Helen Woodrow Bones to Jessie Woodrow Wilson Sayre

Please forgive me for not having sent the pads before this! To tell the honest truth, I mislaid your letter and couldn't remember the dimesnnsions of the crib for which you wanted the larger pads and the sheets. And after all, I didn't need them, as the sheets, Woodward & Ltothrop say, come only in one size, and there are no pads larger than the ones we bought for the Sbassinette. Of course I don't believe them; but at least I can't get them in any other size here.
That being the case, I ordered only two pads, as I didN't know whether or not you would want so many of the smaller ones; if you still want the other three, let me know and I will gladly send them. I got six sheets -- the only kinfd W. & WL. carry, price 65c each. This seemed to me expensive, but I guess the price of cotton goods has gone up since I last bought sheets. If they aren't all right, send them back, and I'll have them credited to your account.
I was so distressed to hear that you hadn't yet secured a nurse! I hope by this time the Bennington girl you spoke of has materialized. I know you are as capable as any one of dealing with such a situation, but I do think a nurse ought to have more physical strength than you have.
I hope the paralysis scare has died down up your way. It is a terrifying thing, but your children are so shut away from contact with others that it seems to me they must be safe. Nell says she keeps Ellen on their own place all the time, and I am glad she does.
By the way, I went over to Baltimore yesterday with the Graysons -- to visit some friends of theirs (the brother and sister-in-law of Captain Symington(). I saw the eight-months-old baby and I declare she is hardly any bigger than Eleanor. She is like Eleanor in being plump and having lovely plump arms and legs, and when OI said I was going to tell you about her tininess, to make you feel more comfortable, Mrs. Symington saud: “Why, I never worry about my babies as long as they are well, no matter how tiny they are.” She has had three, so may be you will feel reassured. That tiny girl of your is just meant to be tiny, I think. Just the same, I am glad the precious thing is gaining, just because you want her to.
What you said of your battle with Francis made me very curious: do tell me about it. Bless his independent heart! he certainly isn't easy to manage; but that's just because he has a lot of character. I bet he will be a reasonable child and that you'll be able to manage him better when he can understand what you say -- I mean understand the reason of it.
I can't help wishing that the Y. M. C. A. scheme would fall through, though I know it is selfish to wish it; but I don't wqant yo,u to be left alone for a month. If Frank does go to the border, can't you get Miss Mary Hoyt to stay with you; or don't you want her for that long?Your father and Edith and Randolph Bolling ( who is spending the summer here, I believe I told you ) went down the river last fFriday for the week end. I stayed at home and had a beautiful time doing as I pleased: I like that a lot better than a trip on the Mayflower.Margaret has gone back to her singing. She seems to love Waterford and to feel that she is making a lot of progress in her work. Cousin Annie, etc., are there and I hear the change and rest are doing her a lot of good.George Howe passed through Washington last Friday and spent a few hours with us, lunch- here. He certainly is a dear man! Doesn't it seem just too bad that he should have such a wife as his! She would be plenty good enough for lots of men -- too good for some -- andbut he deserves a goodbetter one if any man ever did.Mr. Brown was here for a short time las last Saturday. He said he believed Cousin Meemee was at allast out of danger, but said that the Saturdyay before he had thought he must lose her. Don't say this to any one, for Marjorie has never known her mother's life was really in danger. Poor Mr. Brown, he looked as though he had been through deep waters.!I don't believe I have any more news. Life here moves along very smoothly and pleasantly as far as one can judge from appearances. The occasional visits of Mr. McCormick keep me going as far as conversation goes, for your father will and does talk politics with him.Cousin Woodrow seems pretty well, though what I call “lassitudinous.” I wish he could get away for more than a day or two at a time. Edith thrives on hot weather, as do I.
All of us send lots of love to the dear little family in Williamstown. Hug the babies for me and give Frank my best. With a heartful for you