Congressman Lincoln writes to his wife Mary Lincoln, who is visiting family in Lexington, Kentucky. He received invoices from two merchants, and writes, "I hesitated to pay them, because my recollection is that you told me . . . there was nothing left unpaid." Lincoln relays news about Congressman William Richardson's family: "Mrs. Richardson is still here; and what is more, has a baby—so Richardson says, and he ought to know." Lincoln advises Mary to hire someone to help her care for their sons, "the dear codgers," Robert and Eddie. Lincoln adds, "Father expected to see you all sooner; but let it pass; stay as long as you please, and come when you please. Kiss and love the dear rascals." Abraham Lincoln to Mary Todd Lincoln, 2 July 1848, CW, 1:495-96.