W. P. Homan - 1866-10-17

To:  Mr Charles. H. Gauss
Macan City
North Missouri Hotel

St Charles August 13th 1866

My dear son
            I have sent you to day by the United States Express a present for your 21st birthday, with which, I hope, you will be pleased. I wish you to keep it for a long time, in remembrance of the love which your father and mother have for you.
            While you are using it, I want you to remember, that our greatest desire and constant prayer for you is, that you may be a sincere, earnest and happy Christian.

Your affect. father
Eugene Gauss

Your letter to mother, dated the 6th did not reach her until the 11th.  She is afraid, that you may lose my present, by somebody's stealing it from you, and suggested, that I had better keep it here until you came down.  On the same principle I might have to keep it forever.---