Transcribe Ward, Henry Levi. Letter to Ward, Henry A. (1881-04-28)

with a "game" knee. You remember that I stabbed myself accidentally while in the West Indies? Well I must have caught cold in my knee for it inflamed and swelled up, entirely spoiling any chance of rusticating or carpenter work that I had planned. Guess I am getting well. Anyway I have done lots of reading so that it is not so very bad after all.

Have been reading Irvings Sketch Book, Scribner's Monthly and Ancient History.

I am taking lessons in elocution under Miss. Hale, a very successful elocutionist in the city.

Mother and Mifs. Whitney are both hard at work house cleaning.

Frank and Poina are on the sick list. They are turned out to grass in hopes that they will "brace up."

Alice has arrived at the years where Jack knives are necessities and possessing one is supremely happy.

Spring has fairly begun and the trees are leaving out quite rapidly.

You affectionate son Henry L. Ward

Transcribed by Linda Mueller, '74 N