Charles Dudley Blake letter to Susan 'Ames' Sparhawk

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Providence April 10/73
Dear Susie
It is with much pleasure that I address these lines to you hoping they may find you enjoying good health as they leave me at present with the exception of my cold from which I have not fully recovered, although my nose has lost somewhat of it's beautiful blooming color and is fast becoming reduced to it's original size, which to say the least is not small when in good condition.

After entering the Horse Cars last Sunday evening I had considerable amusement caused by a woman "of Irish extraction" she had four children with her and wished to pay the Conductor only ten cents for herself and all the children included, claiming that all four children were under five years of age and therefore exempt from paying any fare, but as the Conductor could not see how she could have four children under five and none of them twins he made her pay more by threatening to put three of them off the Car. Their conversation caused considerable amusement for the rest of the passengers, after leaving the Horse Cars I found no difficulty in reaching the depot although I got lost in the morning. Thanks for your kindness in loaning me your umbrella. I was enabled to keep perfectly dry and therefore did not take anymore cold. I intend to return the umbrella personally if agreeable to you on Sunday the 20th inst., unless you send for me to attend some entertainment with you which would afford me great pleasure at any time, and I am in hope that you will not through any feelings of false delicacy be afraid to write me asking my escort at any time, for by giving me notice a day previous I can make arrangements at any time so as to leave here on the 4PM train which would arrive in Boston at about 6P.M., or I could start even sooner if necessary so do not be afraid. And now Susie this is my first letter to you and it gives me pleasure to have the honor of writing you and I think with your persuasive powers you can induce your Father and Mother to allow you to answer this, and to allow you to correspond with me, and I will always endeavor to conduct myself in such a manner that they will never regret giving their consent, at least I will do my best and more no man can do or can be expected to do. I must now draw to a close by sending my regards to your parents "both" and Rhoda Jane and Mr. Hatch be sure and warn the latter not to injure himself by eating too much Orange pudding. Hoping to hear from you at an early day believe me to be ever yours with much respect, Your Friend
Chas D.B. Fisk
Lock Box #547