Letter from [Louisiana E. Strentzel] to [Louie Strentzel Muir], [1884] Jul 14.

[child\u27s scribbles at top of page][1884]Alhambra July 14th..Dear Momma, The baby is just as well and sweet and happy as she can be. She has always been perfectly [contentive?] ever since you went away, and I think she would continue to be so were you to stay away a month. She writes letters every day to dear Mamma and Papa and is always asking when you are coming home. Spends the time in all manner of plays, [illegible] on her little [stairs?], setting the [table?] with her little dishes, looking oer the pictures, and helps me at everything I have to do. Last night she sat with her [Grand?] after writing a letter to Mrs. [Partington?] until she got so sleepy she had to go to bed. [Grand pa?] and I [took? take?] her out walking in the fresh air several times everyday; and never leave her a moment alone. The new cook is very kind to her, and wants to do all she can for her, but baby will not make up with her nor go near her.06149 We have had but one letter from you, and now from Father. Why does he not write? You wrote that the trip was too hard for Father, that he was not feeling well, but you did not say how you stood it yourself. We are both feeling anxious about you, not hearing from you. Papa sent a telegram yesterday but you did not answer, so he thinks you have left the valley and gone somewhere else. We want you to stay as long as you like and see all you possibly can, for you have waited a long while for this pleasure.I was over yesterday and your house, and so far as I can see everything is all right. [Ah jing?] feeds the chickens and milks the cows, and [Jim? Tim?] waters the flowers. [Alphonse?] sleeps in the little room and works all day. Jimmy came back last week stayed a few days, and left again. The other Chinaman say he got every so much money from them, then left. I am glad he is gone, I think the house is safer without him. I have brought [Jack\u27s? John\u27s?] papers and all your most valuable things over here, and have kept the house locke dup as well as I could. You know the locks are none of them very safe. May God [bless?] and protect you both from all danger Your Mother