(Editor's note: Sarah Ann Randall wrote this letter to her youngest daughter,
Emily Weld Randall in July 1860. Emily was visiting the family of Robert Whitlock
in Watervliet, N.Y. He was the brother of Helen Louise Whitlock, the new wife
of Emily's eldest brother, Charles Knower Randall. Mother admonishes the child
to deport herself properly while visiting ... it can't have been easy to meet
the standards of the day.)
Richfield Springs
July 31st, 1860
My darling Emmie,
Did your father visit you on Monday, for he left here with that intention. I hope he found out the way, and gave you all our love and kisses, for we sent any quantity to you. I told him to leave you some money, as you had written to me for some, and he said he would.
Sara has written to Louise today, so I will defer answering her letter to me, which was very acceptable; say to her, a letter from three dear children in one day was a great pleasure to me, for Charlie wrote too.
Be very careful, and not wear your welcome out, when you visit in Albany. Louise says you have made many friends there, and behave like a good child should, and they all like you, but do not trouble Louise by wishing to go too often, and do not exercise too much, for that will make you sick.
I am very glad you have such nice times, but do not let the want of a party dress mar your pleasure, for in the eye of a sensible person, it is of the least importance if you have a happy, contented disposition.
I hope my dear Emmie, you will always be neat in your appearance, but do not my dear hold set your heart upon dress, for it is vanity.
How we all want to see dear little Lulu, but this month has passed so quickly but I hope that we will all meet soon again.
Sara is very well and enjoying herself with knitting a shawl for the fair, bowling, rowing on the Lake, and we have various ways of passing time, yet we think the time too short to accomplish much; how much we wish you were all with us.
If you wish to come here when Pa returns, I think he will be willing to let you, but I cannot promise you as much enjoyment as they give you at the Whitlocks.
Cora has a little friend of her own age in the room playing, so I am obliged to stop writing, with my love to Tillie Bleeker, Louise, Lulu, Libbie and all of Mr. Whitlock's family.
I am ever your affectionate mother,
Sarah A. Randall
Do not forget to clean your teeth very often, three times a day.