This transcription was created by the Harvard-Diggins Library
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Keams Canon, Arizona
Feb 28, 1898

My own true loving little wife.

We are having fine summer weather here now. I’m painting an awfully cute little Moqui girl now, three years old and she dances in one of the ceremonies. She is all fixed up in a little costume just like the older women wear. Her head is placed in a big wooden thing (Tablita) and she looks funny. She has a regular little Moqui dress on. Her cheeks have a long streak of red paint an inch wide and her hands are painted yellow and around her neck is just loaded with funny beads the Moqui wear. She has great long turquoise ear rings 6 inches long in her (2) ears. We’ll have the picture finished tomorrow, which will make the 35th picture. She sits pretty good. Now & then she goes to sleep. Her father comes with her, brings her on his back, and is so patient with her. She is a cute little thing, her name is Zy-you-wah. I have fun with her.

On Wednesday, March 2nd, the next ceremony comes off and lasts all night. I am going up to see it all night.

Thurber will send you $25.00 as soon as he gets my letter.

I will be leaving here in about two weeks or less. I have bought a lot of things here: some elegant baskets, about 40 of them, fine pottery and a Moqui bow & arrows. The bow is covered with sinew.

The Moqui have made a lot (3) of pictures for me. All their pictures are Katchinas. I have got one Moqui blanket, which are entirely different from the Navajos. The Moqui make beautiful blankets, I never saw one until I came here.

The little girl I am painting, will sell as soon as it is exhibited. I am painting another little girl the same age who dances.

Pretty soon they will have sandstorms here. There is nothing dangerous about them, but awfully disagreeable. Sand gets in the houses, etc.

The kittie that was here has gone, I haven’t seen it for two or three days.

I expect to stop with Mr. (4) Hubbell for two or three days, as I want to paint the Belle of the Navajos, if she will sit, and I guess she will. Then I go to a place called Navajo and take the cars (train). It will be funny to see the cars and a lot of white people. I haven’t seen 6 different white people for over three months. I will be glad to get my hair cut pretty soon. I can do it up like the Moqui men do.

Why don’t you go to Harvard and make a visit, my dear? They would be glad to have you come. You ought to go. Well I must close. Good night darling. Your own true loving husband.

Lots of love, hugs & kisses,

Elbridge