
          15 West 21st St.
 New York, 8 Apl. 1851


 As I have an abiding conviction,
 that whatever concerns me, nearly,
 is not without interest for you, my
 much valued friend, nor, as I hope,
 to kind, good, Mrs. Torrey, & the dear girls,
 I take the earliest opportunity of telling
 you my news, which, as to the most
 material item is unfortunate. 


 On Monday (30 ulto. [ultimo]) my dear daughter 
 was prematurely confined with
 twin daughters-- perfectly formed, &
 sweet little things, but who only lived
 4 & 7 hours, respectively, having arrived
 some 3 months too soon. This has
 been a very sad disappointment,
 but, on the other hand, we have to be
 very thankful that Mrs. C. [Mary Alida Aster Carey] is doing
 remarkably well, & has not, in fact,
        