Dear Lady
I am ashamed to have so long delayed a letter to my dear hostess but the visit of Col Roosevelt to H. H. seemed to take up all the first days [of] the week and a tremendous accumulation of neglected work, all the latter.
May I thank you first for the beautiful brass bottle which was received with a shout of approval by the residents who had just [page 2] coldly turned down our pewter. The brass stands proudly upon the dining room [mantle?] while the pewter hides its head in the cafeteria. The book also came yesterday -- you are too good to me.
Mr Bowen is really very seriously ill, just now suffering much pain from pluerisy. The doctor gives little hope of recovery -- Mary Smith in spite of lumbago and asthma seems better and [page 3] is planning to go to Birmingham with me. We are so pleased to see that you might be there -- do come.
It is very nice to be at home again and in spite of much speaking in Boston and Providence I am rested by the journey and for the first time in a year feel encouraged about my slumping [vitality?]. Much of the pleasure and [rest] was due to you, Dear Lady.
Always affectionately yours
Jane Addams
Feby 26" 1911
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