On December 7, 1882, Caroline Marsh wrote to Frederick Billings: ". As to photographs [of George Perkins Marsh], I enclose herewith the last one taken. The photographs of the library room shall be sent as you desire."

Frederick Billings replied, January 1, 1883: "I have received your letter of Dec. 7 with the photograph enclosed. It is very fine, and I regret that it was somewhat damaged in the transmission. Seeing.the picture and wishing some souvenir of Mr. Marsh for myself, I have thought perhaps you would let me have. an inkstand which he used - or the chair in which he sat in his library - Am I too bold? . Please accept all the good wishes which belong to this gracious and hallowed time."

Caroline Marsh responded, January 28, 1883: ". Your request for some object closely associated with my husband is very gratifying to me, and you may be quite sure will be cheerfully complied with. I cannot say just yet what I shall select. Our life abroad has always been in furnished apartments, and we have had few things of our own beyond book-cases, library tables, etc., objects too bulky and I might add too plain for transportation. Still there are several small objects which I shall bring with me and from which you shall choose for yourself."

Nearly a year later, on December 20, 1883, Caroline Marsh was in New York City, and wrote a note for hand delivery to Frederick Billings' wife at the Billings family's city home on Madison Avenue: "Dear Mrs. Billings, I leave this morning at your residence a very simple cane, the associations connected with which, will, I hope, make it acceptable to Mr. Billings. It is with great regret that I find myself unable to pay you a visit while I am in town today. Pray accept for yourself and family my best wishes for a happy Christmas and New Year-wishes which I should so much have preferred to offer in person had it been in my power to do so. Looking forward to the pleasure of paying you a visit soon, I am, dear Mrs. Billings, Very truly yours, Caroline C. Marsh."