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�lovliest places on Earth it is very warm, very uncomfortable flowers are in bloom birds are singing in the groves a perfect Paradise on Earth. Ned is well -- he enjoys this way of life finely. I never seen him so flushy before. Poor Oscar is dead -- it seems like loosing a brother to have one of the Hope boys ther saying he died very quietly + I hope is in Heaven. All communications with the rebel in the F all is cut off..they must either starve or surrender, The [?] scrape which Lucy wished to know about is till very fresh in my memory. Tell Lucy. I hope to meet her again one of these days at what time I will endeavor to tell the story much better than I can possibly do by mail -- In regard to those lose [?]ders which Lucy Howard wishes me to send her -- I hardly know what ansir make, so --