Letter #12 is probably one of the most moving of the letters in this collection. It shows an bright and talented person in the youngest of the Dewey daughters, Emily Amelia. She is 20 years old at this writing, soon marries Orin Blanchard, moves to Waupaca WI eventually settling in Abbotsford WI. She was well schooled for the day making her letters easy to read and transcribe. In this letter, the other twin, Gene has died, but he lived longer than the first who apparently died at birth. I am told this poem is on the gravestone of this child in Sheridan Cemetary in Waupaca WI but I can not confirm that. Rodman, June 14th, 1857 Ever Dear Brother & Sister: It is now Sunday and I have got the work done up after dinner. I thought I would write to you. I went home a fortnight ago last Friday. Father (Barzilla Dewey, Jr.) had got home. He had been home almost two weeks. Harrys folks are well as could be expected. They have got an infant daughter. It is almost four weeks old. I did not stay quite four hours. I have been here 10 weeks, it seems a long stay but I like working here better than I expected. Harriet, I wish I could see you if not but a little while. If I had wings like a dove I would fly to that Western clime. Father has taken Bens farm but they have not moved on it nor wont til Fall if then. Loiraette [Lauriette Dewey Greenly] is living with Uncle Chester [Dr. Chester Dewey] this summer. Orsamus [Greenly, her husband] has bought a farm up in Worth I believe but they are not agoing to house keeping until Fall for they have not got a house on their place. He is agoing to build this Fall. I do not know how long I shall work here. I milked six cows last night. I milked nine (when) the hired man was gone. I wish you could be here to tea tonight for it is so pleasant today. I do not know when I shall go home again. I suppose that ‘Deal’ is married and gone west(Adelia Penney, sister to Asher). She wrote to me and tells me where to direct my letters but I could not make out the town. Will you please write me if you know? Write about Monroe(John Monroe Dewey an adventurer, a letter from him later from CA), whether he has gone to Kansas or not and where is Clinton? Is he acoming home this Fall or not? Are you or what are you going to do; Harriet I will write some poetry for you: The Curl of Genes Hair I have a little treasure, no more beautiful to me than aught of gold or silver or brighest gems I see Tis not a costly jewel in a casket rich and fine nor yet a Thing of value to other hearts than mine. And still I deem it priceless more precious far than gold more beautiful and lovely than earthly gems all Told ‘Tis not in iron coffers my treasures safe I keep and though I price it highly I often o’er it weep In a closely folded paper and laid away with care - Tis a little sunny singlet a curl of Genes hair. With beauty once it shaded a fair and lovely brow; and though long months have wasted methinks I see it now. 4 How often my fingers pressed it, And twinned it o’er and o’er, All met with tears of anguish; Such tears can flow no more - For the angels came and called him to live with them above While my heart was all o’er flowing with a mothers earliest love. 5 Then, O how sad and lonely Was every thing to me; His playthings all were gathered For those I could not see; We put away his cradle, With his little wooden chair; And my heart like them sorrows For hope had withered there 6 In the dark cold grave we laid him Where no willows o’er him bow And of him this precious relic T’s all thats left me now. It is strange that I should love it And guard it well with care This little glossy ringlet This curl of Genes hair. Harriet I wish you would write to me how much it would cost to have Genes miniature drawn off and where it is, and where B Penny is and sis. And what they are all adoing, about there. I have got me a new dress and waist. I will send you a small piece of my dress. I have not got it done yet. I am making it plain on the shoulders and a belt in it. The sleeves are straight, gathered at the top and a broad hem, that is the fashion here. Now write as much as I have but don’t know whither you can read it or not. I do not think of any(thing) important more to write. I had a letter from Clint [younger brother Clinton Dewey] and one from Mary awhile ago. I have answered Marys and will Clints as soon as I get some paper. If you see Diantha tell her to write to me and I will answer, my love to her and hers. Kiss the children for me. My love to all inquiring friends and enough to yourself. I must close my epistle with love and good wishes for it is most 1/2 past 2 PM. Write as soon as you get this, direct, Rodman. >From your affectionate sister, E. Amelia Dewey to A & H Penny (PS) Harriet I am very chois[torn] of that little curl of Genes hair you sent me. Good Afternoon.