Hartford, Xmas, 1880.
Mother dear, your several children have united in this love-offering to you, of a gold box to put your spectacles in; & they accompany it with the affectionate hope that your youth is now about to be renewed, & that you will not need your spectacles any more; but will need, [MS page 2] a strong, substantial box to keep them in—permanently. Such is the idea of this spectacle-box, & such its intent & purpose. So we offer it as a token of a love that would not only renew your impaired sight, ‸if it could,‸ but would rejuvenate you wholly if its power corresponded to its fervency.
In the name of us all—health & blessings abide with our mother!
Your sons,
Saml.
