Letter, Marcella Sykes to Rebecca Sykes; 7/18/1862

              Aberdeen July 8th 62

Dear Mother
            Wildie has improved very much since we came up.  Ida looks well, and is no trouble, but a great pleasure, and interest every one.  She sits by me at dinner, and uses her fork like a lady. 
     All tell me, that the children are as sweet and pretty as they can be.  I am proud of the way Wildie, and Ida have behaved since they came up.  Wildie reads and sits with us, she has not wanted to go any where, until this morning, Ida and Wildie both wanted to go to their Grand Pa's, Dr Evans carried them up in his Buggie, to spend the morning.  I am now staying with Josie, she was anxious I should come for fear it might be as it was before when I visited Aberdeen and did not stay with her.  Jimmy has had fever several nights, but is quite well now, and is out with his Aunt Josie feeding the chickens.
     Josie has just sent him in holding a young chicken in his hand perfectly delighted.
     Dr Evans rides him on his horse, and Jimmy has become fond of him, and calls him Doc.