Iola Kans Jan 17, 1904

My Dear Mabel

I will try and drop you a few lines this morning. We are all very well and getting all right. I got a letter from Blanche this week and she sent me your address and I thought [I] would write you a few lines to see if I could hear from you. I would like to see you awful well and have a long talk with [you]. I love you [&] Blanche just as much as I did when you were Babies. and if your poor mamma was alive she could tell you I loved you then. Well I expect you are a big woman now but I cant realize it. I can only see you as my little baby girl yet. We have two boys. Johnie will be 4 years old the 24 of this month and Frankie 2 years old the 13th of March. they are awful sweet and just as smart as they can be.

I will send you their pictures if you would like to have them. wont you please send me your picture. I would like to have it so well. I would like [to] see old Trenton again but it would make me feel bad for the last time I was there was in September in 1883. your mamma and I was at the Fair together and O what a good time we did have. We were married in February after we were at the fair in Sept. but O how times have changed. I did not know how many misfortunes and how much trouble they were in the world for me and I am glad I did not. Your step mother is just as good to me as she can be. she is a good and true woman. she [asks?] often if you and Blanche would love your little Brothers. Please say something about them when you write for it makes her feel bad if you do not.

Mabel cant you come and see us when school is out. is only 130 miles from K City. I will send you the money to come on if you will. I would like to see you so well. Where is your uncle Will Clark at? Well I must close for this time. Write as soon as you get this.
Your loving Papa

R.D. Bailey

Iola, Kans
15 South Tennesse ST

[Envelope addressed to:]

Miss Mabel Bailey
Trenton, Missouri
607 Harris Ave