Postmarked 1877-05-22

Dear Ella,

The circus was in town last night. I went, of course, and it made me think of the old times. It's been quiet around here, what with you, Cole, Celeste, and of course Jeanne all gone. Cal's more often than not gone out gamblin, and I join him sometimes just to liven things up a bit. But he ain't much of a dancin partner. We surely do miss you!

I'm so glad to hear that you're gettin some time to show off to them folks on the riverboat. Makes me smile just thinkin of it. If you really do come by here you gotta get me on the boat to see you on stage! I would love that.

As for things around the orphanage, what with so many of us grown up and moved out, there's just not as many hands about to do the work. So, the Blacks have been takin less guests in. I'm thinkin that they may just slowly shut down the whole operation. They mighta done it already but for ol' Abner. He's still kickin around, of course, and threatening to take what's left of us boys out on another trip next month. To tell you the truth, I look forward to those trips, now, as long as we stick to shootin cans rather than rabbits. Or fishin... I like fishin. Maybe Abner'll teach me to tie some flies?

Stay safe and come home some time. We all miss you.

Ollie