MY DEAR YOUNG FRIENDS,--There are so many things I want to talk to
you about that I am almost afraid to begin this letter, for fear I
may take up too much room in the precious columns of the
Post-office Box.
Our great feast and Christmas pleasure is over. The tree, thanks to
your dear, generous, kind little hearts, was a perfect success. We
had some nice garments of clothing for them all, toys and books for
the children, and candy for every one. They were so happy! I would
have given almost anything to have had you all here to see the tree
you had done so much to make, and to see the happy school. Some
little ones who were so eager to taste it, and could not get into
their candy quickly enough, sucked the sweet through the lace bags
that it was in. In fact, we were all very happy; as my children
said, it was the "best part" of Christmas to us all.
More new scholars keep coming all the time. We want to start a
school also for the many poor little white children, who need one
as badly as the colored ones did; so you see I will have use for
the books, papers, and all the other things you may send.
I must thank the lady who sent the presents to my own family; also
thanks for the _Scribner_ and _Nation_ sent me; and, once more,
thanks to the little boy who sent me the pretty Christmas card. The
work on the school building will begin immediately. I will write
you when we have it done. I have kept all your names; they are all
to go in there in paint on tablets. I have not quite decided _how_.
I will write you again when it is done, for I am going to do that
part myself. Packages, Sunday-school papers, and cards have come
from kind hearts and hands in many places, and in every instance
have been appreciated and used where they were needed. The one cent
sent by many little children was accepted with much pleasure, as
were the nice large boxes of clothing, candy, and toys sent by many
kind ladies. Uncle Pete was radiant when he came to wish a Happy
New Year in his nice suit that had grown on the tree for him, with
all the others in their nice wristlets, mitts, and the other
welcome gifts that they received. They have been smiling ever since
Christmas. Adieu, dear friends.
Truly yours,
MRS. RICHARDSON.
Mrs. Richardson inclosed as usual a list of the names of the kind
friends who make her their almoner, but we have not room for it among
the good things which crowd the Post-office Box this week. They will
each please accept her general acknowledgment as intended to include
every individual.
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