Raggedy Ann for me, Bessie's mother made a rag doll for her, for we two
always played together; as I recall, there was no fence between our two
houses.

Bessie's doll was made a day or so after Raggedy Ann, I think, though I
am not quite certain which of the two dolls was made first. However,
Bessie's doll was given the name of Raggedy Andy, and one of the two
dolls was named after the other, so that their names would sound alike.

We children played with the two rag dolls most of the time until
Bessie's family moved away--when I was eight or nine years old. They had
faces just alike; the mother who made the first doll probably painted
both doll faces. I do not remember just how Raggedy Andy was dressed,
but I know he often wore dresses over his boy clothes when Bessie and I
decided that he and Raggedy Ann should be sisters for the day.

You will remember I told you about Raggedy Andy long ago, John.

Isn't it strange that the two old rag dolls should come together after
all these years? I wish Raggedy Andy's "Mama" had signed her name, for I
should like to write to her. Perhaps there may be some way of finding
her out.

Anyway, it seems to me you have the subject for another rag doll book,
for Raggedy Andy must have had some wonderful adventures in his long
life.

Yours lovingly,
Mom.