I would have to be a true ingrate if, with the approach of the new year when even the most ungrateful people show their gratitude, I did not tell you how sensitive I am to all the kindness you have shown me; I promise you, My dear grandpapa, that I will always keep that memory in my heart and you can be sure of the respect and the most tender regard that I have for you. I am doing everything I can to invite your friendship and that of all our dear relatives—it is precious to me. I feel how much I owe you and how much I must do things on my side to make me worthy of all the attention that is being bestowed on me. Please accept my wishes for your health.

I also wish you my dear grandpapa a happy new year, accompanied by everything that can bring you pleasure. I would ask that when you write to my dear mama and papa you give them my regards and assure them that I send many wishes for their good health.

I ask you, my dear grandpapa, to believe that I am for my whole life your respectful and obedient son,