Dear Friend Ella,

The rules are unclear but there is a set of people referring to Helen as "Ella". Her Aunt Sarah OWEN, on her mother's side, does it in her letter. Emma here does it. Her sister, Mate, calls her Ella in an early letter. Her mother, though, calls her "Helen".
I think we can discount her mother as she also refers to Harry by his given name, Will.

I will write you a few lines this afternoon, to inform you that those papers you left here have both been executed and are on the way to Washington.
Father went up to Uncle Henrys yesterday.  And Henry came down this morning.  Mrs. DIKE came home last evening, and signed the paper this morning.  I hope all other evidence may be furnished as promptly.  Hoping

your Mother

Mary Elizabeth (GANOUNG) WOOD.

may soon be better, We remain your true Friends.
    Write often and let us know how you are.