My dearest Calvin,

I hope this will reach you on your arrival. I wish you many, very many happy returns of your birthday. I trust you will have had a pleasant and satisfactory trip and that this will find you safe and sound at the Manse. Amidst all my cares, I feel I am not half thankful enough for your health. It really is such a great blessing and such a comfort to send you off in perfect health, and after all the disappointments it is a most wonderful achievement to have finally passed all your examinations and be finally launched, for which we have great reason to thank God. One cannot forget the time, when we both decided that nevermore must you attempt examinations. It is truly wonderful, the goodness of God!

I found Edna quite cheerful on my return and after an excellent meal with Mrs. Mullin's company, was quite restored to her wonted spirits. This morning was very foggy, but after raining all morning has cleared up. As usual found something to do, so trotted out, not minding the rain when prepared for it. I hope the Presbyterian will reach you in good time. I ordered it for six months, it begins on April 14th. This is a birthday present. I see by this morning's paper Mr. Geo. Hay of Ottawa is dead aged 88. As you only left yesterday, there is nothing new to tell. With much love and earnest prayer, that God's richest blessings may rest upon you and that you may never fail to preach the gospel, the good tidings, in their fullest meaning.

Your loving mother

M.B. McQuesten