a very severe bout if Gripp or old fashioned influenza. It reduced his strength very much. Josie was worn out almost with anxiety and came up to me for ten days rest. When he was at he worst they had two nurses a night and day one. Now he needs but one. I had a few lines from him by the early mail. I am so thankful to have a note from him!

We had a dreadful disaster last month in the burning up of the K.M.A (Kenyon Military Academy). Everything was burned, cadets and masters escaped with difficulty. Three students were burned. the building was so hot he men could not work to release them. This has cast its deep pall over us all. The cadets were fine young fellows 18 and 19 years of age! I knew nothing of the fire until it had done its worst. There were nine more or less injured. They were well cared for and staid in Gambier till their burns were treated and healed. We shall miss the K.M.A. very much. They were a fine set of youths. I hope that Mrs Hunt is getting over the winter comfortably and that she has some enjoyment. My eyes are remarkable. All my life I used them much and my hearing is good too. I am thrown altogether on my own resources for enjoyment. My interest in life is as enthusiastic as ever. I wish you could hear my bird sing. I am engrossed in reading "Irish history and the Irish question" by Goldwin Smith. I did not imagine he would be so impartial. I will write soon to Kate and Bessie. Tell me of Maria and Sam and George and their belongings. I remember your dear Mamma when she was Miss Johnston and your reverend father. I remember the day they were married.

I hope I have not tired you with this long letter. I have been in bed for a week. This morning first time downstairs for breakfast. My love to all the dear ones. When you write let me hear from you if you have lessened from your care of Mrs Hunt. Affectionately and tenderly I am my dear Frances ever your friend.

Kate Trimble.