March 28th 1864

dear master

I wrote to you a week ago which letter I hope you have received--my business now is this. Mr. Powell asked my consent to buy ellania from you & I having to much respect for him hated to tell him my mind upon the subject but told him that he could prepare the thing to you & see what you say about it.

I do not wish ellania sold to him for she is a child after my own heart & I hate to part from her if you think it propper to hire her to him I will try to make up my mind to that--but it goes hard with me to think of parting with her. I would like to see him acomodated but it seems that nothing will do for him but ellania if he must have her I would rather be hired to him & go myself rather than be parted from her.

my other poor child came very near being ruined while being away from me. there is nothing like a Mothers watchful eye over a child. I hope that you will look into the matter & do what you think best let me hear from you on the subject

your servant
Lucy Skipwith