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Bethlehem [Connecticut] Jan 12th 1866

My dear Mr. Hart

Yours of the 7th came to hand last eve, and we were glad to know that you arrived safely at Danville. The playthings you sent to Carrie came in good order, expenses seventy five cents which I paid. Imogene [Sarah Imogene Bird, Marth's sister] has charge of the money sent. Carrie was almost crazy in her rejoicing over them, and says "O how I do love my dear papa because he sent me so many play things," and writes letters to you almost daily to that effect. She is very happy and grows fleshy every day. She occupies herself most of the time with her playthings, setting her table, making tea, and attending to her dolls, etc. I have recd [received] four copies of the Presbyterian containing the obituary notice of dear Martha. It was very

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flattering and consoling. I thought it must be written by Doct. [Doctor Robert L.] Stanton. I have written to him in reply to his letter of condolence to me. I shall remember him with my high Christian regard. I hope those rowdies will not be permitted to do him any personal injury, and that I hope too that the Government will make some examples of severity in the punishment of Union haters and haters of those who would do good to all without regard to race or color. I hope your school will not be permanently injured by the affair of the Christmas tree you make mention of. I am more and more satisfied that the sesesh [successionists] ought to be kept on probation till they manifest a better spirit before they are received back into the Union with all their forfeited rights restored. And I think Congress understand their duty in this regard, and will have the courage to do it.

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We are all very well at present. We feel the loss of dear Martha most deeply, but probably not to the full extent we should if she had been with us during her sickness, but we are reminded of her many times a day, as we look upon the dear little one left behind. May God not only spare her, but early sanctify, and fit her at length, to follow her mother in the triumphs of faith, to the mansions of eternal rest in Heaven. Please give my regards to Doct. [Doctor] Stanton and all enquirers, especially those whose kind offices and sympathies were with you and yours in your trials and affliction.

Very truly yours,
Joshua Bird