Topeka, Aug 25, 1876



My Dear Mother,



I have been so grieved to think that you have been taken sick.  It seems to me that I must come

home to see you.  I cannot stay away it seems to me.  Perhaps I can arrange matters so as to come

soon.  You know that I would rather be with you than with any one else in the world.  When I do

come I want to stay a good long time with you -- perhaps never go far.  I am trying to get matters

in shape so that I can do so.  You know how much I love you and if there is any thing in this

world that I regret it is that I ever went away from you.  I have been away from home ever since I

left you and shall be until I get back.  I shall be very anxious about you until I hear again.  You

ought to see your boy and have him with you, I am well and it has been very hot and wet this

summer, the thermometer standing at nearly 100 all the time.  Dear Mother, I love you so much. 

and I want to see you so badly.  I will write you again soon



Your loving boy,



Charlie