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the business is well nigh completed.
The terrible news comes of the assassination of Prest. Garfield. At Present we cannot learn the truth of the affair but hope it may not be true. All, even the most bitter Southerners, unite in expressing the greatest regret and sorrow, and we are all [dumb?] in the face of so great a [?]. We hope for the best however.
Before noon today we will be on our way westward from here on a long trip through New Mexico and Arizona. Our direction will be considerably north of West – or about in the direction of San Francisco. Where you read in the paper of the terrible [indian?] [massacres] hereabout don't be afraid for me, for most of them are on the line of the Mexican Central R.R. south from here, and were committed on comparatively defenseless parties. We are a large party and well armed. So have no fear for me. I am all right and no doubt will continue to be so.
From the mess tent comes the call to breakfast – it is the signal that demands dispatch and the [habit?] of breaking camp is at hand. I think
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Ames, Ia. July 6 Wednesday Morn.
My dear husband,
Behold one of your little bugs with telescope in hand trying to spy [at papa?]. We all enjoyed your letter which came yesterday very much. The Postal came by the same trail. I was disappointed that
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that did not arrive same as it should have done. Am glad you find everything so pleasant. I have always heard of the beauty of Minneapolis. Has [Pres.?] [?] as fine a house as our Pres.? How fortunate that you have so agreeable a hosting place! Does Miss Seaford hold the position in the University [Page Break] that Prof. [?] would have liked? By the way – Prof. [?] arrived home unexpectedly last night – about sick with the heat – Mary tells me.
I hope you [?] not suffer – if the nights are cool you can endure hot days better.
I suppose you are as well with your next set of students now. I want to hear about them. It was very nice of you to [?] upon my suggestions
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so soon – umbrella – [?] [?] – cherish [me?]. Prof. [Macanter?] came here yesterday + he + his wife were here last eve.
Please don't forget to give us a [repeat?] of Mrs. [?]'s paintings. Mimi + I began the [?]'s [Cafe?] Lily you got us – on a large scale as we wasted it all – but [?] had – we came to the conclusion that water colors weren't very pretty – + so put it aside. + on the fourth – [painted?] a simple lily in oil which is beautiful – also painted on another card – the stem + leaves – so we might share how the lily greens.
The boys are good + send love to papa. Mimi + Na-na send regards [sic.?]. The map you sent gave me a good idea of the lily.
Lovingly your wife, L. A. Bessey