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My Dear Friend

I cannot allow George to go without a word from us to you and yours -- He has become as it were one of the family, and we are really sorry to part with him -- Our little folks will not soon forget him and the stories he has read and told, to amuse them, nor shall we fail, long to remember his frank and truthful face ----

I am sorry indeed not to see you all again this side of the big waters, and would come to you at Bologna if I could do so, but being behind time with several engagements, I must not leave now We have not been much together nor is it necessary that well meaning people should be, to know and understand one another -- There are some faces which like current money, pass any where without examination The silver or the gold is so palpable that first sight is sufficient. I did not stop to sound or weigh you on our first interview here; but took you right home to my Strong box,

and if there is a compliment in this, you are welcome to it, all of you --------

Tell Mrs Marsh that we hope to see her again within a few years. We want to go home and must do so ere long, for our young ones are growing up and must be cared for. They shall not find a home here if I can prevent it --- A few more years of health and activity will make our departure possible, for I shall thus be able to purchase a homeste[a]d somewhere in the States -- We have a place already paid for near Cincinnati but it would not do for us--too small. Who knows but Providence may make us neighbors -- Boys together at Woodstock, separated in America for so many years and again together in far off Italy there seems an attraction which may bring our bones within call in the same church yard! ---- Peace be with you and with our united best wishes, believe me Dear Friend ever most sincerely yours

Florence May 9 1854 --

References in this letter:

George Ozias Marsh, Marsh's son by his first wife Harriet Buell, was born in Burlington in 1832. He had a troubled relationship with his father, for whom he harbored ill will arising from feelings of neglect and undue severity. He never fully recovered from a typhoid attack in 1857 while at Harvard Law School, eventually became an alcoholic supported by stipends from Marsh, and died in a rooming house in New York in 1865.