Theophilus Adam Wylie Family Correspondence 1806-1930, (bulk 1850 - 1930)

Transcription: Conechocheague [Conocheague, Pennsylvania] May 4th 1829

My Dear Cousin,

I am now at cousin Crawford's where I have spent my time very pleasantly since Saturday. I have to start from Chambersburgh at one o'clock in the stage and dread the journey. After crossing the bridge I saw the last sight of your house perhaps the last to me for ever. We reached the buck tavern in time for breakfast, then for the first time I felt myself alone completely, then that ugly feeling which always accompanies me in traveling returned.

We reached Lancaster about six o'clock in the evening, changed stages and started for Harrisburgh, arrived there at one o'clock. Started at 3 in the morning breakfasted at Carlisle, arrived at Chambersburgh at one o'clock.

I lost the purse which Miss Dennis gave me the first day's travel. I put it into the basket on the top of the stage where it slipped out. I was very sorry when I missed it. The weather is very chilly and cold. I expect frost on the mountain. Cousin Crawford's family are all well and wish to be remembered to you all. They are very kind. Give my love to Uncle and Aunt and all my cousins likewise to Mr. McLeod and Mr. Kirkwood remember me. Believe me ever your sincere cousin.

A. Wylie

Mr. Theophilus A. Wylie

[postscript] Remember me to John McAdam and all Mr McAdam's family. A.W. Dear Cousin I enclose in this letter a 5 dollar bill on the bank of S. C. You will oblige me very much by changing it and sending a note att. The P. bank to Cousin Crawford. Do it immediately. Mr. Orr will take the note. I have not time to tell you my perplexity. Your Cousin, A.W.

Transcription: Bethel January 16th 1830

Dear Theophilus,

I am almost ashamed to write. I have neglected it so long yet the blame is not all mine for I have written you many letters and few of them were answered. It appears that if I don't begin the correspondence again neither will you nor Cousin Margaret. I have written two letters to her but neither of them answered as yet. I am as near a relation as Andrew Black though not so [something]. Therefore she might write to me. Be it as it may my love to her and to you. All cannot be changed. Late in the fall we moved to a new place and I have been engaged in manual labor (to which I will attribute the neglect of writing) fixing our new residence which I can assure you is no easy task. I have got timber cut for a barn which will keep me engaged this spring and summer. Judge Popes steam mill of which you have heard me talk is now in full operation which will afford plank for building and an opportunity to the farmer to grind and ship his own grain. The mill is about three miles from our house. Our country is improving very fast in machinery and will soon be able to contend with the east. Brother's little boy is now walking. He appears to be of the family of the giants. His grandfather Mr. Millikin arrived here on the 9th of this month. He is delighted with our country and society. I wrote to you in the summer to dry me some bunches of grapes of the best vines and send them to me in the fall. If you have not done it I would be glad you would send me a few cuttings early in the spring. I want to cultivate about 3 or 4 acres of a south lying hazel thicket to prepare it for the vine and white mulberry. Your friends here are all well. Mother joins with me in sending our love to you all.

Your sincere cousin

Adam Wylie P.S. Let not the old proverb prove true, out of sight and out of mind.

Transcription: Oct 12, 1830

Dear Sister,

I wrote to John Neil in N York on a scrap of paper and now I do the same to you. There is still a scarcity of that article. This will account for the sheet, or rather half sheet. I know will you that you are displeased with me, and are, have been, and still will blame me for my negligence for which I do not intend to apologise—I had, as you may have learned, an opportunity in one sense of the word, of going to see you, but a promise which I had made to cousin Crawford prevented me. Tomorrow morning I intend to start for Chambersburgh via Baltimore. I know not when I shall be back but I think it will not be long. I have been working with Mr. Bache ever since college opened, for want of something better to do. Perhaps I may be in Dr. [Harris'?] labry [laboratory] this winter. I have the chance but he keeps us all day, more time than I wish to spend. We are all well, and all things are as usual, nothing extraordinary has happened excepting the death of Susy's kitten. The other cats are in good health. I suppose you have heard of Hughy's marriage—I am about to finish, with one sentence with regard to your leaving home. Your love to me and your desire that I should go with you prompted you to say things to father which though he did not let you see it, hurt him much. For some days after he did not speak to me, I suppose on account of my [my rudeness?]. I had an explanation from him not long ago. He then spoke of the feelings with which he met you and with which he left you, confessed that he did not act prudently in giving you all and depriving me, but he did it out of love for you supposing you needed it more. You then blamed him. He felt it sorely, and when you are spoken of still seems to feel it. I am sorry for it, both on your account and on mine, and now I would beg you, for I believe you are sorry for it yourself, to write to him and tell that you are sorry for what is past and beg him both to forget and forgive it. You perhaps may not have felt as I have on this for if you had, or if you do now, I am sure you will try to make it up as soon as possible. Remember me to Susy, whom we miss very much and whom we all wish to see. I had hoped to have seen John here before this time. Norman is well and I believe is doing well.

Theodore has two or three letters written, intended I suppose for answers to the ones you will send. He was disappointed in sending them by Mr. Scot. I remain Your affectionate brother T. A. Wylie I have not time to transcribe this illegible letter. Try and make it out as well as you can and excuse. T.A.W.

Transcription: Philadelphia, Oct. 2 (Friday) 1831

Dear Sister; Don't begin to stare, or wonder when you receive this letter, its time that it is an answer to your last & it's the first time I could be charged with having answered a letter punctually. It gives me great pleasure to see how exceedingly honest you have become and will give you pleasure, no doubt, to see how good a Christian I am, in forgiving my debts, what in the name of common sense made you enclose that bit of paper and talk about your dress. Father when he heard of your wonderful honesty thought probably you might allude to something you had received from him, he said, if you should write to him about such matters, he would let you hear of it, you had better take care, if you have nothing to send in letters but your debts, you need not write. Counting this letter, worth an eleven-penny-bit, as no doubt it is, you lose a levy for your folly that is if the post office finds out that this letter carry's double. Susan goes to school and so do I, she is very well employed, and pleased with her school. She wants much to learn music, particularly since little Margaret Crawford does, and has a new piano. All friends are well, you need not expect another letter for a long while. Remember me to John Neil, and all the rest. Time has brought his hand around to the hour of my affliction. I must run. Yours as ever, in exceeding great haste, T.A. Wylie

Transcription: New Brun[ss?]urch March 9th, 1838

The melancholy duty is [dxxxxed] on me, madam to inform you of the death of Mrs. Ann F. Cole. She breathed her last yesterday morning about six o'clock. She will be interred to day at four o'clock.

Respectfully

[abbr. Your obedient servant?]

Littleton Kirkpatrick P. S. I am informed that she left a will and that Dr. C. Smith and Mr. Alexander Moore are the Executors. I have not seen the will, but understand there is a legacy contingent on the life of Mrs. Large and her child to Col. Richard Dennis or his family. The executors will give you all information on this point. L.K.

Transcription: Bloomington, May 7th 1838, Dear John,

I believe I have been long in your debt for a letter. So long that you will hardly care about payment. But if you only knew how I have been tossed about both in soul and body since the last letter I wrote, you would excuse my negligence. Immediately after the examination which took place on the last Wednesday of April, I set off on horseback for Illinois. On a hard trotting, good for nothing, worn out animal too, but not withstanding all this, I got on exceedingly well. I wondered at myself not being more fatigued than I was. The weather and roads was good all the time I was traveling, better indeed than they have ever been seen at this time of the year. I was much pleased with the appearance of the Prairies. There is a magnificence about them and a dreariness too. Illinois will be a fine country for [?] and horse racers. About 7 days after leaving B we (that is Mr. Morrison and Mr. Kilroy, students of the College and members of cousin W's congrn [congregation] ) reached the Flat Prairie. We found all well. I must confess that I do not like altogether their mode of living there. Their cabins or hovels, particularly Adam's, are any thing but comfortable. I wonder how you and Sister and the 4 or 5 dear little children would be able to cook and sleep and study and etc. in a space not more than as large as your dining room and without a window, unless the crevices be counted for windows, and indeed without a single convenience of civilized life, as much of the smoke coming down the chimney as going up, causing even the most unfeeling to shed tears. I can't say that I admired the Illinois fare very much. Perhaps I was there in a bad season of the year. But though the finest deer run wild in the prairies and flocks of Prairie hens are all around them and the ponds swam with ducks and wild geese and the streams with excellent fish, I saw nothing but pork and corn bread and eggs and coffee, and these not always served up in the finest style. I am speaking of the fare on the roads. It does indeed seem to me strange that people will not live as well as they might do. I am sure that they have ten times more difficulty in getting along the way they do. They don't let "mind" form an ingredient in any of their operations. While at Cousin's I was troubled a good deal with toothache and a good deal more with looking forward to the Presbytery meeting. I did not by any means enjoy myself as I would have done had I been free. Notwithstanding my troubles, I managed to get as far as St. Louis. Adam accompanied me. We came on a very interesting day. The Catholics were keeping holy Thursday and we went to the cathedral and saw the Priests. There were about 12 of them, dressed in splendid robes, manufacture the holy anointing oil. Toward the close of the ceremonies, the old arch bishop dressed in purple descended from his throne and proved to the congregation that he was humble by washing the feet of twelve little boys, dressed up for the occasion. It was on the whole about as interesting and xxx out of consideration the xxx xx Christianity as amusing a show as I have seen this good many years. I spent about a day in St. Louis.

Cousin Wylie was prevented from accompanying me to Presbytery by little John's being taken sick with the scarlet fever early in the morning of the day we had appointed for setting out. We waited 3 days longer expecting his company, but at last had to leave him. I have not yet heard whether the little fellow has recovered or not. He was not by any means out of danger when we left. Cousin has a fine congregation, but if he don't look out there will be a good many dram drinkers among them. I can hardly tell how I felt when someone asked me if I would take some whiskey. If the person had called me a liar or rogue I would hardly have felt more provoked. John Dobbins has mounted a distillery in the woods where he will hatch his evil spirits for the benefit of the community. I believe I have caught the temperance mania. All with whom I associate in B are inclined that way and the ugliness of dram drinking appeared so evident in Illinois that it has done a good deal to make me run to the extreme as a good many others have done.

On Thursday before last we reached Princeton. Mr. Kell and Mr. McChaster and an elder from Mr. K's congregation constituted the Presbytery. It was a serious time for me. I hardly knew how to act. For some years past I have felt a good deal like Jonah, but have been able to find no ship going to Tarshish. Feeling altogether unfit for the ministerial office, rather thinking that it was somehow or other my misfortune to be situated as I am, and [?] in through providence for I feel as if I had been passively led or that I commenced and continued Theological studies, I determined some years ago to through [throw?] myself on the current and to go on till something would compel me to stop. When I appeared in Princeton I thought that this time had come, but no, with less preparation than I had ever before attempted to speak, and with more fear than I had ever before experienced, I delivered my trials with some explanations, gave satisfactory answers to the questions, and was received as a member of Presbytery. I do not feel right yet and I fear I never will. I have an exceedingly hard term's work before me in college, and with the additional responsibility that I now have, I feel as if I would sink. But I am beginning not to be scared by responsibilities. There is however a danger again of becoming too confident and rash and then failing. It is only when I feel weak that I appear to be able to do anything.

You may remember that we made an agreement to exchange papers, the Post for some of your city Gazettes. For three or four weeks after your letter came, Dial published no papers for the very good reason that he had no paper to publish. As soon as I get my paper I will send it to you.

Mr. Blair still hopes to see you in B. I can hardly say as much, much as I desire it. Mr. Hoge of Princeton asked a great deal about you. The congregation there applied to Presbytery for a disjunction. The paper is to lie over till next meeting. Mr. Kell intends to go to Tennessee. The people in Princeton are much taken with Mr. McChasten. He would I think suit them well. The Princeton people are about as respectable a congregation of our people as I have seen in the West. Remember to all. Excuse this letter if you can read it. T. A. Wylie

Transcription: Francisville Oct. 16, 1839 [postmarked Oct 18]

My Dear Sister,

We received a letter from brother on Saturday informing us of the joyful event that has taken place in your family. We were all delighted with the news. I hope she may grow up to be like her for whom she is called. She will be a good deal of company for you when brother is engaged in the College. Who does she look like? I feel quite anxious to see her. I will think it a very long time until the Spring, for then you will be on. Father is rich in Grandchildren, he has six now. We were very anxious concerning you before the letter came. Emma came out to see us, to inquire if we had had any letters. She said her Mamma was very uneasy about you. They had not received a letter for more than a month, but we both expected letters daily, so therefore, we did not write immediately. Emma expects to go to Carlisle this Winter to remain some time. Your Pa is still at home. David is in New York at present I believe. I was to have gone on to New York last week with the Agnew's, but they could not wait a day for me and now I suppose I will not go on for two weeks, when I can go with Mr. [Beattle?] and his wife, who are to be on from Newburgh today. I expect to remain in New York six months for the purpose of going to school, or in other words, of finishing my Education, if a person should ever be said to have done that for all our lives we are or ought to be learning something. I will not make any apologies for not writing to you before this, for I have nothing new to offer and you can easily imagine what was the reason. Want of time not inclination was the main reason. Theodore and I, accompanied by Miss Mary J. Milliken, took a jaunt to the North this Summer. It was a very delightful one indeed. We visited Saratoga and Ballston Springs. We found all Mr. Vedder's family well. We staid there about three weeks and then started homeward, by ourselves, for New York, for Theodore had gone to Boston, and we had to travel from [blank] to Albany alone in the cars in which we had to get about four o'clock in the morning and from there to New York in the Steam boat. We came home on Saturday and the very next Monday, Sister [Margaret T. Wylie McLeod] had the little baby. [Susan Leodania McLeod, born Aug 14, 1839] Then the day after Mother was taken sick with a Billious attack and was sick for a week. So I was quite busy for some time after I came home. Uncle Black was there and staid with us for three or four weeks. He is a great admirer of yours, by the way, and so is Aunt Mary. She was on here also in the Summer, but I suppose Theodore has told you all the news in his letter for he has written frequently since then. I suppose you have heard of the disastrous fire which happened about two weeks ago in this city. It was a terrible fire indeed, the loss has been estimated to be over a Million of Dollars. I will try and send you a Paper with an account of it in. Mother had to let Kitty go on to New York with Sister to assist in taking care of the children but she is to be back again. I was to have gone on with Sister but was not prepared. The thoughts of leaving home were to me so painful that it was with great difficulty I could bring myself to it. What time do you expect to come on? They were so anxious concerning you out at Germantown that Emma said if she could have got an opportunity she would have gone on to see you. Father has not been well for some time, with something like the Rheumatism. Mother is in excellent health. If I do not write often, you have no need to complain of the Shortness of my letters. My Dear Sister, we are very anxious to see you. You have made brother so happy, that even if we did not love you for yourself, we would love you very much on that account. I wish you would write to me soon and give me a full description of the little papoose as Uncle Black calls it. But among the first letters you write I wish you would answer Father's as he is much pleased to receive a letter from you. Give my love to Brother and tell him I think he might find time to drop a line to me. Give a kiss to dear little Louisa from me. And wishing you a great deal of happiness in this little addition to your family, I remain your

Affectionate Sister

S. J. M. W.

Transcription: Bloomington, May 19th 1845

My dear Rebecca,

This morning I sent by Mr. Graham, $200 to procure a draft to send on to you. If no accident occur, you will probably receive it (that is the $200 less the discount) a day or two after this is received. You may get this next Monday and the letter from Louisville on the Wednesday or Thursday following. It is as much or rather more than I can well spare and I think will be enough to procure what you want and bring you home. As to the getting things, that I leave to your discretion. We need a great many things, more than you can get—a cooking stove for example, which of course you need not get in Philadelphia, a carpet, a looking glass etc. etc. Elisabeth Wylie wishes you to get a yard and a half more of that red stuff you got at Mr. Alexander's, you remember the thing. She does not want any green. She has fixed upon a new pattern. I would like you to get some little presents for your sisters and a trifle or so for Theodore and Susy and Wylie and Sister Margaret. I was so much afraid of coming to the end of my purse that I did not procure any things for that purpose. I am anxious to get the account of the library from Grigg and Elliot. I am afraid that my things and theirs have got too much mixed up. It is too late now to see about it. Theodore was about to tell me one day something respecting a little balance due Dr. Wylie, or [one word] had been paid for him. It ought to have been and I suppose has been paid (to Grigg and Elliot). Woodward paid and received a receipt for all except it, having neglected to see Theodore before he paid it.

I am anxiously looking for a letter from you. This is the third that I have written without receiving any in return. Perhaps I may get one today. What do you intend to do? I hope it will be to take the advice in my last letter. I am afraid if you put off that the river will be so low that you cannot get back before fall. If you conclude to return with some of the members of Synod, Cousin Wylie for example, provided any of them will undertake the serious affair, your plan will be to start, say the first Tuesday in June. You would be in Pittsburgh then on Friday. Remain there till Tuesday. Take the Tuesday packet (the packet by all means) and be in Cincinnati Thursday morning. Take the mail boat on the same morning and reach Madison by 5 o'clock P.M. Take the cars at 6 o'clock the next morning and I or somebody else will meet you in Columbus at 11 o'clock. If you like this arrangement and find it practicable, write as soon as you can and mention particularly when you intend to start. Then write again when you get to P so that there will be no disappointment. I do hope you will have company out. If one of your sisters come, you might get along without a girl. If not, of course a girl is indispensable and you may have trouble in getting one. I have heard as a great secret that Uncle Joe and Miss Sophy are to have the affair consummated on next Thursday evening. (Particulars in our next) Uncle Joe is quite absent, always making mistakes in favor of the ladies when they visit his store, so it is said. No wonder, how can any body live without a wife? I wish Theodore would procure for me a good horse shoe [one word] not less in size than the largest we saw at that opticians in Arch St. He must not forget Summer's if it has not already been sent. I have heard nothing about the Tailor's bill. If you have plenty of money you may settle the whole of it or part of it. Or let it stand till the next opportunity. I should like however to know the amount. All friends are well. My love to all. Don't forget to write to your affectionate, blue and lonely spouse T. A. Wylie Does Father still intend to cross the ocean? Perhaps you could persuade your Ma to come out with you. What think you? Bring out with you 6 copies of McLeod's true Godliness. The will get them at Grigg's. [Bottom half of this page is missing which included most of the address. It appears there was another p.s.]

[TAW printed the following at the bottom of his letter to Rebecca.] Dear Lou, You must not let grandpas and grandmas uncles and aunts and the many pretty things you see, make you forget your own dear pa in Bloomington. Jane Wylie wants very much to see you. Don't forget that a good girl always does what her pa or ma tells them to do.

Your Pa wrote this for you read yourself.

Transcription: Savannah 25th Feb 1846

Dear Sir, Yours of the 4th inst. enclosing copies of two letters to Mrs. Dennis from Mr. Minus & twenty dollars received from her to me, has been on hand for some days. I have delayed replying to it from a view of obtaining as definite information as possible to the character & situation of the property held by the late Col. Dennis in this city and vicinity. I regret to say to you that my information is still imperfect & unsatisfactory in some respects, yet I have concluded that it would be best not to postpone answering your letter longer. It appears that the property from which Col. Dennis has received rents for many years past belonged to the Estate of one Charles Fistler formerly his clerk, who died while in his employment and upon whose Estate he administered. Fistler, from what I can learn was considerably in debt to Col. D. at the time of his decease (perhaps to a much larger amount than the value of the property he left) & his heirs if there were such appear never to have claimed it. Fistler died sometime in the 1829 and from that time to this Col. D. has remained in quiet possession of this property & received its rents, etc. etc. Still the title to it is in the Estate of Fistler from the administration of which Col D. never was discharged. It consists of a dwelling house containing two tenements in quite a desirable part of the town, a small building used as a store on the same lot and also a lot of six acres within the corporate limits of the city, unimproved upon which it appears from what I can learn no taxes have been paid for some time past. The last however has not been sold. It would seem as if no notice had been taken of it either by its holder Col. D. or by the tax officers of the city and county. I should suppose this property was of considerable value. At present the dwelling house stands greatly in need of repair. I have heard of two tracts of land in the upper part of Georgia (commonly known as the Cherokee region) held by Col. D. in his own name. Mrs. A Minus has the Plat and Grant from the State of one & John Williamson of the other. It has been suggested to me that Col D. held other land of a similar character. Would it not be as well for Mrs. Dennis to examine his papers to ascertain the truth. Col. D. was also interested in some land lying on the Carolina side of the river. The place was held by him & Capt Williams as joint tenants. It was known by the name of Danville. This has been sold for taxes. So it appears the only property of value held by Col. D. was held by him as admin. of the Estate of Fistler. This estate was largely indebted to him & he seems to have taken this property in payment of his demands. Mr. Williamson informed me that Col. D. was indebted to his Father's Estate at the time of his (Col. D.) decease some $1300, balance due of old indebtedness which he had been reducing from time to time. This Mr. W. says must be paid & that he is uncertain whether it may not be his duty to charge interest upon the original indebtedness as his Father's executor as it appears that his father obtained judgment in Carolina against Col. D. for some $7000 many years ago upon which this balance is due. On the other hand, I have heard that the obtaining this judgment was an amicable proceeding on the part of I. P. Williamson to protect Col. D. As a prof. man, my dear sir, you will perceive the many complexities in which the property is involved and how are we to commence the task of unraveling them. Some one must administer upon the Estate. The Statute of Georgia will not allow Mrs. Dennis to act in that capacity as it requires a resident of the State.

Yours very respectfully

Henry K. Jackson to I. G. Clarkson Judge [De & yous?] administered on the Estate

Another statement relative to affairs between Col. Dennis and Charles Fistler—

In 1821 R. Dennis was pressed for the payment of his bonds to the United States for duties at Custom house & judgment was obtained against him in the Federal Court of the District of Georgia for $3147.05. Under this judgment the Marshall of Georgia sold the following property per his Deeds to C. Fistler. (It then mentions different lots which altogether came to the sum of $950 which it & the above several Deeds are in the hand of Mrs. Dennis. By a memorandum made by Col D. it appears that C. Fistler gave his note for two conveyances amounting to $6400, & which notes were placed by R. Dennis in the hand of I. P. Williamson. Extracts from letters from C. Fistler in the hands of Mrs. Dennis mentions having bought in these lots & paid for them. At this time Fistler was acting as Col. Ds Clerk, was without means, his name was no doubt used to suit the views and interest of Col. D. It is presumed that the $950 paid the Marshall was furnished by Col. D & the conveyances made to protect the interest of Col D. Fistler died suddenly in Oct 1829.

Transcription: The following is copied from an obituary notice of B. K. Archer. Saml. M. Archer [Written on back in TAW's hand: Interesting letter from Mr. S. Archer]

Communicated "Departed this life at the residence of Saml. M. Archer Princeton, Ind. on the 13th of May 1847, Beza K. Archer of [town name] in his 25th year.

The deceased was a young man of warm attachments to his friends and relatives. Social in his feelings, penetrating in his perceptions, often striking and instructive in conversation. He possessed a mind above ordinary, highly cultivated, and a heart deeply impressed and extensively informed in the principles and Grace of the Gospel. He was an upright and exemplary Christian and an ornament to the reformed Church to which he belonged for several years. He died possessed of his reasoning faculties in the full confidence of a happy immortality.

"The subject of this notice had gone nearly through a college course at South Hanover and in our State University, he was half advanced in the Senior Class when he was from a slight infraction made upon his mind through disease, obliged to desist from study. From this however he recovered and was efficiently engaged as principal in our County Seminary, when he was seized with his last illness.

"From private letters to his friends while at College and since, it is very evident that he had strong convictions that it was his duty to consecrate the powers of his mind to the sacred office and work of the Ministry. Permit me to give an extract of a letter written by him to a friend: "Dec. 15, 1846. Dear Sir, What I have to say I wish to be confidential until time shall have brought an unalterable decision. The subject I have reference to regards my professional course. Shall it be the one I have partially chosen (that of medicine) or a more elevated and glorious one? 'Conscience that moral sentiment of our hearts' has been on the watch tower all the while; but fearful of being misled by a delusive imagination, and taking a favorable view of the sunny fields of worldly wealth and pleasure I have not given due heed to the dictates of this 'moral monitor.' Whether a person can become eminent should have no influence in a question of duty: capacity for eminence should have no bearing except with regard to the secular professions and not much there, for a person may be very useful in any of the learned professions and still not very eminent.

If I pursue the course I have for some time been contemplating, I feel that I will in a great measure be burying the one talent God has entrusted to my stewardship. What call is there for me in this business? But there is a call for laborers in the vineyard of our Master for the harvest is truly plenteous. My position at present is critical my contemplated decision important. The issue is with God who only knows the end from the beginning, for direction in all things we ought to pray. Remember in secret B. K. Archer"

Transcription: Bloomington August 14th 1848 Dear Father and Mother Yesterday about half after one o'clock P.M. Samuel Brown Wylie Jr was born. Just about the time, that I was closing the services in church he was making his appearance in the world. He is for his age (so all the good women say) the finest child of the bunch, large and fat, having a perfect knowledge of sucking without being taught. All I hope is that he may pass through life as credibly, and as usefully as his name sake has done, and carry his good name with him a good distance into the 20th century. Rebecca is doing very well, & we are, very well off for help, a great thing here, where it is so hard to be got. While we have had some severe afflictions this year, we have been also very much blessed. Since the restoration of the children to health, they have all been exceedingly well & through the fruitfulness of the season, we have as many luxuries as any one need desire. Some of our sabbath school teachers through my direction sent by Mr. McCalla a list of books for Theodore to procure for them, should their money be more that this list requires, he can make such a selection as he may see proper. I think that they received $10 & for that are entitled to $13.50 worth of books. Rebecca sends her love to you both. I remain your affectionate son T A Wylie

Remember me to Mr. McCalla. You can tell hem that all things about home are going - very well. Mrs. Davidson (Mr. McC's) mother, has been with us pretty constantly for a few days past.

Transcription: West Chester Nov. 27th 1848

My beloved Daughter

You no doubt think the time very long without receiving a letter from me, but as Cornelia took up the pen soon after you left here, I deemed it best not to tax you with too much postage and thought too I would wait the intelligence of your safe arrival at Bloomington. You may of course be assured that I have been very anxiously waiting a letter from you but none has as yet reached us. We still anticipate this great pleasure by the mail of to day and hope we shall not be disappointed. We miss you very much indeed though our time and minds have been occupied in attending to household concerns. You know Emma and Cornelia took a Lady and Gentleman with 4 children to board while I was absent in the City with you. Imagine my surprise when I returned home to find them to be Judge Bell and wife! The latter you know has been much talked of here as being too fond of the brandy bottle. I have to regret her entrance into my family. She is certainly the most unpleasant boarder I ever had in my house and was it not for her husband's account (who has given me no cause of complaint) I should give her notice to seek out other lodgings. But next week their time expires. He has to attend the Court in the City and then they will go. I shall rejoice to get rid of such a personage.

Cornelia has just brought up your letter of 13th inst. Pleased and thankful am I to receive it and learn the glad tidings of your health and safe arrival, also that you have not as yet felt homesick. I should have been very glad to have accompanied you, indeed to have all gone out, but circumstanced as I was I could not go. I however think seriously of emigrating in the Spring. I expected to have been at Fremont before this, but owing to having this unprincipled woman in my family have had to remain at home. I do not know now whether I shall go or not as the season is advanced and the roads bad. Addy was well last week and disappointed at my not coming. I left the City the same day you did, since when have not heard of or from the people there except a few lines from Caroline about some groceries I had purchased from Parker and he omitting to send them out, I wrote to her to see about them. Martha Newlin is well, likewise Lib Williamson, Sis Marshall and Mary Babb. Lyddia Crowell and Maryann Rooney drank tea with us on Saturday evening. Somes Crowell came for them in the evening. We were much pleased with them all. Well, my dear child you can by this time judge how you like Bloomington and how you think I would like it, but the mountains, Elizabeth, you think if I crossed them once I would not venture a second time. Now if I go to B. I expect to go over them often, therefore I must make my mind up not to be alarmed. Give my love to your Sister and Theophilus. I have no fears about you while under their protection. I am certain they will do every thing to make you happy and contented. The dear little children I suppose are grown more than you thought they had. I was sorry for my inability to send them some handsome presents, but hope to do so at some future period. Kiss them all for me, tell them grandma would like to see them. Now, my dear daughter, I must close as I have much sewing to do and no news to communicate. If Cornelia has time she can give you some of the gossip of this place on the next page. Emma desires much love to brother, Sister and children, and says "tell Dick when I've time will answer his postscript." I forgot to tell you Emma had a letter from David. He sailed from New York for Liverpool on 1st November.

That God may bless and protect you is the sincere earnest prayer

Of your affectionate Mother

Susan S. Dennis Miss E. S. Dennis Bloomington, Indiana

My Dear Libby,

I will give you a good scolding for not writing me ere this. What excuse can you offer? I will inform Thomas of this piece of negligence! Mat sends her love to you and says you are a saucy thing for sending her so poor an excuse for not writing to her. She has just sent me a large glass plate of blanc mange. "Who throw'd dat dere brick bat" she wishes me to inform you is in the enjoyment of perfect health. Also your gallant Tom & Atwood. The latter is on the eve of departure for Wilksbarre. Jim Everhart was the author of that piece that was written in the Jeffersonian of which we have heard so much. I have the paper and really it makes Atwood and Alf Gallaner appear exceedingly ludicrous. But at the same time it reflects but little if any credit upon pigmy Mr. Everhart. Mother is quite in the spirit of emigration. I am perfectly willing to concur to any plan for her welfare and if she thought she could be more successful in the West and wanted to go, I would not say one word against it for any [word missing]. But Oh! Lib, it would almost break my heart to leave all, no not all but Mat & John!! Now is not that a confession? But I would not make it to any one else. I must now turn from sentimental subjects to laughable ones. Well! You are aware that we have a great brandy lover in the form of a woman boarding with us. Last night she had occasion to use the punch bowl, alias member mug! And instead of allowing it to remain in the room covered till morning, she pitched the contents all out of the third story window and they lodged on the marble slab of our front steps. Our step was in a pretty plight and before we were at all aware of the figure it cut, Mr. Woodward, Ben Everhard and several others had passed and if their admiration was not excited, I will not hesitate to say that they are gentlemen of extraordinary taste!!! Was it not mortifying? She is a complete scandalmonger, story teller & last though not least Drunkard. Her husband a very fine man and is her opposite in every respect. But I think she is a very wicked woman.

You must write immediately. Give my love to Sister, tell her if she lets you get homesick it will be her fault or rather if she allowed you to be so long, for by giving you a piece of smoked ham all such diseases will disappear. Tell Mr. Wylie he must not forget those fine smart young men he promised me my choice of. Are there any in Bloomington to compare with my beau? I hardly think that possible. Isaac Darlington took Mat to church last evening to hear Mr. Patton!! She is quite enamored of him. I think George Rouzee has great cause for feeling jealous. I wish you could see George with his pea green and sometimes sky blue kid gloves. He is a dandy of the first water, a dashing exquisite whose very looks are killing. The mischief he contemplates perpetrating upon the hearts of the fair sex I would not like to be answerable for. Poor youth! Vanity is his prevailing fault and will be his death if he is not careful. Write soon my darling and tell me all, everything will interest your devotedly attached Sister

Cornelia Millen Dennis I wish to goodness you could hear Tom S. singing!!

Think you I would do such a thing as elope without letting you know. I would not such a thing. Shame to suspect us of such a piece of imprudence! Think of us often and let us know if you are perfectly happy. Your Cornelia

Transcription: Dear Aunt, you must not show this at all. If you do it must be either to All (you know who I mean) or Aunt Cornelia or to Miss Newlin

[in a different hand, the following] Bloomington, July 1849

To Lizzie

Young guileless and free As the bird on the cliff Me think you are an angel Who looks down from heaven and smiles on me And says I love you Thou who art beautiful tells me so Few know that elegance of soul refined Whose soft sensation feels a quicker joy From melancholy scenes than the dull pride Of tasteless splendor and magnificence Can e'er afford

And with scarlet poppies around like a bower The maiden found her mystic flower Now gentle flower I pray thee tell If my lover loves me, and loves me well. So may the fall of the morning dew Keep the sun from fading they tender blue Now I number the leaves for my lot He loves not, he loves me, he loves me not He loves me, yes thou last leaf yes I'll pluck thee not for that last sweet guess He loves me! Yes a dear voice sighs And her lover stands by Lizzie's side.

Transcription: New York, Decr. 25th /49

Dear Brother, We are in affliction. As you have probably heard ere this, our dear John Neil has been taken from us by a very sudden blow. On Friday he went to school as usual, came home complaining of a pain in his knee. It soon showed itself to be inflammatory rheumatism, suddenly shifted to the brain & he expired on the sixth day after his attack. He was a fine, docile intelligent child. He was just beginning to show signs of a very fine mind, a good promise & all our hearts were knit to him in strong affection. But he is gone, & we have the [one word undecipherable] to believe that he is in better company today than any this earth affords.

The calm of our household happiness of nearly twenty years duration has been interrupted by a storm unexpected and terrible. Still God is good, & we desire to be submissive.

You know the sensitiveness of your sister's temperament & her great affection for her children. But tho' she suffers greatly she is more sustained.

It is some time since any communication has passed between you and us. We are now living at 87 West 20th St., a mile and a half above where you saw us before, and at that distance from our new place of worship.

What changes a year brings sometimes! Dr. Black is gone and a breach has been made upon my household which will sunder memorable the year 1849

All pretty well at present at Bellevue. Susan is with us just now, and Mrs. McGee, her son and daughter are also here on a visit.

My son Wylie is studying medicine and means to make a doctor. He is very fond of chemistry and is a very [hand?] student.

With great regard to yourself and all yours, I am truly Yours John N. McLeod

Rev T. A. Wylie Bloomington, Indiana.

Transcription: Baltimore Jan 18th 1849 [Should be 1850, see reference to John Neil McLeod's death. He died Dec. 13, 1849. This is clearly a case of her not being used to writing the new year of 1850.]

My Dear Elizabeth,

You must not suppose for one instant that I have forgotten you because your letter has remained so long unanswered. No indeed, for although I have not addressed a line to you, I have borne you continually in my mind and heart as well Rebecca and her family as yourself. But my silence must be attributed to my being constantly employed after Emma's departure to Fremont in attending to household duties and preparing for my visit to this place. Since my arrival here on the 27th Dec. last, have been quite indisposed with a bad cold. Not a cough, but more of cold in the head accompanied with pain and giddiness which at times made me feel as though my head was on some one else's shoulders, if you can understand how that can be. Perhaps you have felt so yourself some time or other. If so, you know by experience how bad a feeling it is. Still I have not kept my bed. I am much better and hope in a few days to be quite restored to health. I was sorry to hear dear little Sammy had been sick and hope he is now recovered. Teething is very trying to young children. I am glad to hear you are enjoying yourself so much and are so happy and contented. I am very thankful to your brother and sister for their great kindness to you. I think the dress you sent me a pattern of is very handsome and hope you were enabled to get it made up handsomely. It seems to me a good mantua maker would be quite an assistance to the young ladies of Bloomington. I left Cornelia in Philadelphia. Had a letter from her last week. She was well and in the very best of spirits. Friends all kindness and had received several handsome Christmas and New Year's presents. But I suppose she will write and inform you all about them if she has not done so already. I found your sister Caroline and family all well, the children grown a good deal. The baby (Kate) a dear little delicate creature, pretty and sweet as I think all babies are. Harry and Caddy are advancing fast in learning. Caddy is learning French and music and in the latter has made great improvement. Julia also plays little pieces very well. Caddy says she thinks you might write her. They all send love to you. Matty Newlin was well when we left W. C. She is going to school again to Price's. Report was at W. C. that Tom Sharpless's sister was engaged to Joshua Smith. M. Day had gone to Cincinnati to be married. Old Mr. Kerns had been very sick but was recovering. Mr. Painter was quite sick when we left. I have not heard from Emma for some two or three weeks and am hoping every mail to get a letter. There was a good deal of typhoid fever around and in Fremont when I last heard. While here, I shall not perhaps write you as often as if I was at home. Therefore do not feel uneasy if you do not hear as frequently as formally. Georgiana wrote Caroline that Mr. Wray was to preach last Sunday in Laurenceville, N. Jersey, so that I suppose they are there. You wish to know why I do not send out a power of attorney respecting the land in Illinois and think because I do not that I am indifferent about it, which I can assure you is not the case for circumstanced as I am, the recovery of them would most certainly be an object. But gentlemen who have had opportunities of information respecting lands similarly situated advise me to be cautious and think that a simple power of attorney would be of no use whatever. And my lawyer Mr. Brinckle is of opinion that the power of attorney must be executed by all the heirs. He says our courts will not grant an order to sell property out of the state nor an order to sell property within the state except for the payment of debts. I wish you to let your brother read this or read it to him yourself and say to him to please request Mr. Harding to write directly to Mr. Wm. H. Brinckle, W. 24 South 5th Street, Philadelphia stating precisely what is required besides the evidence sent out. I have heard nothing about my trunk and will have to commence a suit against the Director of the R[rest of word missing, probably railroad]. Tell Louisa I must beg her forgiveness for my great neglect of not answering her letter, but she must wait a little longer and when I write I will endeavor to make it most acceptable. When I was last at Dr. Wylie's all were well. Since my being here I learnt with regret that Mrs. McLeod had lost a son of 7 or 8 years of age. Her children were all so promising and intelligent. The trial must indeed be great. May the parents be sustained and comforted under this severe dispensation. Give my love to Rebecca. Tell her Susan Wylie I think feels hurt that the articles she procured last fall and sent out were omitted to have called forth a letter of thanks. When I last saw her, she told me she had not heard how you liked them or any thing about them. Mrs. McGee and herself I know took great pains to select what they thought would please. The bonnet and dress which I saw I thought beautiful. It is not however too late to tender acknowledgments for the kindness. Caroline and family all send love to yourself, Rebecca and her family and want to know when you are all coming on. I have spun out a long letter. Caddy is sick with bad cold. Take more pains with your writing and write soon. I long to hear from you all. Love to all,

Your affectionate Mother

S. S. Dennis

Transcription: Bloomington Feb 8th 1850

My dear brother Your letter was received some two or three weeks ago. I wrote a reply to it shortly after it was received, and something in it not altogether pleasing me, made me put off till a more convenient time. I had heard from Theodore of the death of your little boy John. I remember the little fellow well. There was something about him which made an impression on me, so that I can bring his appearance and behavior before me, more visibly than I can of any of the younger children of your family excepting Theodore. Having been afflicted myself, in a similar way, I can sympathize with you. Our little Susan was not so old as John Niel, she was just beginning to talk, & had so twined herself around our hearts, that it was hard indeed to reconcile ourselves to our loss. I feel much for sister. I know well here too sensitive disposition, & how hard it must have been for her to submit to the chastisement. I was in N. York when Alexander had the scarlet fever, the same time that Mr. Agnew lost his little Renwick. I remember well her distress and anxiety, & thought to myself that the death of the boy would be the death of the mother. She has I hope with increasing years become, not less attached to her children, but more disposed to think less of the present life & would the loss of both is a matter of little or no consequence provided we are prepared for the better. We must all follow sooner or later, may we all meet in the enjoyment of perfect happiness. I had designed writing to sister but I hardly know how to do it. She does not need advice & that I feel for her, & could mourn with her, she knows as well as if many letters had been written. We are plodding along pretty much as usual. We have been rejoicing somewhat in the prospect of the disinterment of Bloomington, so long buried in obscurity. This is to be effected by two rail roads crossing in our town. One running from N. Celbang, ultimately to Crawfordsville on the Wabash which is to be here in about 2 yrs, & the other at right angles to it from Columbus, about 40 miles to the east of this, which will connect this place with Cincinnati. The present design of this road is to penetrate the coal & iron region which lies about 20 miles west, & will I have no doubt ultimately become a part of the great western route from Cincinnati to St Louis. There is every prospect of Bloomington becoming a small city of 7 or 8000 inhabs. In the course of 10 or 15 yrs. There are on or two things glimmering in the future which render our prospect a little less bright. There is a decision of the Supreme Court to be given with regard to the college, which if against us, will use up all our fund, & probably prostrate the university. The other is, that a convention has been determined upon, in order to make a new constitution for the state. This convention will act next October, & there will be a strong movement made then, principally by the Methodists, to destroy the Univ & distribute the funds. We have a good deal to fear from as the Univ is not very popular, & of course all interested in sectarian institutions, will be clamorous for its downfall. The poor college has been a bone of contention, & the mark for the attacks of all sorts of archers, & spearmen none of them calculated to strengthen it, all to weaken, so that I pray its enemies will be merciful. I will not be able to attend the meeting of Synod next May. Could you not make it convenient to pay us a flying visit. How gratifying it would be Reb. & myself, to have you and sister here for a few weeks & as many of the children as you can conveniently bring along. Think seriously of the matter. When I was in Philade last I thought Wylie had some notion of studying law. I was xxxxxx persuading him to look to the west as the best field for his talents, but I have heard, I hardly know how, that he is studying medicine. Give my love to sister and the children. ..I should not forget to be remembered to Miss Scott who with Susan put themselves to a good deal of trouble on my account in the way of shopping. Yours as ever

T A Wylie

Transcription: West Chester Sept 24th 1850

My Dear Elizabeth

It has certainly been a long time since I penned you my last letter but if you knew how much my time is occupied you would not wonder at my not writing. Since our boarders left, we have been putting our house in order and having discharged our servants we sometimes find the day too short for us, night comes on before we can get through. We are now busy helping Emma to get ready for her trip to Fremont, where she expects to winter. I shall miss her very much if I remain here, but as neither company nor some thing more necessary offers for a journey to Bloomington, I rather think we shall both follow her to Schuylkill County. It is too lonely here, 9 chambers and only two to occupy them. Addie and the Dr are very desirous for our company so I think it not unlikely but that we shut up the house here and leave for the winter. Dear Lizzie I regretted I had not a purse full of gold that I could have sent you and Rebecca and family some handsome things but you must all take the will for the deed. I could not well leave home at the time Mr. McCalla was in Philadelphia and wrote Susan Wylie to procure some articles for you. She was so kind as to get them and sent them by him. I hope they may please you. One of the belts I intended for your sister. Emma sent you a collar with ribbon attached and a pair of cuffs and also a purse. It was not the one intended for you but she could not get it finished in time and so sent another. E says one of the articles are meant for Rebecca so you must fix upon it between yourselves. I also sent the dress. I did not rip it apart because I could not have had it made to fit you. Besides Cornelia put it on and as it was not much too large for her we concluded it could not be much so for you and as the style of the sleeves and body was similar to the fashion then we thought it better not to alter it. But the fashion now is perfectly plain body, open in front, with lets set in and laced like a corset with braid or two coloured shoe strings sewed together to make it long enough to lace. The sleeves are now worn plain with 3 rows of ribbon pinked, put on where the caps always reached. Aprons made of thin book muslin, 3 breadths in an apron, seams left open each side and looped together with ribbon bows of any color you fancy. Black velvet cuffs are worn very much. Black velvet bonnets are to be worn with cherry or blue lining. No inside trimming, the vacancy filled up with Jenny Lind curls, combs are not worn. Caroline and Addie are well, also their families. Georgiana is living at a place called Beach Woods, Jefferson County, Washington Township. Mr. Wray has a church there. She seems quite satisfied, writes the people are kind and will not let their minister want for any thing. I received with much pleasure a few days ago a letter from your brother. It is dated July 10th at St. Pedro's Bar, River Toulamne. "He says" I left San Francisco in the latter part of Feb and was about 10 days getting here. We had furnished ourselves with a tent in S. Fran. We set to work after buying mining tools and have succeeded so far very well. Have done better than many and not so well as some of the lucky ones. The river which has been very high owing to the melting of the snow on the Sierra Nevada Mountains and has stopped nearly all work on its banks is now falling and the prospect for the future 3 months in its bed is good. Some who are connected with ditches which are dug for the purpose of turning the natural course of the river anticipate fortunes. Expenses for provision and tools are very great. Flour sells from 18 to 22 cts per lb. Pork 40 to 50 cts. Sugar 50 to 60 cts. Molasses $1. to 1.50 qt. etc. etc. I have enjoyed good health all the time in fact there is no sickness in these southern mines, while at the northern it is just the reverse. The weather is so extremely hot it has taken all my appetite away. The digging for gold is pretty hard work, but when a man makes from 8 to 30 dollars per day, he does not mind it so much. We rise at the break of day, cook our meals and march to our hole, sometimes ½ oftentimes 6 miles over high mountains and down into steep vallies. The scenery here is grand and beautiful beyond conception and the river water is the best water in the world. The water and the gold are the only good things in California. The face of the country at this time appears like a desert, the grass is burnt up by the great heat. The creeks are nearly all dried up. I think I shall winter here as what are called the dry diggings are good ones in the winter or rainy season. We will build a log cabin, lay in our stock of provision and when we have done on this river I think it is probable I shall go to the Chinese Diggings about 18 miles from this place. There is plenty of game at present. Hares, partridges, squirrels, deer, grizzly bear, etc. There is a great deal of dissipation going on at the mines, gambling and drinking are carried on to a horrid excess. I meddle with neither having one object in view viz to make my pile as soon as possible and then quit the country. I wish to make enough that we can be comfortable on at home. I shall leave next fall 1 year, money or no money. I should like very much to hear from you all. If you write, direct as at the beginning of this letter. Love to all" I thought it would be a source of gratification to all to hear what your brother says, therefore have copied the principle part of his letter. I pray his life may be spared and that he may be returned to us again blessed with health and competence. But, dear daughter, this life is a chequered scene. Sometimes we are elated with hope and enjoy the smiles of fortune, then comes a change, the cup of joy is dashed from our lips or we are made to drink the dregs of disappointment and bitterness. Whatever our heavenly Father will, I pray to be resigned it. If blessings are conferred may I be thankful. If denied, or removed, may I be calm and submissive, knowing it is all right for He who can not err has so ordained it. I was in expectation of receiving money arising from sale of some land belonging to my Grandfather's Estate before this, but as I could not get time to write the heirs respecting it and get their receipts to forward to the attorney, I shall not handle it in time to visit Bloomington this autumn. So will let it remain at interest in the purchaser's hands. Cornelia received a handsome phillipine a few days ago from a young gent who boarded here in the summer. Two pair small jars or pots for flowers to stand on the mantle. Mat Newlin is much improved in appearance, looks sometimes rather handsome. Peggy is to leave them soon, is going to live with her sister at Reading. Dr. Wylie and family were all well on Wednesday last. Mrs. McLeod, husband and children expected to leave next day for N. York. Their cousin Mrs. Brown was also there and left Wednesday for Vermont. Little Theodore is teaching school in Philadelphia. Mrs. Madeline Williamson has been spending the summer at New Port, was in Philadelphia but had left for a few days to visit some friend somewhere. I did not go see her. Emma and Cornelia unite with me in love to Rebecca, Theophilus, the children and yourself. Mr. Brinckle has written your brother to have a deed drawn according to the Illinois form and send on for me to execute, which I think the best and only way to do, as it is impossible to get the signatures of all the heirs without trouble and waiting a considerable time as David is so far away. Adieu, my much loved child. May God bless and keep you and all with you—so prays your affectionate Mother Susan S. Dennis Write soon

Transcription: Philadelphia, 12th Nov 1850

Dear Sir

I received yours of the 8th instant on Saturday, but that being a busy day with me I could not attend to it then but received the $30 this morning and called on Mr. Dieringer and paid his bill which was $9.50, the receipt I will place among some other of yours which I will hand you when I see you.

In answer to your question about property here, I can only say it depends altogether upon the location, in some parts of the city it has advanced considerably in others it has depreciated. I f you will let me know where you would like to purchase, I will make the necessary enquiries. There are a great many houses advertised for sale in different parts of the city and adjoining districts so that you can be suited perhaps better at this time than in the Spring. I can at any rate look about and if I hear of one that I think will suit you will let you know. My family are all quite well and desire to be particularly remembered to Mrs. Egbert and all. With respect I remain Yours truly, James Bering N. 20th South 8th St.

[On back of sheet are some accounts labeled Doctor D. Egbert in account with James Bering. There are 14 entries from 1849 and 1850, with balance as of Nov. 12, 1850, $29.69]

Transcription: West Chester Dec. 28th 1850

My Very Dear Child

I received your very acceptable and affectionate letter and at the time intended replying very soon, but as we are too apt to do, postponed it until from the arrival of some boarders I found it impossible to fulfill my intentions until now. I was glad to hear you were all enjoying health and happiness, two of the greatest blessings conferred upon us mortals here below by a kind heavenly Father. May our comforts and enjoyments inspire us with more gratitude and thankfulness and a stronger desire than ever to live more obediently to his holy will and promote the glory of our Redeemer's kingdom while here on earth. You wrote about the bounty land Bill. I have sent the necessary papers to Dr. Egbert who has forwarded them to Washington I expect before this. They promised him when he was there to attend to them immediately. They will give me the money ($120) if I wish it or a Warrant for 160 acres of land, located wherever I please. The land I prefer having as it will increase in value if I hit upon a good location, but where? is the question for of this I am no judge. Perhaps some one more conversant on this subject will inform me. What does your brother say? Emma informed me a few days ago that Dr. Speck is about removing from Fremont to Selins Grove on the Susquehanna. They expected to leave this week. Emma will go with them and remain perhaps a little while and then come home, presuming I may want her. I would have liked her here the last 10 days, as I was without a girl and had to hire by the day which cost rather too much but now I have got the same cook I had the latter part of last summer. She is a good girl and reminds me very often of Chloe. Is about her size, steady and regular about her work, knows her business and goes about it without telling. I have a Mrs. Cross and family consisting of 2 daughters, son and servant with me. One of her daughters is grown up, the other 7 years of age, the son is 12 years, the servant an old colored woman. They have been living at Baton Rouge and New Orleans for several years and are come to this place to educate the children. They are very pleasant family, so far give no trouble and will be permanent. The husband Major Cross of the army is at Washington. He will not be here. Mrs. Cavada is at the Hotel and very desirous to come to me but am undecided about taking her. I would have to go to an extra expense of another servant and purchase carpet etc. etc. which would hardly be worth while, particularly as I am obliged to quit this house 1st April and don't know where I shall move to. Mr. Enchus is coming in the house himself or I would not have to move. I have not been to the city for 3 months. Of course seen none of Dr. Wylie's family but had a letter from Susan 6 or 7 weeks ago. They were all well then. There is I believe no talk of her getting married. I hope when she does marry she will get one worthy of her. I have not heard of David since Sept and begin to feel somewhat uneasy about him. I hope and pray no evil has befallen him, but there are so many wicked desperate beings in the region of California that renders life there very uncertain. Caroline and family are well. She sent Cornelia a handsome velvet bonnet and beautiful cap to me and some cash for Emma as Christmas presents. I have had no recent letter from Georgiana. Her last letter to Caroline informed of her little girl having scarlet fever badly. I believe I wrote you where she was living. Give our love to Rebecca and Theophilus and family. I want to see you all once more but can't tell when it will be. Hope and patience are two great virtues and we must exercise both. I trust we shall all be reunited again in this world, but if not, may we all meet at last around our heavenly Father's Throne never more to be separated. God bless you all my dear children. Live near to Him who died for you. Write soon and believe me as ever your affectionate Mother,

Susan S. Dennis

Miss Elizabeth S. Dennis

Tis raining hard and I have no more paper in the house or would write a longer letter. Cornelia sends love to all

Transcription: West Chester, April 15th 1851

My dear Daughter,

I have intended writing you from day to day ever since the receipt of yours giving the sad intelligence of dear little Samuel's death [Samuel Brown Wylie, b. 8/13/1848, d. 2/22/1851], but something or other has always prevented. But Cornelia wrote you, and of course you could not feel uneasy. I visited Phil. & Francisville for a few days and saw our mutual friend Mr. McCalla. I need not say I was much pleased to see him. He is a very clever man. By him I sent two worked collars. I would have sent other articles but for two reasons. One was, I knew not but you might go into mourning, and then in that case they would be useless. Another was, Mr. McCalla had no trunk with him, only a carpet bag, and I did not like to encumber him with goods. And you did not write for anything, though I supposed you was in too much affliction to think of dress &c. I hope our dear Rebecca and Theophilus have become more reconciled to their loss. It is indeed a sad trial, but it is one that all the sons and daughters of Adam must submit to. To see those on whom we have placed our affections, on whom our fondest hopes are centered, stricken down by the icy hand of death, is a stroke that no one possessed of sensibility cannot but feel, and that with the keenest anguish. But the Christian's sorrow is different from that of the worldling. The one, though deep and bitter indeed the wound, after the instantaneous sting has passed away, finds a balm, a sweet solace in looking from this world to the next, looking to his God reflecting and meditating on the gracious words of our dear Redeemer. "I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am, there ye may be also." The child of the world has no such hope, no such consolation. He grieves because he seems to feel or think the departed one is lost to him forever. No bright anticipation of meeting again, before Jehovah's glorious Throne where every tear is wiped from every eye, and sickness and death are unknown. I feel assured that my dear children have borne submissively and resignedly the sad afflictive dispensation of our heavenly Father in taking to his own bosom their little darling which was lent them for a brief season, to be given up without a murmur, when He in his Divine wisdom should see fit. Happy, thrice happy little Samuel! They Saviour after suffering and dying for thee, arose from the grave and went and prepared a place for thee in Heaven, whither He has removed thee to unite with the angelic choir in singing endless praises to the Lamb forever. Your sister Adelaide who Cornelia informed you had a little daughter on the 25th last month, was better when we heard on Friday last. She has poor thing, had a trying time of it, particularly for one so delicate as she is. The day the baby was born little Annie was taken sick, and continued so for one week, at the expiration of that time Addie's nurse was called away, and Addie was after that quite sick. The day before the nurse was called away, they discharged their girl, as she was so very worthless, so there she was without any help. Fortunately some female of their acquaintance with her daughter came along, so she left the girl to assist her for a few days. The Dr. wrote us on the 9th (Wednesday) that Addie was better, had been down the day before and that day a little while. I think either Emma or myself will go to her the last of this week or beginning of next, unless she gets help and is very much better. We have no boarders now and can well leave home. Mrs. Cross took herself & family off two weeks ago, she having procured rooms at the Hotel at a lower rate. I had a letter from Caroline last week. Herself & children are well excepting Caroline who has not entirely recovered from her attack of typhoid fever during the winter. The Dr paid a visit of 4 or 5 days to Phil. He called to see Mr. Lindsay, Mr. Gerrard &c but did not honour W. Chester with his presence. His time at Baltimore expired on the 1st April. They have not decided where they will go. He made an offer for a house while in the city. A house in Pine Street above 11th. The price $6000. They split on $200 that sum being asked over and above on a/c of sheds, gas, &c. I hear no tidings of poor David. Know not what has become of him. I sometimes feel uneasy. Tho he may be far from P. Offices. The Lord can uphold and keep him. I put my trust in Him. Have not heard from Georgiana for a long time. Mrs. Williamson has gone to New York, to be with her daughter Annie in her confinement, so Caroline writes me. Mattie Newlin was here yesterday, was to go to the city this morning on her way to Jersey to see Mattie Shinn who was married last winter to Dr Crossman. We are now in our new home. Mr. Enchus is living at our old one. Dr. Worthington lives next door to us. Mrs. Brinton and family are all well. As Emma will add a few lines will conclude by requesting my best love to all. Your affectionate Mother Susan S. Dennis

Miss Elizabeth S. Dennis

Dear Lizzie

I have been thinking of writing you ever since my return but have been engaged most of my time, first in preparing to move and then in getting ready for summer. I left Selins Grove the last of February and reached home the next day. I was much pleased with my visit. Addy and the Dr. were very kind, indeed the only thing that annoyed me was they would not let me work or assist as much as I thought I ought. Ma talks of going up to see the little stranger. How much I wish you were nearer. I should so much have liked to have been with sister in her trouble but doubt if I ever get as far as Bloomington. If I had plenty of money to go and return as I would please I should not long delay my visit. But that I never expect to have. Ma wishes me to ask Theophilus where he thinks she had better have her bounty land located. She forgot it when writing. It is quite cold to day. We, girl and all, are around the kitchen fire and since Ma stopped writing it has been quite a Babel, Cornelia singing one minute at the top of her lungs, talking to me the next, so you must excuse all mistakes. It was so warm when we moved we had no stove put in the dining room as the pipe would have to be let up into the room above. We like our new house very much, but I believe Ma regrets taking it, had she not have done so, she might possibly have visited Bloomington in the course of the year. I must now stop but will write sister and yourself very soon. Love to all, take good care of sister & yourself. Yours affectionately Emma

Transcription: May 3rd (Saturday) 1851

My Little Liz,

I received thy very welcomed letter last week and would have answered it immediately but was very much engaged in domestic affairs. Mamma left us on Sixth day week for Selings Grove. Addy was sick and wrote for Mamma to visit her, which she instantly did, being uneasy about Addy. We have received one letter since she arrived at her destined haven. She was well and Addie was better. Addie calls her little girl Dora! Sister Caroline wrote us last week that we might expect to see her in Philadelphia next week. Egbert's time expired in Baltimore on the 1st May and contrary to his expectations, he received orders to the East Indies! Well, he was wrathy and proceeded forthwith to Washington and succeeded in getting the orders revoked and is consequently awaiting orders and proposes making a tour to the West.

4th—Dear Lizzie I was called away from the desk yesterday by Company. Who do you think? Why Dr. Carpenter and he had been here but a short time when Martha Newlin came in and staid for tea. The Doctor looked remarkably handsome. He has so much strength and decision of character, even conversing with him a moment you can perceive it. Every one admires him. Mrs. Brinton, who has so much penetration and insight into character, pronounces him a "very dignified, fascinating man." But do not my dear Liz, think I am caught. Oh! no, I am as free from Cupid's visitations as you could wish. I love him as a brother. Martha Newlin enquires after you. Her father came up in the evening. Townsend Eachus and wife also spent the evening with us so you see our friends do not neglect us. I felt uneasy to hear of your sickness in church. Do be careful of yourself. Emma sends a great deal of love and begs you to nurse yourself. We are still alone in our glory. I hope Sister Caroline will come stay some time with us. She has been so kind to us that I feel as if I could not do enough for her. This winter she gave me an elegant velvet bonnet with feathers, a handsome dress, and money! She is too kind and she gives Mother and Emma very generously.

How much I should like to see you. I so often think and talk of you. Emma and I were talking over the fire the other evening of your maneuver to get a Pumkin of old Mrs. Heileg in Germantown and we did laugh heartily at it. You asked in your last letter "who Sally Miles is?" Why little Sallie, but no longer the same. She is a pretty, intelligent young lady. I received a long, beautifully written letter from her last week, teasing me about a certain M.D. Dr. C (whom she is well acquainted with) and begging me to visit her. If Sister Caro comes next week, I will go to Germantown on a visit. My old man talks of going down at that time and 'twill be a good opportunity for me to go. Lizzie Billmeyer has been very sick, but is slowly recovering. Poor old Commodore Barron is dead. Liz our old trees are standing still. They are as strait and tall as ever. Do you remember them? "Those fur trees tall and high?" Yesterday morning Carry Price and I went out to gather wild flowers. We got Anemones, violets (blue and yellow), and lilies of the valley. Oh! so sweet! Now for fashions, bodies are worn either entirely plain or gathered all over the front and tacked to the body. This is an old fashion come up. Sist[rest missing] understand it, they are called basket bodies. Sleeves are worn flowing at the elbows and under sleeves of lace. Ribbon cuffs are still worn, a plain band of ribbon round the wrist with a large double bow on the top of the hand. The ladies of Boston have donned a man's attire, their dress is entirely oriental—Turkish—I must come to a conclusion as my paper is almost exhausted. Do write very soon as I love to hear from you. And my dear Liz, be very careful what you write Martha Newlin! I speak for your own good. She is a girl I have but very little respect for and no confidence in. Remember Emma's warning on that subject. We have our reason for doing so.

Do not let any one see this letter, destroy it as soon as you read it. Oh! how I wish you were here, for then I could tell you some things that cannot be safely committed to paper. Of course you know the nature of them. Do my dear write soon. Cousin Aneas was married last Thursday. We received an invitation to the wedding. When are you going to enter the state of wedlock? Cheer up girl! The world is not so bad after all there are hearts that love through "weal and woe." I am as light hearted today as a feather, happy as a king. Never despair Liz, we will hug each other yet and laugh and talk of our trials. The sun of prosperity will shine and we will bask in its rays. Yours lovingly, Cornelia

This is Sunday! Don't scold but if I do not write today I can't write tomorrow. Give my love to Sister and children, Yours truly, Corny

Transcription: Selinsgrove, June 4th, 1851

My Dear Daughter,

I have now been at this place six weeks, and I am hurt to think this is the first time I have taken pen in hand to write you. I know not how it is but such is the fact. I have often and often thought, well, I will write today. Then something happens and I put it off. Since my arrival here, I have spent much of my time in nursing the infant. You know how fond I am of babies and ours is a lovely little girl 10 weeks old. The other is also an interesting child, has very fair skin, rosy cheeks, dark blue eyes and light brown hair with small mouth. Her father seems to doat on her, indeed he loves her too much I fear, for do we not almost always hear of their being taken to their heavenly father's bosom in early life when the flower is just expanding. 'Tis because parents too often make an idol of their child, when instead their affections ought to be given more to their Creator. But such is human nature. We claim them as our own, though only lent us for a season. They are part of ourselves and we must and do love them though sometimes too much. Emma wrote me that Rebecca had arrived at Pittsburg and intended Philadelphia but had returned back to Bloomington. What was the reason of this, why did they not come on? It certainly would have been of much service to her health, the change of scene too would have diverted her mind from her recent trial and she would have been much benefited. The journey too would have done Theophilus much good. He certainly too needed change. What could have induced them to change their minds and go back? We would all have been so glad to have seen them once more. Besides I thought they would have brought little Richard on so that an operation could be performed on his tonsils. I am so sorry they did not come, but perhaps they will come on in the fall and bring you with them. I do want to see you so very much. If I had had the means of traveling I should have gone on to see you all before this time, but money is an article that is always scarce and very scarce with me and I fear will be as long as I live, so that I cannot promise myself the happiness of ever seeing you again unless you can come to me. I intended leaving here tomorrow for Carlisle where I will spend a few days with my relations and then shape my course homewards. But your sister's little servant girl was taken sick with the measles on Sunday and the Dr and Addie have prevailed on me to remain awhile longer, until we ascertain whether the children take it or not, so that I will probably not get away before last of next week or week after. Addie is very comfortably situated here. The Dr is a good man, makes a kind affectionate husband. He is not what the world calls rich, but if his life is spared I think he bids fair to be so in a few years, has a good practice which will increase when the sickly season comes on. The country is most beautiful, the river scenery beautiful. I took a ride to Northumberland about 10 days ago and was charmed with the view of the landscape. Dr. Egbert has bought a house in Philadelphia on 9th Street below Walnut. I expect they are about moving into it now. The Dr and little Cad have been out to W. Chester to see the girls. Caddie remained one week. Cornelia says she has grown very much, is as tall as she is. The Dr talked of going West. If so, I expect he will visit you at Bloomington. I received a letter from Georgiana a few days ago. She has just moved on their farm, was very busy. Mr. Wray had purchased 3 or 4 acres, so she makes her butter, also candles, soap, etc. Willie is beginning to read very nicely and Angus to spell words of one syllable. Susan Angus was also knitting pr of stockings for her brother and few days before had made a small loaf of bread. This is well for a child 6 years old. I have no news of your brother David and am very anxious as to where and how he is. I hope the best however. Tell Rebecca how much I regret that Theophilus and herself did not come on. But I hope they will not disappoint us in the Autumn. Change of place, of air, and objects will do them both much good. They must not dwell on their loss. The lovely child is far better off than he ever could be here, and they will see him again in their Father's house in heaven, never again to be parted.

My next letter will be to Rebecca. Give my love and Addie's to Theophilus and Rebecca. Addie also sends much love to you. Write soon and direct to West Chester as I shall probably leave here before a letter could reach. So adieu for the present my dearly beloved child. And that God may ever bless and protect you is the sincere and ardent prayer of

Your Affectionate Mother

Susan S. Dennis Miss Elizabeth S. Dennis

Transcription: Philada Octr 14, 1851

My Dear Elizabeth,

Since the receipt of your last, I have thought I would not reply to it until I could procure some little article to enclose you, but do you know I have gone out and come in again without getting it, so today having had three letters to write, the idea occurred to me that I had better also finish with one to you—indeed my spirits are so buoyant that I feel as if I could impart my cheerfulness to all around, far and wide. What do you think? I have at last heard of David. [David C. Dennis, her son] I received a letter this morning from Richard Conn, in which he informs he had just read a letter from David to a friend of his in New York dated May 25th in which he says he had written home several times, but had never recd one from any one in return, his health was good, that he was comfortably situated in a log cabin, had been doing well and would return soon as he completed his figure, as he calls it. I suppose he means when he makes enough. To hear that life is still spared and health good is source of much gladness to me and calls forth thankfulness to the Great Giver of all good, from whom all our comforts and mercies flow. Join with me dear child in praise and thanksgivings for this and all the other mercies bestowed upon us undeserving sinners. 15th I wrote Rebecca and enclosed the Deed of Conveyance of the Illinois land signed by some of the heirs, which I suppose has reached before this. Mrs. Williamson [Madeline Julia Dennis Williamson, step child of Susan S. Dennis] and Mrs. Guerard's [Harriet Eliza Dennis Guerard, Madeline Williamson's sister and step child of Susan] name are not among the number. They do indeed behave very strangely, and why, I cannot divine. However I care not, nor does their conduct distress me in the least, conscious as I feel of never having deviated from perfect rectitude of conduct towards them. The time may come however when they will regret their behaviour. Mrs. G. and her daughter Harriet called to see Caroline [Caroline Dennis Egbert, Susan's eldest daughter] one evening since I have been here. I was up stairs and did not see them, but although they knew I was here, they never enquired nor breathed the name of any of the family. Mrs. W. also arrived at her sister's one day last week. She sent for Dr. and Mrs. Egbert to come see her that evening as she was to leave town the next day for Baltimore. Company came in and prevented the Dr. and Caroline from going. Emma and Cornelia [daughters of Susan] are at Selins grove, whither I expect to follow early in Novr. Harry Crowell called to see me yesterday. Perhaps you have forgotten him. He has grown very much, was gallanting Kate Newlin last summer at W. Chester. Kate has grown up very pretty. Dear old W.C.[West Chester] I love the very name, and quite long to see it again. We have so many pleasant acquaintances and kind friends there. But there are other places I am very desirous of visiting, loved children and grandchildren I wish to embrace once more. When, dear heavenly Father, when wilt Thou permit me to accomplish this desire? In thine own good time I know. Well, so be it. I am content to wait Thy Will in all things, for time and for eternity, all is well, all shall be well. Poor Georgiana [Georgiana Dennis Wray, another daughter] has been very ill with dysentery. The physician who attended her said her liver was affected. He gave her blue pills. The next morning she wrote me the water was constantly running from her mouth and constantly was she spitting. She was better when she wrote me on the 7th inst. but very far from well. 'Twas owing to her illness that I did not get the Deed sooner. She was left without any help, her girl having gone away. Mr. Wray has to attend synod near Pittsburg about 25th inst. when she will be quite lonely. Her little son Willie is now able to get on his knees and stand, and hopes he will soon be able to tell me he can stand on his feet!! Susan is quite well. I am going out to Dr. Wylie's this morning, perhaps stay a few days, provided they have no one with them. They are to run down with company. I did not finish this yesterday as I intended. Harry Crowell coming in prevented it. Give a great deal of love to Rebecca, Theophilus and the children for me and thank your sister for what she sent me. I know not what I wrote you, but suppose my spirits were none of the brightest at the time. For myself I fret not, there will always I am certain be a way provided. Nay, even for my children. But when I think of you girls, if I should be called away. Perhaps have to buffet their way through a cold unfeeling world, it makes me sad indeed. Yet I know you all have a Protector and friend that [sticketh? stands?] closer than a brother. But our feelings we cannot always control. We are humanity, and as long as we tabernacle in the flesh we will be subject at times to despondency. Dear children, all of you, dear to this aged heart, seek an interest now in the great Saviour of your souls. Put your trust in Him and He will never forsake you. No, in the darkest hour of your life, he will ever be found faithful, your shield, your stay, and your exceeding great reward. Trust then in Him.

Once more beloved, adieu. May the God of peace and love be with you, keep you through life, and unite you all with his family beyond the skies, when this fleeting life is o'er. So prays your most affectionate Mother

Susan S. Dennis

Transcription: Selins Grove, Jany 9th 1852

My Very Dear Child,

I intended writing you again after reaching this place (having written you from Phila a few days before leaving there) but have been prevented owing to something similar to a felon on the fore finger of my right hand. It has now been 4 weeks that I have been unable to write, sew, or do any kind of work, until within a day or two. I am thankful indeed that I can now scribble a little and make out to mend the cloathing which has been laid aside so long. I really seem to have been a very useless person, doing nothing for myself or others, an incumbrer of the ground, an idle labourer in the Lord's vineyard. Oh! what a cold, dead, stupid place this appears to be. There is no life, no vital godliness. People go to church it is true, and they surround the altar and partake of the emblems of a crucified Saviour's love, but there seems to be no spiritual warmth of heart. There are three churches here, a Lutheran, a German Reformed & a Methodist. The Lutheran & Methodist have been trying for a week or 10 days past to get up a revival. The former being unsuccessful, has I understand closed. The latter is continued as they have some mourners who by their cries, shouting and clapping of hands &c of course have got religion or are in a fair way for it. Addie told me last night she heard their carryings on were most scandalous. However, Cornelia will tell you all about it I suppose, as she attends every night contrary to my wishes as you may well imagine. But I can do little with her as regards advice. We have had a good deal of snow this winter and plenty of sleighing. I went day before yesterday with the Dr. a short distance. Emma, Cornelia & Addie have been several times. The latter is just getting ready to go. The snow is very deep and tis now snowing hard again with appearance of its continuing. I have not heard from any of Dr. Wylie's family since I left Phil. but I presume Theodore is married and brought his wife home. I wrote your brother Theophilus and enclosed the Deed from me to Mr. Fosmire, about 28th Novr. Last and as I have heard nothing about it, am fearful it did not reach him. Will you enquire and let me know about it as I am quite uneasy lest some one else has got it. I recd a letter from your sister Caroline last week. The children all had colds. Harry had been so much indisposed as to keep from going to school for two days. They all regretted my leaving them and wish me back. Indeed I feel sorry myself, for I would rather be there was it not for being separated from the girls. I miss many things, but most of all the privilege of hearing my favorite preachers. I had my daguerreotype taken by one of the best hands, and left it with Caroline for you, so that you can get it whenever an opportunity offers. Tis thought to be an excellent likeness. I have one to Cornelia (a Christmas present). It was my 2d sitting. Though a good likeness yet not as true as yours. They are seldom as exact the second time. Adelaide and family are well. Her children grow fast and are rather pretty. Julia Egbert sent me one of her compositions the other day. Her father required one from her in Latin and her mother one in English. Her father has had the house heated by Furnace in the cellar & has the Gas introduced into the house likewise. So Julia selected Hot Furnaces for her English specimen and Gas for the Latin one. The former she sent me. It is an original and would cause you to laugh. She is a nice child. So is Virginia. Harry will make a smart man I think. I had a letter from Mr. Dyott last week. Mrs. Crosby had recovered so far as to have been out shopping once. The rest all well. I also had a letter this morning from cousin Harriet Foulke. She has been suffering from a felon on her left hand, had it laid open on New Year, when she was relieved from pain & it is now healing. They desire much love to you and all. Emma & Cornelia are kept employed at school. The former in the morning the latter in the afternoon. Emma says give my love to all and tell Lizzie the first spare time I get I mean to sit down and write her a long letter. That I don't want to write until I have time to write all I want to tell her. Say to Rebecca that I think she is indebted to me one letter at least & I wish she would exercise her pen a little oftener. Remember me affectionately to all, though the children I suppose have little or no recollection of either of their Grandmothers. The only and best way is to talk to them about us & then they will think they do whether they remember us or not. If an opportunity should offer in April or May, and none of you come on, you must not be surprised to see me in Bloomington. I think seriously of it at times, but the expence is a great drawback to my inclinations. I am called to supper, and must close. God, our Heavenly Father, bless you and all with you my dear Lizzie and grant us all a happy meeting again on earth. So prays your affectionate Mother

Susan S. Dennis 10th. I was disappointed in getting this carried to the post office last evening. The Dr, Emma and little Annie have just started in the sleigh for McKees Falls, distant about 12 miles. At 10 o'ck. Cornelia leaves with a party for [blank] about 15 miles from here. I expect they will have a merry time of it, unless it should happen to rain. It is very cloudy and the weather has moderated very much. It ceased snowing about dark last night, but the sleighing is excellent. Did you receive the collar I sent you? And how did you like it? I do long to get a letter from David. How strange not to get one of the number he has written. But I am not the only one who have not received any. Tell Maggie, Aunt Emma will write her as soon as she gets time, in the meanwhile will often think of her and always with love. Cornelia sends much love to you and all and says she recd your letter & Rebecca's yesterday. Miss E. S. Dennis, Bloomington, Indiana

Transcription: Philada. April 3d 1852

My Dear Elizabeth,

You last kind & affectionate letter was recd during my stay at Selins Grove and my intention was to reply to it immediately, but Cornelia expressed a desire to write about the time, so I thought a letter from her would satisfy you all as to our temporal estate & concerns. Since then I wrote your brother Theophilus (a reply to which letter I recd 10 or 12 days ago) informing him of our health &c &c. Cornelia & myself arrived here from S. Gove about ½ past 2 of Ck. On last Sabbath morn one week. We left on Friday morning in the stage expecting to reach the Junction in the afternoon in time to take the car for Harrisburg and so reach the city that night, but the roads were so bad we did not reach the Junction until dark. We had to remain there that night & left the Hotel at 2 in the morning (having to walk ½ mile to the railroad) to meet the cars that they said always passed along about 4 of Ck. Well, it was snowing and blowing very hard, the snow right in our faces. We got to the place and after waiting patiently until 7 of Ck we saw the cars moving along. This great detention and the running off the track afterwards caused us to miss the early train at Harrisburg for Phila. Of course we had to remain at H. all day until near 8 in the evening before we got under weigh [sic] for this city. C and myself both sick and tired. Cornelia has had 3 fainting spells since our arrival owing to debility & nervousness. She is better and this afternoon gone out to Germantown. Elizabeth Billmeyer was here yesterday, and insisted upon her coming and promised to meet her at the Depot at 4 of Ck to day. We were at Francisville this morning and saw all the family. The Dr. and Theodore returned yesterday from New York, both looking very well. T. has grown much stouter I think so matrimony seems to agree with him. His wife appears to be a plain, affable & I should judge a good young woman. Susan is looking very well and the old lady the same as 15 years ago. Robt. Black has gone to Pittsburg on a visit. Report says that he & Susan will be one day united. Emma left here on Tuesday for West Chester and I expect yesterday left there for her return to Selins Grove. Poor dear girl, she has little of what we term the pleasures or enjoyments of life. She is always the first to try and do for me whatever she can, even at the expence of her comfort & health. She came on in order to procure me a house. She succeeded in getting one at W. Chester. Caroline was anxious to have us near her, and they tried to procure one near the city, but was unable to get one to suit as I wanted a small one at a low rent. The only objection to W.C. is the distance & expence going & coming. Caroline & family have been as kind as possible for any human being to be. On Monday next we think of going to our new home at W. C. though C. does not wish us to leave until the week after. I hope and pray that you will all come on and make this place your permanent residence. We were on the subject this morning at Francisville and all expressed the desire that your brother should come and all concurred in the opinion that he could get a situation to suit him and that without difficulty. We would be so much happier were we all together in one place, or near each other. Tell your sister & brother to think seriously about it and decide upon coming. Susan says she is going to write him on the subject. Dear Lizzie, I am apprehensive there was some mistake made, or misrepresentation about the remarks said to have been made about the letter you wrote some time ago to C. E. I was sorry afterwards I had mentioned it to you but it was too late. I have since had reason to think it was not so. Let it however be buried in oblivion, forever & forever. I had a letter from Georgiana a short time before I left S. G. She was not well. The physician thought her liver affected. Poor soul, she has I fear a hard life of it, on a farm, without help, having all the work to do and the care of two children, one of which is so very helpless. Mr. Wray's brother talks of going to Oregon & if he goes Georgiana says perhaps they may go too. I hear nothing of David. I have written to a friend of his in N. York this day to try and gather some tidings about him. Adelaide's children have been sick since I left them, so she wrote Emma. Give much love to your dear sister, brother, Louisa & all. Tell Rebecca to write me. Her epistles are like angels visits few and far between. I am afraid to risk my beautiful daguerreotype by mail setting aside the expence, which would perhaps be a good deal. Though I don't know what the postage would be. I write hurriedly as I have to go out. Chloe has had rheumatism, but is better. Old Lavinia is also well and all Dr. Brinton's family. Write soon. Your ever affectionate Mother, Susan S. Dennis

Do destroy this.

Transcription: Bloomington, Oct. 5. 1852

Dear Teacher:

I always think that letter writing is one of the hardest tasks I have, that is when I have a good deal to tell and have to write three or four pages before I can stop. I have written three letters this vacation, one of which never reached its destination, for I never sent it although it was a very long letter for me to write.

I made a basket of perforated papers and two or three markets this vacation. I think the basket is a beautiful one for Pa painted the patterns on the perforated paper and we worked it over with crewel. Besides that I went to singing school and altogether I spent my vacation very pleasantly. This letter is short but I don't think it is sweet.

Your affectionate Pupil Louisa E. Wylie

Transcription: West Chester. Decr. 29th /52

My Dear Child,

Yours of 10th inst. was recd on Christmas day. It was postmarked the 18th being 8 days after it was written!! We were all very sorry to hear of your recent illness, but feel thankful to our heavenly Father for restoring you to health and usefulness, though I am fearful from what you write about going to the country and going to an evening party after a wet and inclement day, that you are very imprudent. Just coming out of a spell of sickness you ought to be very careful in exposing yourself out of doors. Going into the country is indiscreet in the extreme where perhaps you have to sleep in a cold room and may be damp. Do be careful or you may bring on a relapse. When you travel be sure to wrap up warm, and mind have warm stockings and socks on your feet. I am sorry you are all bound for Ohio, instead of Philadelphia, however as we are bound to think all things are right and wisely ordered, it must be so in this instance. Therefore I wish you all a safe arrival there in good health with a fair prospect of success. I am glad the dear little babe [Theophilus Andrew, known as Toph, born Sept. 2, 1852] is growing so finely. How much I would like to see him and nurse him. Rebecca must have suffered much from her toe. It is bad to have any thing the matter with the feet or hands. I hope it has healed and she able to walk about. We spent a dull Christmas, the weather was very damp and rained hard the after part of the day, Cornelia and I the only ones at home. Emma and Mr. McGuire left for the city the afternoon (Friday) previous. He had been staying at W. Chester since Monday. We expect Emma home to day or tomorrow. David spent about two weeks with us. He left here about 10 days ago and went to Phila. He there remained a day or two, and left for Georgiana's in Jefferson Co. He will remain there a week and then proceed on to Ohio, where he expects to meet you all. If not I suppose he will go to Bloomington. His intention is to buy a farm in some one of the western states, and settle down as a farmer. He is desirous for me and your sisters to locate with him, but I think he had better take a wife that has been accustomed to country work. It would to be sure be a good home for us but I am becoming too far advanced in life for hard work (and on a farm you must work) and another thing I doubt if I could live satisfied away so far from friends and relatives, perhaps far from a place of worship and entirely among strangers. It answers better for young people just commencing on the active scenes of life, than for one of my age used to indulgence and the delights of a city life. David is looking thin, but healthy. Cornelia has been a little indisposed for some days, has had a bad sore throat but is better today. Emma has increased her number of scholars to 8 and has the promise of several others. I am in hopes she will do well. Cornelia sends much love, says your last letter was a very short one, but she will excuse it as you were busy preparing to move. Your next must be longer. Dear Lizzie, take good care of yourself and try and keep well. Next spring I hope we shall be reunited. We long to see you and have you with us, as much, if not more than you do yourself. I still hope that Theophilus will not continue very long at the West. Something will turn round to bring them all to Phila. I most heartily wish it. Now, my precious child I again caution you to carefulness. Health is a great boon for which we should be thankful & cherish it by every means in our power. Live near, I beseech you, to God. Love him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and try to please him in all things. Undertake not any thing without going to Him in humble prayer, and, laying all before him, implore his direction. Whenever you are in difficulty or doubt, in temptation or in trouble or trial of any kind, go to your heavenly Father and tell him all. He will listen to your petitions and give you comfort. Company came in and interrupted my writing for [paper torn]. I resume my pen to close this, as evening is drawing nigh & I must carry it to the Office. Give much love to Rebecca & family in which Cornelia unites. Tell Rebecca I am aware her time must be fully occupied, still I think she might sometimes drop me [a few lines?....page torn]

God bless you my dear c[hild. May] he shield you from all harm and bring us [togeth]er again is the prayer of your affectionate Mother Susan S. Dennis

Miss Elizabeth S. Dennis

Transcription: Bloomington, Feb 4, 1853

Dear Lou,

As Sister is going to write to you, I thought I would write as I would like very much to hear from you. Lou, I expect you have formed so many acquaintances that you have almost forgotten me. I expect John told you that he was going to leave here in two weeks and going to Oxford. When he leaves I do not know what I will do. There will be no boys at all except Ed Read. I was so glad when I heard Uncle Daniel was not going to sell his farm. Lou I would have written in sister's last but she was in such a hurry I could not. How does Dick do? Tell Dick to write to me. I got a valentine. It was a great thing. Lou write to us often. Your letters are so interesting. Good bye

Your friend

Do

Transcription: West Chester April 22, 1853

Dear Lizzie,

I received your letter and it afforded us all pleasure to hear you were all well and that you all purposed returning here next July. Mother is perfectly delighted at the prospect of seeing you all. You ask me so many questions in your last that I am puzzled as to which to answer first. But I will answer them in the order put to me. Firstly, Is Emma still teaching? She is. And has at present twelve scholars with the prospect of a new one Monday next and the promise of another in a short time. She is fond of teaching and if a little more determined would make a good teacher. If she gets up a good sized school, you might assist her when you return. You ask what David intends to do. He is here now but will leave this on the last of next week for California where he intends mining and raising stock. He found upon going west [coming east?] that he had not sufficient means to buy a farm, build a house, put up fences, purchase stock, team, oxen and other necessaries so concluded to return to California as he liked the country, had more friends there than here. I feel sorry to part with him but feel convinced that he has not enough to buy a farm and he says he is unfit for any other business and will not go into any. He has not (I suspect) much more left after paying traveling expenses, than to carry him to Cal. He gave Mother $20 and paid a bill of $20 for her, making in all 40 he had given her. I don't wish you to mention this to any one as perhaps Mother might not like it. You asked me to tell you "just how" we expect to get along and I thought I would tell you. He gave Emma $10 to buy a muff and he gave me a magnificent flutina and some gold specimens. He is very generous and I think if he had more would do much for Mother, but I fear his purse is low. I don't know what he has left but guess it is not much. He told me to give his love to you and tell you he would be off for California the first May.

You ask how dresses are made. The bodies are all made plain, buttoned up the front, slightly pointed behind with side bodies on. The sleeves are worn flowing or small bishop. Polka bodies are somewhat fashionable. Green appears to be the most fashionable color. Barege delaines are selling very low in Philadelphia now, so Sister wrote us. I don't expect to get a single new dress this summer or in fact any article of dress as money is scarce. Sister Caroline gave me a barege delaine and a pretty lawn last summer which I was very careful of and will be able to wear them all this summer. I tell you Lizzie dear, if you come home you will get but very little and those things very plain. We are poor you know and can't do otherwise. We have but two meals a day and often nothing but bread, butter and coffee at them. If it were not for Sister Caroline (but of this say not a word) we would not have even that. I tell you this because I want you to know exactly what to expect when you come so that you will not be unhappy. We want you badly to come home and expect you in July, but at the same time dear Liz, I wanted to prepare you for the plain way in which we live. We will manage always to rub along and will certainly be much more happy when once reunited. So come dear Lizzie as soon as you can. Mother says she can hardly wait till July to see you. Recollect tho' my dear, that this is not your permanent home for your promise to me prevents its being so. You ask when I am to be married. I cannot say. When you come I'll tell you all the whys and wherefores of the case. You say you would like to see what he looks like. To tell you the truth, he is not preeminently handsome, but as Sister Caroline observed "I think Aunty, he is quite as handsome as any of the others." He is tall, very tall, rather stout, light brown hair, blue eyes, wears spectacles (owing to near sightedness). But then oh, Liz, he is so dignified, so talented and has so strong a will. He is very generous and would make me any expensive presents if I would let him. But I want him to get a fair start in life before I marry. Don't you think I am right? You say I write so little of him to you. Why I feel ashamed of myself for writing so much. But when you come and we get to bed of a night won't I talk you to death about my "auld man's perfections"? Oh Lizzie how nicely we'll sleep together won't we (you and I, I mean). I sleep all alone in a little front garret and when you come we will sleep together. I heard a gentleman say that he heard in Bloomington that you were going to be married and that soon! I said I knew nothing of it at all. Is it true? And who is the happy man? You must not go out West to live but settle down in Philadelphia near me. Suppose you captivate Mr. McGuines' brother Woods. He is a handsome intelligent fellow and talks of studying law so you and he can settle Mother's law business for her. I will send you the receipt for making those cakes. Mother sends you the enclosed money and says to buy something for yourself. I wish I could add to it. Come home, dear Lizzie, mind in July. Don't get out the notion. Love to Sister and children and Mr. W. All join in love

Yours affectionately,

Nelly M. Dennis

Transcription: West Chester June 20th 1853

Dear Elizabeth,

I received your very acceptable and anxiously looked for letter on Saturday evening last. I had been expecting one from you for a long time and wondered that none of you wrote though I concluded you must all be very busy preparing for your departure. I thought if sickness prevented some one would have informed us. But true it is you have been sick and I ignorant of it until now. Well, thanks to our infinitely gracious, kind heavenly Father, he has not cut you off as a cumberer of the ground, but has in mercy spared you to me a little longer. Chastisements and afflictions are sent us for wise and good purposes. Without them, we would forget ourselves, forget Him from whom all blessings flow, forget that with out his blessing and his sustaining hand we must perish. Oh! I hope my best beloved daughter that you have been able to look to God in your hour of trial, that you have found him an ever present help and that you have placed your trust in him and been resigned to his Will in all things. It has pleased Him to restore you to health. Be thankful and live to honor and glorify his name among men. Be an example to all around you of devotedness to your Maker and be ever zealous in his cause. I am glad to hear I shall see you so soon. I returned from the city a few days ago. Was out at Francisville. Susan is mending slowly, is still weak and looks delicate in the extreme. She told me she had written to Oxford, but had not received a line from any one in reply at which I thought she seemed very much hurt. I think myself there is too much remissness in all of you on the score of answering letters. It should not be so. Always answer letters punctually and fully. If anything had been enclosed or sent acknowledge it. It is but just and proper. A kind letter merits a reply. Theodore and wife arrived at home on the 11th inst. Mrs. Wylie was well. Dr. Egbert is still at home, but expects to leave in July. Caroline looks badly, is often complaining. The children are all delicate looking. Kate, the youngest and Virginia (the next) were a little indisposed when I left the city last Wednesday. Caddie and Harry intend boarding at a farm house near Wilmington and talked of leaving about 1st of July. Mrs. Dyott is well, but poor Mrs. Crosby has been sick all winter and spring with rheumatism. She is much changed for the worst, looks very badly. Is too weak to ride so far as this or she would have been out to stay awhile with us. She lives at the same house in 12th Street Caroline lives at. No. 110, South 9th below Walnut on the West side, next door to Dr. Pease's office. Cornelia is not at all well. She has not the sack pattern you describe, but sends such as she has. I have a new Mantilla pattern. Silks are plenty and reasonable in Philadelphia. I purchased 2 yds for one for Emma at $1.62 ½. Shade of the piece enclosed. Goods are low in the city, but money is not very plenty with some people. We have not heard from Addie for a good while, though Mr. Jos. Speck told me they were all well. The Dr had had a letter from his son Frederick. Emma is in school teaching the young ideas how to shoot. The flies are tormenting me so I can hardly write. Give our united love to all at home and accept a large portion from your ever affectionate Mother

Susan S. Dennis We will look for your arrival early in July. We shall be so rejoiced to see you all once more. I hope you are all going to remain. If I have time to cut it will send Mantilla pattern but it is now late and I want you to get this before you leave.

Transcription: Bloomington, June

Dearest Lou,

As Rob is going to Oxford, I will write you a short note to send by him as he told me to send something. I have been looking for a letter from you for some time but I expect you have a good excuse.

You will see a good deal of Rob for I told him he must visit you never less than twice a week and he wanted to know if I wouldn't let him go more than that. All Read said something about him (so he says) and he heard it and they have not been very good friends since (something strange).

I hope you will get this Lou and have time to answer before you go. Jennie is well. I asked her if she wanted to write but she said she had written last. I am not going to be so formal, and I hope you won't. Mr. McPheeter's (the one who drove the hack) little boy is dead, it has been sick for some time. Mr. George Sluss also. There have not been many deaths here this Spring and I hope there may not be.

Oh Lou we had the sweetest serenade night before last. I do wish you could have heard it. Mr. Carnihan had his fiddle and Mr. Allison (just returned) his. It was the best one we have had for a long time. We had an animal show here some weeks ago. I went with Mr. Mutchmore. He is going to leave here in a few weeks but probably will return. I go to singing down to the old school. They have one class before dark and one after. I attend both. I do wish you were here to go. All the girls come from the country.

But I must stop. Do, do write soon, and you know who'll be glad, don't you? Good bye dearest Lou. From you know who. [Parke McFerson] Write soon, soon.

Parke is always in such a hurry writing and getting her letters put up that I hardly have an opportunity to send a message to my darling little Lou telling her how much I miss her in school and out of school. This is Wednesday afternoon and our little girls have been having some very good compositions. You used to enjoy this afternoon didn't you? I hope you will all have a pleasant visit, but I am afraid your Ma will be almost worn out this warm weather getting all you little ones ready. Remember me most affectionately to your Ma, Pa, Aunt Lizzie, Maggie and Dick. A kiss for baby and a dozen for yourself.

Yours most affectionately,

E. G. McF

Transcription: Savannah, April 8th 1854

It was only last Friday dear Caroline that I heard through Cousin Cornelia of the death of your dear little Virginia and my inclination prompted me to write at once and express how much I sympathized with you, but two busy days Saturday and Monday intervened and induced me to put off until today. It is a great trial my dear sister that you have been called upon to bear, but oh, the consolation to know that your loss has been her gain, and that you have now one little angel in Heaven. You must now strive to go to her, you must strive dear Caroline to enter in at the straight and narrow gate that your child has just passed. You still I hope have four left to be thankful for and to pray for. Yes, Aunty, you must pray for your children and when you correct them pray that the means you use may be blessed unto them. I have great faith in a mother's prayers. I hope by this time your family have all recovered, you must have had a most fatiguing time. Do you ever go to Ronaldsons'? You know I gave you full permission to use my square. There is room for two graves by the side of Mr. Guerard and Marion. Write when you feel able and tell me how you all are. I suppose you got my last letter. I am with love to all, dear Caroline, your own sister H. P.S. In haste. The girls send their love to you.

Transcription: Philadelphia, June 27 1854

Dear Theophilus: It rejoiced us to learn that we might expect soon to see you. I wish Rebecca would hurry that you may not be long delayed. We have been anticipating hearing of the "deliverance" every day but as yet have been disappointed. If she can come with you bring her but if this is impossible by all means come yourself.

When you shall be here you can form a better opinion of the proper course to be pursued than you could otherwise. Crawford would be glad if you would go into partnership with him, but it is doubtful whether it would be wise to connect yourself with a declining institution & he is rather a selfish & mean man, who has no other end in view but his own interest. I have no doubt if you would set up here you would succeed.

There are a number of things which we could attend to in regard to the estate if you were here. I refer principally to the disposal of letters old documents &c all of which as yet are untouched. Monie matters also call for settlement. M Kaily has been for months working away at these things, & has not yet finished. I wish all was settled.

Dr Claybaugh was here last Sabbath tho' I did not know it until Sabbath after Church was out. I would have liked to have seen & would have called on him, but I was informed he was to go on Monday morning.

Susan[?] & her baby & Robert Black are at Dr Crawford's farm where Agnew's wife has gone to "hide herself" I believe as Elizabeth did in similar circumstances. Susan's [?] child was very delicate & will probably be much benefited.

I think we might borrow $4000 or $5000 on the Francisville property which would pay off Stelle[?] & furnish what was needed for the repairs indispensable in Walnut Street. I will take the incipient measures to pursue this assuming that you will consent, but if not as the money cannot be obtained till August or September, you can put your veto on it if you disapprove. But I do not know how else we can get the money & the roof of the Walnut Street house leaks so badly that the repairs are absolutely needed & if made to raise the garret into an attic would be but a small additional expenditure. I have the promise of the money from the Saving fund at the times mentioned or at least the prospect of it is held out to me.

Anderson Wylie has placed himself under the care of the Diocesan Com. of the Episcopal Church as a Candidate for order. He seems to be in earnest.

We are all in usual health. Remember how much we want you to come. Do not forget to let us know when & how to await you. Our house[?] you know is 760 Pine St. Mother & Lou write in love to you, Rebecca, & all the children. Truly[?]Your Mother M.J.W.

Transcription: Philadelphia, Sept 25th 1854

My dear Louisa,

What shall I say for so long neglecting your kind letter, a letter which afforded me so much pleasure. I was in Philadelphia at the time and out at our old house and felt in a sorrowful mood when I received your dear affectionate letter. I wished to answer it immediately, but it has been put off from one inconvenient time to another until now and I can only say to you my dear little niece that you must forgive me this time and write again and see if I will be so bad the next time. We were (I in particular) very much disappointed in not seeing your father this summer and the more so as I felt confident that he would come. I thought when he had come so far he might have come that little bit of the road to see me, but I know he did not do it with his will, as Old Betty used to say when she wished to excuse any body. I hope next summer we may see you all and that you will have made up your minds by that time to give the East a trial for your future residence.

Dear little Theophilus is no more the baby I hear, another little fellow has pushed him out of mama's arms and he must now consider himself as coming forward to be a man. I am pleased to hear the name of the other dear babe. I hope he may live long and resemble the one he is named for. I feel glad that tho I have been so remiss in writing my self that still I hear from you all though Louisa's letters from your aunt Cornelia and when Susy and you write to each other you must sometimes give me an extra one even if I do not answer it immediately. Wylie, Margaret and myself came on here last week and found Mother sick and Jennie also was very sick. Mother is as usual again but Jennie continues quite ill, better some days and then worse again. The Doctor says it is scarlet fever but I would not know it was unless he said so. I hope she is getting better. The Dr says she is. Your Aunt Susan's babe has been very sick, but is now better. You must give Dick my warmest thanks for his very acceptable present. It is beautifully done. I would not have supposed that Dick could make such rapid progress in his painting. His beginning promises great things. I must write a letter to Maggie now and as they are now going to the office I will send this lest it may be long time before I write another. With love to your Mother and Father and the children, I remain your

Affectionate Aunt

Margaret McLeod

To Miss E. Louisa M. Wylie

Transcription: Reading April 18th 1855

Dear Mrs. Dennis

So far from W.C. and with no means of communication with my friends there, but through the limited medium of letters, I do not know whether I have a correct understanding of how matters stand in regard to your occupancy of the house you reside in.

Last Fall before you informed my sisters of your determination to quit (although I knew you had some thoughts of it) I said to them "perhaps it would be better to have the gas taken in, as an inducement to Mrs. D. to remain."

Since then I have been informed that you had positively given up the house and are now there only because you could not suit yourself elsewhere, and I suppose you will leave as soon as you can. Such being the case and from the fact also that the property has always been a moth in my pocket, I feel reluctant to go to any more expense with it, but am anxious now to sell. I had once hoped that my family or a part of it, would sometime join me in making a home there for ourselves; but that hope is fled and with it all interest in improving it. And you know, Dear Mrs. Dennis, where people can see no profit, either present or in prospect, in disbursing money, they are inclined to keep their purse strings pretty closely drawn. My Sisters, hearing of property selling for so much more, although not so favorably located as ours, and of no better construction, thought that it should sell for at least 17 or 18 hundred dollars. Mr. Buckwalter thought it ought to bring 1600. Will you please write to me and say what you would be willing to give, and in case you should not purchase whether you would feel yourself very much aggrieved should we decline doing any thing towards the improvement further than is necessary for security, such as the repairing of the steps?

Yours respectfully,

Lydia S. Crefson

Transcription: Harvard University Cambridge, Mass Sept 21st 1855

Dear Lou,

The letters at length finally actually arrived. I had almost given up all hopes of hearing from the lovely village—at any rate from that much ------ source! But they were the better and more welcomely received on that account perhaps. According to your direction, I wrote to Parke first—but not much sooner—only yesterday. I had thought I would not answer your letter for a month just out of retaliation, but that would, I'm afraid, be spiting myself more than you! So I have come to the conclusion that I will "have revenge" upon you by boring you with as long a letter of nonsense as possible, write till I get tired, and then quit. You'll be ready to have me stop before I do if you have to read it all. But the fact of it is in plain English I'm a little lonesome—not homesick or heartsick—but I'm "way down east" among stingy, wooden-nutmeg, fanatical, long-faced Yankees, with no acquaintances but rough young sprigs of Blackstone, unknown to a single female-woman within a thousand miles (cooks, waiters, and landladies excepted). Under these "thircumsthanthus" (that was cruel in you!) when I can't talk to my friends, I like to write to them, fully as well as they do to receive my letters! From the above multifarious, deleterious causes, I have almost forgotten how to sing in my own peculiar and exquisite style that very beautiful melody "Old King Cole" etc. I hope though that if I should unfortunately forget it, as you are taking music lessons, you will remember it so that I may be able to hear it on my return at Commencement.—Well, I'm getting along finely! Two pages written and nothing said yet!

You open your letter with, to you, perhaps to others also, the sorrowful intelligence that "she has gone"! I know it must have been a sad parting. I wish I could have been there to have cheered you! I would gladly sympathize with you in your separation, but my "sympathetic" I left in the West, don't have any use for it up in this cold climate. If I get through the winter without freezing up both heart and soul (but I believe that don't freeze) I will be fortunate. And you surmise that some one at any rate, of the boys takes her departure much to heart! It's natural that any one who knew her would. I might myself if I had to stay in Bloomington this winter! I know you feel lonesome, her and Jennie Wylie with you, but I can't help it—I expect you will have to cultivate Susy's acquaintance (I guess you know who I mean). You ought to visit my dear Clara for my sake anyhow! But when in your sorrowful and lonesome moments, if you can't do anything better, you can favor me with about a dozen pages of news, poetry, wit etc as you please. I'll stay away any time from Lou Lectures to read it!

I'm looking daily for copies of Dyer's Poem which the [society?] ought long since to have sent me. The verse you quote I don't exactly understand, the last line especially, which you want to know if I obey—And learn to sing, for song is love's first duty—If King Cole is, I do.

I've got about through answering your letter, except one point—I'm sorry to have to do that. I "told Mr. Evans I received letters from two girls in B"! I never told Mr. Evans any such thing—nor any person else—and not because I was ashamed of the fact that I did receive such, but simply because it was none of his business. And he has shown littleness of mind and perversion of the principles of a gentleman in making any such statements. This is all the notice I would take of any such report, if there did not seem to be some color of truth in it. The simple facts are just these: Evans happened to be in Evansville in vacation, and I had of course to "show him round." The fellow had never seen a Post Office larger than that at Bloomington, so I took him down to it to satisfy his curiosity! The mail was just in, and I happened to receive your first letter at that time. He happened to see as I took it out that the Post mark was Bloomington, and wanted to know the news. I told there was none. He saw, while I was reading Parke's letter that it was some kind of a Programme, and wanted to see it. I showed him the back of the Prog. and Mathews subject and that was all he saw and all he knew. His unwarrantable imagination has made all the rest. Had it not been for insatiable curiosity, he would not have known as much as he did. Had you known my great love for the fellow, you would never have given credit to the report! If no person sees any more of the foolish letters you get from me than I exhibit your letters, it will be "all right." There are some persons not more than sixty miles from B who seem to be very much interested in my affairs, equally as much so as their business calls for. I earnestly hope that neither I or my friends will be a source of too much solicitude for them.

Of Harvard I hardly know what to write. I could say a good deal, but more than probably it would not be very interesting. It is the American College. There are five different departments or schools, each entirely distinct from the other. Buildings enough to make a young town, and fine ones too. Students from every state in the Union and from foreign countries, more fancy gents than were ever collected before, more moustaches, weak eyes and gold spectacles (all from hard study of course), kid gloves, canes, long-tailed coats, tight pants, oiled heads with little within, than Stewart of New York could equip in a year. But then they are not all of this kind. While there are plenty of brainless dandies, there are men of sense and talent in "the Colleges," also some as green specimens as ever came out of Hoosierdom. Cambridge is the prettiest place I ever saw. It is beautiful, charming. The citizens are all retired Boston Merchants and have the neatest and costliest residences I ever saw. There is hardly a poor house in the place. The city is very pretty, but the people are cold-hearted, unhospitable, and curtish.

There was a grand Woman's Rights Convention in Boston—it [blorred?] off last night with a Poem by Mrs. E. Oakes Smith and an address by Ralph Waldo Emerson, the poet. If these women have any husbands, they had better keep them at home—so I think!

But I'm now going any further than this page—which is doubtless a great relief for you! The Seminary and College opened, I suppose, yesterday. I almost envy those who are to enjoy the winter at B. I can but heartily hope you will have a pleasant one, but in your enjoyments, away up towards the north pole some will be remembered your friend,

Eno. W. I keep the two lovely locks of hair safely, the sight of them recalls pleasing thoughts—don't you reckon?

I'm going to take a sail on the ocean tomorrow down to Nahant a famous watering place. I want to get a good view of the "deep blue sea."

My roommate is a great friend of Tom Ward and is anxious to know whether he has got married at Oxford or where he is. Can you give any information as to him or his lady?

If the pleasure at the receipt of my letter don't ensure a speedy answer, certainly its length ought to—so write soon as convenient. I am anxious to hear from Bloomington. Give me all the news, what boys are at College, what girls who I know are at Seminary, how Harry Ballantine is succeeding in the map business, whether you have heard from Parke etc. I heard that Bob Morrison was going to return to Law School this winter. Now won't you have a nice time? From last accounts he had not increased in stature, and it is to be presumed he is yet in the notion of remaining little "for your sake, Lou"! Several of my classmates will be back to Law School and I would like to be with them. I may be tempted to take a western trip in our winter vacation (?)

Transcription: West Chester Sept 8th 1856

Dear but undutiful Niece! You are undeserving of one of my literary effusions at this time owing to your negligence in replying to my former favor. But as I hoped you feel some compunctions of conscience I will show some mercy & forgive you. Why have you not answered my last letter? I wrote you on the 19th ultimo. and have no word from you since. Elizabeth wrote you & received a reply the contents of which I am in blissful ignorance of, which causes me some concern, as she mentioned at the supper table one evening that you had been to see some Prof's sisters with an O. in his name. Now the Prof you might resist but a Professor with an O in his name is not to be met with every day, consequently is to be valued & appreciated from the scarcity of them. Du tell Is he a real live Professor? And has he an O in his name? I am full of curiosity! Did you know that poor Maria Winston's engagement with Ben Hall is broken off. Maria is almost broken hearted and is obliged to go abroad to teach. I feel very sorry for her. And if I could would like to assist her.

I am, as I presume Elizabeth informed you, boarding at Home. I would much prefer being at housekeeping, but R does not wish to be in a hurry to do so. He wishes to purchase and as there are none in the market to suit, we will wait. We were married at Philadelphia at 4 P.M. on Monday 23rd June by Mr. Vaux, Mayor of Phil. As Mr. T. was a Friend he could not be married by a hired clergy man you know. As it is, he is to be brought before the monthly meeting for marrying "out of meeting" or in other words, for marrying one who is not a member of their church. He will have to express to the committee a regret for having acted contrary to their rules, but a determination to remain a member with their approbation. Then all will be right I expect, as I am not attached to any other society. I would be very sorry to be the means of his losing his birthright, and would make any sacrifice to enable him to keep his position in the church. He says, he will neither cringe nor fawn to them, that if they are not satisfied with his apology he will walk. But I think all will be right, as he has money. If he was a poor member I expect they would not treat him with much ceremony.

You ask for the fashions--There are two or three new ways of making sleeves--I have a dove colored silk with flowing sleeves, with a demi skirt hanging half way over the front trimmed with dove colored ribbon & glace buttons. It is a beautiful sleeve. Then I have a light chaley made flowing but the top of the sleeve comes down into three points & a ruffle sewed on to them--the ruffle & points trimmed with moss trimming. Double skirts to the dresses are universally worn. The upper one comes down almost to the knees. Silk aprons are very fashionable-the bow tied at the left side under the arm. Black velvet trimming is worn on every thing. Straw bonnets are trimmed with narrow black velvet. If you had been here yesterday I had a beautiful velvet bandeau made for the head & trimmed with straw buttons. Every one said it "was so sweet" Well, when Mr. T came in I showed it to him, expecting him to admire it very much & he wanted to know if I expected to ride the elephant next week when Dan Rice's Circus came to town. I was so mad. I ript it up & gave the plat part of it to Lucy Hickman, the tassles & bands are over in my drawer. I told him that I was being punished for marrying a Quaker. But he is a dear good old Quaker for all he laughs at my head gear! He went to Phila the other day & brought me a beautiful brooch & I have only to wish for a thing & I get it. Give much love to all. Tell Mag I will write her soon. Ask Dick if my picture is almost finished. Ever your affectionate Aunt Cornelia M. Trimble Direct your letters to Mother's care, as I will then get them sooner Nell

Transcription: Sept 15th 1856 Bloomington

Dear Lou,

You mother and I felt very melancholy on Friday evening after parting with you. We are anxious to hear about your journey hoping that you were in Glendale in time for breakfast. The enclosed letters came this morning, both of which I took the liberty to read not supposing that you would carry on any correspondence that you would not be willing for your mother and myself to see. J. W's letter consists of eight pages of M.S. and that is about all we can say of it. Don't spend too much time in letter writing merely for the sake of writing. We will expect from you the largest share of your epistolary correspondence. I intend to write you before long some things which I had intended to say to you before leaving. Mrs. McFerson's sale took place on Saturday. I officiated as clerk. Mr Mitchell as auctioneer and Mr. Read as general director. The things I think sold pretty well. The piano upstairs brought $52.50. Your mother joins me in desiring to be affectionately remembered to Mrs. McF to whom we feel so much attached for what she has already done and for what we know she will do for you in your new situation and entrusted to her especial care.

Your affectionate father

T. A. Wylie Miss L. E. M. Wylie Glendale, O.

Phandy was not very well yesterday. Brown still troubled with that eruption. Mag in love with the Piano.

[Enclosed are two notes, from Brown and from Maggie, as follows.]

Bloomington, Dear Lou, I have just come home. I have been out hazelnut and hickory nut hunting and when I came home I found Ma packing your trunk and so I write this note but I am in a hurry so must excuse bad writing. I have written a long letter to you but must copy it. Dick sends you some candy. Toph went out and cracked a beech nut and told Ma he was going to send it to you. He said he wanted five cents to get candy to send to you. Hat Browning staid all night with me last night. We made candy.

Mag Ma sent you this gold piece and a kiss for your Birthday present.

Bloomington Dear Lou

I am going to write you some letter and you must answer it. [three words can't make out] have not come yet.

Good by

Brown [in Maggie's hand, the following] Lou, answer these little letters. They think they are so big. Dick is going to the fair tomorrow. If we are not too busy, I expect we will write to you every Wednesday.

Transcription: Bloomington Sept 18th 1856

Dear Lou Yesterday we received your very welcome letter, written & mailed so soon after your arrival. Now a days letters take longer to travel than the writers of them. Formerly it was considered a great thing to get a letter in advance of the mail.

You must be more particular in giving the titles of the books you want. What edition of Olmsted? Astronomy—the school? a college? Whose Political Economy: Whose Evidences of Christianity? When Dr Manfort comes, he may be able to give me the information & if so & I can procure them I will send them.

Your mother has been very busy in washing & ironing & fixing in general sundry articles which she will forward by the first opportunity. I would be glad to be able to send you not only the absolutely necessary things, but many others but in these hard times we must all learn to practice economy.

The children Phandy & Brown seem to be improving in health. Mag keeps hard at work & Dick is as usual. You have received I suppose by this time the note & letters sent last Monday. Prof. Read left this for Wisconsin yesterday morning. We were out seeing Mr. Cookerly & did not see him off. Mag has begun a letter to you which she will have finished some time before long. You will have to trust to her for all the interesting gossip.

Your affectionate father T. A. Wylie. P.S. We all send abundance of love to you. I will write you another letter before long. Mother says she sent your thimble.

[Included with letter, a slip of paper with the following] Brownie sends you this kiss [with a scalloped circle around the word kiss]

Transcription: Bloomington, Oct 2, 1856

My Dear Louisa Maggie received a letter from you today and I was glad to learn from it that you were getting more reconciled at being away from us. We all want to see you, my dear little daughter, very much but at the same time I insist that you must stay until you have graduated that is if you think you can do so with honour to yourself and Mrs. McFerson. If not, you may return at Christmas. I feel very much concerned at your not getting your trunk. You must want your warm dresses and stockings. I have finished every thing but two inside bodies and the sleeves of that light calico dress but think you had better get it made in Cincinnati. Helton's goods have not come yet. Mike is very much disappointed indeed. I sent your barege dress and could not get braid to finish it round the bottom but I recollected that you had tied your bandbox with some of the same colour so I left it for you to sew on. Sally McKinley says after you have worn it, it will be longer the lapels on your blue merino I did not sew on as Mrs. Read thought it best not, until Alice had fitted it on you. I hope you will like your blue de lain cape and sleeves and I think you had better try to match your pink merino dress and make sleeves & cape for it, so you can wear it. I hope your dresses will both fit & please you. I will send some old calico so you can make inside sleeves. If Helton's shawls come in time and I like them I will get one for your. And now dear Lou I have written all about your clothing but I have been thinking to day about you a great deal for it has been our fast day and I was in hopes that if our child had been with us in body she would indeed have been with us in spirit. We dedicated you in infancy to the service of God and ought you not now to be thinking of taking the vows on yourself and of living in the service of your Maker, think on these things dear Lou and remember that our prayers ascend daily on your behalf and we will not be satisfied until they are answered. Read your Bible and neglect not prayer and may your Father's God bless and protect you.

The children talk very much about you and love to look on your picture. Maggie misses you very much, but she has taken to reading very much and is now much interested in the Wide Wide World. Mr. McMaster & Mrs. Harthate are here now. We expect Cousin Wylie to night in the cars.

Pa has just come in and wants to have worship so I must stop. Pa says tell Mrs. Mc F. he has been intending to write her but he had nothing worth telling he has collected 58 dollars from the sale of the furniture and expects to get 10 more next week at which time he will write

It is bed time now I had to stop for worship and now it is 10 o'clock. I expect a good girl tomorrow a Sister of Mrs. Gamble & Mrs. Robison's from Phil. and one who belongs to Uncle The church. Toph is crying & I must stop Your aff. Mother R. D. Wylie You will see by this, you little baby that we have not forgotten you but we have all had as much as we could attend to. The gentlemen all left Monday night but indeed we had a busy time always two gentlemen & sometimes 4 and no girl. I kept the letter because I wanted to write you the news but I will defer it until the next time. The fair comes off this afternoon Dick has sent some pictures. We are going to Mrs. Reads to tea to night. Rene is going next week. We will try to write once a week. I do not know what to do about your trunk. I think I will send it to Cincinnati by Mr. Bell or by express but I am waiting for Helton's goods be a good girl and do not get homesick but study hard and write home when ever you can. We got a letter from Aunt Nellie she was well & happy. Your affect. Mother R. D. W.

Transcription: Bloomington Sat. 18th Oct. 1856

Dear Lou

It seems to me that I will never be able to finish a letter to you. This is the third I have begun this week. My time is just now completely taken up and I am exposed to so many interruptions that I am nearly beside myself. At the beginning of the term in addition to the ordinary duties of college I had to attend to a meeting of the Presbytery and a Sacrament. As we have no girl your mother's time was occupied in attention to our guests. In addition to this she spent some time at the fair. I felt sorry on reading your letters to think that you had been apparently so much neglected and hope that in future you will receive as many letters as you can read. Your letter came too late today for the sending your trunk to Greencastle there to be received by Dr. Monfort. Perhaps it may not be too late on Monday. If so I will either send it by express or by Mrs. Bell who will leave this for Wheeling in the beginning of the week and says if she has time will call and see you. I would be pleased too if you would call and see Mr. Patterson and if you could spend a Sabbath in C. I do hope that you will not despise or forget the church of your fathers and will not suffer such influences as mere show and less strictness to weaken your attachment to the church in which you were born. I had been hoping, though I neglected to say any thing to you about it, that at the Sacrament before the last, you would have thought of taking upon yourself those obligations under which you were placed in Baptism. While in Glendale I wish you to be punctual in attending all the religious exercises and by no means to neglect your attention to all religious duties in private. But I do not wish you under any religious excitement to become a member of any other church but our own. I have not in saying this the slightest suspicion that any improper influence will be exerted by any of your teachers, but I well know what a powerful influence those whom we respect and love have over us, whether we will or not.

I intend to try to make an arrangement so that you can get the books you need at Derby's who is constantly sending books here and whom I can pay through Prof. Ballantine. I am nearly out of money and can send you none just now. I have been unexpectedly and seriously disappointed by Brother Theodore's not making some arrangements by which I would have been able to pay off all little bills and buy a house besides.

Ma is studying the science of cutting out patterns for ladies dresses and will soon graduate and be able to make you a nice silk dress. Mag keeps house nearly all the time. Dick is as usual, grumbles a little, paints a little, learns a little, and sleeps a good deal. Phandy and Brown have not forgotten "oo." Both are as mischievous as ever. Mrs. McFerson will think it strange that I have not written her, but want of time and expecting every day to have some word to send from Mr. Hunter have made me put off writing from day to day.

We have give up all hope of getting Prof Read's house and will have to winter in this old rookery which with all its inconveniences has not proved an unhealthy house to us. Don't be concerned about our health. If any of us get seriously ill we will let you know soon enough.

Your Ma joins me desiring to be remembered to Mrs. McFerson and Dr. Manfort

Your Affectionate father

T. A. Wylie Miss E. L. M. Wylie Glendale, O.

P.S. Mrs. Bell is not going till the week after next. We have your trunk ready but your letter came too late to have it forwarded by express. It may be in time this morning (Monday). If not I will express it through to you.

Transcription: Bloomington Nov 28th 1856

My Dear, Dear Sister

I am afraid you have been uneasy about not getting a letter this week as Wednesdays or Thursdays are my day for sending you one, but then you saw Mr. Helton on Monday. I have been very busy this week you know. Maguire's lessons in wax etc and Mrs. Malone comes most every day. She comes too often and Jo not often enough. Mrs. M. has got through wax work. She is now learning hair work and then leather work. Dear Lou, I have so many things to tell you that I am afraid I will forget them.

Flora Can told me to tell you that she wants to see you so bad and that she wants you to come home soon. I saw Kattie Helton today. She said she is waiting for you to write to her. That was funny about Mary Dunning and your collars. Ma sent you 4 dollars and your lose cape. She that collar you got down to Mr. Fees for 90 ct. [sketch of collar] It is crossed some thing like that and that large open worked one she wore it once before she sent it and the collar to your cape. We do not remember any others. There was no new ones. I like Jo D. so much. I am glad that I never believed the stories they had on her.

Jane has given me such a pretty suit for examination. I expect she will go next Christmas. I expect she could get 3 or 4 scholars. To day when the cars came in Toph and Brown were out in the yard and they come running in and said that they expected Lou was in the locomotive. Brown is so sweet. I got a letter from Aunt Nell. She says that she don't believe that Brown is prettier than T.

I received those drawers but have not tried them on yet. Jane has not received your letter yet. You asked me what I meant when I told you to mend your shawl. The way was this. Ma thought she would not buy you a new shawl and as she put in her blanket one and it was torn. Brown says you are going to send him some candy with his five ct. Mr.& Mrs. McCalla & Allie & Ellie are here. Cousin Liz is going with them. They are going next Tuesday. Mr. McCalla was here to tea and we did not expect him. We sent over to the bakers and got cake & cheese and crackers and we had a jar of blackberries [the next two sentences are written in margin of pages 2 and 3] I will send you the Oxford Citation and you can see Mag Kinders &Ann Claybaugh's marriage.

I have got my bonnet trim this way [sketch of bonnet] a button on each cross ribbon only middle. There is 45 buttons on it. [This next bit is written side ways in the margin and at top of first page.] I am glad to hear that you like your roommate. I should think you would love to be home every Sabbath evening but Dear Lou we must learn to be contented. God will be with us if we love him and try to do as he tells us and Dear Lou I know you do. We do not love him enough yet I hope God will allow that blessed day when we may all meet. If not in this world in the one to come where we shall meet to part no more. Maggie

Transcription: Bloomington Dec 3 1856

Dear Sister Lou,

I sent you a letter on Saturday last and hope you have received it. I wrote one to Fannie the same night but did not send it until this morning. I expect a letter from you to day or tomorrow. If I do not receive it I will be very much disappointed. We have had very pleasant weather until last night it commenced snowing and it is still snowing this morning. Jane received your letter. Toph has painted the corner of my paper but I guess you will excuse that [a smear of blue/green water color on upper left corner].

Mr. [Cutbub?] has been to the city and has brought up dates, lemons, Candy apples, Candy pieces, peaches, etc. Mrs. Butler says that Mr. Cutbub shant have that house any longer than Christmas. I don't know what we will do with out him for we buy all our bread and when we have company we just send for cake or any thing we want. They are so honest. We received a letter from Aunt Addie. They are going to move to Ioay [Iowa?] and they are going to stop here. It will be about a month. Ma wrote to Aunt Addie last night and to Aunt Nell too. We heard news of the money. Yesterday Mr. Carter got a letter saying that it was in Cincinnati. I hope it is but I suppose you have not received it or you would have written to us. Did you know that Pa sent $50 for the Pina and enough to pay for one quarter of your tuition. It was $150.

I have just molded a pickle. I have not opened the mold yet but I will now. I can't get it out of the mold and now Ma is trying. We have done all the work and washed all the dishes and now I will try to finish this letter by 4 o'clock. It is now half after 2.

Pa received your letter this noon. We were all very glad to hear from you and very glad to see your report so good. Pa says he will try to write to you to night or tomorrow. Another $50 have come for Mrs. McF. It is for the old Pina. Mr. Robertson brought it when we were in eating dinner. I suppose you have heard of the Greencastle College being broken up. A great many students have come here.

Mrs. Woodburn has a young son. It was born last Sabbath night. Katie Chase was taken very sick in school yesterday and it was pouring rain. Some of the girls asked her if they should go for Mr. and Mrs. Chase but she said no. Some of the girls said that she said that she wanted to die there and she said that she saw the gates of Heaven open and that she was going through and that she would see her mother there. Lou High went on teaching all the time. One of the girls did go for Mr. C and 1 of them came and took her home through the rain. They did not carry her but she walked through all the mud and rain. Ma says those drawers must be large enough for you for they are large enough for her all but around the waist and you ought to have made the band larger. I am 4 feet 6 in high. Dick is 5 ft.

Please send me a catalogue for Mr. Hunter wants to see one. He came after it. Send it as soon as you can. Have you got your lace caps yet?

Mag

Transcription: Bloomington Decr 5th 1856

Dear Lou, I admit that it is a great shame not to have replied to your kind & affectionate letter which I received some two or three weeks ago. I can't say that I have not waited since that time as much time as would have written a letter or perhaps two or three of them, but the fact is when my mind is so completely occupied as it has been sometime past with my business in and in connection with college that I am hardly able to write a decent letter. I thank you too for you writing so promptly to let me know that that money had been received. If it had been lost & even though after a time received from the company, it would have probably given both Mrs. McF & myself a good deal of trouble. I spoke to Mr. Carter about prepaying but he said that it could be as well paid on the receipt of it & I forgot to mention to Mrs. McF that she should charge me with my share of the expense of the express. Mc Robertson, you may tell Mrs. McF, lifted his note the day before yesterday. I allowed him .25 interest as it was paid about—I counted four weeks before it was due, but it should have been only three or .18.—I have now fifty two dollars and 25 cts subject to Mrs. McF's order. I have heard that they are expecting to employ Miss Cheiry in the Seminary as Mr. Banta will not continue next term, & I suppose there is no probability of Mrs. Mc F's coming back.

Your mother and myself were both much pleased with your report. It was very gratifying to see the long array of nines. Though I feel that the perfection in the report is hardly the same as perfection in the sciences. You speak of dropping the Latin. I hope it is only for a time. You will find your knowledge of Latin fully as useful to you as your knowledge of Geology & chemistry. To say nothing of the excellent discipline of the mind in learning the language, it makes you so much the better acquainted with your own language. Language is what enables us to give forms to our thoughts. It is like the world in which the thought is art, and the more accurate the world the nicer the form that is made in it. I do not know what to say about your return home at Xtmas. We would all be overjoyed to see you. You seem to think too that you could not go back again to G. if you come once more here. I would be almost willing to risk that—after seeing us all you would be glad enough to leave this old rickety house for your beautiful rooms at Glendale. In these hard times the expense is the most serious obstacle in the way & we must now study economy in every thing. We are all in very good health. The children quite lively, too much so for our comfort sometimes. Brown has not forgotten "bo" I was asking him about Lou tonight & all he would say & that too almost crying, was that he wanted Lou to come back from Glendale. Mag I believe has been making him & Phandy write you a letter. Mag must be a very good correspondent, judging from her troubling me so often for envelopes & stamps. –Present our respects to Mr. Mc F & Dr. Manfort & hoping that God may continue to bless you with health of body & mind, I remain Your affectionate father T A Wylie

Miss E. L. M. Wylie Glendale O.

Transcription: Bloomington Decr 15th 1856 Dear Lou, Your letter was received a day or two ago. In addition to my duties at college I have been suffering with a bad cold. Nose stopped up, eyes heavy & head aching, but in other respects very well. Am able to attend to business and eat when meal time comes. I feel very much pleased with your resignation with respect to your coming home. We here all feel grieved that we cannot see you, and also on account of your lonely situation. I hope Miss Alice and yourself will be able to get through the vacation without suffering the blues to carry you off. Prof. Read is here now, & will visit Cincinnati, I believe, next week when probably you will see him. He thinks with me, that all the pleasure of seeing you girls, which you know is almost neutralized by the separation when you go away again, costs too much in these hard times. The collapsed condition of my Pate Monnaie [Latin] just now, is the reason why you are not made as happy as the other girls by a visit home. Your mother fears too that you would not go back again & she is very anxious that you should remain till you graduate. I hope that the present condition of affairs will not last very long. John McKinley is going to C. next week, when your ma designs sending you something. I must try & find those books you spoke of, perhaps I will not be able to get them all here. You never said whether you got any from Dicky's store or not. Their successors will still supply us here, and it would be the same to them, if I should pay Prof. B here, then putting in Prof. B's bill the books that you received. We are all in usual health. The house seems to me still more uncomfortable than last winter. When we will be able to better ourselves is altogether unknown. Our examinations will take place on Monday Tuesday & Wednesday of next week, when we will have a week's vacation. [It and a?] be a merry Christmas & happy New Year that we had, but now that seems to me all changed.

I am much pleased with the good reports I receive of you. Go on & always try to deserve them. "Men will praise thee when thou doest well to thyself," but let not this praise of men be that which urges you to do well, let it be the consciousness of doing right.

Mrs. McFerson is expected to day. I must close this scrawl in time for the mail.

Wishing you and Miss Read and all the rest of the sharers in your tribulation, a merry Xtmas & happy new year, good health good appetite & plenty to gratify it. I remain Your affectionate father T. A. Wylie

Miss Louisa E. M. Wylie Glendale Hamilton Co. O.

P.S. I send you enclosed a Five dollar note, Indiana State Bank--You can procure some postage stamps & use the rest as you please. If you get yourself any school book & let me know the price, I will make it good sometime. Always acknowledge the receipt of money. Phandy & Brown sent you a gold dollar in their last letter. Did you receive it?

[In pencil, this addition] Did not send on Sat. having a sort of notion that you would come with Mrs. McF--Mrs. McFarnoid. Sat. night. Ma wishes to know if you need a black silk Busque. Write immediately

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. Dec. 22nd 1856

My Dearest Lou,

You said I would have to write to Parke first, but as she is going to Oxford and Greensburgh, I suppose she will not want a letter from me much and when I think of my dear lovely little Lou off at Glendale by herself, wishing to be in Bloomington so badly, I cannot resist the impulse to sit down and try and cheer her a little and tell her how badly she is wanted here. Parke must not think I am treating her unjustly. I will write to her by her Mother.

Last Saturday was the most boisterous snowy day you can well imagine and at night was so cold that none of us went over to see Mrs. McFerson with Pa. But when he returned I was delighted to see him pull out a letter directed to me in Lou's handwriting. But on opening it, lo, my astonishment and disappointment on reading "My own dear Mother." So I had to put it up without reading it and wait until your Mother should send mine. Sunday I was sick and could not go to church but Hat took your Mother's letter to her and got mine. This morning (Monday) it is excessively cold and I am still so unwell that I fear I shall not see dear Mrs. McFerson until tomorrow. Wednesday we hope to have her with Prof & Mrs. Read, Prof & Mrs. Wylie and Mrs. Dr. Wylie to spend the day with us. Oh if Lou was only here how happy I would be.

Lou dear, it was not exactly kind in you to say that no one cared enough for you to answer your letters with any kind of punctuality. I know I don't answer punctually either you or any one else but it is not my fault, but simply because I have so many correspondents and so little time to write. You should not question my love for you, and I don't believe you really do in your heart. Lou, I really don't know how I can stand it six months longer. I do feel so, so lonely and we all miss you so much. And then Jennie is going back with Mrs. McF and though I know you will rejoice at it, I, poor I, what shall I do? I will not have one friend in town then whom I can visit with any degree of intimacy. Lizzie Mitchell too marries Eckley Hunter this evening and sets off for Glendale. Oh! happy Glendale! To sweep off all the "youth and beauty" from our poor town. It really is too bad. You can't think how I hate to have Jennie leave. I can't think of going myself for I must stay and teach the children until they get a decent school here, and then I will be too old and besides you will all be at home then. But this is not an unpleasant prospect to me. My home is very, very dear to me. Anna hopes she will go some day to Glendale and I hope so too for I want her to have a good opportunity for learning music and French etc. She is making good progress in Latin and Mathematics, has completed five books of Geometry this last session. She says I must tell you she wants to see you worse than I do but that is not possible, so you need not believe it. She dreams of you every night she says and always dreams of crying because you are not here. Poor child, she is suffering very much just now from the tooth-ache and her face is so swollen you would hardly know her. They have elected a Mr. Hamilton President of the Academy. He is living in Delaware I believe. Prof Kirkwood named him to the board. He says he is a very learned man and a most excellent teacher and has a daughter old enough to assist him. He is an Old School minister. The Methodists have issued a flaming circular. I will send you one. I am afraid they will not be able to come up to their promises. Aren't you?

The children have been very busy all last week making Christmas presents for each other. They are anticipating a very merry time among themselves. I have something too for each of them and so has Ma. I don't expect any enjoyment except these home pleasures with the children, which perhaps are the purest and sweetest in the end.

The O. S. sewing society give a supper tomorrow night, but there is such a deep snow on the ground I fear they will not have many out. Joe Jenckes was up here last week and read me part of a letter he had just received from Jno. W. Foster. He and I concluded it was the most convenient arrangement we had heard of for him to live in Cin. and run up to Glendale every week. Hal had a letter from John last week too inviting him to come up to Cin. and offering to take him over to see you all. Hal wanted to go very much but Pa could not spare him the money just now. Speaking of Joe reminds me of a very sweet serenade I had the other night, and which I wish you could have enjoyed with me. Hal says I must tell you he misses you more and wants to see you more than any girl who has left Bloomington since he has been here, and I know he is in earnest, Lou, (you never would believe him you know) because he so often talks of you and always teases me to read some part of your letters to him. Don't think I let any one see your letters. I never do and I don't want you to show mine unless perhaps to Parke sometimes. Lou dear, I have been thinking and wanting to see Mollie so much of late. The dear girl has been heavily afflicted this winter and I have felt so much for her that I wanted just to fly and put my arms around her neck and weep with her. Her youngest sister little Emily, only ten years old, was taken from them on the 2nd day of this month. She was sick just as long and in the same way that Lewis Bishop was and suffered everything before she died. Aunt Sue and Mollie sat up with her the night she died and Aunt Sue dressed her for the grave. She was a most lovely child and a Christian and was always the pet of the family and neighbors. I know how Mollie loved her and her poor Mother too and I hardly know how they will get over it. This will be a sad Christmas to them. I know Mollie is glad she did not go back to school this winter and was with the dear child all the last part of her life. Oh, we cannot be too thankful that our families are yet unbroken. I often look around on ours and think how hard it would be to give up any one of them, and how my heart would be torn. But perhaps I may be the one marked for death first, and oh! Lou, I am the least prepared I know. I was thinking of it the other day and trying to realize my entrance into another world and how little able I would be to stand at the judgment bar and answer for the deeds done in the body. But I am worse hardened than ever and can contemplate all this with comparatively little feeling. I was reading yesterday a tract on the text "Cut it down, why cumbereth it the ground" and found it very applicable to me. Louise darling I know you feel for me but you can't know what a vile hypocrite I am. May God have mercy on me and waken my conscience from this awful slumber which will soon prove fatal unless He does interfere.

Mat Evans is in town and is coming to see me this evening unless the cold prevents him. The thermometer now stands at 7º below 0. I do hope it will moderate by dark for I am so impatient to see Mrs. McFerson and ask her all about you all. You and Do met her in New Albany I believe and came up with her. Mustn't she have been glad to see them. I want to see them badly too. I thought you were going to Oxford too. How happens it that you did not? I hope you and Al will have a delightful time. Don't indulge in too much weeping and if you get lonely you and Al just sit down and write me a joint letter, just as if you were talking to me. I will enjoy it so much. And don't think hard if I don't write just as soon as you would have me. I will write as often as I can and you need never think I don't care for you and such stuff. You know better. I mean to write to Parke by her Mother. Give my best love to her and Al. Mrs. McFerson and Jennie will give you all the news. I can't write news. I am always ashamed of my letters but I am glad if they afford you the least gratification. But you need not cry over them. They are not worth it. Oh, Louise, my own darling, I want to see you so, so much. Goodbye. A Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you and Al, and may I be able to wish you many and many a happy New Year after 1857. And oh that Heaven may spare you a long time to your family and friends and crown you with its richest blessings is the firmest prayer of your ever affectionate friend Mary Don't put my next letter in any body else's envelope. Fannie says she wants to see you dreadfully.

[Lou wrote on the envelope, in pencil, the following.] Received Friday, Dec. 26, 1856. Parke and John came home from Oxford. John invites us down to dine with him at the Burnet House. Oh, dear Mary, how I long to see you. I miss you more than any one except home folks.

Transcription: Bloomington Dec. 23rd 1856 My Dear Dear Dear Sister Lou Pa and I received your letter some time ago but I had not time to answer it. , or, I believe I did scribble off a few lines to you but I don't think you could read them. As it is now vacation I hope that we will get more time to write. Just think you have been gone 4 M. and how it will be until we can see you I can hardly wait. I thought you would come home with Mrs. McFerson or we were all in hope that you would come & so I went to the Depot and waited a hour but no one came for they came in the evening. It is good that you are not coming home in the winter for I know that you would freeze it is very cold everything is freezing up. Brown says that he is writing a letter to you and he is (or says he is) making round O's. Toph is writing to you to but he got mad and is crying you know we said he would give you 25 ct. if you would teach him his letters and you did not do it and now I have taught them to him and day after tomorrow Pa will pay me I want him to learn to read before you come home.

Last Sabbath I went to church Pa preached he explained the 18 psalm 43 verse I did not stay for Sabbath school I came home and here I found Mrs. McFerson. O I was so glad to see her but she did not stay long after I came home so I did not get to see her. Yesterday Zan came up to see us I have not seen Do yet, have you seen the harpers?

Do you want a new bask? Do you know how Hanna McKinley is? Is she getting better?

The ladies of the society are going to have a supper to night down in Orchards house it is to be where Woodard used to have his store. They are going to have oisters lemonade Ice crème I don't think that they will sell much ice crème for it is so cold they are going to have a great many cakes I don't know wether I will go or not if I do I will tell you all about it we have no girl yet and I don't think we will get one.

You want not to move out of this house before you come home but I don't think we will.

Yesterday Hattie Chase came to see if you had come home that is the third time she has been here to see if you had come home.

Yesterday was examination and I had to play I did not do well I was so frightened. But Jane will tell you all about it. Jane is here now and she told me to tell you that she could--[in different hand] Jen writes this dear Lou I'm sitting by your ma waiting for examination at school to be over so I can finish giving lessons, &c &c--don't believe I can find time to answer yours, so if I go will answer in person. If I don't--you will get a good long letter. Jen

[Back to Maggie's hand] I sopose Mr. Hunter and his bride will be with you soon he was married last night to who do you think Miss Lizzie Michel who is now Mrs. Hunter.

Pa has just come home from College his examinations come off this afternoon

Was not you glad to here that Browing found your little brestpin They found it down to the college in the dirt I have got it do you want me to send it to you if you want it I will send it Ma says she thinks that you ought to offer the one Mr. Foster gave you back

is the lake frozen? do you have a nice time

I don't care to go out any more for I have not any person to go with and so I don't go much

Lou I commenced working you a collar before you went away for a Christmas gift but here it is and I cannot send it.

[in Rebecca's hand] Dear Lou I think Maggie has written this very badly and has written too much but I suppose has given you all the news. Indeed since I commenced writing I find how impossible it is to write intelligibly for Toph is shaking the stand and has just spilt the ink and Brown is dipping his finger in it and writing to "My [clawedy?]" I hope the letter will be finished to day. Pa wrote yesterday and sent you a five dollar note for a Christmas gift. I hope you will get it safely. [back to Maggie's hand] Ma sent you those madder Sleeves in Mary D's trunk did you get them those made out of Honiton lace from your affectionate Sister Mag Dear Lou, the cars that ought to have been here at 5 M after 9 and they did not come until 7 o'clock in the evening Lizzie the bride Hunter was there waiting all the time I went to the supper I had a very pleasant evening I will tell you all about it in my next letter Maggie Ma & Pa are invited to Prof Balentine for dinner they are both going Jo Jenks took Jen Wylie she look so pretty Mag

Transcription: Bloomington Jan 27th 1857

My dear Lou,

You must not look for letters from me as frequently as you do from Mag or expect me to write immediately on the receipt of yours, for in the first place, I do not think you need exhortations all the time to keep you in order and in the second place I don't think it is necessary for me to be telling you all the time how much I love you, and in the third place, Ma and Mag give you all the gossip a great deal better than I could do it and fourth and lastly, when my head is full of mechanics, I can't write a letter unless it be on very urgent business. I am always much pleased with your letters and have no fault to find with them and do not want you to be any extra pained in attempting to express yourself too nicely. I like to see a plainly written letter and one that comes nearest to the simple conversational style which we naturally adopt when we have anything to say. I do not write thus because I have noticed the fault to which I refer in your letter, but from a remark in your letter I was afraid you thought you did not take pains enough in your composition.

Your report, too, pleased me very much. I hope it is merited (Had to stop at this point and have not had a moment's time to resume my pen till now, Friday, Jan 30th, 10 ½ P.M.)

You must not forget to write Dick another letter. He is making some little progress in his learning, though I have almost altogether despaired of his being able even to read decently. His letter to you, poor as it was, cost him a good deal of trouble, and I believe he received very little assistance from any one. His mental constitution is a perfect mystery to me. Phandy and Brown give every indication that they will learn rapidly. Phandy begins to spell and Brown speaks plainer than Ph and more correctly. Ph said today "Ma, where pie you kept me." Brown would have said, "Ma, where is that pie you kept for me" putting in all the little words.

We have had no letters lately from Philadelphia. We hear by the papers that they have had a terrible storm there and that for some days the mails were stopped. Our weather here has been cold. About a week ago the thermometer ranged at noon about 0º, one night following to -14º. For a few days past it has been quite mild. We had a rain, very fortunately for us as it replenished our cistern, which for a few days had been exhausted.

I thought you mentioned that you got some books at Derby's. There was no mention made of them in Prof Ballantine's bill, though he does not get books from Derby but from his successor keeping store in the same place. I forget the name of the present proprietors. Does Derby still carry on the business in another part of the city?

Do you want Mag or Dick to send you the Sat. Evg Post occasionally? You asked something about it in one of your letters. I have no objection to your getting it now and then, but it has too many of those wishy-washy tales in it to be profitable to one who like yourself has something more important to attend to.

We all keep in good health. We have no prospect as yet of getting out of this old rookery of a house. Ma bustles about doing all the hard work as usual. Give our respects to Mrs. McF and Dr. Monfort. Mrs. Wylie and Mrs. Read and family are all in usual health.

Your affectionate father

T. A. Wylie Miss E. L. M. Wylie Glendale O.

Transcription: Bloomington Dear sister Lou I have not answered your letter yet, but I am determined to delay no longer. I want to tell you how finely I am doing in school. Mr. Ridile has a large school we have got about Fifty scholars. and he is very much liked. I have not been very well for two or three days but I am better now. I expect to go to school to morrow. Mag and I go a sledriding nearly every night in my little sled we have fine times. Some times Ike Helton Columbus Browning and Hariet and Lizzy Browning they all come to our house and we have great times when they are here. Father has been up to Indianapolis and he bought Mag and me a book, he got stuyvasant and Caroline and he got something for Toph and Brown. I wish that we had got Agnes and that would have been for you then we would have had the whole library. I suppose you will get it when you come home next summer.

We received you letter this evening and we were glad to hear that Mrs. McFerson had recovered her trunk. I must stop as it is past 10 o'clock I remain your brother Richard D. Wylie

[on same sheet, the following from Rebecca} Jan 21st Wednesday night 10 1/2 O'clock Dear Lou I do not know if I will be permitted to write much to you as Dick is talking to me & I have to stop every few minutes, but I have a great deal to say to you and you know I have not much time. We were glad to hear from you this afternoon, especially glad to hear Mrs. McFerson had found her trunk and also that you liked all your things. I would have sent you more had I known what you wanted. I thought of some flannel socks but did not know how to make them. Jane said she would cut out some drawers for you and I suppose you can get them made for 25 cts a pair. Little Browne is not well he is cutting a back tooth and has a very bad cough. he is a dear little fellow and very affectionate he says very frequently he wishes "Lou would come home." Mag is very much distressed because she thinks he will forget you before June. Fandy talks a great deal about you. I suppose Mag has given you an account of his proficiency in his studies so I will forbear. Your Pa says he will write to you as soon as he has the time. he has been teaching Dr Daily's classes during his absence and of course has been kept busy. I hope the Dr did some credit to the Institution at Cincinnati.

We were glad to see your report was so good I hope you will continue to study but I also hope you will take more exercise. I mentioned to Mrs. McF that I was afraid that was the reason of your irregularity If you feel sick you must send & get some of Dr Fithian's pills. do not neglect it. Pa is fidgeting about my sitting up so late so I suppose I must stop and finish tomorrow. I cannot write more now as I want you to get this letter Your aff. Ma R.D.W.

[in the same envelope, but with no address and no signature, the following] My Cousin Lou "There was a time"--but "Time shall be no more"--not since I left off writing in albums has poetry had as much effect on me--so you touched me in the wrong way that time--I really must confess the poetry was good selection, but for the last year or two my feelings have been so warped by dull dry law reading that poetry has no effect on me, heartless, stolid mortal that I am-- On that point about the letters, those parts of your waking and sleeping hours, as the lawyers would say, I have "examined the law and consulted the authorities" and by them I find that I have a right to do as I please with them, and as I am willing to please my cousin in all things lawful and proper, I propose that we have a "peace congress" on the subject--come down to the city some Saturday and we will make a treaty of peace--I thought, though, that the poor persecuted letters were to sleep quietly in the [?] where they had been placed by careful hands--but it seems not so--You are reading Horace--when you get over into the "epistles" you will find that he says "the spoken word, once sent forth, never returns" (what the Latin is I forget)--may it not be so with the written?

But the idea of burning--what! destroy such a rash amount of literature, even of literature, past, present, and future exclaim against it--and even the paper merchants say it is an extravagant destruction of property to burn them--burn them? it's not to be thought of--my cousin must think better of it. But my voice is for peace, so let's have the conference and get a truce, anyhow--

Transcription: Bloomington, Wed eve. 10 o'clock Feb 11, 1857

My dear daughter,

We received your welcome letter this afternoon and were sorry to find you were so homesick or really sick, I know not which. It does seem too bad that you do not hear from home at least once a week but the fact is we are kept very busy and when night comes on and the children are put to bed there is always some garment that must be made or mended for some one to wear the next day. So it is day after day.

Tomorrow I expect a girl. I hope she may be worth something, if not I intend to send or go to Gosport for Ann Baldon for I am determined not to do without one any longer if I can help myself. So I hope I can have more time to write to you than I have had.

We have had it very warm last week. The change was so very great that almost all of us have taken cold. I was sick the beginning of the week and poor Mag had all the work to do. I felt so sorry for her. Brown had the croup last night but I am in hopes he will escape it to night as I have been very careful of him to day. Fandy has a bad cough but is as full of mischief as he can possibly be. They talk of Sissy Oo very much. B wrote a letter to you last Sabbath and hunted for his cap saying he wanted to take his letter to the Locomo for Oo. Mrs. Wylie received a letter from Jane to day. She is very well. Was up here to dinner to day. Mrs. Reed and Birdie were here yesterday afternoon. They are all having their daguerreotype taken. Your Pa thinks you must be out of money. You ought to tell us if you are so that we can send you more. I thought I could write you a long letter, but B is waking up and crying so I must stop. Good night dear Lou.

Thursday morn.

I hope I can finish my letter now in time for the mail. I have had company all the morning but now they have gone. The girl has come but I cannot yet tell how she will do. Brown did not have the croup last night so you see we are getting along pretty well. I am going to make you a pair of corsets and have bought very pretty Nansook muslin to make you a couple of wrappers. One I think I will trim with pink and the other with blue if you like. How wide must I make the border. I have not heard from West Chester. I wrote both to Adelaide and Cornelia & do not know what to think about your Aunt Addy's not coming but perhaps the cold weather has detained her.

The Neotrophean Society had their Anniversary last night. Miss Anderson spoke. She did very well. I was not out. Your Pa and Maggy went. Joe Jencks and Ap Helton were the band. Maggy says I must tell you that Miss Anderson was dressed in a black silk skirt and white merino body, short sleeves and low neck. Jennie Mitchel the same way. Mag I suppose gives you all the news. I think it would be better if you were to have only one room. I do not like you to stay in one and sleep in another room. Next session I think you had better take Music lessons if you get a good teacher, but do not forget to practice. However I suppose it is time enough to decide. If we send

[switches to TAW's hand here] Dear Lou, Ma has gone into the kitchen to look after our new auxiliary in the culinary occupation and I take the opportunity of thanking you for your letter and telling you that I am going to write soon. Don't be concerned about us here. We are getting along, considering all things, pretty well. If you were in a room by yourself, I would direct you to keep all your windows open, for at least half an hour every day when you are not in the room. And if you can do it keep the upper sash down about an inch nearly all the time. Exercise in the open air.

[Back to RDW's hand on the front, in margin] Enclosed you will find $5. Get yourself any little thing you may want. In a few days Pa will send your tuition and Mrs. McFerson's $50.

Transcription: Charlestown Feb 12 1857

Dear Lou,

I received your kind letter to night. It is very sickly here. Two of our boarders have been so sick that they were not expected to live but they are almost well now. I can sympathise with you as I know what it is to be homesick, and I long for the time when I will have a home that I can call my own once more. There is a man here giving writing lessons. He has a class of about sixty. It has been very muddy here for a few days past. I have taken up Ray's Higher Arithmetick, I like it very much. I heard you were trying to learn to skate. Did you succeed? I have been to Church to night. They have communion next Sabbath. Zan sends his best love. Write soon for it does me so much good to get a letter from you. Good bye. From your very affectionate friend Do Please excuse errors.

Transcription: Bloomington March 10, 1857

My Own Dear Sister Lou

I suppose you have seen Ap. And that he has told you that Pa was sick. He has been sick but is well now. He was sick in bed Wednesday, got out of bed and went to College Thursday, got cold and was sick in bed Friday and Saturday half the day, and preached on Sabbath. We are about. Toph and Brown did not get the measles. I made 5 aprons last week and I must go and finish another one. It is cold up here too. I have not finished any aprons yet but I have stopped to write to you

We have a very deep snow on the ground now. We took a sleigh ride last night. We had a fine time. Red came up for me and then we went for Aggie Kirkwood then we went down to Dr Maxwell's. Em did not go but Mame did then Lib then we went in Red's meadow by Prof Bal and went in for the three girls but Lizzie had a very bad cold. Fanny crying with the headache, Mrs. Ballantine was afraid to let Anna to but at last she let her go. Then we rode a while and came up town and got sis Dodds and the exhibition was out and so we went for Em then we went back and rode some more and then went home the ME girls (or the society girls) had a exhibition. Fan Wats, Sally Akeon and some others preached

The children were shaking me so and my pen is so bad and I have the headache so bad that you must excuse this bad writing.

Mag Oh how I wish you were home.

Dear Lou,

I am a bad boy Mag says but I think I am a good big man. I want to see you very much. I want to tell you that my little cat is dead. It died not very long ago. Mag wants to stop now so good by. Come home. I want to see you

Brown Wylie

Dear Lou,

As Mag and Brown has been writing to you I thought I would too. I am going to learn to read before you come home. Walter Rowning has a little sister. It was one week old last Sabbath and so has Martha Keeny a little sister and Mrs. Russell has a little son.

Toph

Transcription: Bloomington March 13th 1857

My dear Lou,

I send by Mr. Fee who is going to Cincinnati on Monday the eighty four dollars. Fifty of this for Mrs. McFerson to be credited on my note and the remainder for your second quarter's tuition and boarding. If there is any thing over you can keep it or give it to Mrs. McF. If it is not enough you will have to inform me, though I will not probably be able to make another remittance before May. You must be careful to let us know as to any expenses you may be at and what money you need. By the way, we have never heard whether you received five dollars I sent you about the first of Feb. We have been looking every mail for letters from you but have received none for I do not know how long.

I was kept at home a day or two with a bad cold which affected my lungs more than any cold I ever had. Such colds have been very common here for a few weeks past.

I leave all the local news for Maggie to send. She gathers it all and gives it better than I could. I have not heard from Philadelphia for nearly a month, and our prospect for getting out of this old house is no better now than it was a year ago. I am heartily tired of the place and wish much that I were living in a more civilized part of the world; but wishing does little good. Your Ma who ought to grumble bears these evils better than I do.

The Legislature adjourns without doing anything for the University and very little for any other interest political [one word ending in lent] or literary. The board will not be able to sell lands, and of course have no means of raising funds and paying debts, so that we remain in status quo for another two years. In college matters we go on as usual. The term is drawing to a close and we will have a few weeks vacation. I should be glad to pay you a visit but I fear that it will be altogether impracticable.

Your Ma joins me in sending our kindest regards to Mrs. McF and Dr. Monfort.

Your affectionate father

T. A. Wylie Miss E. L. M. Wylie Glendale Hamilton Co, O.

Dear Lou

As Pa has left this much paper I will fill it up. Did you receive those evening Posts that I sent you? I have 9 more to send you but you do not say anything about them and Ma sent you $5 and you never said any thing about it. Ma is scolding me. She says to go to bed.

Good bye

Maggie I would write more if Ma would let me

Mag

[Back to TAW's hand] Sat. Morning P.S. Mag has just received your very welcome letters. I hope you will still continue to have good reports. If you would tell me any of your Trigonometrical difficulties, I might be able to help you. It would probably be of use in Review. P.S.S. Your Ma has several things to send but as Mr. Fee does not go to Glendale we do not know how they should be disposed of in Cincinnati. If she makes up her mind to send them, I will direct Mr. Fee to leave them at the book store, Derby's old place. You might enquire there if anything had been left for you.

Transcription: Bloomington April 16th 1857

Dear Lou Your very welcome letter was received yesterday. We heard by Dr. Mc P that you were well, & looked as if you were in good spirits. I am sorry to hear that the Trigonometry troubles you so much. It is not so hard I think when you get rightly incorporated into the mind the meaning & use of those terms so often recurring, sines, cosines, &c &c and when you do not as is so often done look upon those formulae as results hard to get and invented for the sole purpose of puzzling, tormenting & bothering the young ladies & gentlemen of female & male colleges. You must remember that they are like theorems in geometry, always coming of use in Mathc investigations. They are like the tools of the workmen, some of them indisposable like a needle to a tailor & some labor saving, like the sewing machine. You should therefore endeavor to get them, & have them in first rate order and put away in your tool chest. Needle-case I should have said, for the needles at least, so that you would be able to find them when wanted. But you will say that you don't intend to be a mathematician, & will never need them. Perhaps so, there is no telling. I sometimes wonder how some old things, scraps of iron & leather & bits of glass come of use, which I have thrown away into my miscellaneous drawer, so there is no telling about the use of this Trig. Perhaps, though not very likely you may have sometime to take command of a vessel & bring t into port like that California lady, who was so much talked of a few months ago. But suppose it should never be of use the very discipline of the mind necessary to acquire it, will make you able to grapple with problems in domestic economy & in any sphere of life, which are continually presenting themselves. The method of the mind is pretty nearly the same in all sorts of investigations. I take great pleasure in looking at the operations of the glassblower & iron worker, and a good deal of this depends on my having a little knowledge of the theory connected with those arts, but I never expect to be a glass blower or worker in iron. So you if you have some knowledge of Trig. will derive much more pleasure from a lecture or work on astronomy if it is not of the most superficial character, you will understand allusions made in ordinary reading & conversation better, than if you had no such knowledge. For these reasons, you should endeavor to understand as you advance in the study, and not look upon it as mere drudgery of the mind, a something which you attend to as a disagreeable duty. Be particular in getting the two formulae Sin (a ± 0) = Sin a Cos b ± Cos a Sin b & Cos (a ± b) = Cos a Cos b ± Sin a Sin b. These are a sort of patriarchs in Trigonometry. The parents of a whole brood. One half - perhaps I might say almost the whole of the science is contained in them. You must remember too that these sines & cosines &c are multipliers in nearly all cases. The sines & cosines fractions less than unity when the radius of the circle is unity. Their use is to give us a relation by which we can determine the dependence of sides of a triangle or angles and of angles or sides. You must excuse, dear Lou, this prisy[prosy?] letter. I got started and couldn't stop, & if I hadn't something else to attend to, I do not know how long I would have run on.

I am glad you mentioned indebtedness to Dr. M. I suppose you mean that that sum $80 pays to the end of your course. I will try and send it about the beginning of May. Though I will not be able to pay Mrs. McF any on the Piano till the following quarter unless I get a remittance from Philad. I suppose that it will not make so much odds to Mrs. McF. as my note to her draws interest. I am very glad that you are taking music lessons, & particularly so that it is the cultivation of the voice. The human larynx is the finest musical instrument ever contrived. You will generally find that if you can sing a piece correctly & what do you call it con amore (?) you will play it accordingly. I am very glad to find you so economical, but I do not want you to go without any thing necessary. I do not grudge anything that is spent when there is something useful or truly ornamental to show for it.

The weather is very cold. We made garden the week before last, but it remains, up to this date in status quo. Ma has been so busy, as also the rest of us in endeavoring to get fixed for your Aunt Adelaide, that she has not had time to write. They have not come yet, but your respectable Aunt Speck is expected in every train. Your affectionate father T. A. Wylie

[on same sheet, the following from Maggie] Dear Lou I would have written to you last week but we have been very busy. We have had no girl and have been expecting Aunt Addie in every train. I am glad you got a letter from Aunt Nell. I thought she was angry at some thing. When you write tell her I won't write any more if she don't answer my letters. I am making Brown a pair of pants. I am going to get me a dress I don't know what kind to get. Maggie

[and this, from Rebecca] Dearest Lou, I have been worried all week because nobody could get time to write to you and I was afraid you would be uneasy but it has been a busy week with us. What I wanted particularly to write to you was about your white dress. If the others get theirs you had better buy yours at the same time if you have or can get the money & we will send you money by the beginning of May. I might have sent you belts for your dresses if I had thought of it but I forgot. I think you never told me how they and the bodies fitted you. Mrs. Small enquired but I could only tell her that you said you were pleased with them. You would scarcely know my room. I have had your bureau moved into it and Pa is making Mag a wardrobe for her room then I put up those yellow curtains I bought last Summer. I forgot to tell you Pa put in a beautiful large looking glass in place of the one you broke. We have the crib moved up stairs and intend to give up that room to aunty. Dick's bedstead we have in your room and green curtains so you see we have changed the appearance of everything. I can scarcely wait for you to come home. I am so anxious to see you. Grandma was here day before yesterday she is well & impatient to see Jane always mention something about her when you write. Yours in haste R.D.W.

Transcription: Bloomington Ap 22, 1857 Dear Lou I received your letter a little while ago, and would not have replied to it just now had it not been that I had to forward you the letter from Miss Brainerd. I would like to take a little more time than I can just now give in referring to some of the serious matters you mention in your letter. but we are all at odds & ends. Last night your Aunt Adelaide, husband, three children, a little 10 yr old help & a dog by the name Trusty arrived. It is well that we had been expecting them, so as to have made some calculation as to their disposition in the house. We ought not to forget to mention that Ann Raldan from Quincy came in the morning which was exceedingly fortunate for us all. We arranged to store them away last night & will be able to get along till they go, I hope; but it is a great thing to have a convenient house when such an emergency as the present occurs. You ought to have received my last letter I think before you wrote. mine was written sometime last week, perhaps it was as late as Friday. You have received it by this time I suppose. I sympathise with you in your troubles respecting the commencement. It is easy to say "don't mind it" but go ahead & don't waste time by thinking on your troubles. I was just like you in this respect, & have come to the conclusion that it was very foolish to be so much concerned about the matter. We feel very much concerned often about what people will think, when people don't think at all. If you make a first rate speech, no person hardly will remember what the speech was or who made it, ten minutes after it is over. & if you blunder & fail, they will forget that too in a little while, & you can console yourself with the reflection that many a better person has done worse. For these reasons we ought to go on and do what we can do, with a quiet mind not suffering ourselves to be discomposed by what we fancy to be the expectations of an admiring audience, but just as we write a letter or talk to a friend, suffering our mind to run along with our work. But all this is easier said than done. Suppose you discourse on Trigonometry--If any better subject comes across my mind, I will send you word.

I would be very glad if you feel yourself able to do it to accept the invitation to Oxford, which you have in Miss Brainerd's letter. You must try & get over your diffidence, so that you may be able to make speeches on public occasions.

I did not think when I began this letter that I could have reached the bottom of the first page, but here I am on the last. I am pleased to hear of the good influence of the good preaching you have been attending to. I am sorry, often very sorry for the distinctions among those who profess essentially the same religion which prevent them uniting fully with each other. It ought not to be so, but some things must sometimes be sacrificed for the sake of consistency & for the sake of some of those with whom we are associated, who are a little behind the age. I am pleased with the general tenor of your letter & hope that when you return home you will be prepared not to join the church, for of that you are a member already, but that now being able to understand for yourself, you will make fuller profession of your faith. We are all very well. Your affectionate father T. A. Wylie

Miss L. E. Wylie, Glendale, Hamn. Co.O.

Transcription: Bloomington May 12th '57

My dear Lou Mag received your letter yesterday. I hope before this you have see McCrow by whom we sent $85--according to your acct $80 will meet your school expenses the remaining five you could use as you please. You should have mentioned in your letter to Mag how much you needed, I send at a venture ten dollars. (Sate bank O. A. 2773) If sufficient I will be very glad, if not you will have to borrow and let me know & I will remit as soon as I can. Your aunt & family are still here. When they will leave very uncertain. Brown has been ailing a little with that exception we are in usual health. I hope you will be able to keep up your courage till commencement is over. When you go to C. I would be glad you could call on McPatterson if convenient. & if you could get two or three of his tracts on infidelity I should like you to send them. Call also on Hammel McKinley, she is like yourself away from home & sometimes homesick. I have not time to write more but hoping that God may bless you and direct you in all your ways I remain Your affectionate father T. A. Wylie

Miss E. L. M. Wylie Glendale Hamilton Co. O. P.S. Acknowledge the receipt of this & the money by McCrow as soon as possible.

Transcription: Wednesday May 13, 1857 Dear Miss Wylie,

You seem to be assailed by the wicked one with doubts and fears. The enemy of your soul wishes to make you distrust Christ. In this way he hopes and wishes to destroy you. He knows if you believe you will be saved. But I see you are not willing to cherish any doubt. They give you pain. You strive against them. That is, you, I hope, resist the devil. Therefore he will flee from you. He cannot succeed. He that is for you is stronger than he that is against you. Christ will not leave you in the hands of your enemy if you desire to trust and love him. Pray to him to help your unbelief. There may be true faith yet it may be very weak. I trust your faith is sincere.

You ask if your doubts do not disqualify you to come to the Lord's table. If you really doubt that Jesus is the Christ, that his blood cleansed from all sin that he died that we might live, that you need an interest in his atoning sacrifice, then your doubts do unfit you for that solemn order. You will not deserve the Lord's body. But if your doubts are of your own personal acceptance that ordisxxx may summon them, that may be the very food you need to strengthen you. Do you not desire to be a partaker of his benefits? Do you not hunger and thirst for that bread and water of life? Do you not desire his mercy? If you do you are invited to partake of it. I think you will not deny that you do.

Ask Christ to strengthen your faith to show you his glory, to manifest himself to you, lift o the light of his countenance that you may not dishonor him who has done so much to give you confidence with wicked doubts. He will not break the bruised reed. He will open your eyes to see his glory. Think of yourself, your need of such a saviour. Think of what He is, what He has said, what he has done to gain your hope, your trust, your love. Behold his hands and his side and be not faithless but believing. To whom else can you go for life for pardon for holiness for heaven. Trust him in dxxx and disxxxxxxx. He will never forsake you.

I hope you will put on a cheerful courage and rejoice in the Lord. Humble yourself but exalt Christ

Your affectionate teacher

Thos. [Sherman?]

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. May 22nd 1857

My dearest Lou,

I watched eagerly for your answer to my last every day until it came, for I knew you would write immediately and a dear good one it was. I do feel grateful for your letters always, but for that one especially. I received it on Wednesday and Thursday brought me another from you. This second one was wholly unexpected but more warmly welcomed on that account. At first I feared you were sick or that something had happened to you, but when I found that it was only your love and anxiety for me that made you write so long a letter so soon again, I cannot tell you how I felt. I hope I will be able some day to make some return for your kindness and love. In the mean time I can only love and think of you constantly. God will reward you. I hardly know what to tell you of myself today. It is a most lovely day, the trees are out so full and green and the grass and the sky and the very atmosphere even seem to be just as near to perfection as it is possible for them to be. I am calm. I can't say happy. Perhaps it is because all nature seems so calm and beautiful, perhaps I am losing my feeling, my interest or perhaps, I am afraid to say it lest it should only be a temptation of Satan to deceive me, perhaps I am learning and beginning to trust. I have thought more of God this morning in his works I think. I can't tell. A lovely day always makes me feel happier and it may be nothing else but that. I have been trying to believe and praying for faith. Last night when I went to bed I thought I would just do what I knew to be God's will as far as I was able and leave the rest to Jesus to do for me. I thought surely He would not have come upon this earth and lived and died and taught and urged sinners to come to Him and wept over their unbelief unless He was willing and anxious to have them "come." And why should I not go? It is as hard for me to realize that I am an actor in the scene. I wonder that others don't come to Him, and rejoice when I hear of their coming. I love to hear of a triumphant death and of the surety a Christian feels that he is going to his Savior. I teach the children and my dear Sabbath school class and urge them to be Christians but when I think of myself it is hard to realize that I have anything to do. When I read the Scriptures it appears often, almost always, like some old History with which I can have nothing to do, and which cannot have any reference to me. I can't realize that Jesus died for me, that He thought of me and loved me, even when He was bleeding on the Cross. And when I read of His promises and His words to His children, they don't seem to be meant for me. I think that is one reason I have had no more pungent convictions.

Tuesday, June 9th

My dearest Louise, you see I did mean to answer your sweet letters before this time. I have longed for an opportunity to finish but this is the first I have found. The very day I wrote the above my dear brother decided to leave home as soon as he could get ready. I had to put down every thing and help him off. That was two weeks ago today. The next day after he left I was quite sick and for a week was hardly able to do any thing. Then I took cold in my face and suffered for another week day and night with neuralgia. Yesterday was the first time I have been able to do any thing at all and I was busy all day helping about house cleaning. So you will excuse me, dear. I hardly know whether it is worth while to write now as I will see you in so short a time and then I can tell you all so much better. I do feel so glad to think I will again have you to visit and walk with and love me and cheer me in my loneliness. Ah! Lou, I have never felt anyone's absence as I do dear Hal's. You can't tell how utterly desolate I feel and I can't ever go out when I wish to in the evening etc. I did not know how dependent I was on him and how dear he was to me. There seems a great gap in the family and whenever we all sit down together there is first a silence for some minutes and then the conversation turns on "Brother." He has been a dear, good son, and brother and I do hope he has good fixed principles that will preserve him in his wanderings and temptations. I don't fear for his making his way, he has energy and talent enough to get along. We have had two long letters from him. He went first to Chicago and then to Milwaukee where he found employment. He will be engaged on a R.R. from La Crosse to Superior City. Finding the party would not start for several days, he went over to Madison and staid from Thursday to Monday. Enjoyed himself very much there with Mat Evans & Will Jenckes. Admired the country more than any he ever was in. Saw Mrs. Read and the children, all well. Joe Pering has come to spend the afternoon with me and I must wait till tomorrow to finish my letter. "Tomorrow" Wednesday Anna and I got letters today from Hal. He was just about setting out for the 'pineries'. Has not got a letter from home yet as we knew not where to direct and he says he will not be able to tell us where to send them as they will be in the woods and moving every day. Poor fellow, he got pretty homesick in Milwaukee waiting for the party to get ready. I wish we could write to him. He has already been promoted from chain-dragger to rodman, gets $20 a month besides his expenses paid. Thinks as soon as he gets an opportunity to show what he can do, he will be put higher still. Oh! how I wish he could be with me just this summer. I had not thought of giving him up before the Fall and I can hardly bear it. He will never live at home again I guess. He expects to return in October and then go immediately to N. Y. City to our Theological Seminary there. You need not mention this though. You must be tired enough of hearing of Hal by this time but you know "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." I am not writing much of a kind of a letter now as I think I shall see you week after next. Don't it seem near? I wish you could have been here all this spring to see your Aunt and then your Uncle The, and all the good folks that have been to see your Mamma. I have not seen the wonderful baby yet, your little brother, though I should have gone to see it long before this for Lou's sake had I not been so unwell. Your Uncle preached such a good sermon in our church from the words "In Thee is the Fountain of Life." So suited to me I thought he must have known my feelings. Every sermon I hear lately seems to have something just for me and sometimes the whole seems made just on purpose to meet the doubts and questionings of my mind. If I only could draw all the profit from them I might, I would be rejoicing. But I fear it is worse with me than ever. Some days I feel anxious and interested and watching all the time but for the last week I have lost much of my interest. The world seems to have taken fresh hold upon me, and I go to prayer and reading the Bible without that desire and earnestness I had. I forget to watch myself and pass hours and sometimes the whole day almost careless and thoughtless of God. If I should be lost now, Oh Lou, how great would be my condemnation! 'It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.' I know I love sin too, too much and I am ready to say sometimes I can't help it. Oh, that God would draw me, I can't do anything without His help. I want you to pray for me. I know my situation now is very critical. Oh that I may not grieve the Spirit. Dearest Lou, this must do till I see you. I would write more but think I can tell it better. Give lots of love to Parke and Mrs. McF. and all the girls. Parke must come with you. I will write to her next week. If I should never write you again and never see you, dear Lou, remember I have loved and do love you as my sister and dearest friend. Anna and all send much love. Write if you can to your own true Mary

Transcription: Bloomington, June 14th 1857

Dear Lou,

Maggie has written to you and given you an account of recent events—of, for example the arrival of your brother number four, whom Brown calls his little doll and Phandy Uncle Theodore. The day after this event the veritable Uncle The arrived who remained with us till the following Thursday, regretting much that he could not call and see you. On Saturday your Uncle John, Dr McL dropped in and along with him Mr. A. G. Wylie who stood second best on the night of your Pa's marriage, and with him was Mr. Gifford of N.Y. So you see we have had a fine time of it. You have no idea of the [capabilities?] of this old house, which I fear you will despise too much when you return. We are looking forward to much pleasure when you take your place along with us again. Dick and Mag are much in the notion of going to see you. Poor Dick is now very deaf. He is worse than he ever has been. He has not been going to school for a month past. He is to be pitied; his backwardness in learning and his deafness have almost isolated him. I will not however be able to afford them going to Glendale much as I would like to indulge them. Dear Lou, you must keep your spirits up and not let the crowd scare you out of your wits when you make your speech. As it, the crowd, will not be particularly concerned about you, do you give yourself no particular uneasiness about it. If you have to speak, be sure that you have your speech perfectly committed, endeavoring to have it rather by the thoughts than the words. On rehearsing speak slowly, distinctly, and loudly and just go to the work as a thing that must be done, without letting it give you any anxiety.

Your Ma is doing very well. She walks about her room and I hope will be able to meet you if not at the cars, at the door.

The Neotrophian Soc. had an exhibition at the college on last Sat. It was not equal to former shows of the same kind. I believe the soc. has declared independence of the school. Mr. Cole had no part or place in the exhibition.

I send you $10 which will bring you home. I am sorry I cannot send you more conveniently. If this is not enough to meet demands, you must let me know immediately. All send their love. Present our kind regards to Mrs. McFerson and Dr. Monfort and your other friends and teachers and to all the young ladies who are or used to be of Bloomington.

I remain your affectionate father

T. A. Wylie

Miss E. L. M. Wylie Glendale Hamilton Co, O.

P.S. Ma says if you can afford it, you had better get your bonnet trimmed in Cincinnati.

Bridgeport bank. $10. A/ Burroughs Cash. Hartwell Pres.

Transcription: Preface [written in pencil, obviously after the letter, which starts a third of the way down the sheet, was written in ink]

I hope the reader will make due allowances for all defects fancied and real in this epistle when she considers how hard it is to write on greasy paper without ruled lines and with a bad pen and having to put the paper so near the candle to dry the ink it necessarily becomes scorched, and having to make the subject of nothing so interesting in discourse. According to the rules of justice and mercy you should answer this soon. The Author Have just had pressing invitation from Craig to go to P this winter, so I'm determined to go some time when I get enough money by teaching to take me there and back. This is a late winter, don't know how long it will last. I hear that Benjamin is engaged to whom? And that Parke will be marrying in the spring. Is it true?

At Home November 22nd Monday night My dear Lou,

I'm writing to you to night out of pure benevolence, knowing how you would receive any kind of a letter, away from home there. You know "my three months are not up yet" the date of your last letter being October.

I don't feel at home at all upon this sheet. 'Tis like weighing anchor upon a waste of waters—without land marks as there are no ruled lines here and when I looked for my note papers was astonished to find it all gone and so had to get this from sister Mag who has disposed of her precious gongs for the night and is quietly ?!!!-----writing to her bro Will's wife at Phina.

Thought I would have the pleasure of telling here of Coz Doe's (McFee) arrival, but am sadly disappointed. He came to the states a few weeks ago on business and will return the first of Jan. We look for him every day now. I anticipate much pleasure with him, being so "charming" a cozin.

Margaret's visit to Ill was very pleasant. Though they staid three weeks and all that time there was not one clear day, M said. She went to a free concert when there given by some of the teachers in the high school. She spoke of a Miss Smith who sang beautifully. I thought it might be Olivia, so a few nights ago when we called to see Liz Mc- I asked about her and L said that (your) Dudly! told her that Olivia was teaching music at Paris Ill, so it is none other than the beautiful and accomplished Olivia and so Mr. Dudly mortified Miss Lizzie very much when in her old gown from tacking carpets she hasted to open the door thinking some one called for her father. But after all it (the surprise) wouldn't be other than pleasant. He asked L to bring him down. I went to see him on your account. L seems in good health, is fat, and says she works like a 'niger.' She expects her coz in from Chicago Christmas and intends going home with him to Madison. The trip probably to restore her distressed mind. The report is that her engagement so soon to be consummated in marriage is now broken off. If signs are any thing, one lady saw her white bonnet, white gloves, etc. (don't tell this though) so the fault does not seem to be in either her or her wedding clothes and I suppose if it is Ruddick's fault the matter will ever be in obscurity. Last Wednesday I called at Mrs. Carter's to get a pattern and was much surprised to find Amanda Louthen there of Hamilton you know. She has her second husband, who is a lawyer at Connersville in this state, though now at Ind's on business and she is staying here till his return perhaps two or three weeks. En veritue, she looks quite "interesting" whether enough so to be confined or not in that time I know not. After leaving there I went over to see your mother and spent a very pleasant evening ending with a nice supper of batter cakes molasses grape butter, etc. Of course we thought and talked of both of you dear Lou and Mag. Dory looks quite rosy and healthy now and interesting. At dark I went down to the chapel and heard an interesting lecture from Prof B. Major has just come in from up town, sends his love to you and says to "keep on being homesick, it's good for children." And the rest of us say "no don't" or you can't go with Hal to Africa. But the rest of this discourse tomorrow. Got up before day this morning and have been busy ever since and am now so tired and sleepy, but don't like to go to my cold room and do wish with out [quartity?] that you could sleep with me tonight. Mother has just gotten a light new bed like yours, up in the corner and is now cozy in it and I must away to the north. Oh! "the north wind is mine own true love" Tuesday morning—I feel very contended just now as I think of you dear Lou engaged in the disagreeable task of teaching, with no feast but books and pumpkins pies, while I am my own mistress and can read when and what I please and put fingers in mince pies and preserve jars and nobody care. All out doors looks cheerful, a deep snow is on the ground. Good sleighing but nobody wants to enjoy it, not even Major. Next Thursday will be Thanksgiving Day. Mr. Gilett the presiding elder of the Methodist church will give a sermon to the students in the morning. One afternoon last week, I went up to see Mary B and staid till 9 o'clock Mag and her mother were out shopping and did not get home till supper. In the mean time Anna made herself very pleasant. We had a busy time.

Transcription: Bloomington 30th March 1858

Dear Lou Don't let any one see this letter or the writing Professor and Mrs. Ballantine are down stairs and I am up here with the children. I wrote to you I believe that Daily was coming. So he did intend to but poor man on his way I suppose he at New Albany he got drunk. It was on Sabbath I believe and was leaning against a lamp post for support when two ladies of the first families of the city came along he insulted them. One went and told her husband, he went and found Daily and intended giving him a good cowhiding but was called out of the city on business and he got his brother to whip him. His brother went to the hotel that he was staying at and was about to give it to him when he got on his knees and begged so hard that the man let him off. The boys went to the Depot and waited a long time Monday and Tuesday a great many are very well satisfied and say that they will keep themselves pretty still after this. McCoy for one last night at the chapel Brodwell was making a loud noise and Pa said I know that you have a very loud voice and he said O Prof I thought you had gone or else I'd kept my voice to myself to day he was at the depot and hoping that they would have Dr Daily back and Pa stepped up and said you will bring him back on the dray won't you he hardly knew what to do

It is now the second day of April and has been raining all day but is now clearing off. I have been wishing that you were at home so much these last days so much it is now vacation and the students have most all gone home. Brodwell is going on Monday. Gorman went you know to Lou's wedding long ago and so he is not going now. My friend Mr. Edward Cherall lives to far he lives in Carthage Ill so he is here. Mr. Marshall went on Friday. They never go out in company. I do think they are so handsome. And they both belong to the Atheo…. You must know that I have turned to be a great [splotch] think society acted so meanly there not but one or two good boys in it. Mr. Smith Jonson is one (the one with long black hair)

I must tell you about the exhibition on Tuesday. The A had theirs. Mr. London spoke but not very good, then Sweeny one of the seniors and Homer Lanon gave a poem. Mr. Mo. His speech was the best. It was about Ireland and England. Mr. Applegate was to speak but you know he got a dismissal and for some reason he did not come back and there was another but I do not remember his name. Then on Wednesday the Philomatheans had theirs. Mr. Long delivered his better than any of them. Mr. Smith and Jonson were the best written ones. Mayer has got the strangest voice it is very much like Mr. Packers. Now I will tell you some of the persons that were there. Mr. Lynch had some one there I don't know who. Mr. Given and Mat Cherry Lizzie H and London Aron Chase and Kattie Helton Journey Green and Mary Watts and he did look green sure enough. Mary Freeze and Jack Mitchell and a lot more that I can't think of. I do not know when Mrs. Murphy is going. I have asked you so many times who sits at my place at the table but you seem that you are not going to tell me. Mary Freeze says that she wants to see you very much. Did you ever see such a blotched thing? I would not send it if I felt like writing another. It is this or nothing. Pa sends his love and says that he is going to write some letters on Monday and so then he will write to you. I tell him that I am getting tired of telling you that. He is going to write to much he has not got over his walnut candy fit yet. I just made 5 or 6 pans full today. I guess Mrs. McCoulough got home to day or yesterday. They expected her. I hope you sent me some of your music. As soon as Pa gets his money you can send me the rest by mail. Who is Elen Foster going to see at Oxford and where are you going to stay? How much money do you want? Write and tell us all about it. Good night. 4th Brown was sick yesterday with the chickenpox but is very well today. I am so afraid that I will get it. Mrs. McCoulough got home on Saturday and Maggie brought the things down. I think you might have sent me some of your music that you were not going to use. I want some very much. I will send you some money to you and you can send it by mail as soon as Pa gets some. Is Parke coming home with you or not until after. Mrs. Hunter and Mrs. Dunn want Mrs. McFerson to come back so much and I wish she would too. Jen Wylie has not been up but once since her mother's death. But I believe that I hear Red down stairs now so I must go.

Well it happened to be Sam Dodds instead of Red and I had a very pleasant time. I won't say what he had. We played four games of checkers and I beat him three. He says that he will pay me up for it but I don't believe I nearly found out a secret that they have in their society.

Apr. 8 Today I directed 62 catalogues. Pa wanted to send one to every county in the state but I did not have quite enough. I guess he will get some more. Pa has been out visiting ever since Tuesday. Old Mr. Bratney went with him to day and he was here to dinner yesterday he went out to Woodburn's and around there.

You told me not to tell you of the good things we have but I will. Ma made 6 gal of beer and it was so nice. I made cup cake to day and we had a far of nice raspberries opened and put them on the cake and then made nice sauce and had it for dinner. There's some in the kitchen now won't you step over and take some its in the safe we had the [two words] for dinner they were so young and tender. Miss Flora Bryant dined with us too. I believe I told you that Mr. Murphy came the other day so they have to sleep down at Orchard's for you know we have no bed to spare. I think they will buy Dr Young's old house they think of taking boarders. I wish they would Mrs. Murphy wants to be doing something and so she says she may take boarders. Now mind and don't let any person see this for you know that I can write better when I want to

Transcription: Sept. 28th 1858

Dear girls, You no doubt feel very impatient at not receiving a letter from home but you know we have had a full house and of course were kept very busy. Cousin Sam Wylie from Il. and his wife came last Tuesday and stayed until to day just a week. I was very glad to see and entertain them as she is an old and esteemed friend and relative. You need not be afraid dear Lou for I got along finely everything went on well. The children behaved very well and baby played about very happily. He has got so good now you ought to see him now playing with his kitten. Now he wants me to take him and I suppose I must stop. The ministers and elders have all gone excepting Mr. Alford he was here to dinner and perhaps will be here to day all night.

We were all down at Grandma's taking tea last night Mary B was there & Anna. Lizzie just stopped on her way from school to say she received a letter from you Maggie. She says she will answer it immediately. Amelia Barbour sends her love. Pa, Mr. Alford, Brown and Toph have all gone to the Fair. Tomorrow I think I will take Lizzie and the baby. Poor Enos Browning died very suddenly Saturday evening no person had any idea he was so near his end. Pa was there on Thursday but you know the father requested him not to talk seriously to him. on Saturday afternoon Pa expostulated with Ira and told him he did not think it right and determined he would delay no longer but poor boy that night his soul was required of him You may expect we were shocked when Mr. Hunter came round at daylight to tell us of it. Pa conducted the services at the church the house was crowded all could not get inside. They thought there were about 500 persons there. His parents took it very hard. I have had to stop so often that I am fearful I can not finish for the mail no indeed for there it goes

I hope I can finish this to night. I commenced after dinner and now it is after supper and I am up putting the children to bed. Toph as usual has a flea on him and I must stop to look for it. Prof and Mrs. Bal. down stairs so good night.

They have gone and we have had worship. It is late but I will try and have this letter finished for tomorrow's mail. I am glad to hear my dear Maggie that you are satisfied and contented that is right study hard and improve all the advantages you enjoy but above all do not forget to read your Bible and now Lucy dear I must lecture you for being so homesick It distresses us to hear of you not being contented and happy If there is anything to make you dissatisfied and you cannot get over it you must come home at Christmas for I would not have you unhappy. You want to know how I get along without you. I really do miss you both very much especially last week but I have got on wonderfully and if we are blessed with health & I think we can get along very well so you need not worry about me. I have very little more to do than when you were here if I except the baby. Lizzy does very well and I think wants to stay. Richard got your letter this morning he cannot write for a few days or at least while the fair is going on. Jane Alexander and Sarah Keeney have gone to Illinois to spend the winter. Lizzie Mae they say is to be married before long. Mat Hays has been working or I should say sewing for her. She made 6 linen chemise and 6 muslin ones and has 1 dozen night gowns to make and I can not tell how much more to make for her. Mr. Lynet stopped at the door and inquired when you would be home he boards at Browning's now. I heard he had but 15 scholars Mr. Cole has a full school 90 scholars some Methodists. Johnny Watts has gone out to his Father & Sam Dodds stops at home this session. Mr. Loudon is here and so is Mr. Elliot. William Daily DDLLD has gone to Conference so either Pa or Prof B will have to preach next Sabbath. Your Pa brought home 3 lamps from Cincinnati he has not found Aladdin's wonderful Lamp yet. Pa will write soon. Be good girls and that the Almighty may bless and protect you and in due time return you to your home is the daily prayer of your Affectionate Mother R. D. W.

Present my kind regards to Mrs. McPherson & Parke Baby is well and is getting as full as a little pig. I cannot curl Brownies hair as nicely as you can Maggie

Dear Lou For nearly two weeks I have had hardly time to breath. Guests & church & college have occupied all my time. as soon as I can I will write you & Mag a long letter. T. A. W.

Transcription: Bloomington Oct. 1st 1858

Dear Lou and Mag You will think that we have all forgotten you. It is no very great matter to write a letter I know, but small as it is, there have been so many things to be attended to, that I actually have not been able to drop you a line. Tuesday before last Cousin Wylie & his wife Cousin Mary came and remained till last Tuesday. We had then the sacramental services meeting of Presbytery, opening of the college, all to attend to at once.

I suppose you have heard that poor Enos Browning is no more. He died suddenly, no one expecting it so soon on Saturday night. He was buried on Sabbath afternoon. I conducted the funeral services in our church. The body was brought into the church & the church was filled to overflowing. The family are deeply affected & afflicted .To-day has been another melancholy day. Last night old McDenton at Harodsburgh—wishing to return home attempted to get on a train when in motion. He fell between the cars & six heavy cars passed over his legs his body was bruised by the brakes of the cars passing over him. He was brought home alive, but died in about a half hour after reaching home. Here is another afflicted family It was sad indeed to hear the expressions of grief when the old father breathed his last. Here is another lesson teaching us the uncertainty of life. We should try and live in readiness for sooner or later we must all leave this world.

I should not perhaps write these sad things to you, which will make you fell gloomy, but it is hard for me to keep them from the paper as they have had so prominent a place in my mind through the whole day.

I had a letter from your Uncle The a few days ago. He was in Liverpool on his road to Scotland. He was much better in health had gained 18 lbs & intended to return in October. The county fair is just over. The exhibition was pretty good. Dick had his pictures there, but as there were no competitors, his getting a prize was not of much account.

We get along very well in household matters. Of course we miss both of you a great deal, but it gives both your mother and myself uneasiness to think that you are not comfortable & contented. One thing you must not do, that is fret on our account. If we cannot get along well without you we will let you know. Prepare all your lessons. Do your duty, & do not be careless as to your health. Take exercise & be cheerful, & kindly affectionate to all & time will glide along pleasantly & smoothly. If you have any real unavoidable troubles or difficulties, let us hear them, but don't manufacture troubles for yourselves. I can't tell you how much your mother & myself feel interested in your welfare & nothing makes us feel so happy as knowing that you are so. You mentioned some things you wanted. I forget what they were. One was a dictionary which I forgot to send with Mr Small. Get one & whatever books you need from the office & I will attend to it when I settle your bill. When you write again, mention what you desire & we will attend to it if possible. The children have not forgotten you. Lizzie is still with us. Mother well. Present my respects to Dr. M & Mrs. McF. & Miss P &c &c & believe me Your affectionate father T. A Wylie Lou & Mag Wylie Glendale.

Transcription: Bloomington Oct 16th 1858

Dear Lou I wonder how much can be done in four minutes Lizzie has just put the eggs in to boil for breakfast & I thought I would write until she called us You know she is so slow perhaps it will be ten before she calls us but no, now we are called so good morning.

Monday evening I commenced this last week but had not time to finish it whether I will be more successful this time remains to be seen Toph comes to me to be undressed and Browns' tongue is running so fast that I have to stop every few words so if I make many errors you may attribute it to that I depend on Pa to write and if he does not I think I must for fear you will be disappointed at not hearing from home. I must answer your questions about fruit first for fear I might forget it peaches a 3$ a bushel and apples 2$ but both are very scarce Mr. Fee says almost impossible to get any. So you see that there is a bad chance to get any here. I am so glad that Maggie is contented and improving. Tell her I intend writing to her the next time. When I was reading your letter Browny was by and when I came to where you spoke of coming home Christmas I remarked to your Pa that I thought you had better stay B burst out crying. Why won't you let Luty and Maggy come home Ma? Why did you send them away? He seems to miss you so much and is quite delighted when you send him a message. Toph tells me to tell you he is beginning to read he is so great a mischief. There is not much news in town the latest is that Dr Mason has run away from his wife she was expecting him home and intended going back with him and keeping house but instead of coming he wrote to her that by the time she received that letter he would be a thousand miles away. It is generally supposed here that he has gone off with that Mrs. Shearer Bollman advertised his property to be sold last Saturday he had divided it in town lots well those that wanted to buy went there at the time appointed the house and two lots were put up Pa and Mr. Tuley bid for it 700$ which B refused to take and stopped the sale in disgust so you see there is an end of buying there Uncle The was expected home last week (12th October) We had a letter from Aunt Margaret and she writes that she is a Grandmother!! Margaret Ann has a young son. Great rejoicing I suppose he is named John Neil McLeod Clarkson quite as long a name as yours.

Now dear Lou I think it is time for me to stop and go to sewing you will be tired of reading so long a letter without any news. I am glad to hear you are contented at last. I am not afraid of your liking school so much that you will not want to come home If you are able to get along comfortably and do your duty in teaching I/we think you had better stay until June if not, and you find you cannot teach with satisfaction to yourself & others of course you must come home We would love dearly to see you but you know it would cost nearly 30$ for you both to come and I think it could be better spent in getting you comforts there a year or eight months will soon pass away and if we are all blessed with health we can be that long without seeing one another so if nothing happens dear children you had better content yourselves We get along very well. Baby grows finely he is as fat as a little pig and is as good as he can be. Lizzy does not seem to care very much about writing. she would rather read. Mary B was up last week she had just got a letter from Hal. Baby is waking I must stop Your loving Mother

Transcription: Bloomington, Oct. 25th '58

My dear Lou & Mag I write to you just now merely to keep you from thinking long not that I have any thing very interesting to say. Indeed I am so busy at the laboratory now that I have hardly time to think of any thing else. I have not only the preparations to make for experiments, but the fixing up of the room to attend to. I was much pleased with the tone of your [Lou's] last letter. It seemed to indicate a more contented spirit than usual. I have not had any fault to find with Mag's as she seems to take things more common-sensically. I hope you are both still in good health & spirits, & if so & conscious that you are doing your duty, time slips by with great rapidity.

You spoke again about some books. We have no opportunity unless by express and that would cost us much as the books were worth. Mr Small we mentioned sometime ago, went sooner than he had intended, so that we missed that opportunity. –We are getting along in household affairs as usual so that our desolate situation need not give you any trouble. If you are not getting along pleasantly & satisfactorily to yourselves & to the heads of the institution in teaching & learning the sooner you come home the better, but if all is going on well, not of course counting little rumples, such as an occasional hard problem a lesson that has got no sense in it or a little headache or toothache or other ache, or some impression or dream indicating that all is not right at home, don't think about coming home till the end of the year, or at least don't think too much about it. When I get some money, which I hope will be in a few days, I will send you a little.—Hoping that you may be able to read this scrawl, I remain Your affectionate father T.A Wylie

Misses L & M Wylie Glendale O.

P.S., Yesterday your letters to the children & Ma were received. I am very sorry to learn how discontented Lou is. In the above letter I said, if it were only homesickness try & over come it, now I feel disposed to send you the money to bring you home right off provided it would be no violation of contract. Aggie Kirkwood, sensitive and delicate as she is has consented in view of the great advantages to be derived to remain a year in Indianapolis a year. She does well. I can't help but think that in Lou's case there is something that does not appear, she must be unable to get along or must be treated badly—[despised?], or something else. I do not want either of you to suffer Martyrdom so that I suppose we must consent to your return as soon as possible.

Transcription: Bloomington Oct the 27th 1858

Dear Sisters I have received you letters but have not answered them. I am now with Pa in the laboratory helping him to prepare experiments for the class. I have to go & help him to teach the boys. & they call me Pro. Jr. We are quite comfortable in the laboratory.

You want me to tell you about the State fair. I took my two portraits of Dr Wylie & Dr Maxwell but did not get any premium for I entered them in the wrong place.

I want to tell you about our journey. I went up with Mr. Bunger & his daughter in a carriage & put my pictures down at the bottom of the carriage. We went on & tried six different places before we found a place to stop then after dark we stopped about eleven miles from Indianapolis & a very poor house it was for we shivered with cold all night, in the morning when I went to wash I had to be in a hurry to wash because the basin leaked so fast that I had to fill it three times before I could finish.

We got into Indianapolis about 9 o'clock in the morning I went to the fair ground & staid till 4 o'clock & then went to look for Dr. Parvin but did not find him till after dark but found out where his office was & went there. He was not in I waited & his partner came in and told me that he would be there in three minutes, he soon came in and insisted on my staying at his house. I consented, he then took me home & gave me some oysters for my supper. He has a very fine wife & two pretty little daughters. I stayed two days & came home safely in the cars.

I went down to the contest exhibition the other night. I will send you a programme if I can find any one of them.

Dr Daily went up & made a few remarks to the audience then he took his seat. Then Hatfield got up & said that Dr Daily had been speaking for the last 4 years & now it was his turn. & then contradicted everything that the Dr had said.

Redick was up here the other night & Pa has engaged the lots above him & he is a going to buy it at $1.75.00 an acre as soon as all consent. I will stop now for I think this is a pretty long letter for me. I will try to be more punctual after this you know girls that I don't write very well & therefore please excuse all my mistakes. Your affectionate brother R. D. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington Nov 16th / 58

Dear Lou, I received your letter this afternoon & will answer it immediately so that you can receive the money in time to go to the city on Saturday.

Your Pa and myself are amused at your idea of our having sent you to school from motives of economy. I can assure you that such is not the case but we thought you both would have more chance of improving yourselves and fitting yourselves for that station of life in which it has pleased the Almighty to place you. I miss you both very much and often wish you were at home but I think it is better as it is, at least for a while. Maggie I know could not have as good an opportunity here as there You need not be planning for the future for I do not intend to let you go away after this year but I hope we will live happily & contentedly in our new house Maggie I suppose will have to graduate somewhere but you must stay at home until you get married. I had intended sending you more money but neglected it I now send to you and to Mag get what you want & do not stint yourselves I want you to look as well as the other girls. But of course not to be extravagant. Tell Mag I have 3 prs of nice warm stockings for you both but she said you did not need any. Mr Fee has a very handsome Morine dress that I will send you if you would not rather have a black silk one. let me know when you write I think M had better buy the black velvet there for I do not know when I may have a chance to send the things did she take one of her net gloves? if so, I can send the mate in a letter for I found it in the closet.

Pa got a letter from Uncle The yesterday he had not concluded what he would do this winter. The phisicians [sic] thought there was inflammation in one of the lungs and he had better remain in a warm climate, some advised South of France & some Florida. I would like to send you the Banner that you migh [sic] an account of a soiree they gave him at Ballamony. We had a letter from Aunt Margaret. Wylie McL. has a fine daughter so they have two grand children & grand mama is a great grandmother! Brown was quite delighted with his letter. Toph quite hurt to think you did not send him one almost cried. we are trying to teach Brown his letters but he is dull not near as quick as Toph Baby grows very much like Toph he is very troublesome he climbs up the stairs, on the chairs, and his favourite place is my rocking chair I am very much afraid he will fall some day & break his head. I expect you think I must be through my sewing I find so much time to write but I feel that if I did not write to you nobody else would for Pa is so much engaged in the day at the Lab and comes home so tired at night and then you know he must read for the next day what he could. Mr D Smith has not come yet W James Blair from Oxford was here yesterday he told me that one of the Miss Irvin's was married about 6 weeks ago went on a wedding trip to Iowa crossing a creek she got her feet wet took cold & died they brought her body home & six week from the time she was married Dr Scott preached her funeral sermon. Baby is waking & I must stop Give my love to dear Mag tell her I am sorry she is sick my next letter will be to her Your affectionate Mother R. D. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington November 26th 1858

Dear Lou I write you this letter not that I have any thing new or interesting to communicate, but merely to keep you from thinking long. Yesterday we had our "Thanksgiving." Our church united with the Presbyterians & Methodists, in holding the meeting in the College Chapel. The Rev. Mr Gillet the new Methodist presiding elder preached a very excellent sermon, taking the 100th Ps. as his text. Mr G seems to be much of a gentleman, one of our people said he was just like a Presbyterian. In the evening the Athenian society had their special speeches, which were like what such exhibition usually present. So passed our Thanksgiving. The college recitations today seem to have suffered some by the too strict observance of the day on the part of most of the students.

That Mr Smith you spoke of has been in town, but has not called on us. Perhaps he may before he goes. I had a letter from Brother The a few days ago. He began the letter in Parsantown[?] where he had gone to get a peep through/into the great Mourta[?] telescope of Earl Rope, but was disappointed on account of the weather, though he waited two days. He said that some distinguished Repian[?] remained two weeks and after all had to go away without looking into it at the stars. The however had the privilege of walking through it. The was undecided whether to remain in Europe during the winter or return home. A letter lately received from Philada says that he is expected about Xtmas. We all plod along at the usual gait. The prospect of a house, not much nearer than a year ago. There is no sale for Philada property. We must try & it is very hard for me to be content with things as they are. Dory thrives, does not speak, eats all the time, sleeps some, & plays the rest. Phandy & Brown as usual. B this evening seems to have taken some cold, he has been very restless since he has gone to bed. Dick as lazy as ever. Lies in bed till nine o'c in the morning & gapes & lounges the rest of the day. I feel distressed about him. I tried to get him to do something in the laboratory, but unless he takes a notion, he is more in the road than any thing else.—We received Mag's circular. I was pleased to see that she was attentive to her studies. If she had all "fours" I would have suspected that some partiality had been shown. I was sorry to hear that she had a return of headache. Both of you should take exercise, & it is not a good thing to attempt to force one's self to study when the mind is weary. by throwing the books aside for an hour or two and thinking as near as may be about nothing, is sometimes a very good way of refreshing the mind. A teacher cannot always do this he must do up his thinking sometimes whether the mind is in trim or not. I was much better pleased with the spirit of your last letter than with the one before, but there is no use of your telling how foolish & simple you are, we can always find these things out soon enough. All send their love. Your affectionate father T. A. Wylie

Miss E. L. M Wylie Glendale

P.S. Your Ma wants you to send her another yard of that fringe. She says it was just the thing. –When you want a little money or any thing else, you must speak about. If we can we will send what you want.

Our regards as usual to Mrs. McF & Dr M. and all the rest of your & of course our friends.

Transcription: Bloomington Dec.

Dear Lou, I believe it is your turn now to get a letter from me I think I wrote to Maggie last. I have been expecting to hear from you ever since last week. I sent you some things by Mr Turner & I wanted to hear if you got them. I sent 3 pr yarn stockings, the scraps of Marsailles Colbursh Algebra. If I had known he was going I would have sent more but I happened to be down town at Fee store & heard he was going directly, so I went home & bundled up the things I had ready fortunately the cars were behind time I did not get you a dress for I thought you could get one cheaper & better there. The silk I intended to get was 1.40 a yd & the merino 1.30 I will enclose 1.20 for you to get it

You friend Dudley Smith was in town but did not come near us. he was devoted to Lizzy McPheeters but they did make out to go and see Jen & Mary a great wonder I think but you know when a man get in Carters on McP's clutches he has hard work to get out. I think Liz acted rather deceitfully I called there with Mrs. Kirkwood & asked Liz if he were here, said I thought it rather strange that he had never called. "Oh she said, "he will be in town on Friday." There I was expecting him all day long but he only came in to go off in the cars. Liz's engagement folks say is broken off.

I received a letter from your Aunt Emma to day I was very glad to get it. Uncle The is expected home Christmas but perhaps they will be disappointed again.

It is reported here that Park is to be married at Christmas is it so? Col Bryant spent yesterday afternoon here he is just as pleasant as ever. I want to have him & the Faculty to tea but I must wait. There is a new Presiding Elder here a Mr. Gillet he & his wife appear like very pleasant people I called on her. I suppose you will say what a wonder but one very pleasant day Mrs. Kirkwood & myself paid 7 visits, Mrs. Tarkington's among the number. My pen is so bad that I am afraid you will not be able to read but I must stop as it is ten o'clock & the baby will awake & cry he does not like Lizzy to nurse him. Your affectionate Mother

Give my love to Mag. Tell her she must be a good girl & attend to her studies. I will write to her soon. Give my love to Mrs. M L & Parke. Be sure to have your dress handsomely made Get the best materials it is cheaper in the end This money is for your dress. Write soon for we feel uneasy if you don't.

Dear Mag, Your report came the other day. I was pleased with some parts of it, while I would like to see you number one, that is first and foremost in every good thing, still there may be too much love for number one as seems to be the case from the report of your Latin. I fear that you do not give as much attention to the Latin as you ought to, if you would only fall in line with it, I am sure you could master it easily. I hope you do not get any magazines or novels with their foolish good for nothing twaddle to read. It is a bad thing to form a habit rather to acquire a taste for such literature, particularly when you have so many other things to attend to. With the exception of the Latin your report was good. Love to Lou & regards to all the rest, Yours affectionately T.A.Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington Jan 3d 1859

Dear Lou, Richard commenced a letter to you on Sat night & I thought he would finish it, so that I need not hurry with mine but he puts off so I cannot wait for him. I was sorry I could not write Maggie so that she could get the letter on New Years day. but we were going to have company on Thursday and of course I was very much engaged for Lizzy you know is not of much account. We had a fine time. I thought of you both while we were preparing and wished you were here to help us eat the good things. I cooked the large soup pot full of oysters & Prof Bal. says they were the best he ever eat The calves foot jelly was clear & sparkling & the jelly cake (Mag's favourite) delightful but the day before I made a large sponge cake (20 eggs) & a large pound cake & spoiled them both in the baking so the next day I had to go to work & bake others On Friday Col Bryant had an oyster supper about 28 there no young ladies but Liz Hemphill & Clara Carter. Mrs. Carter, Clara, and Lizzy Mc were to see me today it is reported here that the washerwomen in your establishment put alum in the coffee and that was the reason of the girls' bad health but I told them that would not affect you as you never drank coffee however I do not believe it. Now while I think of it I must tell you about your sack. I do not know how long to make it. Get one you like & cut out the paper pattern & send it to me. I will then make it & send to you. I have nearly got through my sewing I am now making the little boys jackets that is all I have to do for them this winter. Alls right with me you need not be afraid I am waiting until you get home to wean the baby he is such a great big calf I cannot attempt it alone. I do not know what about building I am afraid they want to back out or else want more but they say they cannot sell if John's child's guardian will not sell her share. Reddick has written twice but has secured no answer strange he did not think of that before. Margaret Martin & her two little girls were up on New Year's day. It is 1 o'clock I must stop for to night. God bless you my dear children. & grant you a happy year. Your affectionate Mother R. D. Wylie

Dear Lou I suppose your Ma has told you all the news. I was much pleased with the spirit & tone of your last letters, as well as Mag's. I think Mag is improving in spelling & writing & composition & will improve more where she is than here where domestic duties would be continually calling her off from her studies. But if she is losing her health, she will have to give up these advantages & return home. With respect to yourself, I was glad to hear from Prof Kirkwood who saw Dr M. in Indianapolis that he spoke well of you as a teacher. I was sometimes thinking that your homesickness was caused by want of success & was thinking of writing to Dr. M in reference to you. I know that it is hard work, but you will never regret the toil when you as you will before long appreciate the advantage that your time spent in Glendale has been to you. –Write often & freely. What we most desire is your welfare & comfort Yours as always T. A. Wylie Enclosed one Dollar, for Postage Stamps for you & Mag which I had intended to send

Transcription: Bloomington. Jan 26 /59

Dear Lou I believe it your turn to receive a letter I think I wrote to Maggie last week but have received no answer I think you must be very busy. I should feel very anxious if it were not that Mary B. heard from you last week. Your Pa has been very busy & very much worried lately about College matters so that he has not had time you ought not to wait for us but write punctually at least once a week. I have not heard of anyone going to C. but Mr Chrery & Pa thinks he would not be a suitable person to bring Maggie. We think something of sending Richard either to C. or to Mitchell to meet her. We have been in a great state of excitement here. I suppose you heard of Daily! drunken spree at Indianapolis he was tried by the Committee of 9 ministers ( 7 ministers 2 Presiding Elders) and suspended until the meeting of Conference. He then resigned in the College but I suppose with the view of being reelected he immediately commenced this underhand work with the students, sent down his tools Buskirk & Tarkington among them. Got up a meeting on Saturday of the students petitioning the board to reinstate him. The board met this afternoon and the drunkard came down to B. himself to see if he could create a sensation. They had quite a time tonight he made a speech to them some gave cheers & others groans and one suggested the best thing to give him was a rope. he is a very depraved man, far worse than even I thought him & that you know was bad enough. the Faculty are united & if the board reinstate him I do not know what they will do. They cannot associate with him but I will write & let you know.

Thursday 27th Well it is all over. The board have adjourned. This morning Daily went to Chapel. As he went in one door the Profs entered the other he walked up into the rostrum Prof B. & K bowed slightly your Pa did not even do that. After the roll was called he bowed to Prof B. (whose turn it was to lead) to commence. Pa then looked at him & said, "Are you President of this University?" "I am" Pa then sat down. Daily read in Esther about Mordacai sitting in the gate & the envy of Haman at prayer Pa sat down (you know a very unusual thing for him) the others stood Some of the Dailyites were quite insulted at you Pa's showing Daily so much disrespect and many say they will leave. Let them go, I hope we will get better instead. This afternoon the Board accepted Daily's resignation without one dissenting voice so he is no longer connected with the Institution. I am glad of it. Boadwell, Gorman, Hatfield & the Walkers are the leaders. I am afraid it will be several days before quiet is restored.

We received your letter to day. I am very sorry to hear of Maggie's sickness, if I had any person to leave Dory with I would go on for her, but as it is I cannot I do not think her spine was affected before she left home for I tried it several times. there has been a young man boarding up at Dr Bryant very low indeed with Pneumonia his Father & Mother are both here but I hope & think he will recover his name is Henry Jerauld a right handsome, black eyed boy of 17. Mary Howe is a little better the have a little hope of her recovery.

Your aff. ma R. D. Wylie

P.S. As your Ma says, I cannot think of any thing else but our troubles. Next week if possible we will try & find some way of getting Mag home. Do not let her start during the week. I have been intending to write to Mrs McF. & Dr. M. In reference to you both, but I have not been able to get it done. Love & respects to be distributed as usual. T.A.W.

Transcription: Bloomington Feb 2d .59

Dear Rebecca— Last night Daily fired off his gun, supported by his two worthless associates Dunning & Buskirk. He abused the faculty in general and me in particular. I have not however heard any very reliable report of it. He wanted the college chapel but it was refused, hence another insult to his majesty. The feelings of his friends & some students are deeply excited. This morning they attempted a trick in the chapel, which fortunately failed altogether. I find however citizens & friends white livered, this wish to thrust the faculty in front of the fight, & then leave them! What will be the issue is unknown.

Baby seems as well pleased at Mrs. Fees as at home he seems to care not half as much for me as he did. I dine with Mr Fee today. Love to the girls & Brown & Mrs. Mc F & all the rest. All will write & come as soon as you can. In great haste T. A. Wylie Mrs. R. D. Wylie Glendale

Transcription: Bloomington Feb 5 Saturday 1859

Dear Lou I am safe at home lyeing in Diks bed. We got home yesterday at four oclock the train was two hours behind their time. Joe Mollyneaux was not at Hamilton I was very sory that I did not see him we changed cars at Richmond but we did not see any one that we knew We met Mr Fisk at Ind[ianapolis] he went to Greencastle with us we intended to go to the Jones house but Mr Fisk would insist upon us going to his house we found Mrs Fisk very pleasant and as kind as she could be we left Greencastle at about 12 o'clock We met in the cars such a nice Quaker from Canton he had lived there a year he knew Mr Morrison some I liked him very much

Dory is a dear little child he was afraid of me at first but he wants to be with me all the time now he loves me so much he can not talk yet but he can make motions that you can under stand as well as if he talked

Toph has grown a great deal and minds a good deal better than Brown does. I thought we had good coffee at Glendale but if you could have breakfasted with us this morning you would have known what good coffee is. Lizzie makes as good bread as Ma can. I get along nicely

The other morning the students put two shanghai roosters in the desk when prayers commenced pa went to the desk to get the Bible he opened the desk and the roosters lay very still he took the Bible out and read and prayed and then dismissed the students they very angry that there plan did not succeed and that they were disappointed Pa then told the janitor to take the desk after the boys were all gone and let the things go and clean the desk out

We will send you a copy of the Daily I as soon as we can get it.

That sick boy at Bergans has not gone home yet. Mr Cole came in before I had been home 5 minutes and I was so surprised that I was as good as colerl to quit he is here now talking as hard as he can

I met a gentleman in the cars that looked exactly like Joe Kitchel maby it was he took a great fancy to Brown. Brown went to sleep in his lap. Lizzie is making some blackberry pies for tomorrow I wish you were at home to help eat them I don't know whether you can read this but I am in bed and so I can't write well. I am so glad I am home. Dick is as cross as ever he says it nearly sets him crazy the children make so much noise he don't know how much more pleasant it would make everything so much more pleasant Give my love to all the girls I did not know how much the girls love me Dory is so sweet Don't show this to any one Mag

[on a separate sheet, the following] Dear Lou This is Monday. I wrote you a letter on Saturday but it was to late after I finished it for the mail had gone. but I will be sure and send it today. Grandma is very sick it is doubtful whether she will ever get well she looks very badly Ma was down there yesterday I have not seen her yet Jen was up here Saturday. We had company all day Saturday. Lizzie Lib Harriet Lizzie Browning & Laura Browning Mrs. Small Mrs. Ballantine & all of Blairs and Smalls and Alexanders and I don't know how many more were here I am very much afraid you can't read my other letter I am going to write you a long letter some time this week I guess Brown slept with me last night but I will take care that he don't again for I nearly floated off the bed they would not let Daily have the chaple to speak in so he held forth in the cort house he abused the professors at a grand rate I have to stop writing now Mag

Dear Lou I want to write you a letter I went to church yesterday and had a good sermon Brown

We had such good blackberry pies last night I did not eat any thing for my breakfast but bread and cream o it was so good. Ma wants you to have your dresses cut and basted and then you can make them yourself I can find nothing more to say Please excuse all my mistakes for they are plenty but this or nothing Mag

Transcription: Bloomington Feb 9 1859

Dear Lou I have not time to write you a long letter but I have sad news to tell you Grandma is dead she died this morning or last night at about three o'clock she has been sick a good while but not dangerous Ma and Pa went down there on last Sabbath she was lieing on the lounge and she talked and sat up a while and did not seem very bad yesterday Prof Ballantine told Pa that she was not quite so well and Pa and Ma thought of going down to see her but they were so tired that ma said she would make her some jellie and go down today but this morning Mr McCalla came up and told us she was dead Ma went write down and has stayed all day. I just hear her coming in the door now as soon as I see her I will know when she is to be buried

This was our fast day

Ma has come up she says they take the death very hard it was pneumonia that she died of. Dr Dodds and Mrs. Alexander were there she was seized with a terrible fit of coughing and strangled they were all there but Jen they did not call her soon enough she says if she could have only have been with her she would feel more contented she wants you so much she says she does wish you were here I am so sorry I did not get to see her before she died but it is late even [two words blotted] well I want to write again if I can find time Mag Grandma is to be buried to morrow at two o'clock Love to all

Transcription: Washington February 10, 1859

To the High School Committee Of Controllers Public Schools etc. etc. Gentlemen,

I beg leave to recommend to you for the position vacated by Professor Boyd, Professor Theophilus A. Wylie, formerly of Philadelphia and now of the University of Indiana. Professor Wylie is a distinguished graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, of one of the classes graduating there. I was a Professor in that institution. His career as a student and man I have followed carefully and speak from formal knowledge of his ability as a man of science and as an instructor and disciplinarian. His moral and intellectual qualities are of a high xxxx and his temper and patient industry especially fit him for the position of an instructor. I am sure that if appointed he will in every way give satisfaction to you and to his colleagues in the High School.

Very respectfully yours

A. D. Bache

Transcription: University of Pennsylvania 13th Feb 1859

To the High School Committee Of the Controller of Public Schools Gentlemen:

I take the liberty of recommending to you for the vacant Professorship of Physics and Chemistry in the High School, Prof. Theophilus A. Wylie of the University of Indiana. Prof. Wylie is a son of the late Rev. Dr. Samuel B. Wylie, long a Professor in the University of Pennsylvania, where his son Theophilus graduated with distinction in 1830. Since that time he has been engaged in teaching, for the principal part of the time in the University of Indiana where he now is. He is a gentleman of high talent and of remarkable industry in acquiring knowledge; and has a happy faculty of communicating the knowledge which he has acquired. His gentleness of manners, patience, and faithfulness to his duties will I am sure, secure for him the affection of his pupils and the respect of his superiors.

Very respectfully yours

John F. Frazer

Prof. Natural Philosophy and Chemistry

University of Pennsylvania

Transcription: Bloomington Feb 14, 1858[sic] Monday night

Dear Lou I received your letter last Tuesday and of corse I was very glad to hear from you and now I am going to give you a task to do that is to read this letter I guess it will take up all your recreation hour but you can't complain of it being to short. I have got hold of Pa's gold pen and you know how mean it is so I can't write very well but so you can read it is all I care about. I don't know whether I can find enough to fill up this great sheet but I will attempt it for I have a great deal to tell you.

Lizzie went home on last Saturday and came back this noon she had not been home for six weeks I like her very much Ma don't know how good she is, she thinks she is so slow. I think Dick must be jelous of her (you know she is so smart for he is as mean to her as he can be. I feel so sory for her. Red is down today it is the first time since I came home I feel so sory for Jennie she says that she can't stay in that house and I guess she will go to Philadelphia but I don't know what she will do yet. Lizzie got home on last Saturday she did not know any thing of her mother's death until she got here. she said if she could have only got here in time to ask her mothers forgiveness she would have been contented. Mag did not even shed one tear. Mr Martin was not here. The children seemed to think it was fun and when Jen & Red felt so badly they would run a round and laugh and once they told Jen that they saw the men put Grandma in the coffin and laughed about it. it made Jen feel so badly Mr McCala was so good he just did every thing I think it is a shame that Liz acts so.

The boys are in bed and they are making such a noise that I hardly know what I am about. I made several plates full of walnut candy today I made some last saturday and Pa said it was so good that he wanted me to make some for him to day so I made sever plates full and it is so nice don't you wish you had some I know I would if I was at Glendale.

But here comes Lizzie to stay with the children and I want to go down and see Red some Dick gets the New York Leger and so many papers and they have so many stories in them you need not think that I read all the time though. Is it not to bad! I though I would have a whole sheet of paper to write on and Pa wanted it and I had to tear it in half so I guess I will have to take a sheet of the other kind. I have got another pen don't you notice a little difference not very much. Ma is sitting by me mending Toph's pants and she tells me to write you to keep her kid glove Mrs. Kirkwood found the mate so don't lose it. I dressed Eva Fee's doll for her this morning. Mrs. Fee is so good Ma says she wishes you would write to Fannie and that she guesses you will have to make up your mind to live in this old house for some time yet but you see I have come to the end of my paper and so I will have to get another sheet but it is five minutes till time honest folks were in bed

[written in the border of back side:] I had a very polite home from Mr Jonson yesterday I don't know how he happened to speak to me his hair is so long all of R's boarders I beleave but Jonson are Dailyites Gim Gorman has gone to Lons wedding I think she must be very young to be married don't you? I commenced this letter on Monday but cannot send it until Wednesday I will try and write again soon Give my love to all the girls tell Margret I have not forgotten her. and I will write to Fannie soon Good nite--Mag

[written in border of front side:] I will write you a long letter next week. I made myself a nice headdress today. Toph is making paper ships and hats I wanten to tell you all about the fus but I have not time or room Pa expected to get a lot of vallantines but he did not get but two they were funnie things one he got to day had a rooster and a man on it the man looked so much like Daily the hair stands up just like his and it had a mouth like his and a nose just like a drunkards he got a very impertnant note from AppleGate 13 have applied for Admishtions Dr Daily has put in the papers that the students have all left a good many think that Lathrop will be elected and a good many that D Read some say that they would rather have Daily than Read I hope they won't get him. he is very anxious for the place and I am very much afraid he will get it I would rather them get Lathrop although I don't believe Lonnie will be contented here from the way Ag talked & did not think that they would think of moving back again I am afraid if he comes he will get Wylies house an there is an end to our getting it Mag

Transcription: [March 1859; this seems to be the correct date from the context] Bloomington

Dear Lou,

I believe it has been a week since I wrote you your last letter and as I promised not to let one week go by with sending you a letter I will now write to you. Lizzie Ballantine has just been here and invited Ma and Pa up to their house to a faculty meeting. Willie came with her. They are taking sugar. They tapped the trees yesterday. Prof came just after Lizzie had left and told them to come for dinner and not for tea as they are going to the sewing society. Mrs. Murphy came to Bloomington on last Saturday. She came up here on Sabbath and has been here ever since. Mr. Murphy did not come with her. She came all alone. Susan is going to be married soon. All of Kennies are there. I should not wonder if they would move west. I wish they would. Sam and Lib Dodds were up here last night. We had a very pleasant time. I took my bonnet up to Mrs. McCoulough to have it pressed. Lizzie and Anna just now came to see me. I had not seen anna before. I think she has grown so much like Mary. I think she looks so small. Lizzie is so tall. I have not seen Fannie yet. I made some vin pies. We like them very much. Aunt Jane gave me the receipt. Mr. Fee is going to Cincinnati next Monday. I want to make you a cake but I don't know that he will take so large a bundle. He is going to stay there two days and then go to Philadelphia. Mr. Small is going soon too. Mrs. McCoulough is going in two or three. She says that she is going to Glendale____________________blank___________ The very thing I want most I want you to get me three yards of fring. I want wider than that on my dress (blue). I want it to trim a cape. You will know the right width and 1 bunch of working floss (I guess it is one $ a bunch) the same color as the fring. I think it had better be a little darker than this stuff. I am going to have it embroyerd. I think it will be pretty. The law students graduate next Thursday and I want to go so please send the things as soon as you can. I want to write to Fannie and Vic Howe so I will have to stop to night. Don't forget the floss and fring.

Mag Ma says that she is going to write soon but I don't know where she can get the time. Pa says he is so busy that he cannot write. You say you are so homesick. I wish a hundred times a day that I was safe in my room for between Ma's fault finding and Dick's scholding and the children's noise I don't have much peace and you need not want to be home so much.

There are a good many mistakes in this but they were all talking and I hardly knew what I was about. I don't think the things you get for will cost more than $2.00 and a half, but I will send $5.00 for I guess you have not much. It is said that Mrs. Daily is not expected to live from hour to hour. I don't know how true it is.

Transcription: Bloomington March 2, 1859 Wednesday Night up stairs

My dear Sister Lou Ma Pa & Mrs Murphy have gone down to college the Law students speak and there has a very hard storm come up Pa did not take but one umbre—and I have coaxed Dick to go down and take an other Cornel Bryant is to speak tomorrow night. I do hope I will be able to go on Friday night the girls of the M E Church have an aniversity. Ad Draper is going to speak. I went across the street to Mrs Alors to day and I was so sick when I came home that I was glad to go to bed We received the flax [?] and fring today I like it very much but I don't think the fring was wide enough it came by express it cost 50 ct to get it here do you think it will be prettie Mrs Store is going to work it for me I guess she will have it done on Saturday. I wrote to Fannie Caldwell did she get the letter tell her to answer it soon I want to hear from her very much.

Lib Dodds came up this afternoon and stayed to tea we had dryed appled and blackberries butter and bread and meat and sasafrass tea. Ma is going to make some beer we think we will have company next Friday we want to have Cournel Bryant before he goes we will have Mrs & Mr Kirkwood Mrs and Mr Ballantine Mrs and Mr Gilett Cournel Bryant and Mr Hopkins Mr Fisk and I don't know who else we are going to have oysters and fruit cake and Try coulard cake and pound cake I will write and tell you about it next week I wish you were here to help us Has Sallie Freeman got well yet You know I told her mother I would write to her but I don't know what to write about and I am going to write to Vic Howe soon I gave Ag Read all my shetland wool to make Parks balls so I can't make any for mine I wish I could I think it looks so much better Do you like your [nuka?] much? Cournel Bryant is my doctor he says that I must not drink any tea or coffee with sugar or cream in it and that I must drink strong wine every day. he has a son here his name is Fry I am sorry that his Father lets him go with that set of girls that he [two or three words undecipherable] with Kate Farkington and Ad Naper is Aggie Berry and Genie Chapman well Give them my love we wanted to send you some things by Mr Fee but I was sick and so I could not make anything I will send something by Mr Small and Mrs McConlough I cut out four collors today I have got that one like Julie Smith done it is very prettie I have got one pair of my under sleeves done but Ma claimes them she likes them so much I have not finished the other pair yet Is Margret at Glendale yet and Kate but I believe college is out now so I will stop writing.

I do wish Miss Staub was here I don't pratic much in instruction book but I am going to take lessons of hr chargness next week I expect

Good bye Mag

Ma got a letter from Aunt Emma yesterday she is well. We got a letter from Uncle The he said he had read in the paper that all the students had left and wrote for Pa to go to Philadelphia right a way he has got a place or there is a place vacant if Pa would except he could get it Uncle The is going to send us a box with a picture of grandma and Grandpa in it.

Transcription: Fryday night Bloomington March 11 [1859]

Dear Lou,

I received you letter and I wrote to you on Tuesday and gave Dick the letter to take to the post office but he did not put it in and so Aunt Jane had to put it in on Saturday. I am sory Will Almond has turned out so badly. Have you been out to see his Aunt yet?

Ma and Mrs. Murphy went to Dr Maxwell's to dinner to day. They said they had a very nice dinner. Mrs. Mason and Mrs. Hunter both have young sons. Mrs. Mason is home. Mr. Mason is not able to preach now, he has some thing the matter with his throat. George Chace is very lame. He was lifting a large piece of marble down to the depot and it fell on his foot and mashed it. I went up to see if Mrs. McCoulog was going this week and her mother is very sick and she is not going until next Wednesday or Thursday and not then if her mother is not better. We will try and have your skirts done. I want to make you a cake if she can take it. Mr. Small got home from Cin. this morning. He brought Brown and Toph a top. A student by the name of Waganor is sick. Pa has just been to see him. I did not see Henry. He went home a few days after I got here. He is coming back next session. Sam Dodds wrote a composition all about Dr. Daily and read it Saturday. Pa would not let him finish it. Pa I think is correcting it now I think and he has been studying over it this last half hour. It gave Pa a great deal of trouble. The report came that Mrs. Daily is dead but I believe there is no truth in it. I am trying to teach Brown to read. Please send me by Mrs. McCoulough Youth Annie there's a beauteous lady richly dressed, Listen to the mocking bird. I am getting along with my music finely. There is a very pretty piece called death of minahaha (I don't guess it is spelt right). Anna Ballantine sings it. Mary Ballantine has gone away in the cars. I guess to Bedford. The old school and new school are going to unite there and her father has gone down to help.

Who sits at my place at the table? Tell Fannie to write soon. Tell Ned I will write as soon as I can get some good pens from the store. Pa got me some but they are so mean. Pa wishes me to say that he will write as soon as he can but he has so much to attend to that he has no time to write. We got a large box from Philadelphia Saturday with Grandma and Pa pictures in large gilt frames, very pretty, a beautiful silver cup for Dory with his name on it and bracelets for you and me and books for Dick and Toph, a dancing doll for Brown and a card [one word] for ma.

Yours, Mag

Saturday. I wish if you don't want Kane's Funeral March you would send it too! Here is a picture of Pa. It is to light and Dick told me to send it to you. I have to go down town and get some molasses to make Pa some candy. He loves it so much. The old schools have sacrament tomorrow. The boys had a fuss night before last. They broke a good many of the windows at the college. Four of them were caught. They begged the janitor not to tell but he said if he was called up he would and he did. You must give my love to Julia and Em Terrell, Genie and Aggie and Ag Read and all. Mag

Transcription: Bloomington 1859 Wednesday Night March 16

My Dear Sister Miss McCoulough is going to morrow and we have got your skirts ready to send to you I made you a cake but I forgot to sive[sic] the flour and so you see it has got lumps in it but I should not wonder if you could bite through them so I will send it but don't tell any one that I made it for I can make better. I sent you your braslet[sic] one of your handkerchiefs that I brought home with me and a collar and two skirts one plain one and one worked how do you like the work if ma will let me I will put in a slice of the fruit cake that we bad left from the last time we had company we are going to have company soon again ma has been invited to so many places lately that now it is her turn to invite Ma spoke of sending you a can of the pares[sic] that you sand Miss Fee put up but I don't know whether Mrs Mc can take them I don't know how she will get the things from Cin to Glendale I guess he will have to take the trunk

The boys all seem very quick if it was not for Gim Mitchel and Dailys letters I don't think there would be any fuss do you think Lathrop would come here I don't think that Fannie would like it very much I don't think there is much danger of getting Read

I heard that Mr Marsh wanted to buy this house but would not take it unless he could come into it right away so I should not wonder if we should be turned out the parsonage there is some woman living in it and they cant make her pay and they can't make her go out. I asked Pa what he would do if Mr Marsh did buy he said he would send me back to Glendale and Dick some place and then go and board Red wants $200 an acher[sic] for his land and I don't believe he would sell at that so theres an end of that Mrs Cookley has peaches and a Calf and asks $200 an acher[sic] it is the same distance from the railroad that Red is and is just as prettie[sic] a place it is just opsite[sic] Dr Dodds woods it is on a hill we are thinking a goodeal [sic]of buying that then if Prof Kirkwood would buy that of Mr Rasel or of some that Pa gets and build up there I think it would be so nice I know that It would be more pleasant on the other side but that can't be helped.

Dick and I made some honey it is very nice you could hardly tell it from the real honey with it on bread it is very nice I commenced a letter to sallie[sic] Furman but I can not finish it I wanted to write and let you read it first but I will write some other there I don't know whether to write to Ella Gaff or not and Lucy and Judy steavons[sic] they asked me to but I don't know how is Belle Ferry Miss Hansen and does Miss Ferrell go in our room as much as she used to Who rooms with Miss Stewert now Josie has gone does Miss Hansen have that girl to room with her yet has Aggie Berry have four in her room who rooms in Julias old room there have not I given you enough questions to answer

Give my love to Julia Genie Chapman Fannie Caldwell and Aggie Berry & to Mrs McFerson and Park the Miss Morrisons and all my friends I suppose you have perceived that I have a better pen than I had the last time that I wrote does Margret still stay in Glendale and Kate and Annie It is getting so late that I have no time to write more or nothing to say. send me all those pieces of music that you don't want Your affectionate sister Maggie Wylie

Transcription: Madison, March 21, 1859

My dear Lou,

When I received your letter I determined I would answer it very soon and thus set you a good example, so I sat down in two or three days and wrote to you and gave the letter to Father to carry to the Post Office and supposed it had reached you, when one day in arranging some papers for Father I found the letter on his table. It had been written so long that I concluded it would not be interesting to you, so I did not send it. Since then I have been prevented from writing by various things, though I have thought more of you than if I had discharged this debt at the proper time. I have never known Mother's health to be so delicate as it has been this winter. She has been confined to her room a portion of the time so that I have had to take entire charge of the house, which together with teaching Mary and Bird, has not left me as much time for letter writing as I should like to have.

I suppose that you are enjoying the pleasures of Spring. The ice on our lakes has disappeared, for a few days the air was mild and balmy and I supposed "Spring had come" but such pleasant fancies were put to flight by a heavy snow storm a few days since. The weather is not severely cold but extremely damp and unpleasant.

I should like to drop in and have a long chat with you. How do you like teaching? I enjoy it very much and expect to teach when Ada and Agnes return home, but I do not want a situation in a young ladies boarding school. Still Glendale is a pleasant place, the school well conducted and the scholars and teachers kind and affectionate. I am proud of my "Alma Mater," and hope she may always be as prosperous as at present.

I was glad to hear of the religious interest that has existed at Glendale and especially thankful that Ag was among the number that had been awakened and sought and found a gracious Savior. When beautified by Grace, Ag's will be a lovely character. How sorry we were to hear that Maggie's health was so poor. She will probably never be able to bear the confinement of school long at a time.

You are slightly mistaken if you suppose that there is any danger of my getting lazy. I have never had so much to do as I have had this winter and never felt that I was doing more good. I have not been out a great deal, but have enjoyed myself very much at home. I am anticipating a pleasant time in the summer and should be pleased to have you conduce to my happiness by making me a visit. We have been talking of Mary Ballantine and yourself and the pleasure it would give us to see you here. Mother and Father join me in a cordial invitation to you to visit us. I think we could make the time pass pleasantly to you. We have a large house and pleasant grounds for Summer. I hope you and Mary will conclude to come. We hope to see Aunt Eliza in Madison next Summer.

I have lost all trace of the different members of our class. Can you give me any information of their whereabouts. I have wanted to write to some of them but did not know where they were. Mother is waiting for me to go down in the city to do some shopping. I dread to go very much. If we were farther South where they do not have high winds every day, we would think we could not go out, but no person stays at home here for the wind and it is important for us to do some shopping and so we shall be blown down town. We have just finished a dozen shirts for Father, made them in a week and I never saw more beautiful ones. Mother's machine is a miracle. She says if she could not get another one she would not part with it for a thousand dollars. Did Mary B get one? If so, whose make is it?

After delaying so long myself, I have no right to expect you to answer this soon, but I assure nothing would give me more pleasure than to get a good long letter from you. Cannot you come home with the girls at the end of the term? Mother sends love to you and desires to be remembered to your mother when you write home. Give my best love to teachers and scholars at Glendale not forgetting Aunty.

Ever your affectionate friend

Alice

Transcription: Bloomington March 22 Tuesday Night 1859

Dear Lou I have just received two letters one from Dic Howe and the other from Fannie Dic wrote me of Mr B marriage I did not think he would marry her he wrote to Lizzie McPheaters that he had broken it of and she wrote that she was very glad to hear it for she did not think her worthy of him then he wrote that he was married and that she must take that all back but she says she is not going to do it.

Have you got your bundles yet? I was so afraid that the letter would come out and be last but I hope it has not If you had only written that letter sooner I should have sent you a can of pears and some other things but I did not know that Mr Mc intended sending for you to go after them and I thought they would be to heavy for to carry so far. Pa keeps me busy making nut candy he gives me ten cents for one plate full I have made 40 ct.

Toph has got the chickenpox that was not the chickenpox that we all had last summer.

Henerietta Mc Crea is sick she cannot last long Miss Tuly is sick or worse she never goes out now Mr Take has been very sick but is nearly well now. The Bible society was to meat up to our church last thursday night but it rained so hard that they put it of until Monday and Monday it rained harder than it did on Thursday. Mr Ferrell was here he told me that he was greatly obliged to you for the interest you took in his [?] spiritual welfare they had a very good meeting. John Perring tried to preach last sabath night but made a compleat failure

Aggie Kirkwood is here now she came home on last saturday I have not seen her yet

Tates have a new house built adjoining their old one for students they have 8 students rooming there and boarding at Browning Tuleys have two Mr Marshall and Mr Cherell Bryants have two Mr Albord and some one else but [?] is going to board up there when he come

as we were going up to Bible socity it was pouring rain and we all had our unbrels and Mr Alvord was comeing down did not see us and run right against the um-- I guess he did not like to have a wet um--stuck right in his face he jumped back and said O ladies excuse me

I should like much to have that music but Pa has no money it has not come yet and so I cant send you any send me some of your pieces that you don't want when does Mr Mc intend coming home has Lib Williams ever gone back to Glendale it hailed yesterday or snailed as Brown would say Mrs Murphy got back yesterday I don't know how long she is going to stay I will send you a pape when ever I can give my love to Julia and all the girls Mr Ferrell preached in the MEC in morning and chaple in the afternoon he raised 25 dollars in the ME Church and 27 or something like it in the chaple who sits in my old seat at the table I should like so much to go to Glendale next commencement but I don't suppose I can I am going to write to Ag Read soon I wrote this letter Thursday and now it is Saturday and I don't believe it will go until Monday but I have no stamp and so I can't send it I am so glad that you will be home in thirteen weeks but that will be a long time both to you and me Daily is coming back here on next tuesday or thursday the boys are going to have some speeches next thursday I guess that Daily will be their chap it is the Athenian socity

Transcription: Bloomington Ap. 4th 1859

Dear Lou It is a long time since I have written to you, and as you know how I have been perplexed and worried by the condition of things here, during the last three months, you will not take it hard that you have not received a letter from me. You have been kept posted in family affairs, and in town gossip too, by Mag, so that you have really lost nothing by my neglect. We have got through the last term much better than we expected. Daily had done all he could to make an insurrection among the students, and when he went away, he left his agents in town & college to give us all the trouble they could. But a kind Providence seems so far to have thwarted all their plans. We had during the whole term good attention to studies, excellent audiences on Sabbath in the chapel, & notwithstanding the constant disposition of some to give us trouble, the recitations were not interrupted for an hour. Daily was expected at the end of the term, it is said, to act as chaplain at the Philomathean exhibition, and of course to stir up the dying spirit of rascality or Dailyism both mean the same thing; but fortunately for us, he got on another spree in New Albany, & was thus, it is likely, prevented from coming. We had creditable exhibitions large audiences, no disturbances, and on the last day, when we assembled only for prayers, we had a larger attendance of students than we ever before saw in the chapel on similar occasions. Still there are many of the townspeople & some among the students who profess to believe that D. is a persecuted & much injured man, some have yielded this much, that he is crazy through the persecutions of his foes!—The vacancies in the board of Trustees are not, as I have heard, yet filled. If, as is rumored, a certain citizen of town is put on, we will have trouble yet. Who will be President, is still unknown. Dr Lathrop is most loudly spoken of. There is much opposition much more than I had any idea of, made to Prof. Read, who in my opinion would be, if it were not for this opposition, the best man for the place. We would be glad indeed to have any good man so that things might subside

Brown is very badly broken out with the chicken pox. He was quite sick yesterday & is still in bed. With the exception of colds the rest are well. I have heard nothing from Philada for a month. No prospect yet of our bettering our condition as to a house. I look upon our situation here as still uncertain. Indeed I am becoming tired of residing in a community where vile men have such influence & where the moral sense seems to be so small. – Mag has been doing nothing but recruiting since she returned home. She will go to Mr Cole during the summer. Write soon and give me an account of what you are doing. You cannot be too particular. Present as usual my respects to Mrs. McFerson & Dr Manfert and all other Glendale friends.

Your affectionate father T.A. Wylie

Miss E. L. M. Wylie Glendale

P.S. If I were not so low in funds I would send you some money. If you want anything very much, it will do no harm to mention it though we should not be able to supply your want.

Transcription: Bloomington April 11th / 59

Dear Lou, I have given up writing to Mag since she came home but I think you might sometimes at least write to me. Your last letter was mislaid before I could read it. I was very sorry for I wanted to know what you said about your dresses. Mr Fee wants me to take one he bought from P it is white ground with a blue stripe but I think you could get a handsomer one for the same price in Cincinnati or one to suit you better It is $1.25 a yd. He has a very handsome [barege?] for 50 cts buff & white. If I thought you would like it I would send it to you. I am so tired to night. Mrs. Kirkwood & myself have been out visiting this afternoon we went to Carters', Fosters', Snodgrass's, Mrs. Gillet's, Murphy's, & McPheeters', & then down to the stores. Jane Wylie was here to day she seems pretty dejected. Poor girl I expect she misses her mother very much. I hear them say she is going on to see Anderson in the fall. Andres' little boy is lying very low of congestion or inflammation of the brain. Pa has made them an offer of $5000 for their house & land but I do not expect they will take it. The trustees meet next Thursday I suppose they will elect Lathrop but we will see would he come immediately if he were elected? I would have not objected to read. The people are so opposed to him a great many good people say they would rather have Daily than him I understand he is anxious to come & has written to several persons here but I do not know if it is true.

Mr Cole opened his school to day with about 80 scholars. Maggie did not go. Miss Morgan is to teach her I suppose she will commence tomorrow although much against her will but she cannot remain idle any longer. I wish you were home I can scarcely wait patiently for you to come. Eight weeks will soon pass away I suppose. The children all want to see you. Baby does not talk yet he is the image of Toph. I do not know what to do for a Mantilla I wish you would write what is worn or would be suitable for me, or inquire the price when you are in C. Pa will send you some money when he gets some which will not be before the first of May. I will send a gold dollar to buy pins or candy with. Good night dear Lou. May God bless you & keep you R. D. W.

Transcription: Bloomington, April 16 Saturday night 1859

Dear Lou

I have but a few minutes to spare but I must write and tell you that I got my music this evening. I am very much obliged to you for it. Did you try Minnehaha? I think it is very prettie and I think it will be very easy too.

Lizzie Ballantine had a small party last night. We all had such a nice time. There was only eight there. Sam and Lib Dodds, John and Emma McCray, Emma Maxwell and Lou Cole, Anna and Charley Pering, Dick and myself. We played every thing most Sack and snack partner and a great many others things. Now I guess you would like to know what we had for supper. We had cold ham chip beef cakes and jellie cand peaches and float jellie cake sweet cake and pound cake and almonds. I ate five filapenies and don't you think Sam Dodds caught mine this afternoon. I went down there to see if Lib was going out in the woods and they were all out eating their dinners. I told Anna not to tell them I was in there and then Sam came up to the window and caught mine before I could say Jack Robertson. Now I have to catch Willie and Anna and Lizzie and Em McC. I am going try and catch theres. I have a great notion of rapping a piece of mud up and ever so many paper and giveing it to Sam.

I am going to have a party soon but I am going to wait until Henry comes but my time is up now. I must go to study. It makes me mad every time I see Old Cole. Now don let half of your letter be a sermon about what I said of Cole.

Mag I don't think that the students will come in very fast until next week. The first morning they commenced with 70. the trustee are having a meeting up at Indoplus. Don't know who is elected.

I believe I forgot to tell you what a beautiful serenade we had before the students went away. Cousin Margaret sent home Ma's gold thimble by Mr. Cooper yesterday. We were glad to see it.

Transcription: [?] May 6 --'59

Dear Cousin, Yours of April 22 I received bearing the kind invitation to be with you at your comn, with which were it in my power I would cheerfully comply. Our communion is appointed for the third Sabbath May (15). We expect Mr McBride to aid on his way to Synod. His Presbytery meets in Chicago the Wednesday following (18) After our Communion there will be barely time to reach Synod. I have not seen Mr Harshaw, but do not think that he could be with you on any of the days you name. N. K. Grow was here last night & thinks he could not be with you at any of the times specified.

Last Sabbath Mr Grow had a communion in Unity & would have fainted from poor health, had not Alford happened to be there. The Sabbath before he had the comn in Hillprairie & McCracken failing to be with him, he had to decline the usual services on Monday & nearly all the usual services on Saturday. Next Sab. he & Alford are to be with Harshaw & then N. K. G. & wife & son leave for Princeton.

We were surprised to hear of Mrs. Wylie's death [Margaret Wylie, Andrew's wife], who seemed to enjoy so good health a few months before when we were there. Every such instance has a speaking voice, "Be ye also ready." I was glad to hear that the Great President [Daily] had withdrawn, & hope to hear that the present incumbent [TAW?] has been chosen permanently to occupy that honorable Chair. How different would the monuments of the world be if in the choice of officials to fill high stations due weight were given to qualifications & character. Vile men are exalted & therefore corruption prevails.

Shall we see you at Synod & will Gamin Rebecca be with you? Is Richard attending the University? Are your daughters at home? How are all the youngsters? Will you promise to spend with us your next vacation having all your family along? We look for brother Adam in September on a visit from Wash. Ter. & perhaps he may be persuaded when he comes to remain.

M. A. Ewing has spent the winter in her sister's family in Nebraska City, but next week we look for her home. Lizzie Pintland has had ague in that far off & celebrated land.

Winter warm & spring wet. The ground is becoming dry & warm & the farmers are busily engaged getting corn into the ground, wisely concluding that when the corn is not in the ground it cannot be expected to grow. Margaret joins in love to each member of the family. Yours in kindness & Brotherly love Saml. Wylie

Rev. T. A. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington May 10th '59

Dear Lou You'll be thinking that we have all forgotten you. Your mother has just told me that no one has written to you for a good while. Mag says she has no time as she is going to school but it don't seem to me that her attention to school duties is such as would prevent her sending you a line occasionally. We are still without --President & I fear are likely to remain so till commencement. A meeting of the board was appointed for last week, but a quorum did not attend & so no business could be done. Some suppose that this failure to get a quorum is through Daily maneuvering but I hardly think so, & am rather disposed to regard it as accidental. The result is, whatever may be the cause, that more care & trouble & responsibility are thrown on me. Hitherto we have got along very well. We have nothing but good order and attention about the college & here the Daily influence seems to have subsided, perhaps it is only slumbering & will wake up when Daily comes to make his big speech to the Philomatheons.

We all keep jogging along as usual. No prospect of a house yet. When I could not get one plenty were to be had & now when I think I could pay for one, I can't get it. So it is. No one was ever more sick & tired of this old rookery than I. Last week they cleaned house, but still there is a scent for every room. We have no garden. I have been so engaged that I could not look after it. & Dick is absolutely good for nothing, lazy & stubborn.

Have heard nothing lately from Phil. or any where else. Mr Murphy has bought a place just below the college (Judge Seal's) and will move into it next fall. He is now in Missouri. Mr. M. is here.

I send you ten dollars. I am sorry it is not more, but all I make does not pay my bills. If more is necessary write & we will try to send more. Your affectionate father, T. A. Wylie

Miss E. L. M. Wylie Glendale Parke Co. Bank 1st Sch--1855

[On the same sheet, the following from Rebecca] Dear Lou, Your Papa has not written you much news so although I am very busy I must write a few lines. We are to have company this evening. Mr. K Mrs. Gillet, young Mrs. Gillet (who is up on a visit) Mr. & Mrs. Kirkwood, Mr. & Mrs. Hopkins, Mr. & Mrs. Sheiks that is all for you know we cannot accommodate more I wish you were here to become acquainted with Mrs. Gillet. She seems like a very pleasant little girl. Mr. Suley is going to Cincinnati this week. I have bought you two dresses and made the skirt of them. If I knew how to make the sleeves I would but am afraid they would be old fashioned so you had better have them made up there. I had intended to let you buy the dress there but Pa could not send you much money so I thought if I sent the dresses your money would go farther. When you are coming home Pa will send you more. At what time is the session out? Whom are you going to visit in Oxford? John Foster was here week before last. Folks here say he is not engaged to Parke but to a young lady in Indianapolis I cannot think that of him. I must stop I hope you will like your dresses. One is a barrage & the other a French lawn. I am afraid you will think it too gay but I do not. Your aff. Mother R. D. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington 1859 Saturday night May 28

Dear Lou

I believe I told you in my last that I would write and tell you all about my party. I had it last Thursday. They all said they enjoyed them selves very much. I had Mary Freeze and Mr. Tharp. Mr. McCoy and Emma Lonson, Dick Skiller and Anna Ballantine, Lizzie and Lon Emma Maxwell and Dud Murphy, Sam and Lib and Florence Sluss. Sally Killion invited but she did not come. We had charades. They did not start home until after 11 o'clock and then it was raining so hard that they had to come back. The next night Mary Ballantine invited Mr. Tharp, Mr. McCoy, Mary F and a good many more up there. Then today Mr. Cole had a picnic and Dick Miller was there. He says Emma Maxwell looks so much like Elen Foster and that he used to go to school with Elen and that he did love her so much. There is going to be a picnic next Saturday. I have just seen a notice of the death of one of Proffesor Bishops daughters. I wonder which one. We had such nice strawberries for supper. Just as many as we could eat. Thursday. The E ladies are going to have a festival to night but I am not going. I should have said tomorrow for this is only Wednesday. Friday. I have not finished this letter yet. It is to bad but you have not answered my last letter and so I need be in no hury. I want you to write me the last letter before you come home. I have good news to tell you. Our cow had a little calf on Wednesday. Now we can have plenty of milk again. Dick and Son are going to have a picnic next Saturday. Bring some pretty pieces of music home with you. Pa is very busy but will try and write soon. He will send you money to come home with. You need not work out without you think it best. I am very much afraid that if you do the lady will find in you such a treasure and help that she will not be willing to give you up if you do the milking. Be careful that the cow don't kick you over and be carefull that you don't for get the salt a pepper in the things that you cook. I expect you will get along very well.

Mag Tharp is going home next week to write his speech.

Transcription: Bloomington June 11, 1859

Dear Lou,

Today two weeks I trust you will be with us, but even two weeks seems a long time. I expect it will be a busy time with you but keep a brave heart and do your best and you will be helped. We have been very busy too. Night before last we had the graduate class here. They appeared to enjoy themselves very much. They stayed until one o'clock. Pa intended to write but he has been so busy that he could not get the time. Last night we went to an exhibition at the Athenian Hall. Mr. Tharpe has gone home to be at his sister's wedding. He will be back the beginning of July. Mr. Cloud was here last week. Stone was also here. I suppose that was all false about Sal T. Pa is ready for my letter and I must finish. I bought a Chantilly lace mantle the other day. It has two deep flounces. I thought if you could buy an old fashioned Chantilly lace cape I would take off one of the flounces and put it on the cape and so make both of us a handsome mantle. The price of mine was 20$. The lower flounce is about ½ yd long, very handsomely worked. The cape I suppose you could get for 3 or 4 dollars, but write and let me know. Mag could take yours. Pa was going to write to you to get the diplomas but I believe he has changed his mind and will send for them by express. Col. Bryant has just lost his wife. I am afraid he will not come down to Commencement. It is reported here that John F. has given up Parke or at least the match is broken off and that he is engaged to somebody else. Is it so? I was told it came from Mary B. or else I could not have believed it. We heard that Daily had been on another spree at Evansville. I hope it is true for then perhaps he will not come here to bother.

Your affectionate

Mother

Dear Lou

I am over head and ears in business and have had hardly time to do anything. I enclose ten dollars, two fives, one [Bloxx?], the other silver. I am just now very low in funds and must borrow. I will endeavor to send you some more, not very much, in a few days. We are very anxious to see you. Remember me to Mrs. McF and Dr. M and all the rest of our and your kind friends.

Yours affectionately

T. A. Wylie

Transcription: Henniker Sept. 22, 1859

My dear, dear Lou,

I feel so sorry that I have neglected you so long. Your kind letter was most welcome and I had it in my heart to write you long before this, but really I have lacked the time and strength too for I have not been very well of late. I have improved much however since I have been here, resting in this quiet place. It is very pleasant for Julie and me to be here together in this old homestead of our dear Mother's and especially as we have been together but little of late. How often have we thought and talked of the pleasant times we had last summer with our dear ones in Bloomington and we have tried to imagine how you have been spending the time this year.

We heard from Cousin Anna and Lizzie night before last and right glad were to get their letters. We had not heard from B for so long, we had become quite anxious fearing some of Uncle's family were sick. The cousins tell us a good deal of news, all of which interested us much. I need not tell you how glad we were to hear that your father had bought old Mrs. Wylie's place. How pleasant for you all. I have pictured to myself in imagination you and Mary trudging back and forth and making daily visits at each other's houses. You will enjoy it I know. I am as glad for your mother too, as the present house will be so much more convenient for her and for your father too, as his walk to College will be considerably shortened. But what will poor Redick and Jennie do and where will they go?

I was rejoiced indeed to hear of Henrietta's happy death. Coz. M sent us the piece she wrote for the paper with regard to her. It interested us much. Mary did very well I think, don't you? There have been several deaths among the young people of B since we left there. We know not who may be called next. How solemn the thought, and yet if we are indeed the Savior's, as we hope we are, why need we fear.

I am glad Uncle and Aunt Anna and Willie had had such a pleasant visit in Washington and in Virginia. Coz. Mary with the other children must have been quite lonely without them. I have no doubt that you were a frequent visitor there then and did much by your presence and company to make the time pass more pleasantly and quickly away.

Do you expect to return to Glendale again?

So Parke McPherson is married. I should think her mother would miss her much.

Do write and tell me all about yourself, dear Lou. I am anxious to hear all that interests you. I wish you would tell Coz. Mary that I am looking for a letter from her soon.

I shall remain some weeks longer as my Aunt is anxious to have me do so. Indeed she wishes to have me stay till after Thanksgiving and perhaps I shall conclude to do so.

We hear from our dear ones in India as often as usual. We are looking to night some for letters again from them. The cholera and the fever have been prevailing quite extensively there of late, but all our no. have been preserved from all harm thus far. Indeed father wrote in his last that the cases of sickness were daily diminishing.

I look for my Mother some next year with the children, but I dare not think too much of it lest something happen to prevent. I hope my father will be able to come too as it will be as hard for him to be left alone. Their last letters show that they are being greatly blessed in their work and they are very much cheered in view of it. O how I long to fly to their aid. I am reading now the Memoir of the Rev. Mr. Stoddard of Persia and am enjoying it much. I love to read of such devotion as was his to the cause of Christ. It makes me long to go and do likewise. I have also just finished the book entitled The Footsteps of St. Paul by the author of "The Words of Jesus." It is a very interesting and instructive book I think. Perhaps you have seen it. What are you reading now dear Lou, or do not you find time much for reading? I do more than usual this summer as it is so quiet here. Just now especially we are free from interruptions as we are having a long equinoctial storm. It is very dreary without and cold and damp within. How is it with you? I expect to spend the coming winter at Mrs. Sutton's on Fulton and then in the spring I hope to go to teaching again. Write me soon, won't you Lou? Julia expects to write you I believe so she will speak for herself. Much love to Coz M and to each and all of Uncle E's family. With very much love for yourself, dear Lou, from

Your affectionate friend Lizzie S. Ballantine My love, please to your mother and sister. Also to Jennie Wylie 23rd, Friday morning. Dear Lou, I received a letter from Uncle E last evening. Tell him please that I shall answer it very soon. Good bye my dear.

[in the same envelope, the following letter.]

Henniker, N. H. Sept. 23 1859

My very dear Lou,

Many apologies are due to you for my neglecting your last letter so long. Do excuse me dear Lou and I will try to do better henceforth. I have not indeed forgotten you. I think of you very often, especially did I think of you while you were toiling at Glendale. I judge from cousin Cirrie Ballantine's last letter that you are not in Glendale now. How did you enjoy your one year experience in teaching? Do tell me all about it when you write.

Just think, Lou it is just about a year since I last saw you. Do you remember our running down to the depot to bid you goodbye? I wonder how long it will be before I see you again "or how or when or where." When we see each other again may we have grown much spiritually and mentally. Let us help each other on in the Christian faith by our letters. I do need help very much. I strive and strive only to fail it seems to me. Your talks with me in Bloomington used to do me good. I thank you much for them also for that note you wrote to me once when I was there. I found it the other day.

I was rejoiced to hear from cousin Cirrie that your father had bought Mrs. Wylie's place. It will be so near Uncle Elisha's. How pleasant it will be for you and cousin Mary won't it? Where do Redick and Jennie live now? What a blow it must have been to them to have lost their mother. How well I remember her! She was always so kind and so good! We are all "passing away." Oh "may we so number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."

And Mr. Martin's family are to go to Texas! So they intend to settle there? I should think they would have nice fun traveling in their own team. I should really like to try it. I believe if I were there I would offer to accompany them. My uncle Wallace with whom I now am sometimes for fun pictures our setting forth in a cart for the West. He says I must be the little beggar girl and beg from house to house through the villages in our way while he drives the rest of the folks. I tell him I'd rather drive and let him beg. It is the fashion now for wealthy persons to travel round with their teams. We have had quite a number here this summer from Boston, Medfield and other places who came with their own horses and carriages. Henniker is getting to be quite a place of summer resort. We have here a medicinal spring which is said to have cured many. It was discovered five years ago by a spiritualist who bought it and has made it the seat of numerous spiritual meetings which gave it quite a notoriety. Since spiritualism has been on the wane many others have been attracted here by the fame of the springs and by the beautiful scenery and situation of the place. Next summer won't you give us a call? You ought to visit New England once! I at least shall be very happy to see you.

Please give very much love to your father and mother, Mag and the rest of the children, also to your cousins Redick and Jennie. Do write soon, dear Lou, and excuse please the looks of this letter. I have had quite a trial of my patience in writing it. I think the paper must be a greasy kind of paper for sometimes I can hardly make a mark on it. Next time if possible I will send a better looking epistle.

With very, very much love

Your affectionate friend

Julie A. Ballantine

Transcription: Philadelphia, Monday Jan 18 [1860?]

My dear Sister Lizzie—

That word, Sister—a whole letter in the meaning of it. How I did look at it, to see if it were written in honesty—Yes! Just as yourself, that day I went to dinner with a lighter heart, every body seemed happy and I even felt the kindly sun light that soothed heart to rest and it dreamed that somebody loved it!-- -- --

I thank you much dear Lizzie for your kind invitation but cannot possibly visit you now. I do hope you will come to the city soon that I may see you and feel almost at home again. What sad, sad changes the last cruel old year has made for me and what will the coming ten years bring? Watchman what of the night? Oh! God temper the wind to the shorn lamb-- -- --

Have just received a sweet letter from dear Lou. Hope she will write you all the news. I like Philadelphia very much but still—a stranger. Have the pleasure of seeing cousins Craig and Will Letterman, though not as often as I should like, Will particularly being very busy. A young physician and succeeding admirably. I can say without partiality a very interesting young man. I feel like having taken a glass of sparkling Champagne after being in his company. Hope to have the pleasure of seeing his brother (surgeon in the army) tomorrow, on his way to California where he has been appointed by Government.

Have been so happy this week in getting many dear letters from friends and ------ Sister Liz is housekeeping in B. Her dear little girl Mary is very, very interesting and smart child, the idol of its father, particularly. Brother Redick is with them this winter. Irene (in Wheeling) has just gotten to housekeeping. She writes for me to come and live with her but I prefer to be perfectly independent. Though having but little self reliance, would never have come here to attempt doing what I'm trying to do now if it were not for the advice of friends.

Love to your dear Ma, with many wishes and prayers that this New Year will be a constant harvest of joys to you all, I remain as ever—

Your devoted friend and sister,

Jen Wylie

Transcription: Philadelphia Jan 28th 1860

Dear Lizzie

I received your's of the 9th January with much pleasure and thank you much for the abundance of news it contained. I would have answered it before this but have been sick nearly ever since it's receipt. When you left me you know I was getting over a severe cold, and I took another on top of that that settled in my head. A friend recommending Jackson's Ammonia Lozenges to me as an excellent remedy, I procured a box and cured myself. When I was taken sick in the night and from getting up and exposing myself took fresh cold. When the weather cleared up my cold was better and I went out to buy my furs and while I was out I paid off a few visits but took 4 sets of cars and rode nearly all the way, but I took a violent cold which settled in my face, head, and neck and put me in my bed when I suffered beyond anything. I laid down with the greatest difficulty for fear of strangling and every bone in my body ached! I doctored myself and Ma nursed me. I am now able to sit up with a large shawl on. I look like a [one word] mummy and am afraid to put my head out of doors. Tell James I condole with him from the bottom of my heart and if I had been near him would have made him a gargle of sumach berries which would have cured his sore throat immediately. He is the right kind of a man after all. I guess he would vote for [Beb?] now if he had to do it over again, as regards going to stay with his sisters. Perhaps I might if one of them would come and stay with me first. Tell him when he brings them to town to bring them to our house. Don't say anything to the [Nhiels?] about not writing me any more. I have almost forgotten about it. The other day I heard that Chezney had come out a strong republican. I suppose it is through love of Lucy Wickner. I would like to have seen Lucy when she was in town but did not know where she was staying. Henry Johnson has a little son and is going to name him Moses. I got a Siberian squirrel cape a very pretty one. Two of my he cousins were here this week but I was too sick to see them. Mrs. Masters the poor woman that had the twins at Darby has gone raving mad. Julia was out one day last week and saw her. They are going to remove her to the Insane Asylum at Hereford. Our friends the Philipses came round to see you and myself about a week ago. I was out. That pest Glipon has got home and I suppose I shall be bothered with him again. Julia says to me Humph! He is worth as much or more than all your old West Chester [one word] and she abused poor James and called him but everything because he was for compromise and not for War. She was so afraid I would go and see Lucy and make up with her. We had a grand wedding in Philadelphia the other day. Miss Lib McColester the political belle, she married one of the Belgian attaches and they say her father paid down the hundred thousand dollars before they were married according to the custom of foreign countries. She was very thin and miserable looking and used to wear very low necked dresses and the gentlemen used to say it did not make any difference how low she wore them as there was nothing to be seen. Pa and I had one terrible blowup about the North and South after you went, since when we have mutually forborne the subject. How is my dear little Spanish Prince? I often, often think of him with his roguish black eyes and captivating smile. I consider Mr. Dyers a perfect dragon because he won't let him come in. Tell him there is a French party in [prospect?] now. Does he think he could come in on the afternoon train and go and return to WC in the early morning train and get there in time for school? CN is quite set [one word] out on my affections since I have seen him. Tell Rizio he had better stay another year at Mr Dyers. I expect to be in West Chester next summer and we will have such glorious times. Tell him there is a very pretty Spanish song called the Orange girl the Narangua which he ought to get and learn. Did he read you the letter of that officer signing himself Seabrook to Lieut. Hamilton? I did not see the sermon delivered by the Learned Jew that you spoke of. I received a letter from Ann McGuffin last week a lengthy political letter of 4 pages. She says they are all in a state of extreme glorification. I would like you and Mr. Wright to have read her letter. And how is he? Tell him I hope we shall have the pleasure of seeing him before he becomes a foreigner. Anne's letter had on it "The Independent Republic of Georgia." and she calls their state foreign parts. Ma wants to know if Gran Ma received 2 papers she sent her, 1 from Savannah and 1 from Philadelphia. The officers cannot get any pay and I do not know what we shall do if the government does not pay up. We are going to have the cots all sent away. Julia says to tell you that the other day in going out in the Media cars, she encountered two nasty, horrid, smoking disagreeable she quakers by the name of Trimble. They had a knapsack hanging up. They kept the window up and kept the car cool while the smoke nearly suffocated them and compelled them in self defense to put the window down. I enclose you some little patterns of lace edging which I think are pretty. Kate says to tell you she is harnessing up the kitty. I believe it is thought here now that Lincoln will not attempt the coercion of the southern States except by closing their ports and taking away the post office department. I think things are running fast into a war. Gov. Cadwolader has been ordered down to Washington on the 4th with 8000 men from here. Barnes was here the other night and after we got through the [one word] of the notion he got very funny and told all sorts of stories about drunken men etc. etc. If the President accepts of the offer of militia made in the bill now before Congress he may have to [talk?] himself out. I fasten on the 4th and nearly made myself sick and Ma and I went to church in the morn and she went to a union meeting in the evening at Dr. Boardman's and it was splendid. 1 gentleman compared the negroes to baboons. A friend of mind Julia Brooks has just gone home to Harris burg. She wanted me to go home with her. They thought there would be fighting there. Did you see that speech of Ben Brewster's the other day about hugging the he niggers. I guess they would rather hug the she niggers, between you and I. There was an old black preacher got up the other day in a meeting here in one of the col churches and said he "Do you call this the free North, the sweet land of liberty, and you won't let the col people ride in the railroad cars. Oh give me the sunny south where I can get into the cars and take a ride." Here one of the brethren got up and nudged him to the still. I heard through a person who was there. I gave Chloe the chenille [one word] you left for her. I would not have minded getting a little French note from Rizio in your letter, you know you naughty thing I would not have been in the least offended. Sympathize with me deeply dear Lizzie in my bodily calamities. Give love to Grandma and Aunt E, reserving a double portion for yourself. The very kindest regards to Mr. Rizio, polite remembrances to Mr. Wright, a bushel of regards and kind feelings to James. Write soon.

Ever you {attached?]

Corrie P.S, Mrs. Hubbell and Julie Brooks, her sister, called after you left and the latter enquired particularly if you had gone home.

P.S. Ma says to ask Grandma how many yds of silk she wants and I want to know how much it is to be a yd? Ma says you made a mistake in the month—it was not this month she was coming out. What will you do for your muslin? I have commenced making mine up.

P.S. 2nd I think Mr. C had better of laid the blame on the person who deserved it. The city is very dull. Julia went to hear Charlotte Cushman.

Transcription: West Chester April 16th 1860

My Dear Rebecca

It is now upwards of three months since the receipt of your last kind affectionate letter. I take shame and confusion of face to myself for allowing it to remain so long unanswered, but I have excuses to make which I hope will be received in extenuation of my seeming neglect. I broke or rather one of the school children done it, my spectacles and as I could not go to the City, was for some time without them, preferring to wait and get them at McAllister's to buying them here. I then took cold and was poorly for a while and the girls persuaded me to visit the city hoping it would recruit and strengthen me. I went and spent a short time with my friend Mrs. Dyott and returned home on last Saturday week somewhat improved though not feeling quite well. But at the age of seventy, I cannot expect to feel the same as at thirty. Time is waning on and e'er long I shall rest with those dear ones gone before me. Mrs. Chambers rested from her labours about a month ago. She will be much missed by the poor and in the Sabbath school. She was indefatigable in her endeavours to do good. She has left a bright and beautiful example to others to follow. I shook hands with him on Saturday week at the Union prayer meeting. He is looking well, but sad. I thank you very much for your kind invitation to stay with you, but must decline it as I must endeavour to keep a home for Emma and Lizzie as long as I can. The Lord has enabled me thus far to get along and I will trust him for the future. I have been much perplexed for the last twelve months to get along, have had only two young men all the winter and now am without any except Cornelia and her husband. I have $100 rent due 1st inst. and where it is to come from I know not, besides $29 Taxes and other debts for groceries etc. It makes me sick to think of it. The French Bill it is thought will pass this session, but if it does I do not know that it will benefit me any. In the first place, each one gets only half the amount he claims. Then there is so much percentage to the person for attending to the business. Our claim is only for a Brig and cargo and if recovered, I have heard there is a person or persons who intend seizing upon it for debts due them. How true this may be is to be determined hereafter. Dear me it will be a happy thing if I get only a few hundred dollars. But I dare scarcely look for it. Tell Louisa I will reply to her epistle before long. I don't like to hear of her going so far away. There are as many heathens in our own land as in India and those at home should have the preference of our labors, though the others should come in for our care likewise. No news from Georgiana for some time. Addie had been sick, but had recovered when last heard from. Dear child how much I wish her living near me. Caroline and family were well last week. David was well when last heard from, tho' not well as regards business. The girls unite with me in love to you and all the family. Poor Robert Black is no better and I fear will not recover.

Your affectionate Mother

Susan S. Dennis

Transcription: W. Chester Dec. 5th 1860

Dear Lizzie,

As Mr. Canizares has business in the City again, and will leave here to go in the 4 o'clock car, I hasten to pen a few lines to say we are all well as usual and miss you very much. Mary says "how much I miss Miss Lizzie." She does very well and I hope I will not have to change again this winter. Annie too often wishes Lizzie would come home. She was made very happy today by presents from Canizares. He gave her a toy dog and a beautiful Mist or Cloud for the head. I fancy you are enjoying yourself, at any rate I hope so and if that is the case, stay as long as you want to, for we get along very well. Give my very best love to your dear sister and the girls, also Mrs. Dyott and Susan Black. Tell them I long to see them, but I do not know when I shall go to the City, perhaps not till spring. Emma wishes you to pay for her shoes, 1 pr is 1.25cts, another 62 ½ cts. I enclose 5 dollars. Emma wants Marseilles for collars about half a yard. Get 10 yards muslin at Cowells for your chemises and fleeced stockings for Emma and yourself. Mr. C. is waiting and I must hurry. Have not seen Lucy since you left. James Everhart has just now called for you. The Miss Wrights have called to see you also. It is very cold. The old skunk is same as ever—watch—watch—watch. In great haste.

I am your affectionate Mother

Susan S. Dennis I forgot Chloe—how is she. Get her something for Christmas.

Transcription: Chicago, Dec 11th, 1860

My dear Friends,

I have delayed writing you this long that I might allow my self full time to investigate the causes and arrive at a correct diagnosis in the case of dear daughter.

A history of her care from yourselves for the last six months would have been of service to me and the medical treatment that she has been under. I find her with a frequent pulse uniformly above 100 and sometimes 120. Her breathing short and frequent. Her skin rather dry and rough and with deficient and rather painful menstruation, which last, she tells me has been so for six or seven years. Her mind filled with gloomy thoughts that sit like an incubus upon her.

My diagnosis in the case is as follows:

The whole trouble is attributable to vitiated secretion. There appears to be a want of correspondence between the histogenic and the eliminating powers of the system. The skin, the lungs and the kidneys fail to carry off the effeet elements of tissue as rapidly as they are degraded. These retained elements of effete tissue find their way again into the circulation corrupting it and rendering it a power for evil, producing abnormal and eccentric effects upon brain and nervous system. The blood and the cerebral spinal fluid are in an unhealthy state and if I can address such treatment to her system as will bring about healthy action in the blood making system, I have no doubt of a favourable result. I find no organic disease, but is all functional.

I will write you more fully in a few days. She appears to be more lively yesterday and today, sleeps quite well and has a good appetite. She is spending the evening at a sewing society for the poor and is going tonight to the Philharmonic Society with Charles.

She is very anxious to hear from home.

[3 words]

In haste

R. C. Hamill

Transcription: Bloomington, Indiana Dec 26th, 1860

Dear Lou,

I was much pleased yesterday in hearing from Dr. H. of your improvement in health and I think from his representations that if you are prudent that you will soon be yourself again.

Yesterday the children had their rejoicing over their Christmas gifts. The stockings were all duly suspended on Monday Evening and their treasures examined the next morning. It seems to me that the happiness it gives the little ones compensates for the folly of the custom. The Old S. Presbyterians had a Xtmas tree in Dunn's hall and the Sabbath school assembled there to receive its decorations. So you see how old Popish customs are sanctioned and observed by grave Protestant Presbyterians. You remember the story told of John Bunyan. Somebody, knowing his hatred of every thing Popish, in order to vex him when in jail sent him a present of a Christmas pie. John eat the pie and sent back word to the [one word] that he had lived long enough in this world to know the difference between Christmas and Pie. So it is with these customs, they have a popish name, but there is a good deal of difference between them and Popery.

Yesterday Dr. and Mrs. Dodds and Mr. and Mrs. McC and Redick dined with us. We had quite a pleasant time of it. Cousin Lizzie seems cheerful and much like her former self. I have been overhauling my papers and drawers and hardly know what is going on in this busy bustling world of Bloomington. I hear that Jake Young got a pretty severe rap over his head from some quarreling drunkards in his beer room. If it had killed him, it would hardly be pay for the evil he has done. Prof. Ballantine has gone to C to see his girls. Henry got home last Friday. I have seen him but once. He was living and well.

Whenever Dr H. thinks you have been long enough in C we will try and find some way of getting you home. I hope it will be before long, but don't you get uneasy or homesick or fidgety or blue or any thing of that sort. Take things coolly and practically and not sentimentally. We live in a world of realities and we must take things as they are not as we would wish them to be. You often regret the past and so do I, but I regret that I did not mingle more in society and take more fresh air and active exercise, as well as some other things that I need not mention. You—that you were such a naughty girl—it is well you told us of it or we would not have found it out. If you are wise, while not neglecting the "great concern" of all, you will improve your opportunity by mingling with different sorts of people, learning their ways, noticing what is good and worthy of imitation and what is bad and to be avoided. There is both pleasure and profit in this. If we are pleased with the portraits we find in books of the great and good and amused with the comical, if we only knew how to observe, we would find characters equally entertaining though not perhaps so spicy as the novelist makes them in every day life. You need, as much as any one, some of that training that will enable you to mingle with different classes of people with ease and without any feeling of restraint. Lizzie is going home today to spend her holidays. So Ma and I will have to get up to make the pies. Mag and Dick are as usual. Phandy has got a pair of skates and he has been out the whole day with them. Brown thinks no one is able to teach him but you and Dory still amuses us with his uproariousness.

Present our kindest regards to Dr. H., Mrs. H. Miss D, and all the rest. If you feel dull and the Dr. says yes, take a walk. I have a notion to ask him to prescribe dancing to cure you. We all send our love and wishing you a happy New Year, I remain

Your affectionate father

T. A. Wylie Miss E. L. M. Wylie Chicago

Transcription: Chicago, Illinois Tues. Jan 1st 18601

My dear Pa: May I wish you a happy New Year with a lead pencil? I rec'd your kind welcome letter on Sat. I wish I was what you think I am. This is a bright beautiful day. The ground is covered with snow. We are all dressed ready to receive calls but as yet no one has appeared. I never saw such a collection of beautiful sleighs before. I am glad you are having rest now for you need it. I am sorry you and Ma will have to make fires this cold weather but I expect Liz will be better for a little vacation.

I don't know when I'll be ready to go home. I hope to go next week. I think Dr. H [Hamill] will let me go then. If I could only feel my mind well I could go this moment. I have been a real spendthrift, Pa. I hardly know how my money has gone tho' I have kept an account. The dresses I got cost $15 and I am getting nine made as Ma said.

I have just now been taking a sleigh ride with Charlie and a splendid one it was. We went to the North side & rode along Michigan Avenue, the finest street in the city. The lake is so beautiful, pretty covered with ice. & I saw them sawing the ice out in blocks. & I saw a grain house which is filled with grain. The gentlemen are beginning to fill the streets. Jule has already had five calls. John Perry was here for a few moments. He looks well & is well.

Last night Ernie had a Chinese puzzle give him which I like very much & will get one for Toph if I have money. It is composed of seven small pieces of wood which form squares out of which a great many of figures may be formed. A little book gives samples.

All are very kind. Mrs. H. is so good & so is the Dr. & all. Still I want to see you. What about paying the Dr. I won't have money enough left I'm afraid. I've taken a great deal of medicine. My pulse is nearly right & my head don't hurt so much. I may get well. I hope so for your sakes.

Tell Brown I hope I may go home to teach him & Dory. Oh I want to see them Give my very best love to all

Wed. Jule had 58 New Year's calls. It was one of the pleasantest days that I have ever seen. All are well. Mrs. Davisson is so cheerful Mrs. McCalla looks rather pale & has not been very well.

Friday--I couldn't find ink to direct this letter so I neglected sending it yesterday. This is the fast day. I went & heard Dr. Tiffany this morn. My dearest Father I want to see you all so very much. Let me go home soon. Give my love to Mary & all. Oh, if I may go home to you well. Forgive me all the pain I 've caused you & Ma. Kiss dear children for me. Dr. H. says if I want more money he has some of Jno. McCalla's that he can give me. Write often Your daughter Louisa Charlie is very kind. He works hard & has much to do in the Bank. He wants me to go to hear Hamlet this evening. It is exceedingly cold today. Tell Ma my dress looks very pretty. Tell Mag to write me often.

Transcription: Chicago, Ill. Jan 7, 1860

My dear Mag: I rec'd your letter yesterday, Sat. & was glad indeed to get it. I would have been glad had it been longer. I can bear four pages of foolscap very well, and am sorry you did not write more. But you are all well & getting along nicely without me. I want to go home very much & the Dr. says I may go any day so I hope to be with you soon. If you want me to get you anything you must send right away. Ask Mrs. Murphy if she wishes a silk dress of any particular color. I want to get her a present of some kind. She has been so very kind to me but don't know what to get. I received the package by express and am much obliged to you for sending it. I could not wear my silk dress well without the cape & I wanted the music as I could not play without it.

This is a gloomy day. It rained a little last night. Mrs. W. says she never saw so much Bloom. weather as there has been since I've been here. I sent a letter to Pa Friday which I commenced New Years day. I was sorry to have had it on hands so long. What kind of a wrapper did you make Pa? What color? Mrs. H. made Charlie one for a birthday gift. A very pretty one of figured all wool delaine. I am learning to crochet the serpentine braid. Jule crocheted some & gave me. I had my silk dress made for $1.75 Jule was so kind as to make the skirt. I tried to but did not succeed very well. It is too long in front & does not fit as well as I wished it to but the woman is going to alter it. It is very pretty I think. I got some stuff for night gowns very cheap. Cross barred enough for B nightgowns. I look at stocking for $4.80 per doz. I have not got a shawl yet but will get one now as you say I can get what I like. I shall get a shepherd plaid. I am very glad Lizzie & Anna are well. I ought to write to Liz. Oh I do want to see you all. You need not send me the piece of music. I suppose it is from Hattie Moore's.

Prof. Read was here again Thursday. I believe on his way home. Mrs. Hamill says for Ma to come up here & go home with me. She wants to see her. I wish she would come. Can't she? You can take care of the children and I will be careful of the money. Will only get the shawl. I want her to come. Today is fast day in the N. S. church here. This is the week of prayer all over the world I believe. Mr. Humphry is an excellent preacher. Mr. Patterson I have not seen since I've been here. I have not heard or seen Dr. Rice but think I'll go over to the meeting on Friday. He has a larger church on the North side, a mile or two from here. I hope to be at home soon tho' Oh if I can be well--

Charley got tickets for the skating pond for Jule & myself but we've never been yet. There goes a man on a dray who looks like Mellette. Tell Brown I'm glad he's such a brave little man. I want to go home to teach him & Dory. I thought you weren't going to school again this term.

Tell Toph that Frank & Ernie have a dog called Sancho, a Newfoundland dog that they are teaching to draw a sled & he does it nicely. Tell Ma that little boys wear just such clothes as our boys wear. I have been noticing & can find no new way except a little jacket shirt & skirt all fastened together. I can't explain it here but will tell you when I get home. I expect I'll go calling this afternoon over to Mrs. Dickinson's. They decorated their houses with evergreens for New Years. it is a very pleasant family. I wish Theoph could go home with me. He is a nice handsome boy & smart too I guess has a good deal of ingenuity I think. You would enjoy seeing the sleighs so much I think. & riding in them more. The roads are so smooth in this prairie land. Charley has taken me out twice. He has a great time trying to get the wrinkles out of my brows.

Tues. Did not go calling yesterday & did not send your letter. Today they are celebrating 1 Jan., firing guns. Fire 55 for Maj. Anderson at noon & 78 for Jackson tonight & the soldiers will be out--have been to prayer meeting this morn. I want to go home so much, if I can find company. I do want to go so much. All are very kind. Don't forget me. I got a letter from Mary just now. Thank her for me. I'll write soon. I want to go home next week anyhow. Dear, dear, Mag--

[On a second, smaller sheet, the following] I'll write you a little longer letter than before if I can find anything to say. Try to get Ma or Pa to come up if you can. I'll get Mrs. M's dress but I hope she'll send the money. I suppose she wants a 50 ct yd. dress. I can get her one. She'll want black won't she? I don't know whether I can get a black one for 50 cts but I'll see. I'll get the edging for Lizzie soon. I hope to be with you next week. I do hope so. I guess I'm nearly well. Dr. H. is going to give me some new medicine. He wants Ma to come. Is Nel at home? & Mary, I'm expecting to hear from her. I want to hear from her badly. I sent a pattern for a cravat in my letter to Pa & forgot to tell what it was. It just meets round the neck and is [?] pinned. You can give Dick that little red pin of mine if you know where it is. It covers the whole bosom of the shirt. Charlie wears them & [Ally?] McCalla. I have so many nice clothes I thank you all for them. Mrs. McC says I have on a new dress every time she sees me. I want to see all remember me to Mr. Mellette & do give my love to Mrs. Murphy & Mr. & to Ma & Pa & Dick, Toph, Brown, Dory & yourself. & tell Clark I haven't forgotten him. & hope to go home to help him in Arithmetic. Tell Liz to be smart & I expect we'll run a race when I get home for you know we're both so poky. I want to see you all. Love to yourself, sister Lou

Tell Ma I'll get Lizzie's edging. I suppose she don't want it till I get home.

Transcription: Wheeling, May [1861]

My dear Lou,

And so a "little bird says" you have been scolding me for not writing sooner and the good effect in consequence is the appearance of this rusty epistol which goes off in honor of the three months salute you gave my last Paddy from Cork. So don't unfurl your feathers to the wind, "mi chen" it is but little over that time since I first read your welcome missive. But scold away. There's nothing like rainy days and scolding hens to drive a body to the pens. Every thing is "le militaire" these days, so pardon my letter if I write nothing but war news. I am heartily sick of it and scarcely read any but our daily paper. We have just heard there are bad news from Hooker's army. If true, I will feel despondent for the future. Wish some "Joan of Arc" would put to shame our boasting generals.

Suppose you have had some anxiety about our welfare if you have believed any reports you have seen in the papers of the Rebels taking Wheeling, threatening Pittsburg, etc. etc. We are yet safe, but were alarmed last week, were almost entirely without protection and the Rebels were making raids in force in this vicinity. Had they known our weakness would most likely have pounced upon us. But they gave us time to get ready for them. The militia (composed of most of our citizens) were called out and drilled every day till they were sent out. The B.O.R.R. and other directions and other companies from the west came to the protection of this part of the state. They passed through here. The streets were filled with soldiers and the drum and fife were going from morning till night and business was almost entirely suspended. It is hardly resumed yet, as the militia have not yet returned and all the mills have stopped. Mr. Bell went out with a company yesterday. Going was entirely optional with him being connected with a business here that exempted him but he was too plucky. We, woman like, opposed his going though we hope he will not be exposed to much danger. The company he was with did not know where they were to be sent when they left but thought they were to protect the bridges while they were being built. The other militia went after the Rebels. We saw in the paper that several were killed and wounded. If this has happened to either of my friends then I shall feel very sad about it. Many of our militia are Germans and it was amusing to hear how some of them tried to escape the honor and glory (?) of war. When a body of soldiers came after one little fellow's father he hallowed out "You don't know where my father is—he is hid down the cellar in a barrel of taters and you can't find him," but they did. Another man they chased over the roofs of three or four houses. At last they said they would shoot him if he did not come down in five minutes, so he was persuaded. One of our ministers, Mr. Dodge, happened to be coming over the B.O.R.R. at the time the Rebels made this raid. In returning from Baltimore he arrived at Oakland on Saturday and not wishing to travel on Sabbath, he determined to stop at Oakland. The cars had not been gone long when he found himself surrounded by a body of Rebel cavalry. They entered the town like a swarm of bees. He was taken completely by surprise. He told them he could do nothing and was willing to submit and would make no resistance etc. One of the officers threatened to shoot him but after consulting, concluded to take him to the General who upon asking a number of questions and finding he was a minister etc. from information of a young Reb in the company who knows Mr. Dodge and whose Mother resides here, they told him they had no farther use for him and let him go. Mr. Dodge says they were a splendid looking set of fellows. He thinks from what they told him that it is the determination of the Rebs to hold this part of the state.

Wheeling is awful dull since the beaux have left though I need not feel any different as to that. The only gent I like (besides somebody) is a baldheaded back of 30 or more, never the less good looking, a consummate flirt. That is, he likes all the girls and each one thinks he likes her the best. He is so very agreeable and with that I can't help liking him. You ought to have seen us playing charades kitchen furniture etc. at a little accidental at our before we moved. Poor fellow is out the road now. Hope he won't get killed.

I hoped to have my pho' to send in this, and if it stops raining will probably go up today or tomorrow and have it taken to send in this. But if I don't will send it soon. Now don't neglect to send me yours in your next. If you don't I shall be vexed and very, very much disappointed.

How much I should like to see you dear Lucy and have a gay old time. I did hope to go out to B this summer but have not determined yet to go. There are little circumstances that will decide me within a month, and then I will likely know what I will do. Irene I believe has given up going out to B. She is sorry she insisted on Mr. Bell renting another house, then she could have gone out this summer. He wanted her to go to boarding for the present. But she would have him rent another house. She sends love to your Ma and all.

If the Rebs do get here we shall not fear for ourselves but for our men. No doubt they would butcher all they could, especially the New State and Republican men. Hope they'll never get Mr. Bell. Should they come I suppose we'll have to receive them with a smile, let them take what they please and I will have to bake them pies, cakes etc. Think I would skedaddle before it came to that. Wednesday A.M. Did not get to finish last night. We have just heard that Mr. Bell was on the march yesterday with a company from Grafton to Clarksburg. The Rebs are in force near there. Our Provost Marshall is getting a little stricter with Secesh here. They (including the women) are not allowed to talk as boldly as they were. Several arrests have been made of our most prominent citizens. No one is allowed out later than 10 o'clock P.M. except as a military necessity. There have been three cases of cold blooded murder here and in the vicinity within the last few days. Politics and liquor was the cause of the quarrel with several of them if not with the three. Two of them quiet, inoffensive citizens were shot by dare devil Rebels. Don't know the circumstances of the other. Of course the murderers were sent to jail till further trial.

I suppose E told you we had moved. We like our new home much better than the other. The children have a nice large yard to play in and Birdie digs in the dirt nearly all the time she is out of school planting flowers she gets from market and wild flowers from the hills. She makes great progress at school. The teachers say she is uncommonly bright. She is still going on with music and has gone through the instruction book three or four times and plays a number of pieces. Have you learned any pretty pieces lately? "No one to love," and "Spring is coming" are very pretty.

Please do write soon. As ever yours, Jen

Transcription: Glendale, June 29, 1861

Dear Lou

You will be surprised at getting this letter from me but I have just read your letter to Mrs. McFerson and I thought perhaps you would like to hear from one of your old friends, as good a friend as ever, Lou, although we have been so entirely separated for two years. I am writing in your old room which Parke now occupies with the side window thrown open enjoying the cool, clover scented air.

I had no intention to coming to Glendale until a week ago today when I received a kind letter from Parke inviting me to spend Commencement week with her. I am enjoying my visit very much. Parke is looking badly, very thin and pale and her hair has lost its waviness which changes her looks very much. The baby is a dear little thing, has Parke's large blue eyes but does not resemble her otherwise. It was sleeping when I came and then reminded me stunningly of Eleanor.

The commencement exercises were very pleasant and the concerts, but I missed the dear old faces and familiar voices, and the halls filled with strangers seemed lonely to me. I wish you had come, dear Lou. I would like to see you very much. They tell me your health has not been good lately and you write in such a sad tone, as if in one of your old moods. There are many trying things in life and sometimes we are tempted to sadness and despondency, but remember dear Lou that

"Beyond the clouds is the sun still shining. If this life is full of sorrow it will only be for a little while; and then the light will be the brighter for the darkness before, the rest of Heaven the sweeter after toil, the joy the purer and more welcome."

This is the way I try to console myself when I feel sad. And then you know we may be very sure of Heaven because it does not depend on our poor, weak selves, but on the love and truth of a friend infinitely strong and loving.

All the girls are gone and every thing is very quiet. I enjoy the quiet exceedingly, for I was quite tired when I came here. I have been teaching all year in the Cooper Seminary at home and I think one gets very wearied at the close of a school year. And besides I have a good many home duties and cares. I am going back Monday. I think I shall enjoy spending the Sabbath in Glendale again. It will bring back old times very forcibly.

It was very pleasant to meet Kate and Lena Cox here. Lenie is looking very well but Kate seems quite worn out. Her health has not been good this year. She has her old throat complaint still and her eyes seem to be affected in the same way. I hope she will recruit this year. Glendale has improved very much, Lou, since you and I were here. The trees and shrubbery in the College yard have grown wonderfully.

Every thing looks green and beautiful. Al and Liddie Kunkle were here Commencement. I met them on the cars. Fanny Winslow was back too. Lizzie Hempshill was chosen to deliver the address before the Alumnae next year. Anna Ballantine spoke a beautiful salutatory. I was glad to meet her. I had heard so much of her. I asked her to give you my best love. I did not think of writing then. It is getting quite dark, Lou, and I must stop. Will you not write to me? I should love to hear from you.

Ever your friend

Mary M. Thomas

Transcription: Glendale, July 1st, 1861

My dearest friend Lou,

Your welcome letter to Ma came on Saturday. We were very glad indeed to hear from you. I assure you, I have been intending to write you for a long, long time and now I have plenty of time and nothing special to do but write letters. At home I find so much to do that I scarcely ever write to any person but Ma. Yet I love my old friends very much and so much love to hear from them. I am enjoying my visit here just as much as I can. It is so cool and delightful. We did hope so much that you would be here during Commencement. Mary Thomas has been with me since last Tuesday and we have had a pleasant visit together. We have talked about you and all our old class and longed to see them all once more. Katie Smith and Lena Cox are the only old schoolmates of mine here now. All seemed new and strange to me when I came back. I think I shall be here most all summer as it will be better for my dear little Alice. She is nine months old today and is such a sweet darling. She is not very well today, she is teething and I account for it in that way.

My health is and has been very poor. I don't think I will weigh more than 100 lbs now. Every one thinks me very much changed. I hope however to fatten up before I go home. John came up a week ago on business and spent a night. I was of course glad to see him, though I had been away but a week. He will be here again in July.

Theodore came through safely. He looks and seems well. Our family here is very small. I do wish you would come up and make a visit, can't you? I want so much to see you.

Elias Monfort has enlisted for the war and started yesterday for Virginia. His Father and Mother felt very badly. Ma sends a great deal of love to you and says she will wait again to write you as Mary and I are both writing. Write me soon dearest Lou. I love you and your letters. I wish we could have a good long talk. My love to all my friends. Good bye. Alice sends you a kiss.

Your affectionate, loving friend

Parke Foster

Transcription: Wheeling, July 6th, 1861

My dear Lizzie,

"Pardonez mois" for intruding upon you, but I have a favor to ask, viz, that you will be so kind as to enquire if the principals of your young ladies Seminary needs a music teacher or would employ an assistant music teacher. I would be glad to accept some such situation, for the present (at least). If there be such an opening in any of your schools, you will please inform them, etc. in regard to your friend ([one word]) How are you? You ought to appreciate your delightful home. I think West Chester a beautiful pleasant place, have often thought of my pleasant visit there. It will be two years next fall since I left home. I find that time but increases my attachment to it and shall ever feel the want of a home and a mother.

Brother Andrew wrote us he had taken his family to West Chester. Suppose you have seen Carry.

Fourth of July passed off as usual, with firing of guns and crackers and somebody getting hurt. There were a number of picnics on the hills around (which look very beautiful just now). I had an invitation to go to one gotten up by a "bachelor" farmer, but disliked the "source" of the invitation enough not to accept it. I spent the evening with a second cousin of ours up town.

The action of Western Va. is attracting a great deal of attention. Wheeling (I think) is said to be the new capital. We think under this new provisionary government it will improve. The convention has adjourned to meet in August, but the Legislature is now in session. I have gone to the meetings of the convention several times, and was very much interested. Have not yet been to the Legislature.

Business is very much depressed, almost all of the manufactories have stopped. It is now vacation in all the schools. The principal ladies Academy will probably be closed till times get better. I could have gotten a good situation there were it not for this. I received a letter from Anderson a few days ago. He is quite well and happy in his nice wife, snug home and good parish at Le Roy, N. Y. We have a great desire to see if he has made a judicious choice, wonder he has not brought her out to visit us.

Sister Margaret (and family) are still in Texas where Samuel has bought a farm. His health is better there. We have not heard from them for a long time, owing to Government stopping the mails from the seceding states.

Wheeling and the Island are quite places of rendezvous for the soldiers. We see them parading almost every day. We see by the papers that Wise and his son "Obi" are at the head of a large force at Charleston, about one hundred and fifty miles from here. No doubt they would like to subdue this part of the State. But we do not fear an attack being so well protected by [one word] and Benna.

Obi was elected the Alumni speaker at home this commencement, but of course he would not dishonor himself by treading on "free" soil.

Irene and children are well. She does not know any thing of my writing this or would send her love to you. Irene has grown so fleshy you would hardly know her. The youngest child, Fanny about twenty months old and the little boy Walter are very good and interesting. Birde is quite a big girl. Dear Lizzie, give my love to your Ma and accept a large share for yourself. Please burn this letter and don't let any one see it.

As ever, your loving friend

Jen Wylie

Transcription: Wheeling, August 3rd [1861] Saturday afternoon

My dear Lou,

I've just been reading over your March letter and that snow storm you had on Wednesday cooled me off considerable as this is a terribly hot day. It is about four months and a half since I got your letter.

You were eight months in answering mine. I have almost ceased to make promises having failed so often to fulfill them, but I think after a test of twenty years of affection and friendship, if our correspondence cease it will cease on your part, never on mine. Now what in all this long time have I gathering up to write you. I wish it were something to make us both very happy. Oh! I'm so tired of looking for bright tomorrows, but I have a continual sorrow in my heart which grows with the moss on that tomb stone. No doubt you, like us, are almost engrossed in this awful war. When it first began I thought t'would be a few skirmishes, that the south would be easily subdued. But now, am beginning to realize the dreadful state of affairs and when it will end, when peace is written over the ruins of our Country (i.e.) when they fight till there's nothing left to fight. I never fully appreciated this best of all lands till now, but anything to keep it from being deluged in the worst of Civil wars. So I cry peace, peace, even to the giving away of half the territory to the Rebels. (Provided they would hang up their leaders in their cotton fields first.) Maybe old England would like a slice too if we don't let her have cotton. Are we strong enough to whip her too. I scarcely take time to read any thing else than newspapers. Mr. Bell takes among others the Cin'ti Commercial which I like better than some other papers have seen from there. Was much interested yesterday in reading a letter from Russel in the Herald and a long diary by a secessionist soldier. Was painfully interesting. Do you ever see any troops passing through B? I hear the tramp of soldiers and beating of drums about every day. The island is used as camping ground by some companies but the largest number now have their rendezvous at Belair, three miles below on the river. At one time about three or more weeks ago there were passing over the river 5000 soldiers. Their dress parade was a splendid sight. Some of our good old Indiana boys passed through few weeks since for home. 800 parading up town, stopping in front of the McClure house and were addressed by Major Oakes, Gen McClellan (I think) and some other "big guns." A great many strangers are passing through town "en route" to see their friends at the seat of war. But I forget to Hurrah! for the Indiana boys. Hear they have done bravely.

It is perfectly ghastly to hear of the secessionists exulting of their victory at Bulls Run. I hope they won't have such a chance again. It is said there are about 70 or 80 Wheeling boys in the confederate army. Several were killed in the last battle, one an only son of Judge Fry and quite a promising young man. And one of our near neighbors had a letter yesterday. Their son had died of a mortal wound. We have not yet heard the particulars. Think they sent another son to try and find his brother's body to bring it home. We heard yesterday of another being killed but t'is not authentic. He is very smart, intelligent handsome boy of a great amount of stubborn will and is the only secess. in the family and did not inform them of his determination to leave till the day of his starting. A mother and father's prayers and tears could not keep him. They are a fine family and very pleasant neighbors. The oldest daughter is about my age. Her name is Fanny. She is very good, handsome, strong minded and intelligent, has beautiful teeth and such pretty dimples. I wish you knew her. I know her most well enough now to call her friend. She is a near neighbor. We walk out when we can together. I pass her house on my way up town. But dear Lou, I would rather see your honest face and have some good old familiar times with you again than anybody I could see from this to B. Wheeling is quiet again. The Legislature adjourned to meet the middle or last of this month I think. Of course you see accounts of its proceedings in the papers. It is quite evident, the glorious [western va?] did to stay to see seed. The secessionists here think old Jeff will have her yet and some people are "generally" packed up for hasty flight (t'is said) in case of an attack, but we don't feel frightened at all. We find there are more sly secessionists and sympathizers than was at first supposed although the Union flag floats every place. The convention and Legislature have been meeting in the Custom house (over the P.O.). Government built the house at a large cost and everybody thought it a foolish expenditure of money then. But now all the elegant halls are quite indispensable to such a dignifying body. It is the only handsome public building in the place, is made of brown stone and iron stairs, the only wood is in the window frames. We attended the meeting of the [convention?], senate etc several times and were very much interested. The stronger party of Unionists and republicans seem to have got on this side the creek. There is a Jeff Davis Avenue up town and I call our street John Brown Avenue. It touches some of them up pretty nicely. Our new gov [Prespixxx ; Boreman?] intends moving into a fine new house a few doors above us and our senator Carlisle and family live too streets above us. Mrs. C is very pleasant, has a handsome daughter of fifteen who is a wild "country lassie" and has any quantity of young beaux to pay attention which she scorns. One night she jumped from the top of the church steps to the ground to get rid of some young chap that wanted to accompany her home.

I went yesterday to a meeting of the ladies union sewing society. Have been attending regularly several months. Since the warm weather commenced we meet but once a week. We make [xxavelocks], flannel shirts, bandages, comforts. Several of my young gentlemen acquaintances have gone to the wars. One Mr. Flesher a young lawyer was starved out so he went off and got a company of which his is first lieutenant, has enlisted for three years. He is the about exact image of Redick in looks manners and talk. You would laugh to see it. By the way how are Red and Mag getting along?

Tomorrow will be Sunday. I can't well pass the day without going some place to church. All the Presbyterians and both the Episcopal churches are without preachers. Mr. Moore the pastor of St. John's church, he and his family were so odious on account of their secessionist principles that his congregation had to request him to resign (which he would likely have done any how for they detested the place). And our Episcopal preacher Mr. Perkins before he left would not read the prayer for our President, some young man did it for him. . He took his family some weeks since on a visit to his parents near Richmond but before leaving expressed his firm determination of returning. And while away some one wrote several pieces in the paper about the prospect of keeping a secessionist in our pulpit etc. etc. Then the vestry had several meetings and considering it their duty to conform to certain things if not that he must resign at all events they were to write to him about affairs. Of course his influence would almost cease when the public were generally so opposed to him etc. Mean time they got a letter from Mr. P. He would return if he would not be required to support the new government and would not have to use the prayers for the President (in the service). Otherwise they might take that as a resignation which they did. Traveling is very expensive now. It cost Mr. P. over $400 [$4.00?] to take his family near Richmond. The 4th Street Presbyterian church has a very good preacher Mr. Baker (a Secesh). He found it would be unpleasant to remain and so has left. The other Presbyterian church near us we think has by far the best preacher in town. Mr. Dodge (He is a good Union man) is now taking vacation at his wife's relatives in Illinois. Another very good preacher (of German descent) who had a Lutheran church, has left. His parish were much attached to him and did not want him to go but he was very sensitive on "Secesh" and did not wish to remain. Don't believe I've heard real good practical sermons since I heard Prof Ballantine. [The rest of the letter is written in margins, and it is not clear that I have the order right.] I used to have some brothers and sisters where you live. Are they there yet????????

Nearly all the manufactories have stopped. The Belmont Mills in which Mr. Bell is concerned have stopped and most of the workmen have gone to war.

I suppose it is about Commencement time. Don't forget to tell me all about it and all the girls.

The dear old homestead must be looking very delightfully now. I hope you enjoy its shades and flowers. I used to love to sit on the doorsteps moonlight nights and watch the fantastic shadows she made of the old beech on the wavy grass. Did we have such glorious times together too. I miss you all the time. Have you heard any pretty music lately?

Monday morn. Last night we got E's letter. Were surprised to hear of Sam and Dick going off to the war. Am sorry to hear of it, though they could not engage in a more gloriously patriotic cause.

Am afraid you can't read this. Am ashamed of it. Knew I couldn't write well if I wrote slow and so scratching this off in a great hurry.

Irene has been busy putting up blackberries. In fact is busy all the time with something to do for or about the children. Fanny the baby is very thin, is teething, not well. Walter is very [fat?], very droll and funny. Birdie is good when she behaves herself. I give her a music lesson every day. She does not go to school, reads and spells at home. Aunt Jane Ritchie and I room together. She has been up town spending two or three days with a friend. She is very agreeable and has many warm friendships. Irene does not know I'm writing or would send her love. Please write soon, As ever, your affectionate cousin, Jen

[The following is written on a scrap of paper and enclosed with the above.] Dear Lou, I wish we were living near each other. Maybe some day I will have a nice "cot in the valley I love" where I can have you with me etc. Am afraid that is "too flattering sweet to be substantial" though I came pretty near getting the "cot" mid the vines and hills on the river shore. But there was too big a thorn mid the roses in the shape of the proprietor whom I could not love and there's an end on it. He rides by, almost every day, in his two horse carriage with such a terrible clattering of hoofs you would think t'was John Gilpin. Brother A is so happy in his dear wife and snug house. Has written me to come on, but I will not go this year. May be I will get a situation as music teacher some place for this next year.

Transcription: Walnut Hills, Ohio, Monday morn. Aug. 5, 1861

My dear Mother

Your letter to P.O. order came Saturday. I was very glad to hear from you and that you are all well. And glad too that Pa will so soon be at home. I do wish he would come through here and I would go home with him or at least as far as Mitchell, but I suppose he will go through Muncie. If I had known he intended going home so soon I would have written him to come this way, for Mag won't go home now, even if he does stop for her. She don't want to go till the last of Sept when Arthur will be away. And Prof B. I know would like to see Pa and Mary says she would so like to have him at the wedding. I want to leave here Wed evening or Thursday morning so it would just suit. Mary is to be married at 11 A.M. Wednesday. I am going over to Dr. Monfort's this P.M. to stay till then as they expect a house full. I am very sorry indeed that I cannot tell you positively when I am going to start and what way I am going. I am half tempted not to go to P at all. If it wasn't that I was afraid I would be sorry when I got home that I hadn't gone and if I didn't think this my last chance of going, for I shan't care to go next year, I would go straight home I am so anxious to see you all. Mary had a letter from Parke and she is very urgent for me to come to E [Evansville]. The way things are now, I can't tell just how I will go. I was at the city Sat. and went to see Do about going. He is very anxious to go to E. and Ric Smith is going but Do is afraid he can't go as so many of the firm are away. If he goes I don't know whether he will go by river or rail. Then Mrs. Putnam--Belle Gwyn--and husband are going down the river this week but whether they will go today, tomorrow or Wed. she could not tell as it depends on her husband's business. If they don't go till Wed. I will probably go with them, but I can't tell any thing about the [monuments? Movements?] until I see Do on Wed. So you need not send my skirt to Mitchell for I can't let you know in time.

Fannie is hardly so well as the week after I came, but is very cheerful and gets up a while every day. Mrs. Lizzie Ballantine [Henry's wife] came last Wed. Henry will be here this eve. I like Mrs. B better than I expected. Mary [Ballantine] has about everything ready and looks for Mr. Brown tomorrow. As soon as possible after it is all over I want to start, but I dislike. It would hardly do indeed for me to go before even if Mrs. Putnam does, so I'll see the thing through. I went to the city as I said before on Saturday, but I was hurried so much that I did not get some little things for the children that I wanted to, so they will have to be contented with what Pa takes them. How much I would love to be at home when the trunk is opened.

I hardly remember now what I wanted Tyler to do. I know for one thing I wanted my strawberry bed fixed and you ought to make some new ones. It has been exceedingly dry here, looks and feels like rain soon. Are the pears ripe?

I am so sorry for the "vexation". I wish you could get rid of it. I would do so if possible. It won't be very long now till the session commences. Don't forget that the rooms must be cleaned for the boys.

If I go down the river I will probably start Wed. evening and not get to Evansville till Sat where I will stay until Monday, and then go to P. If I go by rail, I will stop at P. first and so you may direct your next letter there. In the latter case I hope to reach P Thursday night. I had a letter from both Dr. and Mrs. McM. Mrs. M. is not able to walk yet but she says now is just the very time for me to come as she can do nothing but talk and they both say for me to come.

"There's no place like home," and I don't expect to stay very long in P. Two weeks at farthest. I hope Pa will get home safely soon, and that I too will get home safe and sound. Give my best love to the boys and all friends and write, say about Friday to P. I do love you all so much and want to see you even if I am cross sometimes.

Affectionately

Lou I forgot to say that Dr. Maxwell wrote to ask Prof B. if he would go back to B. to the Greek Prof. He has had an offer to Oxford too. He is thinking quite seriously of B but I don't believe he will go as Fanny and Anna are so opposed. Mrs. B. would like to go I think but don't mention this unless you know it already.

Transcription: Camp Jesse August [22 or 25] 1861

Dear Lou

In my last letter I said I was pretty well. I was not as well as I thought I was for I had the sore throat that night and the next morning I went to the Dr and he gave me a dry powder which I think gave me cramp in the [stomach?]. I went back to my tent and lade down. In a half hour I had a cramp in my stomach. I thought I was poisoned for I could not do anything but hollow. Six men carried me to the hospital. I was cured of my pain but my throat hurt me. It was nothing but the old quinsy but not quite as bad as the last all tho' it least & smelt pretty bad. I got it I think when I was driving the stakes down around my tent in the rain. I had nothing on but my shirt and pants. I was bare foot. I have been in the hospital five days today and think I will leave sometime today. I have been very well taken care of. Dr. Speck and the nurse have given me every attention they could and Sam has been very kind, but I miss home and wish I were home. If I don't get better I will get a discharge and go home. Sweet home. I won't be able to drill for a week. I will stay around and take care of myself and not be so foolish and get sick if I can help. Our hospital is an Officers' tent. The sick are lade on shuchs [shucks?], they put those in one tent.

I wish I were home. I feel lonely and weak and home sick and every way I can feel. Not because I am tired of being a soldier or afraid, it is because I don't believe I can stand a soldier's life. I am bound I will try it awhile any ways.

I would like to tell you where to direct my letters but I can't for every day we are going to move and we don't. We can't tell but we will move soon, that I know. Perhaps tomorrow over to the fair grounds. I have been out a walking this afternoon and feel very well and hope to stay so if it be the will of God.

I hope to hear from you soon. Give my love to all.

Your affectionate brother

Richard Miss Lou E. M. Wylie Bloomington, Indiana [on back side is a pen drawing of a soldier and also of a tent, labeled "hospital", with trees and figure, "camp of the Ind. 18 Reg." and this writing:] They have changed the hospital and it is better. It holes [holds] eight men. I have not got out of it yet but expect tomorrow will. Aug 27. I thought I will let you today will be move to the fire ground. It is early in the morning. I am better. Don't be alarmed if you don't hear from me soon. Tell me how the [caman?] is getting along and about Lou C. I want to have some news. You can direct my letters to 18 Ind. Reg. We can't tell when we will move. It is commanded so direct your letter here and tell me all you can[one word] plain. I hope I will be out of the hospital today. Good-bye.

Transcription: Chicago, Ill. November 3rd 1861 Monday afternoon

Dear Lou,

I guess you will come to the conclusion that I am no as punctual in answering your letters as I might be and I should not blame you if you did think so for I confess I must "plead guilty" to the charge. And the worst of the thing is, that I have no excuse but the miserable one of laziness. There is no one who loves to receive letters more than "the undersigned," but I also think there is no one who dislikes to write them than I do. Your last letter was received in due time and we were all glad to hear from you and to hear that your own health was so good and hope that it will continue good. We have been having "Indian summer" for the last two or three weeks but for the last few days it has been quite like winter. We have had heavy frosts and now and then an "occasional" flake of snow, but they are so few and far between that it can hardly be said to be snow. We are all so taken up with the war that we can neither talk or think of any thing else. We are constantly sending our young men off, by companies or regiments, so that it has left the circle of young gentlemen very small here. While I am writing there is a Cavalry Regiment passing our house, and really look very warlike. They are all uniformed and have very good horses, although they do not know how to control them well. I went down to Cottage Grove last week to see the Camps and had a very pleasant visit. There are five or six thousand soldiers encamped there and have six or seven miles of barracks. We went through the barracks, hospitals, tents, etc. and saw every thing that was to be seen. There is also a large encampment on the North side and there are Troops coming and going every day. Where is Dick stationed now and are he and Sam Dodds in the same company? You ask where Mr. Rumsey is. He is at Bird's Point, Mo. At present but expects to be ordered off South every day. We are all very well here and the only disease that prevails here at present is that of Matrimony, and it proves fatal in almost every instance. We have just received Lizzie Hovey's cards and she is to be married tomorrow. She believes in doing things up in "style." She first called with Mary Ellen Kendall, then in two or three days afterwards she and her intended called in a splendid carriage and sent her card up to the door by the driver. Today we got her cards, three in number. They are a new shape and about twice as long as the old ones. They are to be married in Church tomorrow afternoon and then start East in the evening. She is to be married in white silk, and has just time to go home and change her clothes in time to get to the Depot. They expect to be gone about six weeks and then come home and go to keeping house. Fannie Silvey is to be married Thursday in her traveling dress and is then going away. The disease appears to be contagious and I live in hourly dread of an attack. Does it prevail to any great extent in Bloomington? Charlie is going away to Cedar Rapids, Iowa Friday morning to take charge of a bank there. I do not know how long he will be gone and he says perhaps he will make it his future home. I guess however, he will be glad to get back to "Chicago fastness" soon, as it is said to be a very slow dull place. I am gong down to Bryan Hall tomorrow to wait on the tables at the fair for the orphans. I presume I will have to go for the three days and evenings as they appear quite anxious to have me. All the gentlemen are invited to come and take dinner there and then we have a fair in the evening. I wish you were here now, for I think it a much more pleasant part of the year to visit in than when you were here. Can't you come and see us this winter. Excuse this hastily written letter and write soon, and I will try and do better next time. I guess I will stop now as Mother says she wants to write some. Give my love to all friends and write soon to

Julia

My very dear friend,

Julia has this morning gone down to the hall leaving her letter unfinished, and as you will know I am always ready to say something, will now fill out this sheet. When your last letter containing the kind invitation to visit you this fall came, I had a strong hope that I would be able to do so, but after examining the report of the committee on finance found it expedient to give it up, at least for the present. I still think at some time it will be convenient for me to go and when that time does come I will make a visit of such a length you will not wish it repeated.

Well the fruit season is past and has been remarkably abundant. I put up more in cans than ever before and found it less trouble than I thought it would be. We often, often would think of your dear Mother and yourself when preparing peaches. Yours are so nice and fresh. The grapes are and have been very fine and plenty. Have made a good deal of jelly of grapes and last week I received a present of a box of grapes from a young gentleman! We see by the papers that the ladies of Bloomington are entirely engaged working for the soldiers, your name among the rest. This is all right. I don't think we at home deny ourselves enough or do half enough for those who leave home to fight for us. We are to have a meeting this afternoon of the ladies of our church to make systematic arrangements for the winter sewing. You speak about doing without a girl this winter. I want to do without one until the war is closed but my family won't let me; have an excellent girl since June. One that lived with us long ago. You don't know how often I feel ashamed when I think of how we lived when you were here, no dinner Sabbath or any other day, eat in kitchen, let you wash dishes etc. We have never done so since and if you will come back and make us a visit now or this winter will promise to treat you better.

Your skirt has been lying in a drawer ever since you were here, waiting an opportunity to send it home. Fear it will get very yellow if you don't get it soon. Can't you and your Mother or Maggie with Mrs. Foster or Lizzie McCalla come up together some time this fall or winter? We would be very glad to see any or all of you. We have had a fine fall so far, no freezing or snow yet, vegetation quite green yet. Allie is not very well for a few days. The rest are all in usual health. The boys often wish you were here again. Frank and Ernest are at school Theophilus is still in the bank. No more room. Best love to your Father, Mother and all. As ever your sincere friend E. J. Hamill

Transcription: Home January 1st 1862

My dear Lou,

This New Year's day ends one week of holidays; which I have spent more quietly than ever before. And this reminds me of you for whom they have no doubt been much saddened by your recent affliction.

Through a letter from dear Parke received last month I learned of your great loss. I wished to write immediately and express my sympathy, but my time was then particularly occupied on account of a visit from Grandfather and I was prevented from doing so.

Yet I have no doubt, dear Lou, you often feel how little the sympathy of the dearest earthly friends can do to alleviate the heavy burden of sorrow. I am glad you know of the best Friend who sticketh closer than a brother. He is indeed a friend when we most need Him, in trouble. He sends the sorrow and He is nearest when He sends it; very near to comfort the heart that He wounds. Father read the 103rd Psalm in prayer meeting tonight as suggesting appropriate thoughts for the beginning of a new year. Is there a sweeter word than that verse in it: Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him; and He knoweth our frame, He remembereth that we are dust. How tender how compassionate it is. We can go to Him in trouble without any fear that He will chide us for our much weeping, for "He knoweth our frame." "He has caused our sorrows" that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest.

Parke told me little of the circumstances of your brother's death, except that he died away from home. This was very trying. We can not see the reason of our bitter trials, the only peace and comfort is in entire submission to the holy will of our heavenly Father, and He will give us an answer to prayer.

May God comfort and bless you, dear Lou, and grant you a happy New Year.

I would like to hear from you, dear Lou, when you feel like writing.

Ever your affectionate friend

Mary May Thomas

Transcription: Jeffersonville Jan 13th 1862

My dear Lou

I received your kind and welcome letter last Saturday. It was dated Dec 6th but I took it for granted you had made a mistake in the month.

Well, since you left us we have been sorely afflicted, at one time Campbell, Florrie, Cooper and myself were all in bed. Very soon after you left Cooper was taken very sick with Typhoid fever. We were very much alarmed about him, knowing so well the nature of the disease. I fear it so much. Before Cooper was much better, Florrie was similarly attacked, but hers was not typhoid. Then Campbell was taken with Rheumatism and was unable to walk atal for several days and then he was made frightful looking with the mumps. He looked like a China pig. He is not so well today. I am afraid the Rheumatism will seriously injure him. I had almost forgotten to tell you what my affliction was. Well it was nothing more nor less than one of my pet teeth. Had you seen me I think you would have wanted my pho. taken then. My eye was nearly closed and such a very thin delicate life as I had. There was an abscess found at the root of my tooth and did not get much relief until it opened. Lon called one evening and I laughed so much while he was here that it did me so much good and I opened the place as soon as he left. I cannot account for our ill health since we have been here. We are (always have been at least) a remarkably healthy family. Ma had an attack of headache too. I had the "blues" so badly one day that I hardly knew what to do with myself. I was not accustomed to see so many in bed at one time. Willis is gaining flesh and looks better than when he came home. He is attending to Campbell's business. I presume that Mr. Poindexter has told you that Willi is not coming back. I don't know how he happened to gain Pa's consent. I'm sure he talked the matter over with Pa the Sunday night before he was to come out I believe it was. He had talked to him several times before but it was all of no use. I believe it will be the best thing for him if he gets into some active employment, for he is so very delicate and did not take but so little exercise for it would tire him so.

I have not seen Mrs. Collum since you left but I think you had better keep all you have to give for the families that are suffering. The Hospital here is not near full but they are expecting some of the Murfeesboro wounded every day. There is a "Hospital Fund" that is to furnish all things necessary for the comfort of the soldiers. I think many of them are better cared for than they would be if at home. They all nearly worship Pa. One of them was discharged and got his and went down town and became intoxicated and returned to the hospital again and was about to whip every person in it. He said Pa was the only gentleman in town. He finally concluded Willis would do as he was Dr. G's son.

Christmas was a dry day to be so rainy. Ma was sick and Lon could not get away from the Depot so I was disappointed in my visit to Ky. We are still talking about going. The festival for the benefit of the Hospital was a success I believe. I did not attend. Ma's sister and another young lady from Ky. came over late that evening (Christmas) and stayed several days with me.

I have met Miss Shirov since you were here. Said she would have been pleased to have seen you and would have called had she have known you were here. Lon called that evening after you left expecting to find you here. Said he would have called the evening before had he known you were going to leave so soon.

I guess I won't write to Mr. Parry more as he does not expect me to, as I have been so unfortunate. I would be ashamed to write to him now. I guess he don't care though if I don't write. I hope he and Miss Sib will make good use of the present year as it is his last in Bloomington. Thursday eve.

I thought I would burn this and begin over as it was so very badly written and is so blotted and horrid looking but fearing I might not do any better and not write again for several days I concluded to finish this and send it along. That is if I can get it to the Office. I almost imagined today that I was conveyed to the Frigid Zone or some other cold snowy region of earth during the hours of repose. The housetops, trees, earth, and everything is covered with such a pure white coat. I could not but contrast its spotless purity with the present lamentable condition of this once happy country. My mind reverted to the two late bloody battlefields red with the blood of so many precious souls, that had been ushered into the presence of their Creator so suddenly. What a contrast the snow here is. Two feet deep. We are housed up and cannot get out for any purpose for it is still snowing. I never have seen so much snow at one time. The snow may change to rain and it will be so sloppy and wet in the morning. I was somewhat disappointed by the snow this evening for I was to have gone to singing. Campbell is much better and I am so rejoiced to know it and hope the relief is permanent. I have not had any Pho's taken yet. I thought I had better wait until Pa gets his pay from the Government. It is about pay. Pa has not received any yet and the 27th three months wages are due him and Campbell. I will send you one. Tell Maggie if she has any to please send me one and I want you to be sure to send me one of yours. I will send you one of all of the family when they have them taken. I have no Album yet but live in hopes. My kindest regards to Mr. P and your Pa. Cooper has gone to bed. I was going to ask him what to tell you for him but I forgot it. Ma sends her love to you. My love to your Ma and Maggie.

As ever

Kate I got a beautiful bunch of braid to finish those slippers. I never told him I did any thing to them and you must not. Willis was so sorry he had not time to come to see you before he left.

Transcription: Bloomington, Indiana Wednesday night, Aug. 13, 1862

My dear Pa,

It is now late, but I must commence a letter to you. I have so often been disappointed before that I must seize this last chance for writing you a decent letter tho' I cannot hope to excel Mag for Ma says she writes better than I do and I'm sure you're of the same opinion. I am glad you think she has improved so much.

Last Wed. night and tonight we had prayer meeting here and will meet here again next week for since you went, we had no one to go with us. So to accommodate us they meet here. We have had very full meetings. I hope you'll visit Lansom St. and Fulton St. prayer meetings while in Philadelphia and N.Y.

I don't know what Mag has been writing you so there may be some repetition in my letter which I will ask you beforehand to excuse. The excitement about drafting has been very high here and still continues. Mac Wylie has completed his comp. [company] I believe. At any rate they go away on Friday. Mr. Wylie is Capt., Jno. McKinley 1st Lieut. and a man named Guy 2nd Lieut. The other officers I do not know. Jo. Dinsmore and Jimmy Russell, Clark, Alex and Wm. John McDermott are going. Mrs. McD. Takes it very hard, but she had rather they should go this way than be drafted. Every one says this Comp. has more good sober men in it than any other company that has gone from this county. It makes me feel very sad to see so many that I know going. Arthur is going and he has not been at all well for about two weeks past. I have not heard from Mr. Goodwin, whether he has any idea of volunteering, but it would very bad for him to go, as he has curvature of the spine.

Mr. Poindexter did not go to Niagara but is boarding at a little town near Indianapolis—Acton. I hope he will come here to undergo the drafting process, as it is thought the draft will be light in this township. "They say" the Secesh hereabouts are wonderfully frightened. We thought we were going to have a big fight on Sat. The Democratic Candidate for Congress was to speak in the P.M. and Mr. Red Dunn and Judge Hughes at night. It was reported that 500 Secesh were coming, armed, into town. The loyal men then prepared themselves, brightened and repaired the muskets of the "Hoosier Grays" and got some ammunition that had been lying in the Depot for some time. Whether it was Sec. Stanton's order about arresting those who talked treason or the preparation made by the Unionists I don't know, but there were none found bold enough to say a word for the South. So the day passed off very pleasantly.

Night before last Mag called me to see the moon which was shining very brightly while at the same time it was raining violently. I thought there must be a rainbow somewhere and upon looking found it so. Did you ever see a Lunar rainbow? Only an arch, luminous to the horizon, not brilliant, not colored, but clearly defined.

It is getting late, dear Pa. Mrs. Cole and Jenny are staying here all night. Mr. Cole has gone to the Convention political.

We all want to see you very much, but if by staying a week longer you can enjoy yourself and bring Aunt Lou [Uncle The's wife, who died in Dec. of 1862] home with you, we want you to stay. We would be very glad indeed to have Aunt Louisa visit us. Do persuade her. We are all well. Good night, dear Pa. Love to Grandma and all.

Lovingly

Lou Do bring Aunt Louisa back with you. Love to all

[On a separate sheet, from Rebecca, the following] Dear Theophilus,

The girls have given you all the news and I suppose I can hardly find any thing to say. It is raining very hard. I wrote to you last week. The boys are very sorry they will not see you before they go. Poor fellows, they don't know what they will have to suffer. I hope Louisa will return with you. I think it will do her good. Do not forget to bring me that flannel for shirts for the little boys. Oh, Liz has broken her specs again. If you can buy her a silver pair the highest number you can get she says she can see better with two pair on. She is so blind that she can scarcely see to do her work. Excuse mistakes but the girls are gabbing so that I cannot write. If you see Dr. Egbert please ask where Mrs. Maginnis's brother Do Sharp is.

Come home soon as you have your visit out. Give my love to Mother's, Lou, Susy, etc. and take care of yourself. Write when to expect you and if Lou is coming. Your affectionate wife,

Rebecca

Transcription: Bloomington, Indiana October 28th, 1862

My dear Lou,

I was much pleased to receive your letter today though written with lead pencil and not very easy to decipher. Last week was a very hard week on me, having extra work in college and also in church. Dr. Nutt is now able to attend college and the sacrament is over, and I feel a little relieved. Mr. Millan preached Friday morning and I in the afternoon. Margaret Alexander connected herself with the church. Mag did not, much to my sorrow. On Saturday night it became very cold. It snowed all day Saturday. Sabbath was like a January day though not as cold as Saturday. We had a pretty large congregation, Mr. McM. preached and everything seemed to go off well, excepting that there were a good many absent. Samuel Dinsmore's little boy was taken last Wednesday, I believe, with convulsions, was at the point of death on Saturday, was rather better yesterday, but not out of danger.

Ma has been in perplexity about her flowers, though I believe but few of them are injured. The children are as lively as ever, more fond of play than of books. I was sorry to hear of your detention by the way, though you had by it an opportunity of seeing the ancient city of Vincennes. I was very sorry that I had not an opportunity of seeing a little more of Col. Foster and learning from him something respecting military movements. I hope you will have an opportunity of seeing a military post, the life in the camp. Mrs. Foster struck me at first as being a good deal changed, but it was not long before I began to see the little girl Mary Parke coming back. I don't mean that she is girlish or unimproved, but that there is the same naturalness and unaffectedness as formerly. Remember me affectionately to Mrs. McF. whose kindness to yourself can never be forgotten.

I write this in a hurry and if I don't do it now, your letter will likely remain a good while unacknowledged. Mag will give you all the current gossip better than I can. Don't forget to give my love to little Alice.

Your affectionate father

T. A. Wylie P.S. Ma thought you had taken off her purse. She has been lamenting the loss of her silver change. You can of course use it, if you want it. Write often and make known your wants. Mag is not very well today (29th).

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. Nov. 1st 1862, Sat. morning

Miss Lou,

In compliance with my promise, I am seated at my table to pen you a few thoughts. You may perhaps have expected a letter sooner, but my circumstances have been such for the last two weeks that it has been impossible for me to write to you and even to perform my duties otherwise as I might have done. I have not visited that place near the college since you left for a similar reason, but tonight shall not pass without being improved.

You are unable to imagine the deep shade of melancholy that your absence causes to overspread the features of the loved ones at home. I have been over twice during your absence and I'll tell you there has been a great change. Perfect silence reigns supreme, whereas formerly every thing seemed to be full of life. While you was here, the very flowers of the garden put on all the dignity they could to present a lovely appearance to passersby, the glittering foliage of the graceful beech that stands before your door was agitated by the gentle Zephyrs of autumn, but when I was over last the flowers were drooping and the leaves were still. I don't know that I would be prepared to say that this would not have been the case had you been here, but this much I can say, all was nearly as silent as the grave after you left.

What do you think? A few nights since, when all was still, Nature with her loving hands wove a beautiful white carpet upon this part of the earth. The young ladies of this place who had hitherto walked in the miry clay were furnished with a clean carpet on which to place their polished shoes, but it did not last long. It was soon melted by the warm rays of the sun and the greater part of it now aids in bearing along the costly steamers that float upon the placid bosom of the "Father of Waters."

A few days since the tranquility of this little place was disturbed by the cry of "Fire! Fire!! Fire!!!" I was in my room at the time poring over the pages of Herodotus. I looked out at my window and saw the citizens running to and fro in the greatest confusion. Thinking that something serious was up, I went out in town to see if I could not in some way assist in quenching the flames, but ere I got there the work was done and everybody resumed their work as before. From the way they acted, I presume they have not been troubled with many great conflagrations here.

The other day while poring over my books I said to myself, what's the use of all this mortal labor? I have now acquired knowledge enough to enable me to pursue the common avocations of life with ease and pleasure. Well, I concluded that if I never had occasion to use what I now learn it would be a satisfaction to one to know it anyhow. While I was reflecting, this thought came into my mind, will mankind in a future state have the same knowledge that they have here acquired or will it all be forgotten? Did you ever think of this? If so what is your conclusion on the subject? Speculative Theologists might differ on this point. It is something about which the Bible is as silent as the grave. Therefore I would like to hear what Miss Lou has to say on this point. If it is true that we will always retain the knowledge here gained, it seems to me that if the human race would weight this matter in the balances of reason and common sense they would be willing to add daily to their stores of knowledge, so that they might be well prepared to enter into the society of "just men made perfect."

You have been misrepresenting my chum and myself. A certain young lady with whom you are corresponding tells me that you complain to her of us not visiting you as frequently as we might. I call upon you to correct that for you know that our visits were almost daily. If you don't, I shall hold you accountable hereafter. I don't like to be thus misrepresented.

How did you enjoy your trip? Did you meet with any accident or did you get through safely? I suppose that though you are far from home, you are very well satisfied being surrounded with friends with whom it was formerly your pleasure to associate. You are, no doubt, in the midst of great confusion at E. I don't know whether you like to hear the thunders of artillery or not, but it is presumable that you do for I don't think you are as timid in that respect as some other ladies. You would face the mouth of a cannon I expect, were it not loaded.

I will close this letter with a sad story. There were once two boys by the names of Peter and Bob. Bob was the elder of the two. Peter was distinguished for his height; Bob was a boy of diminutive stature. These boys were students of the Ind. State Univ. and having congenial spirits roomed together. They boarded at Ft. Leavenworth a while, but having become dissatisfied with that place concluded to board with Prof Wylie, a member of the faculty of the Univ. Having staid with him a term, they had to go somewhere else. They then went to a place known as the "Worley House." After staying there about six weeks, they found out something that dissatisfied them. What to do they knew not. They, however, went back to the Prof's and tried to get to board there again. But they could not. Poor boys they could find no other respectable place to go to and had to remain at a place with which they were dissatisfied. Can't you sympathize with Peter and Bob?

I read a letter from home yesterday. The communication is opened. How glad I am! My anxiety has been removed.

I have, in haste, written you a poor letter but I hope the sentiments will be appreciated. I would like to hear from you soon.

Your friend,

W. A. Poindexter

Since I wrote my letter, I went to your father's. They were all well. Maggie sends her love. She says he is sad. They gave me a little piece of verbena to send you. I do it cheerfully. Keep it and never forget a kind sister. W.A.P.

Transcription: N.B. Don't read my letter out

Bloomington, Ind. Nov. 12th, 1862

My own dear Lucy,

I have been waiting in vain for a letter from you ever since you left home and at last have determined, after considerable agitation with myself whether I should do it or not, to write the first letter. You said nothing to me about writing and I took it for granted you would soon write to me, but I guess you have been passing your time so pleasantly, you have scarcely had time to think of your old friend, much less write to her. But I can't afford to let it go on so I must remind you of myself. I have too few friends and I prize their love and a place in their memory too much to let even a little one slide, especially when that little one is my own Louise. So here, lend me your eyes and ears a little while, Lou. I have so much to tell you, so many things I should like to talk over with you. I miss you very, very much, dear Lou. I am happy because I am kept very busy and then it seems as if we are all blessed peculiarly in every thing. I have every comfort and every blessing yet even with it all, I have a kind of loneliness sometimes. But I didn't intend to write such nonsense. I must tell you that the other day I had a letter from my dear Mollie, my Aunt Mollie in Virginia. Pa brought it into the room and threw it on my lap and the instant I looked at it I fairly screamed, for I knew the writing as if it had been her dear face. We dreaded to open and read for fear of sad tidings, but how good it was to read of dear Grandma's "excellent health" (the date is Oct. 16th), of Uncle Dick's weighing 150 lbs and being stronger and in better health than ever before. And so on of all the rest of our nearest relatives. Uncle Will's little Mildred is gone however, about 9 years old, a sweet child, died with diphtheria. And several of my cousins she mentioned as dead. I suppose they died in the army. Aunt Sue and her little one and all the rest were well. Oh it was good, Lou. I cannot tell you how thankful we all were for it. I love them and want to see them more than ever now. She sent the letter by private hand I guess, to Ky. It was mailed Eddyville, Ky. Can't you find some Secessionist about Henderson or somewhere who would get a letter through the lines for us? We are very anxious to let them hear from us. They have had only one letter in a year.

Our dear Hal and Lizzie have gone, Lou. They sailed on the 30th of Oct. They wrote very cheerfully to the last. H. sent back a note by the Pilot after they were out at sea to me which is the last we shall have for many a long month. Lizzie wrote to Ma telling all about how they were fixed and she wrote so cheerfully. She was very well and strong and bore the parting with all her friends admirably, H. said. They have such a pleasant company along they will enjoy the voyage much. Mrs. Loomis was with them until the day before they sailed. Took one meal with them on ship and she wrote too telling us all about the last days. I wish I could have seen them once more. My dear Sister and Brother, when shall I ever see them again? Hal sent a splendid large Photograph of Mr. Lindley, a most beautiful picture which we have hanging over the mantel now above Hal's and Lizzie's. I call them our missionary trio. Mr. L. sailed two days before H. We are all well and plodding on as usual. Henry is very happy and is such a dear good boy. We love him more and more. Ann and Fan write very homesick letters. I don't think they are very happy there this year and I do wish they could come home. Poor children! Now Louise you must take a little time to write to your poor old friend. How I should love to be down there with you and Parke! Give ever so much love to Parke for me. I did enjoy her visit so much and John's too. Also to Mrs. McF and Ellen and Do and any body else that I love down there. Mrs. McCain and Mr. Tell Alice she must not love Lou Wylie all, but must love Mary Ballantine some. I can't tell you any news for I never go any where or see any body and besides I suppose your friends Goodwin and Poindexter tell you all that's going. Mrs. McCalla and Mollie have the chills I believe and Dr. Nutt has not got well yet. Louise, I love you and whatever happens I expect to and mean to love you. Do you love me? I am ashamed of my letter. I expected to write a good one and it has been a miserable failure, please excuse. I have had a great many thoughts of late, some of which I wanted to tell you. This world is a strange place and the people are wonderful. I am glad McClellan is displaced. Isn't it awful the way he has betrayed his country. Oh! Lou what is worth living for but the future. Let us spend our time more in preparing for the destiny for which we were created for glorifying and enjoying God. Pray for me. I see the vanity of the world more and more and feel the claims Christ has on me yet I am bound in sin.

Write soon, Lou, and forgive this rambling crazy letter.

Your loving

Mary

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. Dec. 6th 1862

Dear Lou,

I have been intending to write you a few lines for more than a week past, but want of time and a sort of aversion to letter writing has prevented. I hope you have embraced the opportunity of going down the river to Cairo. Of course there is some little hazard in every movement of this kind we make, but I have great confidence in Col. F. and feel sure that he would not expose either Mrs. F. or you to any great danger. And no matter where we are our lives are not in our own hands. It is true you may say that should any thing adverse happen that you need not have gone, but if we would wait on all occasions to determine whether it is exactly in the line of our duty to this or that, we would leave a good many things which result in great advantage to us undone. I very much envy you the journey proposed. This great war which is now shaking the country will be one of the great things of future history and it will be something for a person to be able to say, I saw this or that place, or this or that person after the places and persons have become historical. A person too who sees can much better appreciate the trials and difficulties than if they only read of those things. But I don't want to write a homily.

We are all anxious to hear from you and we have not yet certainly heard that you had gone to Cairo. We never forget you at worship and hope soon to see you improved in every respect by your visit to your kind friends. I enclose five dollars in this letter. If not enough you must send word. Funds are low or you should have as much as you want. You must take the will for the deed, though the will, will not satisfy conductors.

Mag I believe has just written and I suppose has given you all the news, and this I do not think can be very much. I don't remember a single interesting bit of gossip to communicate. We are all well. The boys romping as usual. Today they are skating. Dory is full of life and fun and I expect would be equal in every respect to Miss Alice, to whom give our love. All send their love to you. All friends are well. Your Ma joins me in presenting kind regards to Mrs. McFerson and Mrs. Foster and the Col. when you see him.

Your affectionate father

T. A. Wylie

Transcription: Evansville Dec 22nd, 62

My dearest Lou Concluding you will be home by Christmas, I will write you a letter for a Christmas present! We heard as we came through Mitchell on our way home that you were still in New Albany--I suppose you had a very pleasant visit and you must write and tell me all about it--I must write you something about my nice trip, though I can't begin to tell you how much I did enjoy it. We reached Louisville soon after we left you. With Mr. & Mrs. Hollingsworth, we stopped at the Galt House and had a good rest. We were in the city all the next day. John & Mr. H. were busy most of the time and Mrs. H. & I went all over the city looking at every thing pretty. We had a very pleasant time together. John found that it would be necessary for him to go to Johnson's Island, so we started from Louisville that night at nine o'clock. Took the sleeping cars and woke next morning in Indianapolis. I slept as soundly as could be. Much better than John. We took breakfast at Indianapolis and then took the cars for Sandusky. After traveling all day we reached S at five o'clock. We had our room looking out on the Lake and the first thing next morning, we found the Bay frozen over. They told us at breakfast that no boat had been over to the Island for six days on account of the ice. John was obliged to get over some way to attend to his business and I wanted very much to see Edwin and his wife, after coming so far. We soon found the ice was melting as it was very much warmer than it had been. I was almost afraid to venture in the boat to go three miles to the Island when the Bay was full of floating ice, so I let John go over alone. He returned about noon with Edwin & his wife and we spent the rest of the day together. We went all over the principal parts of the city and had such a nice time. John says Edwin is delightfully situated on the Island. He has a beautiful wife. I was very much pleased with her in every way. We left Sandusky about dark, and in the morning early were in Cincinnati. We had our pictures taken first and then were busy buying all morning. John bought me a muff for my Christmas present and we got Ma a beautiful cloak that just exactly suits her. Bought Alice some large blocks, "Mother Hubbard" &c. After dinner we went out to Glendale and had a very pleasant little visit. Came back at dark and attended Gottschalk's concert. John said I enjoyed that better than anything else. It was splendid. Sabbath was a very beautiful day. We heard Dr. Thompson preach in the morning and spent the afternoon with John's Auntie & Uncle. Early next morning we took the O. & M. Railroad and reached home at 8 o'clock. Found all the folks very well. Gwyn had been very sick but was about well. John staid all night at home and left early next morning for Henderson. He has now changed his headquarters to Madisonville to be nearer the center of his command. So I will not see much of him now. I sent you a paper today, talking about John's sword. He sent it up home. It is the handsomest thing of the kind I ever saw. The top of the sword is set with carbuncles --one large one in the center & twenty smaller ones around it. It cost $100. It is too fine to use, and I have it for a parlor ornament! John has had eight companies of the 5th Cavalry sent him, and the 20th Ind. Battery. I am sorry John can't be home Christmas. We are all busy getting ready for our Christmas Tree. We are to have it at Eliza's. Alex has come home to stay & Mat is very happy of course. We are looking for Jimmy home this week. Our photographs have not come from Cincinnati yet. If they are good I will send you one. Alice talks so much of "Lou Wylie" she always says "God bless Papa & Lou Wylie" in her prayers--she has got to saying her prayers a dozen times a day. She always wants to kneel now & say "Our Father" &c. She knows "Mother Hubbard" perfectly. She gets smarter every day. Now Lou dear, write me very soon. We miss you so much and are very anxious to hear from you. Ma sends much love. Alice has not forgotten "little brother" & "Maggie"--she asks for them almost every day. Much love to all. Write me very soon Your loving friend Parke Foster

Transcription: West Chester Jan 6th 1863

My Dear Louisa,

I have been intending to reply to your kind note ever since its receipt, but my "spare moments" are few and far between and when they come I feel too tired and care worn to settle myself to writing even to my dear niece Louisa. Mr. T. has a relapse and is very weak and suffers at times intensely. Dr. Worthington, our physician, is now in Harrisburg, being a member of the Legislature and we have Dr. Thomas employed. He is a dear old gentleman, has retired from practice, but as a great kindness to Mr. T. has consented to attend till Dr. W's return.

Chloe has been very sick with Quinsey, and is still confined to her room. She looks badly and is low spirited but I hope will soon be able to get about house. So you see we have had quite a sick house. Mother has a cold which she does not take proper care of and Annie is troubled with a cough.

Christmas passed off very quietly with us. We had a large turkey, and a handsome lady cake and every thing good but when there is sickness in a house it is a check on pleasure. I bought Anna a very good Magic Lantern and we had an exhibition on Xmas eve. Lucy H and a few others were here and Lucy and I finished off the evening by running round town to see the stores. Did you see Miss Black when she was in Philadelphia three weeks ago? Lucy told me she and Ada Morehead drove around to Rittenhouse Square to call on her. Lucy did not get out of the carriage. Yesterday (the 5th) was to be her wedding day. Lucy is to be married on the 14th Jan. at 11 o'clock. Mr. Parven of Germantown is to perform the ceremony. She is to have five bridesmaids, and her bridal presents are perfectly elegant. Another of our friends was married on New Year's eve. Maria Buellwalter. She married a Mr. Martin, a widower with five children!

Our Lizzie returned very much pleased with her visit to Baltimore. Mother received a letter from your Aunt Egbert a few days ago in which she says the Dr. is miserable in health. Julie has a young friend from Philadelphia spending some time with her. Rebecca Barrington, Dr. Barrington's daughter.

With regard to your Sontag, dear Lou, did Coz tell you about the border? I wanted you to say what color I should send. I think a pretty stone colored split zephyr crocheted on would be pretty and you might have it tipped with white.

Is it not a pity that the Penn. Reserves dislike Wylie Crawford so much? We heard from the best authority that the men despise him and groan and hiss at him when ever he comes in sight. He has no consideration for his troops and they are very bitter against him. Many of the regts were raised about here (and their old commander, Gen McCall lives here) so you see we hear their opinions. I wish, poor boys, they could have a commander worthy of them.

Mother bids me thank you for those jars of canned fruit and says if you direct them to her address (No. 64 Gay Street, opposite the Catholic Church) and send them by the Pennsylvania R.R. she will get them.

If you see Cousin H. give very warmest love to her. Tell her we miss her very much and often wish for her. Now, dear Lou, when are we to see you in West Chester? Come whenever you feel like it. A warm welcome ever awaits you. All send love. Annie sends her love to all the little girls and says to tell them she got some very pretty Xmas presents which she hopes to show them when they come to see her next Summer. I hope Mrs. Black will let some of them pay us a visit. We will do all we can to make them happy. Give my love to her and to your Grandma. I expect to go to Philadelphia about the 10th of next month on business for Mr. T. but my visit will be so short that I will not be able to see you.

Come soon and see us, dear Lou, and write when you can.

Ever yours

Nelly

Transcription: Philadelphia Penn Friday night Feb 12, 1863

My dearest Pa: I thought I would write a few lines to you to night tho' I don't know when I shall be able to finish it as I have not a moment's time in which to write this week. This has been the pleasantest week I have spent since leaving home. I have been here at Dr. Faires' since Monday afternoon and have enjoyed myself amazingly. They are all so kind & pleasant. Monday I spent the evening at Mr Rogers and the next eve Dr & Mrs. F. Maggie & Mrs. & Mr. Grant took tea at Aunt Susan's I came back here that night & have not even heard from Uncle The's since. The next eve we took tea at Mr. Davison's & had a very pleasant time. We danced! What do you think of that? Yesterday morning Maggie & I went to the Academy of Fine Arts, and I was very much interested in seeing the beautiful paintings. Only I always regret whenever I see pictures that I did not start to the school of Design when I first came. In the P.M. we went to the Deaf & Dumb Asylum. We had not time to see all the pictures & to examine the cabinets as I wanted to, but Mr. McKinley very kindly invited us to come back any day & see the Curiosities. In the evening I went to a party at Mr. Armstrong's. Today we took dinner & tea at Mr Grants and will now soon be ready for bed as we have been up very late every night this week. I have felt much better since my return from W. C. While there my side pained me so much that I felt a little alarmed, but the Doctor soon set me right & I have been very well since. Tomorrow I expect to go back to Uncle The's & spend Sabbath. They want me to come back here next week. & perhaps I will come back for a day or two. Uncle The expects Dr. McLeod next Tuesday and if I go to N.Y. at all I suppose I will go back with him. I don't know yet whether I will go. I believe I will not write more tonight, but leave this till tomorrow. It will not be long now, I hope, till I see you all again. I think I will get another letter from home tomorrow or day after. But goodnight dear Pa--Your Lou.

Sat. night. I came back to Uncle The's this noon. Found none of the children well & Sammy in bed. They all have bad colds. They catch cold so easily. Sammy has the earache too. Jenny & Maggie read too much. Fen is ruining herself. I sometimes think that none of them will live to grow up they seem so delicate. If it wasn't that I was afraid of them getting sick I would insist upon one or more going home with me. I think it would do them all good. The Dr. says they ought to live in the country. I had such a nice time at Dr. Faires' I would like very much to spend another week there but I shall not have time I'm afraid. I believe Uncle McLeod returns to N.Y. on next Friday. I will try to write home before I go there as I don't know whether I'll find time to write while there. Uncle The got a letter from you this week. I expected one today a little. Hope for it on Monday now--

Dr. Faires has a very nice house and every convenience around him, and he is so lively & cheerful all the time. But you know him better than I do & how good he is. I wish you would write to him & tell him how much I enjoyed my visit there. & Mrs. Faires is so gentle & kind & pretty. Willie is lively, Maggie amiable & Dory & Benny very fine boys. Miss McNeilly I suppose you know is now Mrs. Grant. Mr. Grant you remember was in Mr. Cornelius' establishment. Dr. Faires bought a house and they give a small rent for it & he made Mrs. G many very handsome presents-china-sideboard-bookcase- & I don't know how many more things. But I won't write more than this page tonight as I am beginning to feel the effects of dissipation somewhat and must get to bed as soon as possible. I am sorry you have had so much trouble in College. Hope the difficulties will soon be over. Give my best love to Ma, Mag, Toph, Dory & Brown. I will write to Brown Monday if I can. I have written this in too great a hurry. I oughtn't to write to my dear Father so carelessly. But I hope you will excuse me as I had to write hastily. Your Lou

Transcription: West Chester May 2nd

My Dear Cousin,

I have taken my seat at the desk for the purpose of replying to your kind letter of March 1st which ought to have been done some three or four weeks ago, but as is usually the case, I put off to a more convenient season which season seems never to come round. I have been afflicted with weak eyes for the last fortnight which has kept me from reading, writing or sewing but they are now better and I hope will continue so, as it is a trial to me to remain idle. Emma intended writing you for me, but found no time to do so. In fact we seem to be all kept busy and throughout the winter we had more than one or two on the sick list. Chloe was ill with Quinsey for some time and from age and debility unable to render help. Mr. Trimble too was laid up with Neuralgia etc, etc. for a considerable time. Then Annie, Lizzie and Emma had sore throats, colds etc. and Cornelia came in for her share. I am thankful to say I passed through the cold season unusually well as to health, only my empty purse distressed me. Four of the boys left me in January very unexpectedly and without cause, save that they wanted to board over the way where they had 3 or 4 of their acquaintances. Of course I was unable to obtain other boarders at that season of the year. One only remained (Mr. McCormick) who is still here and will stay until the school closes on 15th June. But I have lodgers who occupy all my spare rooms. 'Tis true I do not get as much from them, still it is better than nothing at all. They are clever young men, teachers at Wyers's School. Lizzie had letter lately from Louisa Wylie. Her health is much better. She intended going home with Mr. McCauley in March last, but old Mrs. Wylie was taken sick and she felt it her duty to remain with her. The old lady had nearly recovered and Louisa's friends in New York were writing and urging her to go on there to the great Fair. She thought of doing so, when a letter came from her home, informing of her Father having been extremely ill, though then considered better. She was waiting a second letter before she decided whether to go home or to N.Y. I heard from Ada last week and also from David. They were all well. Addie kept busy having 8 boarders, all clever young men. She says the Dr. did not want her to have them, but she thought if the bushwhackers should come along this summer as their house is on the road it would be first attacked and a dozen men could do better than 1. Caroline was well last week. She wrote me that they expected to move about this time to another house. After she got moved and fixed, hoped to make a visit this way. All were well. She wrote me some time ago that she called to see you at Baltimore, but you had left two days before. I presume it was at Mrs. Hacketts you staid. Chloe left here for her home in Philadelphia 4 or 5 weeks ago. We miss her very much. She had quite recovered her health. Mrs. and Miss Given from Carlisle are on a visit to Mrs. Hickman. Lucy Hickman (Mrs. Morehead) was here this afternoon. She reports that the ladies leave tomorrow morning for their home. Mrs. Hickman's little son John died 3 or 4 weeks ago. The Hon. it is said takes his death very much to heart. Cornelia says she hopes the Carlisle people will carry back a good report. I expect your next will inform of your trip to Gettysburg and of your future plans. Give my love to all who think me worthy of an enquiry. I think strange Sarah Reber has never written me. When did you hear from Mary Elizabeth Kutz? I forget her present name. Emma, Cornelia, Lizzie and Annie send much love and accept a large share from your attached Cousin,

Susan S. Dennis Miss H. M. Foulke

Transcription: Bloomington, Indiana Wednesday, August 5th, 1863

My dear Pa:

We were very glad to get your letter just now, though sorry to hear that you were sick. I hope that by this time you are rested and the change of water and air will not affect you more. We are all well and are truly rejoiced by the darkness of Liz's countenance. She returned yesterday morn and commenced washing right away. You know she never is tired. I forgot that I was sick when you left. I did not feel well until Saturday, I then brightened up and worked not a little. On Sabbath, Ma, the little boys, and myself went to the Seceder church to hear the young preacher. He roars almost too much to meet my ideas of a preacher, but he will improve by time, has a good voice. Mr. Hughes preaches in our church tomorrow.

It is quite warm here now. Judging from appearances it will rain soon. Our cucumbers remain 'in status quo.' We have had several showers since you left and I think that is one reason they are doing so well. Tomatoes are ripening now and we had a great big mess of roasting ears today. Our melons too will soon be ripe I think. Mrs. Coyle thinks we live grandly out here, to have such abundance of vegetables. Mrs. Coyle and Mrs. and Prof Ballantine were over last evening. Mag and myself had to go to singing. I get discouraged we will never have a choir. We just rush thro' and have no method about the affair.

I believe prayer meeting is at Mr. Jas. Small's tonight but their little Charlie is quite sick and it looks like rain so they may not meet. I am trying now to get Ma started to see him and Lily Dodds who has the Intermittent fever. Mr. Hoover has lost his little boy and Will Allen has lost his. Eckley Hunter's little girl is quite sick. They are hoping to succeed in getting the graded schools. Mr. Cole is going to Wabash City.

Mrs. Murphy has not come yet. Mr. M. thought she would come today and is quite disappointed that she did not. We stay alone at nights and are not at all afraid. Ma came in just now and she says you must be careful of yourself and do not go about more than you can help. Don't go to Boston if you can help it, for it would be so bad for you to be sick amongst strangers.

You needn't get my dress unless you want to. Perhaps it will be dearer still here tho. Black and white, gray or drab will suit and I want it for a fall rainy day dress, not too thick, just between. But it don't matter if you think best not to get it. But be sure and get all the Photographs you can. Especially if you go to N.Y. you must remember. We have but few from there. I believe we have all from P. but little Sammy and Lulu and none from W. Chester. Don't forget Mr. Stuart's and have him write his name on it. I am at the end of my sheet and must close as Mag will write more. I have not heard again from Parke. Our best love to all. I am glad Grandma is so well. My best love to her. I guess Ma will write some too. Good bye dear Pa,

Louise

If you have any time I wish you would write two or three words in your next letter to Ada Blair. She keeps saying she does wish Mr. Wylie would write a letter to her, that she never got a letter in her life.

Mag

Transcription: Salem, Aug. 9, 1863

Dear Lou,

Before starting on the further duties of the day I think your mind should be relieved in respect to the things we forgot. Mother had quite an attachment for a rag which I told her was not a very becoming piece of household furniture. In reply she said she would not take 50 cts for it, but as it has no memory as a relic, please destroy it and I will provide her a substitute for 25 cts, a clear gain, you see, to someone of 25. The other things please send care of Mr. Robt. Morris this place, as I shall be here some time. I am sorry I was so careless. Do not hurry to send but just when convenient. We had such a good visit and I was and am so much obliged, not only for all to Mother and me, but to our friends the Purssells. We had a pleasant time coming down, were met by uncles and cousins more than I could count and before a great while comfortably at our assigned places and at rest. It rained and is still threatening. With kind thanks to all in which Mother joins. With love to all the dear children,

Yours truly

S. P. Morrison

Transcription: Madison Sept. 22, 1863

My dear Lou,

I arrived here safely yesterday (Monday), so you see my stay in Chicago was short.

We left Bloomington as I think you will remember, in a storm. Well, it was unpleasant all the way, and we were detained every place we could be, had to lie at Michigan City two or three hours waiting for another train. It was drizzling and even snowing a little, so we did not reach Chicago until ten o'clock next morning and we had nothing to eat but the lunch you gave me until we reached there. Mrs. Hamill and McCalla thought we would get supper in Lafayette and breakfast in Chicago, consequently they did not carry any thing and if it had not been for the kindness and thoughtfulness of you good people, we might have been slightly hungry. I thought about the peaches and peach trees during all the cold and rain and wondered if you were able to accomplish much in the peach line. When I was telling Mrs. Read about the abundance of fruit, she exclaimed, "O don't tell me about it." I could eat a few peaches, grapes and sweet apples this morning. I have not felt at all well since I left you. I think I must get another bottle of Alterative.

I had such a delightful stay with you. You were all, only too kind and I love you if possible more than ever.

They all look naturally here. The two younger have grown I think. Mary is the tallest of the family. Mrs. Read is quite fleshy and hard of hearing. She said she wanted me to strengthen myself to talk to her, she has not heard a great many little items of news that other members of the family have. She wants to hear all about Bloomington friends of course. I have not been about any yet, the view from the windows is charming.

Well, I must get back in my story to Chicago. The day we got there we were all stupid and tired. Mrs. McCalla and children ate with us. I slept in the afternoon. Sat. morning we went shopping and in the afternoon had an invitation to dine at Charlie's. He lives in a very good style, house all newly and handsomely furnished. The bed rooms with carpets, curtains, and furniture to correspond. The dining room has the oak finish and furniture and a silver set for the table. He has never lived in such style at home and I don't know how he was able to start out in such style. Mrs. Hamill said she had nothing, that he bought every thing. I should not think ten or fifteen thousand dollars would buy and furnish that house. Some people get along.

I went to church Sabbath morning and Monday morning at seven o'clock Mrs. Hamill and I went over to the church to a wedding, one of their wealthy families. I have enough to tell you to fill a half dozen sheets but I must write to Parke and I don't feel well enough to write either. A great deal of love and many thanks to all of your family for their kindness to me and mine. Let me hear from you. I am writing with Daniel's big pen.

Yours in love

E. G. McFerson I am so anxious to hear from John. I have no doubt but he will have to fight. Don't the news distress you? I believe Ag is the prettiest of the family

Transcription: West Chester Oct 14th 1863

Dear Cousin Harriet,

Your kind favor of 6th current was duly received and should have been replied to before this had I not been very much engaged in household duties and preparing for a trip to Baltimore. Emma has been quite unwell of late and so also has Lizzie. Mr. Trimble has been confined to his bed for more than seven weeks, sitting up only while his bed was being made. Has a complication of diseases, but the Dr. pronounces him better though it will be some time before he can go about as formerly. I have had a full house nearly all summer. All have left and we are again alone, though do not expect to remain so long and therefore take the opportunity for a little recreation. Lizzie expects to leave on Friday and I rather think I shall accompany her, though something may turn up to prevent. For instance if Emma is not well enough to see to the house, I shall not go. I write in pain having a sore finger and you will please excuse the writer for such a scrawl as well as the conciseness of this epistle. You will probably not leave for the West for some time and I may possibly return in time to welcome you to W.C., but if not, Emma will be at home and will be glad to see you. I regret it has so happened, but it seldom I can go from home, and I promised my daughter a visit when she was here last. The girls desire their love. Write soon again and tell me all about yourself. My letters will be sent to me.

Your affectionate cousin

S. S. Dennis

Transcription: West Chester October 26th, 1863

My Dear Lizzie,

It rained so hard on Saturday evening I was unable to venture out to the P. Office and therefore did not get your welcome letter until this morning. I was glad to hear of your safe arrival and that all the family are well. I should like to possess Fortunatus's wishing cap that I might sometimes place myself among you and also partake of Oysters and chicken salad. We are getting along admirably but no more boarders have offered. Yesterday was our communion. After church I went to see Tam E. and found her very low spirited. She has had two falls, the first she attempted to walk without her crutch and fell but did not injure the limb materially as she held her foot up. But Saturday her ankle was much better and a new crutch came home. While they were gone down to tea she thought she would walk about the room and taking up the crutch made the attempt, when unfortunately the crutch broke and she fell. They heard the noise and Benjamin immediately ran up stairs and seeing her prostrate ran down to inform them. They came, picked her up and sent for the Dr. He ordered a poultice, which was applied and in the morning finding her ankle much inflamed and swollen, ordered Leeching. The Leecher had just left when I went up. Her ankle looked very red and ugly and I am fearful she will be confined to her room much longer in consequence. The rest of the family are well. All, including James, enquired if I had heard from you. Emma says to tell you she is sorry you did not get your tidy cotton. She found a ball under the bed (after you had gone) which she supposed was the one you wanted. It must have rolled off on the floor. Mrs. Early and her niece Miss Harvey George reside in Baltimore. They are relatives or connections I think of Richard Trimble's. However, they are very clever people indeed. They have been on a visit to Mrs. Ellicott and left for their home last week. They said they would call and see you and sister, and would do everything they could to help render your visit to B. pleasant. They reside at the corner of Eutaw and Fayette Streets. They will call and see you. They own the house (which is a large one) but rent it to a person who takes boarders and they board there and receive several hundred dollars rent a year beside. They once lived in affluence and were among the most respectable class. They have a son about 19 years who is afflicted pretty much like Frank Barclay, though his mind is more weak. He is at the Media Asylum for Idiotic children. I think you will be pleased with them. They were here two or three times to see us, but I was too busy to dress and go down. We have our rooms all ready except the stoves which I hope to have put up this week. I expect Harriet Foulke this afternoon and must be at the Depot to welcome her by ¼ before 3 o'clock and as 'tis now past 2 will have to bring this to a close. Give much love to all and believe me as ever your affectionate Mother

Susan S. Dennis

Transcription: Pittsburgh, Penn. Friday, Nov. 6th 1863

My dear Ma,

This letter must be yours altho' the one I wrote last week was to both you and Pa. But I know Pa don't care much for a girl's gabble, so I'll let him rest a week or two. I am still in Pittsburgh, as you see, and cannot hear from my dear home at all until I reach P. and you may know I am anxious to get there. I thought when I wrote last week that I should be there by this time, but we heard that Uncle The was coming this week, and I concluded that I would wait, if that was the case, and go with him as he returned. But he has not come yet and we have not heard from himself whether he was coming. I commenced a letter to him this morning but have not finished it yet. I think Aunt Margaret does not like to go unless we have company. I went over to see Mrs. Riddle yesterday and they expect to go about the middle of next week so unless Uncle The comes I think we shall certainly go then. Hannah has a dreadful cough but looks well. Mr. R. reached here Sat. night.

I am getting along very well. I'm not going to tell whether I am homesick now or not but I haven't been. Will it be telling to say that this morning I want to see you all very much.

Last Tuesday I was invited to tea at Mr. Thomson's. I enjoyed myself very much. They live very nicely, had a very nice supper. Mrs. Day is here from Shelbyville. Seems like very nice lady. She said she wanted to talk to me but we did not have an opportunity so I want to go there to return Miss Helen Thomson's visit and will probably see her again.

I met Lizzie Black, Alex Black's daughter and Mr. and Mrs. Reed there that night and a young Mr. Seboneck. It was a family gathering.

As far as I can see I have as nice clothes and nicer, cleaner looking anyhow, than any of them. I suppose however that I have not seen them really dressed. Cousin Lou has been out only once since I came. She has nice things. Her baby has beautiful clothes. But what comfort is there in a nice dress in this dirty city. Cousin Lou says she don't care any thing for dress now. She is very domestic and I like her very much, better than I used to. I think she is greatly changed. And Chris too is so good in the family. I like him very much. If do wish he wasn't such a Democrat. Louise is just as strong an Abolitionist as I ever saw but she and Chris don't fall out altho' each is decided on the different sides. I like Mrs. McClelland very much and Mary is very cordial and kind. They both came to see me as soon as they heard I was here. And Mary asked me to go out with her on Sat. She is attending school so I cannot see very much of her. Cousin Jeanie is very kind too, but she is just recovering from a long sickness and can't walk very much, so I have not been out much. Cousin Lou has so much trouble about girls. And Aunt M. nearly goes off about them. I have been over to Jeanie's only once since I came, to visit. I went in to see Uncle Robert. I liked him first rate. What a splendid library he has. He asked me to come over to see it but I'm somewhat fearful that I'd be a nuisance so I haven't been yet. But I must go before I leave. He asked kindly about Pa and all of you.

And whom should I meet the other day but Capt. Theodore Read. I had forgotten that he was here till that very day. I had been asking Chris about Gen. Brooks' staff and that afternoon, day before yesterday, I met him. He was so surprised that he hardly knew me. He turned round and walked down street with us to C's office. Said he would call to see me, but hasn't been yet.

Well let us talk about home some. I hope you are all quite well now. If you want me you must send for me. I think I would not be afraid to go home alone now. Quite brave am I not! Has Erastus come yet and how have you fixed things? Tell me all about everything. Don't let Liz leave you. You could not do without someone. If you heard as much about girls as I do you would think her perfection. And dear old Mag—is she lonely? Or does she get along better without me? And my dear little brothers. I so often want to kiss them and hear them talk. Maggie has not taken much of a fancy to me, only sometimes she seems to like me. But I can't get her to kiss me. And you dear Ma, are happy and cheerful as ever, busy sewing for the boys now that your bad girl is gone. And Pa works away from morning till night. When I am away from you, I always think I will be a better girl to you all when I get home, but I am not. And how about the cider and the apples? And the canned fruit? Oh well, I hope you won't eat everything up before I get home. They have a very good market here I think. And we had oysters at Mr. Thomson's. But I must stop. I ought to write to Uncle The. Did the B's stay with you any night? I suppose they are safely landed in C. Did Lib go with them? Give my love to everybody. Mrs. Fee, Mrs. Murphy, Miss Small and every body. Write to me very soon dear Ma and often to your

Loving

Lou I have commenced a letter to Mag but I don't believe I'll finish it till I get to Phil. Write, write soon, every and all of you. Did you celebrate your silver Wedding?

I did not mean to omit giving love to the home folks. You all know how I love you. Tell Arthur I'll be glad to see him again. And tell Mag that maybe I won't fuss so much. Ask Toph if he will answer a letter if I will write to him. And kiss the boys for me. Has Dory learned any new speech. And how about Brown's multiplication table? You needn't kiss Liz for me but tell I shan't forget her very soon. As for you and Pa, while I live I can never repay your kindness and love. I hope I shall try to do what I can. Goodbye dear Ma Lou

Transcription: Philadelphia Nov. 6, 1863

Dear Louisa,

I heard in N.Y. (to which place I had gone to assist Dr. McLeod at his communion) that you had arrived in Pittsburgh on your way here. Your father's letter, received on my return home mentioned your departure from Bloomington and stated that you would perhaps remain a short time in Pittsburgh. We will be glad to see you at soon as you can come, as we have so long been expecting the pleasure of a visit from you. If you have suitable company, please come at once. If however you would prefer it you might wait till I can bring you on myself. I propose to visit Pittsburgh the week after next about the 17th or 18th and to return about the 25th or sooner. If you would prefer to come sooner we would prefer it too. Perhaps you might come next week before I go out. Even if you have no company you would find no difficulty. Ladies frequently travel alone on that route and I have never heard of any thing disagreeable having occurred. If you conclude to come next week, please let me know exactly when we may expect your arrival here, as I will meet you at the Terminus or if I can will go to Harrisburg and escort you.

Yesterday was Mother's 83rd birthday. She is quite active and cheerful and by the favor of Heaven may live many years yet. She is sunshine to us all. The children as well as myself have been suffering with colds. Otherwise we are in good health.

Give my love to any of our friends you may meet with and be assured that

I am affectionately

T. W. J. Wylie Miss E. L. M. Wylie

If Sister is yet in Pittsburgh please remember me especially to her. I took Maggie and Samuel to N.Y. They enjoyed themselves very much, as I did myself, but every one was regretting her absence. I hope Louisa [Moyse?] and both the children are well. Much love to her and [name] as well as others. T. W. J. W.

Transcription: Philadelphia, Penn Friday, Nov. 20th 1863

My dearest Ma: Here I am at last, glad enough to be out of the smoky city, yet sorry to leave my friends there, and most truly rejoiced to receive upon reaching here two letters from home. My first news from there since leaving except a little note from Anna McKinley. I felt out of the world, almost, when I didn't hear from home. I came from Pittsburgh with a Mr. Spencer, a druggist from Lafayette, a gay young man I should judge but rather quiet during the journey. I disliked to come alone but Uncle The did not come to P. as we expected. I was afraid he was waiting for me, so I thought I had better come than wait till next week for Mr. & Mrs. Riddle, Aunt Jane & Margaret & Jeannie. And I was very glad I came for they had been expecting me here altho' I met no one at the Depot. I took a cab & came out alone had no trouble whatever. I think I shall not be afraid to go home alone if necessary. It is not much to make the journey. And men are not of much assistance. Mr. R & wife intended coming this week but the river rising, he staid to ship some glass Aunt M. preferred waiting for the others. Louisa and Chris were very kind and begged me to stay but I thought it best to come. This Mr. Spencer was a friend of Mr. R.

I went to see Mrs. Reed before I left she has a very handsome house but the best of it is she has a beautiful green house & hot house. Full of roses flowers--having a fountain.—she has a great variety of Camelias, orange & lemon tree, banana – Accacis Oh! Everything! She was very pleasant has two nice little children, and the best of husbands – I did not see Mrs. [Tribnick?] –Met her husband on the street. Uncle Theodore, Grandma, Aunt Susan and all greeted me most kindly—I already feel at home. Old Betty came in just now and asked me if I longed for home. She is a queer looking old woman.—I sleep with Jennie in the third story. Jennie has a very sweet face and voice. Seems a gentle child – goes to school in the city—Maggie is perhaps hardly as pretty as the others but all are very interesting children. Sammy is beautiful. I have taken a great fancy to him & he to me. He called me "Gogga" last night which being interpreted means Grandma. Neither he nor Susy B. can talk. Lulu can do better she hasn't become acquainted with me yet—Susy is saying to Sammy just now that she "really believes he would marry Susy Black if his mother would let her"—Susy W. is a bright little beauty.—Lulu is pretty – fair- blue-eyed & golden curls—Maggie's B. is bright looking her picture is just like her. –They are very well behaved, good children I think – it would be intolerable if they were bad. for there are so many of them—they abuse the furniture very much—I want to go out today and get a bonnet if I can—As for dress- I feel as well dressed & better than any of my relatives I have seen. I think Jeanie probably has better clothes but I did not see them. Everything looks dingy in Pittsburgh.—Louise dresses her children nicely but not much herself.

All the children here seem to have sweet voices –I think we will have to have little Concerts. I think I shall be very happy here. I hope so. Aunt Susan is very kind and I think I shall love her very much. Aunt M. was kind too, but not comfortably so—sometimes she was so very pleasant I think it is as you say, she don't know to take the world as she finds it however I don't want to remember only her many good qualities—

I received too a letter from Parke, containing Pho's of her Mother and Alice.-Sis is excellent only looks rather older than she does Mrs. McF's is not so good. I was very glad to get them. Mary [Groyer?] is not coming here this winter. I am sorry—

I forgot to tell you that I went to a gymnastic exhibition with a young gent – Mr Kenny. While in P.—had a pleasant evening he is a Catholic & a Democrat.—did you ever hear of the like? –but I couldn't well excuse myself—You needn't think that Cousin Chris. made any change in my mind by his talk.

Tell Toph that Jennie will get far ahead of him if he doesn't hurry up. She is studying Latin and French and writes very well. –writes Compo's—I will write to Toph if he will answer. & tell Brown & Dory that Maggie & Susy both can write right well. I am so provoked to hear of the boys electing D--D.D.L.L.D.—They are worse than geese and have not a little of that bird in them.—

I should be very glad indeed to get a box from home. If it wouldn't cost too much.- sending as freight would not cost much. –Last night I popped some corn & the children were delighted it isn't the best corn tho'. You know we picked out the best last winter.—if this years is any better, I wish you would put some in if you send a box. –put in a can of boiled cider too.—And apple butter.—dear Ma how good it will be to taste some home food. I took a few of the dried peaches & gave to Louisa. They were delightful. I would have been glad to have given her some canned fruit or apple butter. –and Mrs. McClelland too, but we couldn't send to all. Apples here are $4.50 & $5.00 a barrel. Aunt S. says some man says that he will let Uncle The. Have them for 4.50—as a great favor, you know. I wish we had some of the home apples but am afraid they would spoil on such a journey as they would make as freight.—tho' I don't know how it would be in cold weather I tell you I would not like to live in a city.—maybe I'll like it better after awhile but I think not. –I must write to Grandma Dennis today.—Aunt S. thinks Chloe is in town now.—

I don't know what you had best do about Mrs. Hamill's present I will price some things but not buy any until you tell me.—

I have been so busy writing of myself that I haven't written of anything else. So Sib is really off—I hope she will enjoy herself- but if it is as dirty as P.- I'm afraid she'll be all the time getting used to it—Dear Mag must be lovely—but she's at home and that's better than being away any day—Tell her that I haven't seen any prettily trimmed bonnets since I left home. –if she would have a velvet one made of that green or brown velvet it would look well. Or if she would trim hers with it but it would be a pity to cut the velvet. Tell her if I should come home she would have to give up the little room so I guess I'd better stay awhile.—I am both sorry & glad she is lonesome I like to be missed. –I am glad Arthur is speaker I hope I shall hear him.—when is it in June or Feb! Tell Mag I laughed heartily about Pa cutting Rid. out. –I hate to hear of the R's leaving—Those Curtises ought to be ashamed of themselves to tell such lies.—Prof. B. did more for them than he ought.—And it is all about that poor man that they fuss.—But dear Ma, I might write more but will stop. I want to see you all very much. But don't intend to give way to home sickness

Much love to all the dear ones from your loving Lou

Love to Arthur. Give him my congratulations—I expect I will go down town today but I won't send this without adding more I guess. Give my love to all kind friends. I am glad Erastus has come and you like him. I hope he will come back next season and I will see him. I have stopped several times to talk to the children so I fear my letter is not very well connected. Tell Pa I hope soon to have a letter from him.—I think it is time now to get another from home as I only have two.—and have been away three weeks— I forgot to say that Mrs. Alex Black has a young daughter making the eighth daughter & twelfth child, eleven living Goodbye dearest Ma Pa Mag Toph Brown Dory Tell me if you have to pay double postage

Transcription: Bloomington Nov. 21st 1863

Dear Lou I would have written to you before this, if I had been able to command the time. Ever since you left home my time has been taken up with church duties & college duties & my troubles increased by a severe boil and the premonitory symptoms of trouble in college. The societies have elected Daily as their anniversary speaker & to this I as one of the faculty do not feel disposed to submit. Ma & Mag have kept you posted in domestic & town news so that I need not tell you how things are getting along. I hope by this time you have got yourself comfortably fixed. Changes nearly always have some thing disagreeable about them so that you must not get homesick if you do not feel at home immediately in Philada. The best way to rub off the blues, is to be pleasantly & contently & usefully employed. I do not write this because I have seen any symptoms of uneasiness in your letters. When you write to me or Ma, write fully & freely & tell how you feel & what you want. You will be doing a good work if you can aid Uncle The in the management of the household, & if in addition to this you can be improving yourself in drawing, painting or any thing else useful or ornamental so much the better. Enclosed you will find ten dollars provided no one has obstructed it, which your mother wishes you to procure something silver for Dr & Mrs. Hamill, it may be napkin rings or some article suitable not to cost more than ten dollars, perhaps $7.50. The thing whatever it may be to be good of its kind & suitably marked Dr.& Mrs. H. Nov 26 1838 (S W) S W stands for silver wedding. Ma has just said if you have a dollar or so to spare, she wants a stud for chemise for Maggie I believe that's what she calls it. Mag has just come in & says she wants you to get her some article of silver as Xtmas present for Ma, a butter knife or desert spoon, some little useful article of silver value about $2.50 to be marked R. D. W. from Maggie So you see I had better put in another five dollars.

You will take these things as soon as procured or Uncle The will take them for you, to Queen's & have him pack them up with that lamb and send immediately by Adam's Express. (Direct T. A. Wylie, Bloomington, Monroe Co., Inda) I have just written to The & said to him that Ma would send a P. S. to you, but as she thought that perhaps Uncle The might be away from home it would be better to write to you. We are all well. The weather has been mild, a little snow fell night before last. Thursday night before last, we had sixteen students sitting up by squads of 6 & 5 on the top of the house looking for meteors, they noticed about 250. The next night on which more were expected, proved cloudy & so we could not watch. Give my love to Mother, to whom I had intended to have written on the anniversary of her 85 birth day Nov 9th [?] our wedding day but could not from circumstances. Love to all the little ones, Uncle The & Aunt Susan's & to themselves. I hope you will find some pleasant friends a Dr Faries's & other places. Your affectionate father T. A. Wylie

Miss E. L. M. Wylie Philada P.S. The Presns have got their chandeliers & lambs & are well pleased with them, excepting the failure to send the rings for the support of the glass globes. All well at Mr McKinlays. Respects to Mr. & Mrs. Riddle when you see them.

Transcription: West Chester Nov. 23rd, 1863

My Dear Lizzie,

I duly received your sister's kind letter of 16th inst. and was glad to learn you were all well and I suppose you are enjoying yourself as you propose remaining until I write for you. H. Foulke is still here and is making herself useful in various ways, at present is making pillow cases and sheets for I get no time to sew, not even to mend. We have had no girl but snail pace Mary until this morning, when Sidney came to stay a week to enable Emma to get some sewing done. Emma went to the City this morning to get some little matters and see Louisa Wylie, who arrived from Bloomington on Thursday last. She wrote me she would be out this week if convenient, says all were well at home when she left. Her leaving home was very unexpected. She staid nearly 3 weeks in Pittsburg with Louisa Magee. She wishes to come out and spend a few days with me before settling down, so she writes, and I infer from that, that she is going to remain in Philadelphia, probably to instruct Theodore's children. She writes that her Aunt Jane and Jeannie and Aunt Margaret are looked for next week. Poor Mrs. Lent was buried on Saturday, and next Sunday her funeral sermon is to be preached at the Methodist Church. She went to Manayunk to visit her brother and the Rev. Mr. Anderson who were sick (the latter has died since). She took the spotted fever which is prevailing there, which terminated her existence in a few days. Her husband and children were telegraphed for and when they arrived she was speechless. She threw her arms round her husband and drew him to her, patted her daughters on their shoulders and gave up the ghost. She is a loss to the church and community. She was I think a truly good Christian woman. Poor Cheney Nields has got home, having resigned the service on account of ill health. Has had a hemorrhage since his return. I saw him this morning, walking with his brother John. He looks wretchedly and is not long for this world, poor fellow. I have not seen the girls, except in church since you left. I called at Everhart's last week. Tam is better though unable to put her foot down. Mary was complaining a little, said she had received a letter from you and would answer it as soon as she could. And both desired their love when I wrote you. Mr. Moore paid us a visit on Wednesday last. He was quite pleasant and agreeable and made a beautiful prayer. Mary Brinton has gone to Lewistown. Lucy Hickman is to be married 21st Jan., so she says, anticipates much happiness. Miss Kerr has been teaching your class, as Mrs. Gardner is subject to sick headaches and cannot often attend. Mrs. Kerr has 3 or 4 boarders and Alice says it is not convenient for her to leave home in the mornings, but not to write for you, as she wishes you to stay and enjoy yourself. I spoke to Mr. Bradford who I believe wants a class and I think he will teach for you. I have such a nice set of young men, all of good families and so moral. Tell your sister I will try and write her soon. Give my best love to her and all. Night is approaching and I must stop to see about tea although Cornelia is helping. Sidney I am afraid is too delicate to hold on long, will have I expect to look out for another unless Chloe comes out. If so, Emma would rather do without a stranger. Will know when she comes out to night. Love to all. Adieu, in haste

Your affectionate Mother

Susan S. Dennis

Transcription: Philadelphia, Penn Friday Nov. 27, 1863

My dear Pa,

Your most welcome letter was received this morning having been six days coming. I fully expected one yesterday, but I was disappointed. I hurried home from W. Chester just because I felt sure there was a letter awaiting me. I wrote to Ma last week telling her everything I could think of. I will tell you what I have been doing since. On Friday I went into the city with Aunt Susan but didn't do any shopping. Saturday it rained. I had not felt well since I came, so I did not exert myself but looked around to see what was to be done. On Sabbath, I went to church and there we staid all day. Went to the S. S. and the first thing I knew Uncle The introduced me to the Infant Class as their future teacher. I'm afraid it will be a great charge as I know nothing about teaching so many at once, but I'll try and if I can't get in, in time why I'll have to give it up. On Monday, we visited the School of Design. I liked it very much and would like nothing better than to attend, but it will take so much of my time that I fear I can be of but little use here, and I don't like that. And then, I don't like the way they charge. I shall only probably be here one or two months of the Second session and yet I will have to pay for all. However if I could make any progress and do anything to help out here too, I would like to go. I wish you would write, or Ma, immediately and let me know what you think. I told Uncle The that you wanted me to take Oil painting and he wrote you about it. I would much rather have a good beginning and commence with the elementary class, but I would go slowly unless I should show unusual talent which you know is not likely. The Principal advised me to take the first class although he said taking oil painting would bring them more money. I hardly know what to do but will consult more with Uncle The.

On Monday P.M. Aunt Emma came in with the little Annie and the next morning we started to W. C. and I had a very pleasant visit of two days there. They urged me to stay but I wanted so much to hear from my dear home that I could not. Miss Harriet Foulke is there visiting. All were very kind. Aunt Cornelia was very kind and I liked Mr. Trimble. He has been confined to his room for three months. Grandma is very well and very active. Goes to market before daylight. Aunt Emma is as fat as ever. Aunt Lizzie is in Baltimore. They have seven boarders, young men, boys rather. I did not even wait for the thanksgiving turkey but hurried in to get my letter and found none. But it came today. Many thanks for it. And we have our dinner today too. Mrs. Childs is to be here so they give their T. dinner today. Aunt M., Aunt Jane and Jeanie are here too. In consequence of our dinner today, I could not go to town to get the things you sent for. I wanted to have Aunt Susan with me and will probably go tomorrow. I thought as the 26th is past now it wouldn't make any difference if it was a little paster. I will do the very best I can for all. I did not go to church at all yesterday, and at night I thought there would be no comfort in going to the great Union meeting, so I staid at home. Grandma could get no seat so she came home with Uncle The, leaving the rest there.

I must close now as my sheet is full and I have no more paper. Will get some and write some more to Ma and Mag before sending this—after I get the things. I get a little homesick but not badly. I heard the children recite this morn. They think I'm too particular. But goodbye. Love to all the dear ones. All here are well. Grandma very well and active. I hope you will all write often.

Affectionately, your daughter

Lou I am very sorry I kept this waiting so long, but I couldn't well help it. I got $2.00 bad money, broken bank I believe, at Indianapolis. I don't know that the bank was broken then but it is now. I am very sorry but it can't be helped now. Uncle Theodore is quite well and seems very cheerful. I am so sorry this letter has waited so long. It is not because I don't love you all as much as ever, for I do, more if possible. I hope you will like the things. I think they are beautiful. I think we will get them started tomorrow or day after, but can't tell when [Queen?] will be ready.

Your Lou

Transcription: Philadelphia Wed. Dec. 2nd 1863

My own dear Ma I am ashamed and distressed that I have been so long sending this letter. but it seemed as if I couldn't get in town to get the things and I hadn't any stamps or any paper so I put off from day to day until I should get some. And now it is nearly two weeks since I sent my last letter. As you see I have not got any paper yet. You know I have had to wait on Aunt Susan. And she has a good deal to do, and is not strong & well so I would on no account hurry her. She has been very kind indeed and taken a great deal of trouble for me. As soon as she could, which was yesterday, she went in town with me. And we looked for a bonnet as mine is too cold for my long walk to church & besides has brought not a little coal dust on it from Pittsburgh. Well I couldn't get suited so I went in today but with the same result. However, the two Miss Milligans were here just now & Auntie asked them& they say I can get the velvet & have it made up very reasonable--so if nothing presents, I'll try again tomorrow. And now I must tell you about my other purchases. I went to get the silver & got I think a beautiful solid silver oyster or gravy or whatever you choose ladle for $7.00 Pa said not to cost more than 10 perhaps $7.00 so I hope it will suit. It is only too pretty I think. and Aunty said that here they only put the ladies name on for S. W. presents & she & the jeweler both said it would be better to put Silver Wedding in full than S.W. & date 1838--as S.W. would seem like somebody's initials--so I did as they thought best & hope you will be satisfied. I got a beautiful pure gold stud for $1.50 I hope you will like it too. I made a dollar by the transaction--as I did not spend all Pa sent by that much. It is so dark I can't see so I'll stop for a little dearest Ma. I get a little homesick sometimes.

After supper.--Sometimes there is a longing for some of the good things & I often & often think how often you used to tell us that we ought to be satisfied with our good suppers. I think so too now. Please remember I am not complaining for I expect it will be better for me that I don't have such variety. Now tonight we had for supper cold light biscuit & butter & tea--water I take--You know what a fuss we would make with such a supper at home. It was all good & I think when we don't have good things quite so often we appreciate them more when we do have them.

I have a great many things to say, but I am afraid I will forget half. I had a pleasant little visit to W. C. They seem comfortably fixed, keep a very good table and all are busy. Miss Foulke did not come to B. because Grandma forgot in writing to say whether we lived in B. Ill. or B. Ind. she says she may come to B. sometime yet-- next summer it may be. She is quite lively & industrious. Aunt Nelly helped about a great deal too. She seems lively still, but does not seem to care for dress or anything of that kind. It is five years since she has been in Philada--Boarding is $5.00 per week there. --Mr T. I liked very much. He is thirty years older than Aunt Nelly so must be some where in 60. She was very kind said she would send me in a Sontag this week for which I shall be much obliged when it comes. The little Annie is rather a pretty looking child. Black hair & eyes & good complexion & very good form. She seems fond of them but is somewhat spoilt, tho' perhaps not more so than most children. Aunt N says she & Mr T. consider her almost the same as their own child and if they have anything to leave it will they expect go to her. I think it would be well that she should not indulge in "great expectations" as Aunt N. is not as advanced in age as Mr T. and may marry again. She was adopted by Aunt Emma. I have not settled myself to any regular work yet as I have had to go to town so often. I hardly know whether to go to School of Design but want to very much. But it will take very much time. I think tho' that perhaps I can give some of the children music lessons & that will amount to nearly as much as if I taught them in the morn. Jennie goes to Chest St. to school Uncle The teaches Maggie & Susy. Maggie B. goes to public school. There is a kitchen girl you know, & the nurse who attends to the children & then Grandma & Aunt Susan so that I haven't found much to do yet. Maggie tonight is not well & Aunty has the toothache from being in the wind today--I wish if you find those pieces of that light silk of mine you would send them to me in a Gazette. I hunger for the Gazette sometimes, but of course the daily paper would be old against you could send it to me so I only ask you to send it occasionally--I got a letter from dear Mary today. They get pretty homesick sometimes I think. She says her Ma misses their garden, flowers & chickens. And she (Mary) gets terribly homesick. Oh dear I wish they had not left B. it will be so strange to go back & not find them there. --Oh I want to see you all so much, but I must have patience. I think that I have been pretty brave since I have been here. Aunt Susan sends love to all. I think I shall get along very nicely. None of the care of the house falls on me nor will it unless Aunty gets sick. I could manage Uncle The's children very well I think. They are very nice children but I wouldn't like to manage Maggie & Susy B. altho' they obey their Mother well. Grandma is very well & would send love if she knew I was writing. I got along very well last Sat in S.S. But Goodnight I want to help a little about getting the children to bed. Love to all. I want to see you all so very much Lou

Transcription: Sat. Dec. 12th 1863

My dear Sister,

I feel as if I ought to write to some of you every day, but you don't know how inconvenient it is for me to bring my portfolio down from the third story and then run back with it as soon as I write a few lines and besides there is often so much noise and confusion among the children that it is impossible to write. My room is warm enough for sleeping, but the furnace does not heat it sufficiently for me to write up there. I think it is a good thing you are not here for the children would give no rest to your head. There is so often disporting amongst them. Not much considering there are so many, but enough noise often to drown the voices of their elders. Uncle The manages well and they are very obedient but you know they cannot be kept always quiet. I have been teaching them this week and will do so I think until holidays. I believe I wrote in the last letter that Uncle The wanted a barrel of apples sent. I think if they were packed carefully they might be sent as freight. Put in a few more beechnuts if you can get them. The children like them so much. Let it be a good sized barrel. You will know whether it will be worth while to send it as they can get apples here for $3.00 a barrel tho of course not such good ones as ours. If it didn't cost so much I would ask you to send two or three. I know Uncle The would be perfectly willing to pay freight or express if will "pay" to have them sent.

I haven't seen any bonnets yet to suit you. You could have a very pretty one made of that green or brown velvet Ma has. Both colors are much now and you could have about 2 inches of the front made of white illusion covered with black lace. They are much now made that way, and a ribbon put over the bonnet and forming the strings. I wish I could give you a good drawing, but I can't.

I will not write another page as I want to send the Pho. I keep this till Monday in hopes I will get a letter. Tell Liz not to get married before I go home. Monday morn. Dearest Mag, I am really homesick this morn for the postman brought me no letters and it was a week last Thurs. since I had a letter. But I know I deserve even a two weeks silence, but it is very hard. Much harder for me to go without hearing from you than for you not to hear from me. I am afraid some of you are sick. I wish you would make it a point to write once a week. Fix a day and always write then. If you, any of you, gets much sick you must be sure to send for me. I should never get over it if anything should happen to any of you while I am away. Oh, I often long for home.

I wish Mag, you would find out how many rolls of paper it will take for your little room and how much more carpet will it take? Wasn't it 7 yds? I have not looked for the carpet and have not looked at any paper but I will keep my eyes open. I am going to inquire about a sewing machine for I do want Ma to have one so much. It would be such a help to Ma.

Oh, what are you doing this morn. I have heard the children's lessons, made my bed, helped wash up and done numerous other little things. I had to leave off just now to go down to see Mrs. M. of Milligan. We, that is Aunt J, Jane, Uncle The and myself expect to go to W. Delaware to day but when Rosanna came to waken us at 5 ½ o'clock it was pouring rain, so we gave it up. Now it has cleared off and if tomorrow is clear, we will probably go. I want to go very much. John Black, son of Alex Black is there and Jane wants to see him as well as the Rebel prisoners. My head aches some today.

I expect dinner is nearly or quite ready at home as it is after twelve. How glad I would be to dine with you. We do not dine until 1 ½. We have not yet opened any of the cans, but have opened the apple butter. It is very nice, is the same we had before I left home isn't it? I want to hear from home so badly. Do write often. I know I have plenty more to say, but can't think of it now and must send this today so that you will know that the box has arrived and how glad I am to get it. Love to all, every one. Time is passing quickly

Lou You must give my best love to all the dear friends I love so much. Mrs. Murphy, how does she get along, has she a girl, and boarders? Mrs. Small, Doddses, John McCalla and Cousin Liz if she is home. How is the Soldiers Aide? Remember me to the church people. I want to answer Anna McK's note when I get time and write to Ada B. too. I owe several letters which ought to have been answered before leaving home. Who has my S.S. class? Give my best love to Arth. Tell him I'd be mighty good to him if I was home. How is Mr. Powell? Where does Toph sleep? Has Ma gone down stairs? Write everything to your loving Lou My dearest best love to Pa, my own dear Pa.

Transcription: Philadelphia Tues. P.M. Dec. 29 1863

My dearest Pa

I haven't had a letter from you for a long while and indeed it always seems long since I've heard from home, tho' it is not quite a week since I received Ma's most welcome letter. I answered it the next day after receiving it, and gave her an account of the resolution in the family, and asked what about coming home. I hope you will write immediately something that will decide the matter. Of course I do not feel the same inclination to stay now that nothing calls for it. Before I did really think I could do something as Aunty is not very strong and had her own two children to attend to. Grandma don't often give me a chance to help her any. She is so spry and I don't think that she likes people to think that she is any more feeble than she was in more youthful days. She is a dear good woman and I do wish she would call on me oftener to do things for her. But now things are different. Aunty wants to get in her house as soon as possible which will be as soon as it is sufficiently heated. She is already impatient at the unavoidable delay, and I know I would feel just as she does. And indeed, I do feel that I am turned out too. But I know Uncle The did not mean it so. Still it looks as if he thought I couldn't do anything. Altogether it is a strange affair. Aunty knew nothing of it until an hour or two before he came, bringing the lady. Except that he said in the summer that Mrs. C thought it would be well to do so. And Aunty told him that if he was satisfied with her, she was willing to stay and do all she could, and that Grandma did not want a stranger to come into the house while she lived, and that Aunty thought Grandma's wishes ought to be consulted. There the matter dropped. I think Miss C. will make a good housekeeper and manage the children well, if one can judge from what is said in conversation. And I don't feel right to be here now, somehow, though I don't think that she would object to my doing anything. But I don't want to interfere. And yet I don't want to do nothing and I think everything would go on as well without me.

I have had a pain in my right side very often since I left home, so I consulted the Doctor the other day when he came to see the children. And he says I have enlargement of the liver. Gave me some pills which relieve me and says he thinks I'll be well in five or six weeks, certainly in two or three months and said he thought I oughtn't to go to the School of Design. But if I have to stay here three months I think I'll go anyhow, unless I get worse, for I want to be learning something. They have an exhibition there tomorrow and I wish very much to go and see it. But Uncle The is always so busy that I don't like to ask him. The Doctor says I ought to walk ten or fifteen squares every day and that's what I'll do if I go to the School, and will do it anyhow I guess. Well there's no use worrying over the thing. I hope I will be guided to do the right way.

I suppose you are enjoying the vacation now and I hope you will find time to write to me. I will not write more tonight. I hope to get a letter tomorrow. I wish you would write right away and tell me what to do, you and Ma. My love toall. I want to see you now more than ever Goodnight, your loving Lou

Wed. night Dear Pa: It is now quite late and I must be thinking of going to bed as we are to have company to dinner tomorrow, the Theological students, Prof Steele, Dr. Faires and James Campbell. And there is a great deal to be done. We have now a very good girl, but she is going away now that Aunty is going, so that I don't know what will be done after next week. However I shan't be here for a part of the week, anyhow I expect, and the trouble may be over by the time I get back. I am invited to spend some days at Dr. Faires' and shall be very glad to go for awhile. I would like very much to go to N. York before returning home, but Wylie is still so sick, not quite so well since Christmas, that I can't think of going now.

I want to go to W. C. again too, and if I don't go to the school, I want to go soon. I can't help but rejoice in the hope of seeing you all soon. I want to go home by Cin'ti. I think a month longer stay here will satisfy me, but I want to know what you think and am willing to do just as you think best. I hate to think that I shall miss the opportunity of going to school, and if I find I can make any progress in three or four months, I may stay in spite of the pain—But "too much of a thing is enough" so I'll leave this subject till the next time.

If you want me to get anything for any of you, you had better write soon for I will get things as I have opportunity. I had no letter today and was most woefully disappointed. Can hardly bear to let my hopes rise for the morrow, but they will. I do think Mag might write. I was very glad to get Toph's little letter and answered it immediately. I hope he has got it by this time, tho' the greater part of it was Ma's. How long does it take my letters to reach you generally? Some of yours have been a week I think. Do write often. It takes letters so long to come that you ought to write oftener.

Tell Ma her canned peaches are splendid as far as we have opened them. But I don't think we will get tired of them. I often wish I could be at home to get some apple sauce or peach butter, but I guess it's better not to. The Doctor said tho' that I ought to have a generous diet.

Give my best and dearest love to Ma and Mag and all. Tell all to write. The boys never even, except Toph's letter, send me a message. I think they might. I sent a letter to Ada Blair today as she was so anxious for one. But I'll say good night while I have room for it. Are you Prof of Lang. now? Tell Ma that I will write to her next unless I get a letter from Mag who might write when she knows I love to hear from her so. But goodbye dearest Pa

Your loving daughter

Lou Jan 1st, 1864, I wish you all a happy New Year. I could not get this off yesterday it rained so hard. I fairly cried with disappointment this morn. I got no letter from home. Do you care for me? Shall I come home?

Transcription: Bloomington Thursday Dec 31, 1863

My dear Lou I find I commence my letter wrong but I will do better the next time. We recived your letter last night. it is Snowing to day. the large tree was put before the rostrum the boys are plang with there solgeirs I got a game called Kings of England and a paint box and a Knife and a book and a pair of gloves Dory wanted to tel you what he got. he box of soldiers and watch and a pir of mittens and a Zouave and a rooster and a book Dory got a knife We got a letter to day and it went to Bloomington Illinois. I want you to get me Laty Morganan & her Soldiers. the boys like the game so much. ther was an mrder last tuesday and the Doctor was examined his head and tha had to saw open his head Your Brother Toph Wylie

[the next, from Dory, in Rebecca's hand] from Dory Dear Sister Lou, They had a great big large beech tree in the College chapel covered with cedar and hung with all kinds of toys. I will now commence to tell you what I got a Zouave beautifully dressed from Lilly Dodds, a rooster from Ally Woodburn, Tom Thumb Series of Pilgrim's Progress from Rene Fee, a set of Union & Secesh soldiers with a cannon from Mama Pa got a plug of tobacco & Dr Nutt a sausage. I also got a nice pair of mittins [sic] from Jody Small & a sugar sheep from Mollie Beatly a watch Brown got two books, a paint box, a ball worked in red, white & blue worsted, & pair of gloves, a candy man, two candy hearts, one of the hearts he gave to a poor little boy who did not get anything and was almost crying. I can't write any more now Mama must begin her letter to you Your affectionate Dory (in his own hand)

[The next, from Rebecca] Dear Lou Although I wrote to you last night I thought I would add a few more lines in Toph's beautiful epistle if I do not send this letter he will be dreadfully hurt. I received a nice long letter from you to day. It ought to have been here before but it went to Bloomington, Ill. Pa says you ought to put Indiana in larger letters than you do. I had to stop to write Dory's letter which he dictated to me and then I must read it all over. Lizzy came in the room then it had to be re-read and Toph's with it no doubt it thinks it a master piece he says he does not think he wrote the name very well but I tell him it will do. He will learn to write very soon, you would have laughed to hear him talking to Pa to night about rhomboids, acute angles, &c and explaining it all to him. I think he will be the smartest of them all. I won't finish writing this to night although I could easily fill the paper I must put the children to bed. Good night dear & a happy New Year to you. [The following in pencil] Thank you dear Lou for my Christmas present very beautiful & just the thing I wanted Yours in haste Ma

[The following in Maggie's hand] Mag Alexander came over this morning to ask Ma & Pa over to tea. When she was leaving she called me out and told me that they were going to have a donation party here tonight and I must not let Ma know I guess there will be a good many here, I don't know what kind of time we will have, I will try & make it pleasant. Arth the good old boy is waiting I have not got to see him any this vacation but I love him more than ever Mag

Transcription: West Chester Dec. 31st 1863

The last day of the year dear Harriett and twelve days since the receipt of your kind and welcome epistle. I was glad indeed to hear from you and that you was spending your time so agreeably and to think of your going to an Opera! Well, I see no impropriety in it and you have been gratified. More harm is done at sociable gatherings in retailing scandal and picking characters to pieces than in listening to fine music of which I suppose you had some specimens. I am sorry your visit to Rev. Wylie's was so unfortunate, though glad Mrs. Black was there to receive you, but you ought to have staid to dinner and your wounds made easier for your return and you might have had an introduction to the Widower. Louisa wrote Cornelia and mentioned something about the canned fruit, there being a couple of them for me, but I have not got them yet. I have been kept busy as usual ever since you left, or would have written before and not always well. Am now confined to my room having a bad cold. Chloe has been very sick with Quinsey sore throat. Is somewhat better and Dr. Goodell says she must be very careful of herself for some time after she gets about. Altogether my time has been fully occupied and now have to lay by myself. Mr. Trimble is improving, has been out several times. The other members of the family are well. The gents are all absent spending the holidays. Mr. Cook and Dilworth in Philadelphia, Mr. McHoaine at his Father's, Mr. Bradford at New Brighton. I look for their return by Monday next. The little girls fair went off well, made between two and three hundred dollars. Owing to old Mrs. Lamborn's illness they have not been able to know what the articles sold for. Am obliged to Miss McGinnis for her remembrance of me. I understand that the Hon. Mrs. H. expresses astonishment that she should call to see her, as she was nothing but a shopkeeper and they never visited! Dear H., but this is an inclement day, particularly for pedestrians. I pity those who have to turn out such weather. The girls are well and send much love, both busy, Lizzie ironing and Emma cooking. Emma says she is sorry you missed seeing the widower. Your bruised shins might have excited his commiseration and sympathy and perhaps caused tender feelings to arise that might have ended in Matrimony. Well Harriet I went to hear the next lecture at the Methodist Church and such a tirade of abuse against the South and John C. Calhoun I never listened to. I forget the man's name, but I was so disgusted and would have left the Church but could not get out of the pew. Mr. Carrow lectured the next week, but I was unable to go. Lucy's nuptial day draws near, this day two weeks. There is to be a rehearsal the evening previous. We heard from Addie a few days ago. All well there. I suppose you will soon be for leaving now. When you go, write and let me know your direction.

God bless you dear Cousin. Take good care of yourself and do not forget your cousin.

Susan S. Dennis Jan 1st, 1864, A happy New Year and many returns. Sun shining bright and beautiful. Sarah's letter has not reached me yet! Cornelia mislaid your address and have to direct as I have done, to Miss Jane's care.

Transcription: Philadelphia Penn Wednesday Jan. 6, 1864

My own dearest Mother: Tonight almost tired of hoping for a letter tomorrow and feeling I believe worse than I have since leaving home, I commence a letter to you hoping that some of my numerous epistles may at last wring a letter from your somewhat tardy hands. Not yours either, for you have been better than any to write to me. Forgive me, Ma. I do feel so homesick tonight and my last letter from home was so short and I was so in hopes that yesterday or today would bring me the letter in answer to my Christmas letter. I am looking very eagerly for it. For it I suppose will determine whether I go or stay. I don't know either for I have almost made up my mind to go. Unless you decidedly say no, and I will tell you why. First I will tell you why I am feeling so badly this eve of all others and then proceed to state the case & you'll see that there are reasons for my going. This eve Aunty left us to go into her own house and it has made me feel just like doing as [Lucy?] did—poor little thing she cried aloud and said "I think you might stay." It does seem hard all round yet if Miss Campbell's health was good it might be best. But that's another thing. Here she is with this great houseful of children on hands and Rosanna going away tomorrow and she is herself sick. Not in bed but sore throat, bad cough headache etc—I felt so sorry to see Aunty go and Miss C. is feeling very badly. Not on that account but about the girl. Aunty told Uncle The a week ago that Rosanna was going & he never said a word to Miss C & she wouldn't have known it till now I expect if Jennie hadn't told her. –She is unable to go out to the office after one & asked him about it this morn he don't want to go.—told Aunty he was going to send me, but he won't. hasn't said anything to me about it yet tho.—but I can't & won't go to get a girl for another person if I can help it & besides I know nothing about the work required in cities.—its absurd. Besides I feel somewhat as Aunty does –as if I had had a polite invitation to leave. I hardly think he meant it so. But I don't feel right because if Miss C. has any health it will be better for her to have all the management. & I don't care to be doing nothing & still I don't want to go poking into everything.—Grandma if she would need anybody to help her I would gladly wait upon but, well I could tell you better than I could write.—and I hope it won't be long till I can tell you. Miss C. knew what she was undertaking when she came. She says so, herself. –and she was here before seven months & at another time three or four months. I wonder very much at her taking such a charge upon her but she says "Uncle" wished it so much. Her health is not good & Aunty says she would not wonder if it would kill her. I hope not. I like her very much. She seems like a sensible good girl & I think must be superior to Miss Wilson. I thought I was so vain—when I first came that I could do much better if I had the whole management but I am thankful it did not fall upon me. I really think under good management that it will be better for the children. & I think Miss C. will do well. But the care is too great. I could not bear it for more than one season. I think Aunty has great cause to be grateful she is relieved but I do think Uncle might have done it in the summer or at least have given a little note of warning. At any rate he might have let us know so that I should not have come this fruitless journey. You know I grudged the money it took at first. I grudge it more now.—I do wish it had all been spent on something or body more worthy. "Expensive is a dear teacher." I surely have learned by this time that "there's no place like home." I have written that before to you, haven't I, dear Ma? Then here's still another thing which I hate to write – indeed I hate to write any of this. –I shall only lose while I am here.—I shan't write more but wait till I can tell you. I told Uncle today that if I did not go to the School I should go home soon. He said Oh, No. But I think I will if you will consent. His family is large and expensive. I am only a consumer & all I do could be done by some other member of the family, so I hardly feel at liberty to stay. I expect that he has hard times to make both ends meet as the salary is not raised & things are higher.

[The following in pencil on the front sheet margin]: Dear Ma I am afraid I cannot get this off today I hope still for a letter tomorrow—I hope you will say "come home." Oh Mother, Mother I hope I shall stay at home now—if I ever get there & I hope I shall have a safe journey home. Uncle The thinks of going to Pittsburgh soon & I could go that far with him & then I think I should write & see if Mr. Riddle is going West soon if no other opportunity occurs. [The following written in pencil, upside down at top of middle pages]: I think I did not state the case very clearly after all.—But in brief I am not needed. I am not content as matters are. It is not pleasant & I only feel in the road.

Saturday night: Dear Ma – I still keep this letter, so that I can tell you on Monday whether I shall be able to get off to W. C. I don't know about the girl, but I think I'll have to go anyhow or I can't stay as long as I want to- two weeks- You need not direct any letters there- I will have them forwarded from here as I may be back sooner. –I shall not like to go unless they get a girl, but I can't wait another week very well –I am in a hurry to get home you see. Do you think I am too bad? Always crying out for home I had better stay there now. – I don't think this trip has been any benefit to my health & that may be one reason I want to get home. – I have no conveniences for bathing here & you know I can't get along very well without at least one bath a week—the water does not come up into the bathroom & our room is not sufficiently heated by the furnace to make it comfortable to bathe all one.- besides there's no lock to the door & until a day or two ago no fastening - & there are so many children about that I can't get half a chance. I miss the little room at home.

Aunty comes in to see Grandma nearly every day. She has asked me to go in to see her & I've been in several times but never find her at home. – she says she will go out shopping with me when she gets a little more time.- but I don't want to hurry her & indeed I am afraid she has some hard feelings towards me. – Why I do not know- as I do not think I have ever intruded upon her in any way. – She is generally very pleasant and I think is very entertaining – The Millikins are as great friends as ever. But my dearest Ma I must say goodnight as it is now 11 o'cl'k—Miss C. is sitting near me writing too—Uncle The is in the study. Grandma & children are in bed – I can imagine that you are still up – darning stockings perhaps- Pa has come in from the study Mag & Arthur in the parlor. Liz sitting by the fire roasting & reading or knitting or patching her linsey dress – or has she new ones? Oh dear! How much I would love to be with you all. If I could just step in tonight wouldn't I upset your darning – drink Pa's cider- torment Mag & Arth – go up & kiss the children awake & give Liz's wool a pull—but it will be a long time yet. Who knows if ever – before I shall see you –but I trust I shall be permitted to see you all again.-safe at home. Write often dear Ma & remember in your prayers your absent loving Lou Monday Morn—I got no letter this morn- tho' I hoped a letter for me-This is a dark drizzly day. If it is no better tomorrow I will not attempt to go as it is so unpleasant— Dearest Ma, write often to me I am coming home as soon as I can— Think often of me & believe that you are not absent from my thoughts often. I am more of a baby than ever it seems—Goodbye- Lou It is raining hard this Monday P.M. and if it continues I will hardly get off tomorrow Goodbye dearest Ma Oh I want to see you all so much—

[The following is a continuation of another letter, apparently about the same time as above…no date]

His salary is $2500. Then he gets three hundred from the Seminary and marriage fees. The children get the fees.—The other night he went to pay his wife's funeral expenses & found them already paid & a lot in the cemetery bought. This amounted to between three & four hundred $. It was very thoughtful & kind in the congregation. They are very liberal I think. –

Aunty says I have done more since I have been here than Miss Wilson did in two yrs. she was here. –I pity her indeed if she did no more for it seems to me I have done very little indeed. –nothing scarcely. I have, till now, not felt well since leaving home. Not sick, you know, but headache & nervous and all wrong. I think I shall feel better now & I am glad of it for I don't know when we'll have another girl & I guess I'll have to go to work till Uncle The exerts himself or until Miss C. gets well. Tomorrow's fast day & there's nothing in the house to eat, so I suppose there won't be much to do then. We had a kind of stew for dinner today, no dessert. The stew was very good.

Oh, Ma this is a blue letter & you'll think I do nothing but complain. Well I will try to be quiet if I do have to stay. Another reason I don't want to stay any longer than I can help is that I am afraid Miss C. will get sick & leave & then all will fall on me and I don't care indeed to take charge of this house. –but then indeed who else would do it. Aunty don't want ever to come back. Grandma can't do it. It is very selfish of me to say that. If it's right for me to stay I want to do it. Tho' it will be hard. I hope Uncle The will marry soon. I really think he ought, if he could find a suitable person. I think that perhaps he thought that it would be less expensive to have just one person take charge of affairs than to have aunty & her two children. I have my doubts but I don't know. Then Maggie B is inclined to domineer but I don't know that it would hurt the children to learn to give up. This house is abused dreadfully. All the furniture scratched, carpets worn out, &c.

But my dearest Mother, I must not weary you so with my troubles which are little. I do often long to be at home with all the dear ones & think of you all very often but if it is best & you really think so for me to stay here I hope you'll tell me so. & I'll stay. The pain in my side has not left me yet & I hardly think I could draw all day & I won't attempt to go unless the man will let me go a month & try it & I won't go at all if I go home.--Oh Ma. I'm spoilt ain't I? And I ought to have some little trial. I ought to be made to do something. But I'll leave a little space to answer the letter I'm hoping for. Shall I get you towels, needles or thread here? Or what shall I get? Nothing? Do dearest Ma write to me very often. I have not heard from W.C. since Miss Foulke came in. I am afraid some one is sick. I want to go to Dr. Faires next week if convenient. And if I am going home soon I shall go to W.C. in a short time. Give my love to all & to all dear friends. Couldn't Dory write me a mite of a letter He mustn't get behind Susy. Goodnight dear Ma I feel somewhat relieved now I have "had my say" My dearest love to my best of fathers and to Mag the bad girl who don't care enough to write a long letter & to all. Kiss the children. I think Grandma feels very badly at the change. She is upstairs more. Lou

Thursday morn. No letter. Oh Ma how disappointed I am. You think me very discontented. I believe I am. But I really do not think I should have been if all these things had not happened & you would write. I should not have complained so anyhow I hope. I did not go to church this morn. I hardly thought I ought to as it is very cold and I am not right well. I must if possible go in tomorrow tho: to see Miss Foulke & to buy some Canton flannel for drawers. Mine are too thin for the long walk to church. I wish I was at church with you all today. Oh Ma do write. Are you sick? Why don't you write? This is a jumble of a letter. I hope you will at least find out from it that I want to hear from home and to go home. I am going to look out for company now mayn't I? You know Ma this isn't like school If I don't go when I have a chance I don't know when the session will end.

My dearest, dearest Ma. I must go. I cannot write you what has been making feel so very badly just now. I will tell you I hope soon. I went into Aunty's & she was talking to me, but I must go. I would like to start tonight & if I only had that letter from home perhaps I would. I'll go as soon as possible. [?] I hope. If you have no commissions for me to ex[ecute?] then ho! for home as soon as possible. I think still if you don't object that I'll go to Cinti for a few days anyhow. I feel too as if I must go to W.C but I wanted to hear from there first. I shall send this without waiting another day for your letter. I want to hear so much. Write immediately just as soon as you get this. Don't wait. I think perhaps the heavy snow storm you have had has delayed my letter. We have had but little snow here. But yours must be very deep. Dearest Ma do not fail to write to your very lonely child. I have been crying nearly all day and I can't help it. I feel so forgotten by you all & yet I know you love me. Oh Ma & Pa Mag[?] write to me. I don't know how long it will be till I can get off but I hope it will be soon Your loving daughter Lou

Transcription: Bloomington Jan 11th /64

Dear Lou Maggie says she wrote you last week, but I thought I would not wait a week before I began a letter perhaps I cannot finish it before then. We received a letter from you on Saturday, and were distressed at hearing you were not well but I hope it is nothing but your usual sickness and if so, that you are well by this time. How much I wished for you on Thursday. Pa & myself were invited over to tea at Alexander's. It was very cold and we did like the thought of going out such a night, but concluded it would not do to refuse, so at five o'clock we trudged over through the snow. well, six o'clock came & no supper, seven still no sign of anything to eat Pa began to be a little hungry, Mrs. A came in apologized for not having supper said her bread did not rise well that day &c in a few minutes after Toph came running over, saying, that a lady & gentleman from Cin. were over at our house and wanted to see us & Mrs. Alexander also, I could not imagine whom it could be, thought of you first, then Mrs. B Pa did not like to leave without his supper, as was very evident, said he would go over & see but we concluded we would all go together when we reached the gate we found quite a number of sleighs there the house lighted up & Mr Small in the hall waiting to receive us, and introduce us to the guests in the parlor, both rooms were full, after we had gone round & spoken to all the people & talked a while, we were invited into the dining room, where a long table was spread with all kinds of good things turkey, chicken, ham, tongue, bread biscuits, crackers, cakes of all kinds, candies & indeed I could not tell all in the kitchen I found coffee, tea, sugar. 350 lbs flour, hams & other things. We had a very pleasant time and did not separate until twelve & one. The congregation were all represented excepting Mrs. Johnson who was unintentionally overlooked & Mr Bratney Mr. & Mrs. John Dinsmore & even John Woodburn & his wife were there Today Pa Dory brought a letter from the post office for Pa. I opened it & found it was from a person who could not come to the conation party. With their best wishes and three dollars enclosed. It was quite gratifying, was it not? Now I suppose I must answer some of your questions. In the first place Mag liked her snud [snood] very much, then we found her vail in the spare room I still want you to get me the towels and will enclose five dollars for you to get them for me when you come across them You had better send on that $2.00 bad note you got likely it is good here Now dear Lou about yourself, We want you to think for yourself & do as you please as for going to school I think you have put off too long, you ought to have commenced at once. I wrote you if you felt badly or things were not pleasant for you now, to go to West Chester, stay as long as you felt inclined to, when you had finished you r visit there. I hope Wylie & Susy will be well you then can go to New York & see them & then come home by way of Cin. And if you prefer stop at Pittsburg or Wheeling & see Lib. Jane has gone to Washington to pay a visit to Andrew. Maggie had a letter from Lib to day. She seems to be enjoying herself. Maggie tells me Jemmy Nutt is married to Gov Morton's sister. Very many of the boys have come back. I suppose we will have a time with the Athenians Prof Owen was here this afternoon, he appears a very pleasant man, modest & unassuming. Pa says if you want to go any place or see any body go without depending on any person. It is 11 o'clock & I must stop. Good night dear Lou, write soon & tell me every thing that concerns you Brown is writing to you perhaps I may keep this until he finishes his note. Good night, God bless you Your affectionate Mother, RDW

[in same envelope as above, the following] Wednesday 13th Dear Lou I have just received a letter from you dated Jan 6th and you say you have not heard from us. We have written frequently but I suppose the roads are so bad the mails cannot run. Calvin wrote to you the last day of December. Pa wrote to Uncle The and I to you the same day, so you see we are not to blame. I am sorry my dear child you take things so hard. I do not think your Uncle meant to hurt your feelings by bringing Miss C to the house. If he thought anything about you at the time I know he thought it would be easier for you. He of course, only considered you as a visitor and knew you were only going to stay till the spring. Besides he did mention to your Pa that Mrs. Childs wanted him to take a niece of his wife's to keep house for him and I suppose she did not determine to do so until he was pursua when he went to Pittsburg. From what I have heard I judge that lady manages for all the kin. Poor man, I think he must have trouble enough to drive him crazy. I do not want you to think you have undertaken a "fruitless journey" you are there, have spent the money to go, now what we want of you is, to enjoy yourself, see what you can, go when & where you can & improve yourself & do not allow yourself to be fretted by trifles. If you did nothing I do not think your Uncle would grudge what little you eat, if so, he has most strangely changed. My dear little girl, I think I know the people there, better than you. Trust that Uncle The knows best and do not allow yourself to be prejudiced or influenced. It is bad to have two sets of children in one house, especially when one is domineering. Of course a mother will take a child's part. I really pity Miss C. she must have a hard time to be poor & dependent upon relatives. Oh Lou you cannot be too thankful for the blessings you have. You speak well of her & I hope she will succeed with the children. I wrote on Monday for you to go to West Chester & stay awhile. Perhaps you will never get another opportunity & I think you would be very foolish to come home without seeing more of your relations & then you must go to N.Y. We are all doing very well at home. Calvin has the sore throat to day and I have a little cold but the rest are all well. It has been intensely cold, 22o below zero. The potatoes and apples frozen in the cellar, my lemon tree frozen & in fact the very chickens & turkeys frozen stiff on the roost. It is much milder now. Mr Sam Dunn died last Monday morning at 1 o'clock of pneumonia. He was only ill a week. He will be very much missed. There was a meeting last night to see about keeping up the graded school. 42 in favor 7 against it. I hope it will be continued. The children have improved so much at it. Mag & Calvin went last night to an accidental at Mrs. Wade's. I do not think they enjoyed themselves very much. Mag is braiding a red merino body. Send the scarlet velvet to her. I will enclose fifteen dollars for you if you need it. Never mind about the towels, if you have plenty of money you can get them. Now I must stop as it is getting late. Give my love to Grandmama, tell her I would like very much to come on & see them all but I do not expect to at least until we are out of debt and I am afraid that day is far off. Now mind what I say to you, do not worry yourself about other persons business but try and be contented. If every thing is not as you would wish make the best of what you have & do not fret yourself. Go to Dr. Faris' I think you will enjoy yourself there. Learn to take things coolly you suffer yourself to become too excited. I don't really think you have any thing to complain of. But above all dear Lou, remember there is One who orders all things well. Trust in Him. He can bring order out of confusion. Good night, take care of yourself and come home as soon as you have your visit out, improved in health. Your letter to night has given me satisfaction. I can see exactly how things are. Be a good girl and do all you can to make every body happy and you will be happy yourself. There are two new seniors, one a Mr Ramsay from Il. an old school Presbyterian. Mag likes him very well. Erastus is not coming back. John Kinney is here. He denies being in the rebel army, says he was only a teamster. Mrs. Murphy believes all he says but I don't. Good night Your affectionate Mother R D Wylie

Transcription: Philadelphia Thurs night Jan 14, /64

My dear Mag, When I heard the post-mans knock this evening at 5 o'clk I had no idea that he had a letter for me, so did not hurry down as usual, & even when Maggie brought two letters into the room I did not bestir myself, but I was indeed rejoiced when she gave one to me. Thank you dear Mag & Ma, Toph and Dory. It does me so much good to hear from home. I brightened considerable for I had been somewhat homesick today--indeed I believe I am a little so every day, but I get along very well for all. only I can't help longing for home.

I'm really glad to hear that you have the ice-house filled with nice ice. We have had cold weather here. Aunty says colder than it has been for several years, but our thermometer never stood lower than 10 deg. above 0. But it is on the south side of the house, exposed to the sun & sheltered from the north wind. Still you have had it colder, I think.

I have not walked 15 squares a day as the Doctor told me but it has been colder than I liked & last week I was not well enough and for a week now we have had no cook, so I have had exercise indoors. The nurse has been cooking, but you know there is more than she can attend to. The house is so much out of order. All the carpets except those in the parlor & study are worn, the stair carpets look dreadfully. Miss C. intends patching them as soon as she can with prudence stay out in the halls. Grandma got a new carpet for the study this summer, I believe, and it looks very nicely. The furniture is abused greatly. None of the children seem to have any idea of taking care of things tho' I do think they are good children upon the whole. Their clothes are in a most dilapidated condition. Miss C. is trying to get them in order. I asked Aunty when I first came if I could do anything about fixing their clothes darning &c, but she said Martha, the nurse, did the mending & there was nothing for me to do. So I haven't been helping any as I find enough to do about the every day work, & while I'm here will try to hear their lessons. But Mag, I wish you would really tell me if you would stay here now if you were in my place. I think you would feel just as I do. Wouldn't you want to go home? too I don't feel comfortable or right. And as long as I don't feel it my duty to stay, I don't want to do it. Would you? Now answer me. I can't tell you all how I feel just writing this way but I can tell you I guess when I get home. Sometimes I think just a little, that perhaps I ought to stay because I can do a few things, but then if I wasn't here somebody would do them and really when they get a girl there is very little I can do but hear the children. And you know that's my little, & living now is very high here. Butter 50 to 60 cts per lb. eggs 35 cts per doz &c. As far as pleasure goes I haven't been out any hardly except shopping. Very few persons have called & I have not been to see the sights. So taking it just as a visit it does not pay me. & looking at it in the other light it does not pay Uncle The. I do not care much for going out you know & don't mind that. I'd like to see some things here, but Uncle The always seems busy & I rather not see than put him to inconvenience. I suppose he may have more time after while, but I can't see it as Arth says, so home's the best place for me, don't you think so. I believe I'll be--no I won't begin to boast what I'll be when I get home. Aunty says Grandma don't like Miss C. at all. And I just know she don't love me. I love her dearly, she is such a lovely old lady. But she's old & I suppose she don't make up with strangers, but Aunty says she never liked Miss C. Isn't it strange, Uncle The told me Grandma took a warm drink every night & I thought he wanted me to give it to her so I asked Aunty about it & she said Grandma never took one. Uncle The told me tonight that Aunty used to make one for her every night, but G. did not like strangers to know it. I know he has made it for her since aunty went away. but she protests against it I think. Dear me. She wouldn't let me give it to her I know for she won't let me do anything. She found me making her bed the other morn & she did not like it so I won't attempt to do it any more. You see I will get back to the old subject of going home. Now I'll tell you the programm tho' perhaps I have given it before. If we get a girl I want to go to W. C. next week ad spend not more than two weeks. I can't for reasons stay longer I think. Then I'll come back & stay perhaps till I hear of company but if I can hear of no one going soon I think I can only wait three or four weeks maybe not so long. Will do some shopping & go to Dr. S.'s that will take me till towards the end of Feb or 1st of Mar. then I will, if permitted, go to C. & spend a week or two. So that I hope to reach home by the middle or last of March. I want to be home to help make garden. If you hear of any company let me know. I do not care to be dependent upon any one in traveling but I should like to be acquainted with one or two so that I would not feel alone. I have written to Mary & perhaps she can tell me of some one. I want to write some to Dory & some to Toph Get them to write whenever you can. It is late & I suppose I must close. I write very uninteresting letters I am afraid, because they are all about going home & myself. Give best love to all & write as often as you can to

"only Lou"

Don't you know why Red hasn't been up? Because he is teaching Molly Henderson to play chess--dangerous employment isn't it? I hope you'll be looking out for company for me. See if any of the merchants are going home by Cin'ti Will Mr. Tarkinton & Kate be on next month? I don't care to trouble anyone as I said before. Uncle The will probably be going to Pittsburg in a few weeks. & if I could only find some one going from there I would do very well I think I 'll be able to find some company as people are constantly coming & going but be sure & find out when Mr. Howe & John McCalla are coming on. & by what route they return.

Transcription: Philadelphia, Jan 14th 1864

My dear little Dory: I was so glad to get a letter from you and Toph. I am always glad to get letters from my dear little brothers, for it shows that they think of me sometimes. Do you remember how you said before I left home that you wished I would either go or stay, because you wanted some one to read to you at night. I wonder if you ever wish I would come & stay. You must hurry and learn to write or Susy will get ahead of you. She can write tolerably well for such a little girl. I think her birthday comes next month and she will be sever years old, so you see she isn't much older than you. Dear little Lulu's birthday came day before yesterday and she had a little party. Her Papa got some cakes for it & Grandma got some candy and oranges & they had it up in the nursery. Aunty & Maggie & Susy Black were invited but only Maggie came. Uncle Theodore got her a silver spoon. And so they all had quite a nice time. Jennie has been just a little sick for two or three days. Sammy is a very pretty little boy and I love him very much, but he is naughty sometimes. He likes to make Grandma wait on him. He cannot talk plain tho' he is a pretty big boy. He calls Grandma Gogga & Susy, Wowo, Maggie, Yaya, Jenny, Dety. Me he calls Cuggah Wesse. Lulu fell out of bed this eve but did not hurt herself much. She is a dear little girl and is very pretty. I wish I could take her home with me. She says she will go & Sammy says he will go too.

I am glad you are learning & I hope you will soon be able to write me a letter yourself, but until you can you must get somebody else to write for you. Do you still go to school to Miss Henderson & is Brown with you. Learn just as fast as you can. I want all my brothers to be good & great men. You got a great many Christmas presents. What do you want me to bring you? But it is late & I'll say good night as Uncle The is thinking it is bed time. Your loving sis Lou I send a kiss to you

[continued on same sheet] Friday morn, Jan. 15, 1864 Dear Mag, I did think last night that I would write to Toph today but as I haven't anything to write about as I have been out so little & as I must direct this letter to Dory, I will wait till the next time. Perhaps my next letter will be from W.C. Uncle McL. Said this morn that I must go to N. Y. the next time he comes. I think he won't be back again for three or four weeks. I hardly think I'll go, but can't tell positively. Wylie is but little better & it is very doubtful still whether he recovers. & if he does, as I hope he will, it will be many weeks before he will be well. Uncle came on day before yesterday. I have been copying off some recipes for our use. Some from Miss Beecher's Domestic Economy & some I got from Miss Campbell. I want to get my music bound while here & will get the "Rainy Day" & "True Love can ne'er forget" with var. you remember Clara Carter played it. I have not heard any music since I left home excepting a little Miss C. played for us and Miss Lucy Heckman now Mrs. Morehead played for me at W. C. It seems to me that I am not half done talking to you but I must make these eight pages do. I have not got my sontag made yet. I will get Aunt Nell to show me how.

Oh Maggie darling how glad I'll be to see you all. But it seems a long while yet if the programme is carried out. I want to do the right thing. I wish I could have you tell me whether you think it wrong for me to go but I know you can't think so. Give my love to Rob when you write. I am glad you still hear from him & that he is unhurt. Some here seem to think that the war will end this year. We can hope so. I like all the people I have become acquainted with here very much. The church people are very kind & pleasant. I have not seen Mrs. Sawyer. She lives far away in West Phil. I have had but one letter from Parke since I got here. I suppose they are all well. I hope so.

Things go on pretty smoothly in the house. I think Miss C. will manage very well, but she is not very strong. It would be very bad if she would not be able to stay, but she says she is generally well here & I think she is getting better now. Tho' she still coughs. She will need good health here. I am very glad indeed that I have not charge of the house. But if it had fallen upon me I would have done the best I could. You did not tell me anything about the Donation party. You must write me an account of it. Everything about home interests me. What did you get C/mas I think I told you my presents. I am glad Ma liked her butter knives. Tell Ma I will write to her another time. I sent her the last two letters I think. I ought to write a note to Anna McK but will wait till I have more time. Write often, dear Mag. I hope I shall not be gone very much longer, but who can tell what may happen in a month or two. I hope all will go well. & that I shall soon be permitted to see you all again. I have written home very often lately. I expect you are tired of getting letters, so much the same. Give my love to all friends. I hope Pa will not always be so busy, but that he will find time to write again to his daughter. I got $10 from Uncle The the other day. Will have to get more before I go home. Love to all. Pa Ma Toph Brown, Dory, Arth. and write soon dear Margaret Lou I would love to take one or two of the children home with me—they are such dear children--

Transcription: Washington, Jan 18th [1864 from context]

My dear Lou Why didn't you come on with Lib. & stop at Wheeling en route through? You might have stopped anyway. So you would not even let us have a peep at you, but sent a letter from Pittsburg instead. Well! that was mean--So I think if you didn't care to see me you would care less for my letters. but I want to hear from you so much that I will not put off writing longer.

No doubt you have been notified of my contemplated visit here some time since. It is now about six weeks since I came--wanted to have come over earlier in the season, but waited on Mr Bell thinking he would be coming over on business, but every day something prevented his leaving. so at last I concluded to come over alone. A telegram was sent Andrew who met me at the cars. I was just looking out for a hack when I saw him & you may be sure I was glad, it was very embarrassing to be alone at such a place with such a crowd of soldiery & rush of people. In changing cars at the Relay house, the long train of cars was completely packed with travelers & twas with the utmost difficulty I could get a seat. Upon arriving I found Cary very ill, for several days before she was not expected to live. but she is now recovering rapidly & was well enough to be out last week. Last Wednesday was "reception" day at the Cabinet Ministers, so a family party of us (Cary's sister brother & his wife & her sister & Cary & myself, drove around to pay our respects.) You know dear Lucy I am very green in court etiquette. It being my first "entre" on such occasions but we didn't stay long enough to betray that greenness, only about two minutes. were helped to the daintiest bitter wee half cup of chocolate & wafer cakes which it is not etiquette to take more than a bit of. admired the handsome painting which every one is priviledged [sic] to do & slided [sic] gracefully out of the room. We went to Sec'y Stantons, Sewards, Wells, Blairs Atty Gen Bates Judge Ushers &c

Last week Andrew rec'd a complimentary ticket form the proprietors of Willards to a "hop" there. We went & spent a pleasant evening. I sat quietly when not promenading & looked on the vanities (how hollow hearted they all seemed) supper was served at 12 o'clk after which we came home leaving them still spinning on the light fantastic. Some of the grandees were there. Gen' Heintzleman, Sherman &c. Last Thursday we were over at a party given by Cary's sister Mrs Lathrope in honor? of their newly married brother & --last & least--myself. There were about seventy or eighty present for the occasion I dressed my white silk with scarlet wreath & trimmings but they were almost torn off my back from the pressure of the crowd. When at the supper table, one lady had her dress completely ruined & somebody upset a saucer of something on one of the waiters back. They had music & dancing. The Misses Rollin were the belles of the evening. They have been every where here & have been complimented in the papers. Their father is Senator from Missouri very rich. I think he was a graduate at Bloomington College and a school mate of Andrews. I hope I shall not have the misfortune of having to go to any more parties this winter, am heartly [sic] tired of going among strangers & being laced up so tight in the dresses of these foolish mantua makers that I can't with comfort get my breath or eat more than a mouthful. And having to stand up so dignified & say tweedle dee to one and tweedle dum to another then go home forgetting every body & every thing but my own weariness. What is your experience Lucy? I don't think people here enjoy themselves at parties or sociables near so much as they do in the west. We are so free there from fashions trammels. The gay season is just commencing. Holidays are quiet here until the Senators & members return from their homes. Christmas seemed like Sunday. I went to church in the morning & spent the rest of the day in sleeping & writing. New Years Cary had a family dinner the only friend invited was Judge Otto who is looking just as well as ever & the same neat elegant gent'man. He is ass't sect'y of the Interior. One of the first questions he asked me was if Mrs. McFerson were married. Wonder if he is coming to a conclusion.

There seems to be an immense floating population together with soldiers & contrabands innumerable. I walk out almost every day to see the curiosities of people as well as of art & for exercise as the servants (Cary keeps three, so does everybody else that is somebody) do all the work of the house. The fact is I am completely spoiled for any use & don't see how I am to go back to the "brick and mortar" trade of old Bloomington with any complacency. but for that I look forward to a visit to dear old B with the greatest delight. I intend going out in the spring & will keep house for Red. Won't you & I have nice times together? But don't go to getting married in Ph'a--that will spoil all the fun. I am getting quite settled & contented with my appointed lot and firmly believe that I am the superfluous woman

There are so many persons from all parts of the world constantly coming & going here, one is almost sure to meet some friend or acquaintance as I thought the other day when walking on the Avenue behind Judge Watts met an acquaintance from Wheeling. The same day I saw Judge Watts on the street again but was not conveniently near enough to make myself known. was sorry too for I wanted to enquire about Fanny, who is I believe going over the plains with her father soon.

This is one of the most disagreeable days It is rainy & dark & the wind equals Bl but for writing this I would have the blues Excepting today the climate here is very pleasant. The weather has been uniformly moderate & agree with some better than Wheeling or B.--But it is the dustiest & the mudiest [sic]

The City is not nearly so handsome as I anticipated though its streets are wide & beautifully laid out. The only public building that surpassed my greatest expectations is the Capitol Cary's mother & myself went through it the day after congress adjourned I have not been there since Congress has been in session, have not been through the other public buildings yet as Cary has been so ill & Andrew so busy This week we are going to speaker Colfax's reception

I saw by the paper other day that Jno Lettman [?] had been relieved at his own request (being out of health) & gone to Ph'a & his bro Will has taken his place here in the hospital Will is my favorite cousin & I shall be so glad to see him. have just written him a note don't think he knows I'm here I wrote to Craig Ritchie other day. told him you were in the City. He is now in business for himself & doing very well. Office is 518 Walnut St. If you see him, tell him I'm looking for a letter and please write soon yourself. Give my best love to Susan. I always remember her kindness & my visit to her with the greatest pleasure. How are her little ones. I was very much surprised to hear of your Uncle Theo's wife's death had not heard it before you wrote. You must be quite busy taking care of his little ones. With ever so much love As ever yours Jen Please don't let anyone see this. I've written in a hurry & not looked over--don't know what mistakes I've made

Transcription: West Chester, Jan 21st 1864

Dear Louisa, Although you was not positive about coming out to see us again yet I was in hopes some spare time would occur and that you would gratify us with another visit. but you have not come and I regret very much that we see so little of you while making your eastern visit. I would have gone to see you all had not age, the inclemency of the season, and sickness in my family prevented, but so it is, dear Louisa, you must take the will for the deed and then I know you will excuse me. Chloe has been very sick with Quinsey sore throat for 4 weeks and is only within a few days able to creep about. Cornelia also had a slight attack of same, but is herself again. her husband pretty much the same as when you was here he walks out almost daily, yet has all his meals carried up to him which makes it rather heavy on us all, as we have no servant nor have not had for some time, except now and then we can get one for a day or two at a time--no good ones to be had, and the stragglers I will not take--I have the same young men I had in Nov. who will continue until the session ends last of March.

With gratitude I acknowledge the goodness of my Heavenly Father, in granting me thus far such a measure of health and strength, though occasionally interrupted by a few days indisposition. When did hear from home? And how were they as to health &c? Remember me affectionately to them all when you write. And to your Grandma Wylie and Aunt Susan, tender my very best love and good wishes Also to your Uncle Theodore and his interesting little group including Maggie & Susan Black.

The cans of fruit that your kind mother was so good as to send me will I think reach here safely if given in charge of the conductor of the Media and West Chester Cars, directed to "Susan S. Dennis, West Chester." If you send them by this conveyance, write and let me know at the time so that I can see after them. Any expence[sic] attending it I will pay. I will be glad to hear from you soon as convenient. Lizzie sends much love and says she would like to see you very much and wants to know if you can't come out? She also with Emma desires to be remembered to all. Your Affectionate Grandmother Susan S. Dennis

Miss Louisa Wylie

Transcription: Philad Thurs. Jan 21st 1864

My dear Ma. Although I have rec'd no letter from home this week yet I thought I would commence one to you so that I might have it ready to send if one should come before I go to W. C. You see I am here still, tho' I confidently expected to be there by this time. It rained so on Tuesday that I could not go and Mrs. Porter came round in an interval of sunshine and invited me to a small party at her house for tonight- so I thought I'd rather wait for it. – but I am sorry to have to take so much off my visit there. Aunty says it is a very pleasant place to go. & that I will enjoy myself. – I only hope I will look like the rest of the people. Miss C got an invite too but I don't know whether she will go as the children may prove some hindrance. She seems to want to go very much, so perhaps I will stay home as I dislike so much to go among strangers.—I had a splendid letter from Jen yesterday. She is in Washington seeing the sights and the people and seems to be enjoying herself—yet I don't know but that she seems tired a little of the world & gaiety. At any rate, she gave me most joyful news. She is going- not to be married- but going to Bloom. to live!- going in the spring to keep house for Redick! –I am so glad I am only afraid that she will find a husband in W. before Spring – or that Red will find a wife and she won't come. But I suppose she will come on a visit anyhow – so I won't begin to worry .- If you have not heard this news before perhaps you had better not mention it – as Red may wish to keep it secret. Jen don't care. I don't think. Won't it be nice tho'! I'm thinking that there would not be a single girl about B. that I would care to go to see – and that Mag & I would just have to sty at home all the time. But now if Jen does go out & I get safely home & all is well we will have nice times. –Carry, she wrote, had been very ill but was able to be out last week.

Tell Mag that I got a new piece of music for her yesterday. The Power of Love with var. One of the music sellers here is selling at cost. If you get $1.00 worth he gives you what normally costs $1.50 He will do so for two or three weeks yet. I priced a piece of red velvet yesterday and it was $1.50 per piece to 15 cts a yd. very narrow velvet so I thought if Mag would like it as well black velvet would do –I saw a waist in a window yes. – that was puffed only part way down, just down over the waist & was puffed by cords running thro. I guess Mag won't need any before I get home unless there is to be a Concert. So if she'll wait I'll show her what I can about it. Tell her all the girls wear the hair brushed off the face as she did or rolled back in a puff such as I used to wear in my young days when we went to Oxford—

I was asked in to take tea at Aunty's last eve The Mesdames Millikin & Grandma were there We had a nice supper, chicken, honey, peaches, & a nice large iced cake, which was given to Maggie & Susy. Aunty took me down town yesterday & I got my canton flan. at last & shaker flan. too. She took me thro' one of the markets & I went to the bank with her & to Jay Cooke's office where she invested over $2000—She was very kind to me. –Sometimes I think she don't like me, but I can't tell. –There is hope of a girl tomorrow. I am still wanting to go home whenever opportunity offers—It would be pleasant to go out with Jen but I expect she won't go till May or June. I want to see you all very much and hope the time is not far off when I shall be permitted to do so. –I will not write more now but leave some space to finish in. Must write some to Toph—My best love to all. Has Col. Owen taken his place[?] And has he brought his family to B. yet?—I may write from W.C. to ? of you

West Chester, Jan. 25, Monday Dear Ma. Here I am at last. I came last Friday P.M. but have waited till today to see if I would get a letter from you. I think surely I will get one this morn. I went to the party last Thurs. & had a very pleasant time. There were not very many there. Married & single were mixed. –had music & plays & dancing. only a few took part in the dancing. had a very nice table but plain compared with some of our Western suppers. I like such a table—They had fried oysters, chicken salad, biscuits, small glass bowls full of Gelatine Jelly—three pyramids of ice cream one large cake iced & two cake baskets filled with macaroons – kisses & cocoanut.—that was plain don't you think so considering there were about 30 or 40 there? But it was plenty & a great deal nicer than to have so many things that you could hardly manage to taste all. I wore my brown & blue silk, the collar Aunty gave me & wore my hair rolled back. Miss C went—wore [?] colored delaine & black silk waist, blue ribbons on her head. None had dressed very much. Some had on silks. The bride alone. Mrs. Grants – Dr. Laine's cousin. Miss Miteely had on a white waist tucked with a blue peasant waist silk but much [?] dressing than B.

Tues. Dearest Mother. Your dear long letter is not now rec'd- I was so glad to get it- Am sorry I have troubled you with my little troubles. But glad you know how to look upon them. –I have not blamed Uncle The once. I think he acted for the best & I love him very much. I know he is a truly good man. He was talking to me the other day about the matter. –I never said a word to him about it before & he commenced the talk—I don't think he took just exactly the best way but it is not easy to tell how it was best to break the matter to Aunty—she is so sensitive. As far as I am concerned I am very glad of it but I wrote too hastily to you I suppose—I was feeling so miserably—but I have been better lately- for a few days. I do not think I will stay here longer than this week as circumstances will call me back to P. I was much shocked to hear of Mr. Dunn's death

Transcription: Bloomington Jan 26th 1864 Dear Lou Please send me the book called the young yagers. Willie Small is going to send the money for the book too. Dory wants you to get him a drum but I think that he had better get something else I hav to go to the examination today I hav got one 100 I will be promoted I think that I have wrote enough all are well youre affectionate brother S. Brown Wylie

Bloomt Jany 30th 1864

Dear Lou I have been intending to write to you for a long time past but I have hardly had a moment to call my own since the holidays. As I have got into Prof. B's room, as a matter of course, the duties of the place, to which I have given but little attention for many years require me spend some time in study. This would not be much were it not for the time taken up & the vexation[?] given in attending to the cases of discipline coming before us arising from the repartay[?] members of the soc But few had the courage or stand out, but some of them submitting did it with not a very good grace. The Trustees have just adjourned, & have not rescinded any of their laws, and it looks as if we had things right. But there is no telling what fuss will spring up next. I suppose Mag has told you that even Miss Belle Ryors has kicked up & resigned her chair at the Malodean on account of the injustice of the faculty. We have all the dogs of high & low degree yelping, but I hope we will survive. Brown & Phandy & Dory have all been promoted. They begin to take some interest in school. Brown does not have to write at school what he has written to you is all his own. It gives us much uneasiness to hear of your not being well & so discontented. Your last letter was in rotten spirits. You ought to learn to take the world a little easier. If you are cheerful & happy it will make every thing around look sunshiny & if you are despairing & gloomy every thing will look dark & cheerless. We are not caring very much as to whether you go to the school of design or not. we would have liked it, had it been convenient, what we want is your comfort & happiness to make others happy around you, & to be useful will tend much to your own comfort. Uncle The will not reckon with you as with one kind, but as we do at home, & if you should not do much, he will not grumble. Mr McCalla is going to Philada in the spring. You can come home with him if you please & sooner if you have an opportunity. I am sorry you have seen so few things. You will have, if you wish to see some of the things about Philada, to suggest the matter to some of them. Tell The you want to visit Girard Col. he will find somebody to go with you. or could you not pick up some acquaintance to pilot you around. I would be glad you could visit N. Y. I feel very much for Sister though I hope Wylie will soon leave. Love to Mother--Uncle The--Susan & all the little ones. Your affectionate father T. A. Wylie

Transcription: West Chester, Pa Sat. night, Jan. 30, '64

My very dear Sister

Just see that ugly blot; I could not commence this letter without first daubing some ink on it. Here it is Sat. night and I must write a few lines to you tonight. I wanted to write last night but I am trying to finish my Sontag as soon as possible and have devoted nearly all my time to it for two or three days. It is now more than half done and I hope I shall finish it by Tuesday or Wed. at the farthest, as I want to return to P. as soon as I can, not because I am not enjoying myself as much here as I would there, but you know I "want to go home." Your last letter received yesterday morn was all the more welcome because so unexpected. And one piece of information which you gave me only served to increase my inclination to return home, namely that relating to Lib and the 1st March. I hardly think the event will occur quite so soon, but if it should, I should like to be there, so must make my preparations accordingly. But Lib will have to hasten home I think or the 1st will come unawares. Grandma D. says to tell you that I'm not going home till April, but I hope I shan't be here then, but in my own dear home working in the garden. Now shall I tell you what we're all doing. Beginning downstairs—I am sitting under the gas writing. Aunt Lizzie sits by my side reading. In the kitchen Mary and Chloe are busy and I hear Aunt Emma in there now. Mary is a new girl, colored, a perfect Topsy, keeps us all laughing. A few moments ago she came in here and seeing me writing she said, "I want to get you to write a letter for me some day." "To your beau," said I. "Ye-es ma'am" she said. I told her she have to tell me what to say, as I wouldn't know. "Oh yes," she said, "I know the words, but I can't write." His name is Ed Robison. They have a jolly time in the kitchen. All Grandma's boarders, but one, have gone. Aunt Nell and Mr. T. are here yet, too. It is pleasanter only to have one, but I was sorry for Grandma to lose them. Well upstairs, we find Aunt C, Mr. T. in their room which is the front one. Grandma not feeling well has gone to bed. I hope she will not be sick. Annie has just come downstairs, hunting her library books for tomorrow. We have had a week of splendid weather, mild and bright as you could wish. Today however, it has been drizzling and we may have a return of cold weather. We have not had such severe weather as you yet and have had no snow since the 1st day of the month. I certainly do not care to travel home while you are so cold. I had a good laugh over Mrs. Belle's doings. I think she is making herself ridiculous. Another blot! If I did resign I wouldn't assign such a reason.

I like all the people I have met here very much. I have not been anywhere yet but to Mr. Everhart's. The boys of the two schools make quite an imposing appearance every Sabbath in church. They have very pretty uniforms.

I am sorry to hear that Arthur has been sick. Hope he is quite well now. I will get your red velvet when I go to the city.

Tell Liz not to let Mr. Johnson carry her off before I get home. I don't believe he's good enough for her. Ask her what she thinks of going to parties.

Tell Dory that perhaps I am a "big baby" but I can't help it. Home is the best place for me----Tell Toph that he ought to be ashamed of himself to think of getting married yet. I don't want him to leave home too soon. And tell my Brown that I hope he'll soon send me the letter he is writing.

I suppose you'll be satisfied to divide the contents of this envelope with Ma as you can't complain if I don't this time write you a longer letter than you wrote to me. I was very glad to get your letter and my only regret was that there was not more of it. It does me more good than you can imagine to hear from home, dear Mag. Write as often as you can. With much love to all, your old sis Lou

Were has Alex Small gone? I received the $15—I am glad Ada B. was pleased with her letter. I will write to Anna if I can find time but I haven't had time here.

Monday P.M. Have just about finished my Sontag. Have the border yet to do. I would like very much to knit you one. If any of the merchants or any one comes on before I get off I wish you would send my Neapolitan bonnet and perhaps I will have it colored for spring or summer. Don't forget. Grandma, Aunt Liz and Aunt E send love to all. Goodbye dear old girl, Lou

Transcription: West Chester Sat. night, Jan 30 [1864]

My own dearest Mother,

Do you think I write to you too often. I sent a letter to you and Toph on Tues. I never thought till today that it had been better had I directed it to you, on account of some of the contents. I have been thinking the subject over and finding out as best I could what would be the best thing I could do. And I believe if you would write and ask Grandma and Aunt Lizzie out either to stay or to spend the summer as they felt like would be right and best. Aunt Emma will not go any where without Annie, I suppose, for she said the other day that if she only thought that she would find something to do to support herself and A. either in B or Wyandotte, she would go out. I could give no encouragement as regards B, for you know there are always applicants for the schools, and as Aunt E said she felt hindhand somewhat in the modern method of teaching. Besides I felt sure that you would not want Annie at our house to be raised with our boys and you would not want Aunt E to stay anywhere else. Then I was talking with G and I said "I think you had better go out to B and break up housekeeping." "Oh," she said, "I can't do that for I can't go without Lizzie. She is the youngest and one of the most affectionate and kind children I have." "Take her along." I said. "Your Mother doesn't want her, she never asked her to go back since her return," she replied. "Hasn't she?" I said, for I of course didn't know what you had written in your letters, tho' I knew that you were afraid that Mag or myself might become affected the same way. She then said that all was right now, that as soon as the one matter was regulated there had been no further trouble, except that she was rather delicate. And Aunt E has told me too that all was right, tho' Aunt C told me she thought not. However, I would not let that stand in the way. I know it would be pleasanter to be alone in many respects, as it always is, but I think it is right to do all we can for one so near and dear as Grandma. She is a lovely old lady and it is hard to tell which of my Grandma's I love best. I know it would be very hard for us to spare money from year to year to send on and it would hardly be just to those we owe to do so. And it would be a much easier life for Grandma with us and we could really do more for her than in giving pecuniary aid. I suppose tho' that if you think differently, even if among the daughters enough could be made up to pay rent for a good house it would be a great assistance and that she could get along very comfortably. She pays $180 per year for this house but she does not like it and wants to get another even if it is smaller. The year is up in April. I think Aunt E is too independent to go and take Annie anywhere. You might write and ask all three without mentioning Annie. Aunt E controls her pretty well but she is heedless and forward. Aunt Liz thinks she is brought up entirely wrong as she is a perfect lady. I think she will be a great drag on Aunt E always, she has the name Dennis tho' her own name is Dolan. She is pretty much like other children of her age. I think it a great pity she ever was taken as it has been the means of many a bitter word and ill feeling. Aunt Nell does a good deal towards providing for her I suppose but the care falls on Aunt E, and so on account of her there is a perceptible division in the family. Aunts E and C going together and G and Aunt L. Not that there is any ill feeling now, but you know the child draws the two, E. and C. together while the others do not care for her. But I am writing a long letter and must be done. I am sorry I have been such a naughty girl dear Ma. I think if I had felt at all well that I would not have felt so badly over the changes at Uncle The's, but I did feel very badly. Mr. Trimble is coming down to fetch me to play solitaire so I must stop. Give my best love to Pa and all. Write very often dear Ma, for letters from home do me more good than any medicine

Lovingly

Lou Don't think of asking Aunt E with Annie. She is too much spoilt, is being raised in such a way that none of us would want her in the house. She is very impudent even to G, tho' I think of an affectionate nature. Grandma says to thank you both for dried and canned peaches, they were very nice. Aunt Liz says to tell you that I am so much better that I ought not to go home for five or six weeks. But you know how I feel. I hope to leave P. before that time even if I could not reach home quite so soon. [The above was written on a folded sheet, equaling 4 pages. The following single sheet, written front and back, though dated as a new letter, has a big number 5 written at the top and is a continuation of the above.]

Monday P.M. Feb 1st, 1864

My dearest Mother,

It has been raining so all day that I could not get out of the house or this letter would have been off. It looks now as if we will have fair weather soon. I have been busy all morning knitting my Sontag. Aunt N very kindly helping and teaching me. She is very kind to me. So it pains me all the more to know that such occurrences as that I am going to tell you of often happen. First tho' let me beg you not to allude to it in any way when you write. Perhaps it will be best that you mention nothing I have said unless that I said they felt undecided what to do this summer and that I thought perhaps they might go to B. But you will know what is best to write and I will present my story. You must know that Mr. T went down to dinner today for the first time since I have been here and also that Mr. McCormick the other boarder was not here altho' G thought he might come before we finished. Mr. T came down and was seated next to me and Aunt N was to be the other side. Aunt L and Mr. McC across the table from us and G at head, Aunt E at foot. Immediately Aunt N came down she went round the other side and commenced arranging a place for Miss Annie. G said "You needn't mind that, she will wait." "I don't see why" said Aunt N, and then she went out of the room. Aunt E had not come in yet. Directly Aunt N came down and said "I only came down out of respect for you, Mr. Trimble." No notice whatever was taken of this speech and pretty soon Aunt E came down and instead of coming to the table, seated herself before the stove and commenced to sew. "Don't you want any dinner Emma?" said Grandma. "Yes I do," she replied, "but I won't eat till Annie can. There is no reason why she should not be allowed to go to the table now." G said, "I will not allow a child at table while I have boarders." Mr. McC was not there, but I suppose it would have been just the same. I was so mad, but I did not say a word. There was the poor persecuted darling in the room too. Now what kind of child will she be with such examples and such training? After dinner, Aunt N went to her and whispered something, she always calls her "dear." It's not the child's fault, I don't blame her, tho' I haven't any special liking for her, but I was perfectly astonished to hear Aunt E speak so. If G had been ever so unjust, which she was not, it would only have done the child good to have submitted. G has many trials of a like nature, but Aunt L said she was astonished to hear Aunt E speak so before me. I don't write these things to annoy you, dear Ma, but just to let you see how things are. I often think how many times I have spoken disrespectfully to you and I hope you will forgive me for it all. I try to take your advice and not be influenced and don't think I am. I think still that it will be best to do as I said, altho' it may not be the pleasantest to us, as I think we ought to do what we can to make Grandma's last years happy. You will know far better than I what to do. The thing is, that I don't see how it will be possible for us to spare money with justice, at least not so much as we would have to. I am so very anxious to get the house paid for before doing anything. That is one thing that has worried me and taken all pleasure from my visit—the thought that I was spending money that might have been put to better use. Don't for anything mention this I have told you when you write. It wouldn't do good and only make ill feeling.

[The following folded sheet, equaling 4 pages, is labeled 7.]

Last Part

Philadelphia Wed. Feb 3, 1864

My dearest Mother,

Back again you see. I left W. C. this morn at 8.20 rather unexpectedly and much against the will of my kind friends. Grandma protested very much against my coming, but my side has hurt me so very much for two or three nights that I thought it ought to be attended to. So off I came thinking it would be just as easy to come first as last, and it was just as well as the day has proved very disagreeable. I know they would have kept me had I staid later. I disliked to leave them all very much. They told me to give love to you when I wrote, and Chloe said to tell you she hoped to see you before she died and to thank you for the picture. I liked her very much and I think she liked me. I had a very nice visit there with the exception of the difference I mentioned on the last page. That made me feel badly for I had not expected to see Aunt E act so. And altho' I thought I knew Aunt N yet I had never seen her act so shamefully at our house. And she had till then appeared very amiable. The same scene was acted at supper. Only aunt N did not come to table even out of respect to Mr. T., but said she would not come as long as Annie was not allowed. "As Richard says, I don't see why the child should be kept away when there's no one but the family," she said. Grandma had not objected to her coming then, but she chose to make it appear so. And Aunt E and she would not come for awhile but nursed and petted the "dear" as she calls her for awhile after G had told them she did not object. Then they did come bringing her and petting her, making her believe she was sick. I was angry enough to cry. And altho' I love Aunt E very much, I can hardly feel the same toward her tho' I see it is N's influence. You just ought to hear Chloe talk about it. She says Annie will be a disgrace to them some day and return it all upon their own heads. And I shouldn't wonder, for tho' I think she might do well under right treatment, such examples will ruin her. Aunt C treats Grandma shamefully. She knows she has her in her power somewhat and because one day at dinner G corrected some of her extravagant language, she flew into a passion and afterwards spoke to her in the most violent manner so that I cannot bear to write all her words. For one thing she told Chloe she loved her a great deal better than G. Isn't it awful! I wish G could go to B and altho' I think Aunt L may be somewhat spoilt, yet I suppose it will be useless to ask G without her. I think she would like to go. I suppose Aunt E would go with Aunt C for awhile, until they quarreled, but I don't know what she would do then for none of her sisters would have that lady child. Anna goes or did go to one of the best schools in W.C., was learning Latin, French, and Music. I think Aunt N. sent her and she also has her corresponding with young men and brings her forward on all occasions and I think she is very much like Aunt Nell. But don't mention these things when you write as the child is adopted and can't be got rid of and any word against her adoption or bringing up only raises a storm. I sometimes think how indulged our boys are. I do really think, Ma, that we will have great trouble with Dory and Toph if not with Brown. I do wish they would become more obedient and better behaved. I often think that Grandma must have made some great mistake in bringing up some of her children. Aunts C and A or surely C would not treat her so. But I'll leave this subject now. You will know what to do.

I found a letter from home when I got here. It was very welcome and I'll answer it soon. Tell dear Brown I think he improves. What was the name of the book he wanted? Young Yagers? I went to see the doctor this P.M. and he ordered more pills and says that before I go home he will make out a prescription for me and he is sure I will soon get well. I keep going about all the time and I feel today in quite good spirits, altho' my side aches still. So don't be alarmed, it's nothing dangerous the Dr says. And if I had felt quite well I wouldn't have written such homesick letters. I hope to go to Dr. F's soon and then to N.Y. if Wylie still continues better. And I think I will enjoy the remainder of my stay very much. I am glad Mr. McCalla is coming on. I will find it pleasant to travel with him as he is so kind. And I hope to have a pleasant visit in Cincinnati. Don't forget to send my Neapolitan bonnet. People are talking as I feared they would about Miss C and Uncle The, but perhaps they'll get tired. It's late and I must stop. What long bad letters I do write. There's no place like home. I only fear sometimes for those dear boys of ours, that some day they may show the fruits of indulgence. But good night, with love to all

Your Lou I wish that if you could, Mr. McC could bring it, you would send on some maple sugar. I don't think I shall make any attempt to go before Mr. McC comes as I can't get through my visiting before. I have a few flower seeds to send but this letter is too full. I had plenty more to say too but must keep for another time. Don't think I'm sick for I'm not. It's only my liver—Torpidity the Dr. says.

Transcription: Philadelphia, Feb. 16, 1864

My dear little Brown: I guess you think that I am a long time answering your nice little letter. I am always very glad to hear from you and to answer letters from any of my brothers, but I have had a good many letters to write lately and then I was in the city last week and I went out so much that I had no time to write. I wish my brothers knew Benny and Dory Faires. Benny makes me think of our Dory, he makes speeches and sings so loud just as Dory does. He is eight years old and Dory is eleven--Dory is more quiet. Dory writes very good compositions and his handwriting is excellent. I'm afraid Toph won't write as well as he does when he is as old. They have several games that they got on Christmas. The game of the Authors and of the Facts and Fox & Geese, Solitaire and Dominoes. I haven't got your books yet, but I haven't forgotten about them. Tell Mag that I got a letter from Mrs. Poindexter this morn (Tues) but I got none from home and feel very much disappointed. Uncle McLeod is here now and is going back to N.Y. on Thursday or Friday and I expect to go with him. I think I will enjoy myself there very much. There is to be a great meeting for the Freedmen tonight in the Academy of Music. I would like to go very much but don't expect to. It is snowing now. I want to go in to Dr. Faires as I half promised I would go back & besides I left some things there. But it looks almost too disagreeable to go. I wrote to Arthur & Mag last week. I hope they have got the letter by this time. I suppose Mr. McCalla will be here now in two or three weeks. I will be so glad to see you all again. Write soon to your loving sister, Lou Thursday Dear Pa I sent into Dr. Faires' and forgot to take this all with Will write soon

Transcription: New York Thurs., Feb. 25, 1864

My dearest Sister Mag:

No doubt you all think I am treating you very badly of late as I have not written so frequently as I did, but I have been running about so much that it is almost impossible to find time to write. I sent a letter to Pa last Thursday, intended writing more but had not time. Then I came to N.Y. on Friday and have been on the go ever since. Susy is such a good gallant, takes me everywhere. I have been to the Central Park and of course was charmed with it. Then I have several times been down Broadway. On Washington's birthday, the street was crowded and we helped swell the crowd. Last night Mr. Agnew, "Uncle Cornelius" took us to hear Gottschalk. After the concert we went to Taylor's to get some ice cream. Today we expected to go to West Point with Mrs. Rodman who is going to see her son John. Watson Black is there too. I would like to go to see the place. I don't suppose that any one there cares to see me. Well we couldn't get off this morn. Alex, or Elly as he is called, said it was too late to go and said perhaps he would go with us if we waited till tomorrow morn, so perhaps we'll go then. I don't feel very bright this morn. My head aches, as I have been up very late every night since I came and last night we were up till 2 o'clock. Got home from the concert about 11 or past, staid down stairs till after 12, came up and Susy was cutting round getting ready to go to W. Point. About 1 Alex came home and he came into the room and got some crackers to eat and staid till nearly 2. We don't see much of Alex during the day. He is quite busy now running for the office of Deputy Collector. He has about a dozen men after him every day hunting offices, wanting him to get offices for them. All here are very kind. Wylie seems to be getting better, comes round here alone. Aunt Margaret keeps the little baby Lincoln. It is a great care for her. He is walking now. Wylie still has water on the chest and Uncle says he is fearful it is something worse. He is talking of going to Philadelphia. I was telling him he had better go to B this summer. He said he would like to. Alex says he will go out this summer and take Susy, but I hardly know whether he is in earnest. But I hope so. We will have good fun if they come out. Sus is mild and just as kind as can be, so is Alex. I wish he would get his nomination confirmed for I think he is hardly like himself now, worried about it. I must hurry up this letter. Susy and I want to go down town. Will get your music and want to get your silk dress. I have been looking for silks. They are very high and getting higher. I must hurry and get or will be unable to get for the money I want to give. I saw one since I came here which I am sorry I did not get, for $1.12 ½ , but I was afraid it was not as handsome as you wanted. It was brown with white check. I am afraid it is gone now as it was unusually cheap but I thought I would look further. Found I could not get decent plain brown for less than $1.50 and it looked [stxinked?] and tho' it is the handsomest if good, it would not be half as serviceable as this other. So I'll go and see if it is gone today and if it isn't I will take it, and with the money over I will get you trimming if I can. If not, will get something nice. I received your letter yesterday. I will try to get the beads and music. I want to get some for Susy. I hope that silk won't be gone. I think you will like it. I know if I should get you a plain brown you could not get half the wear out of it. But good bye dear "honey." You did not say when Mr. McCalla was coming. I wish I knew certainly. Mrs. Rodman wants Susy and I to go to Boston with her on Sat. but I don't think I'll go. I would like to stay here longer but I'm afraid I'll have to go back to P on Monday with Uncle as I don't like to go alone. Alex says if I will stay east till June he will take me home. I would like him to go first rate, but can't wait so long. He went through Mitchell last fall. I have been hoping to meet John Foster or some one I know but in vain. If I knew where the Watts lived I would go to see them but I don't. Who is Mary going to marry? [The last three sentences are written crosswise on front, so even tho there is no signature, this appears to be the end of the letter.]

Transcription: New York, Monday Feb 29 / 64

My dear Ma: I sent a letter only on Friday to Mag but it seems a long time since I have written to you so I will commence a letter to you this morning. Whether I succeed in finishing it or not. I did expect to leave N.Y. today but Aunt M & Susy and all say I shan't and I am very willing to stay my only trouble is that I dislike going to P. alone. Uncle is going to day and I would like to have his company from the depot in P. to Uncle The's—if no further. He has to stay here till six o'clk this eve to marry a couple so that it will be eleven or twelve o'clk before he reaches P. Wylie expected to go there on next Wed. & I thought I could go when they go but I believe he has given up the idea. Alex says he can find company for me at any time so I suppose I will wait. There goes the breakfast bell. We breakfast here at nine o'clk don't get to bed till 12 or thereabouts. Old Mrs. Agnew called to see me the other day and all of them seem very kind. I have had a very pleasant visit here and would just as lief stay now until a week before Mr. McC comes as not. I hope he has not given up coming. Do write & tell me about it. I am still anxious to get home. In all my travels "there is no place like home." None so happy or so dear—I am afraid I'll be spoiled doing nothing. You'll have to put me to work. I want to get home to help about the garden. I hope Mag will like her silk dress. I dreamed last night that I got you a black silk. I wish I could. Tell Mag that the hair is now rolled back in great puffs and fixed up behind in a waterfall or cataract. I've learned how to fix it but it takes too much time to do it all the time.

[on same sheet, the following] Friday Mar 4, 1863 [sic]

My own dearest Mother: I rec'd five letters this morning one from Mag, Mary, Parke, Jen, Aunt Lizzie. And they have all conspired to make me feel very sad. But oh how thankful too. Tho' fearful it might have been my little brother who was taken. Oh how very sorry I feel for Mrs. Dodds & the Dr. and all. But especially for poor Lib. How will she bear it? Jen writes me that it was the spotted fever, that dreadful scourge. There has been a great deal of it about Philada but I did not write you about it for fear of alarming you. I do hope you have kept the children home from school Oh it is dreadful, dreadful—I feel so much alarmed about you all.

I am still in N.Y. I did not expect to be here so long but it is much pleasanter for me here than in P. so as they wanted me to stay I have done so. I hear nothing more of Mr. McCalla. I am beginning to fear that he is not coming. Mary B. writes me that her father is not very well. I am afraid that he will find his work too hard. I am sorry to hear that the students are still acting in such a foolish manner I hoped that matters were arranged. Foster ought to be ashamed of himself. I rec'd Mag's letter with the money as I wrote before. I have gotten the music & dress for her, have not got the beads yet. Aunt Lizzie writes me that Aunt E. still keeps from the table on Annie's account. Mag said in her letter that she did not think you would have Aunt E. & Anna this summer. What did she mean? I hope we never will have to put up with Anna. I would much rather have G & Aunt L if any. –

Mr. Gifford Wylie was here this morn. Brought my letters. Desired to be remembered to you all when I went home but I'll send the word now for fear I forget then. I have become acquainted with Mr. Gifford too—Spent Monday in at Mr. Agnew's. There are three young girls, daughters of John Agnew. Very nice girls too but very quiet. Susy says their father won't let them be lively. The house is a very handsome one & handsomely furnished. We had ice cream & cakes before leaving. I don't know where Wattses board so I can't go there. But I'll write a little to Dory & then stop. We keep very late hours here. Last night Mr. Ben Parr took us to the ____ Theatre—don't scold. I didn't want to go

Give my best love to all the dear ones Oh dear Ma I am so fearful. Be very careful. Write very soon Lou

Transcription: New York, Friday Mar. 4, 1864

My darling Dory: It has been some time since I got your nice little letter, but I have been so busy sever since going about from place to place that I have not been able to answer it. Now I am in the great City of N. York. I wish you could be here to go around with me. I know you would like it. Now I hear the old rag man going past with his cart & jingling bells. Then occasionally you will see chimney sweeps going past with their great brooms on their shoulders and singing as they go. Then when I go down Broadway the street is full of people some walking & some riding so that you can scarcely cross the street. The other night the omnibus we were in was stopped for some time there were so many carriages & stages around.

I feel so very badly, dear Dory, to hear of Liby Dodd's death, but I do hope the dear little girl was prepared to go. Her former Sabbath school teacher says that she always listened so attentively in S.S. & seemed to understand so well that Jesus came to save her. Do you understand, do you feel that he came to save you. Dear Dory only think, you are not too young to die. Are you ready? Do not put the question away from you, but ask yourself & ask Jesus to save you.

Cousin Maggie is here today with her three little children, Johnny, Floyd, & Maggie. They are nice children I will try & get their picture to take home. Write to me again Dory if you can. I have not got a book for you yet but I am going to get them when I go back to Philada. I think I will go the first of next week but can't tell certainly. Mr. Agnew wants Susy & I to go to Albany tomorrow but I don't want to go. He is there now, I suppose But good bye dear Dory. Your loving Sis Lou

[continued on same sheet] Dear Mag, I feel almost too badly to write. I am so sorry for Lib and who knows but the next word from home will be still more sad for me. That dreadful fever. Was Liby's the first case in town? Dear little child. I doubt not she is happier now. It must be a dreadful blow to Mrs. Dodds & the Dr. always seemed to think so much of her. & poor little Maggie left so desolate. Oh, I do hope we may all be spared to meet again very soon. I had a beautiful letter from Mary and a very nice one from Parke. John has gone back to the Reg't I believe. Parke & John & Edith had been to C. to see Prof. B's. Ellen is very happy. Parke says there has been a great deal of sickness there amongst children. Jen don't expect to go to Bloomington until Rene gets ready to go in June I suppose. Andrew will be there about the first of April. I hope I will be there then too.

I have had a very nice time since I have been here. I do hope Susy will come out this Summer. Alex says he's coming, but there's no telling what he'll do. He goes & comes at will. Last Summer he passed thro' Mitchell. I gave him a good scolding for not coming to B. but he didn't know he was so near. But I must stop as lunch is ready & I am writing a wretched letter—I can't half think. Susy has kept me laughing so much since I came here that I am perfectly sore. I don't feel like laughing now.

Mr. Coon is coming here tomorrow to preach. Don't you congratulate the hearers. Mr. Agnew says he wants to get away. Uncle has gone to Alexandria.

But goodbye dearest Mag. May we all be preserved in safety to meet again is the prayer of your loving sister Lou

Transcription: Philadelphia, Penn Sat. March 19, 1864

My dearest Mother, Uncle The rec'd a letter from Pa this morn. from N.Y. isn't it too provoking? Aunt Margaret and I just left there yesterday morning & I suppose Mr. McCalla was there at the time if I had only known it and I might have come on here with him & had two or three days more with my dear friends there & seen Fanny Watts—for I did not see her as I could not find where she lived—But there's no use grieving now, here I am, and this time next week I may be in Cin'ti or home.--I feel so anxious about the children that I don't know whether I can wait –tho' if there should be any symptom of sickness I hope you will send me word immediately

I got a paper from Mag this morning & was much shocked at seeing poor Ge's death recorded—oh, what a blow to his Mother & Father and all. I feel so sorry for all those dear friends in their afflictions and little Fanny is perhaps gone too. –It is very, very sad to think of all these things and Billy McDermont too –And the world goes on and we eat, drink & are merry—tomorrow we die—How thankful I am that our boys are still preserved in health. Does it seem to make them more thoughtful when they see their companions taken? I enjoyed my visit to N.Y. very much & disliked exceedingly to leave but I tore myself away.—They did not want me to come. Alex was to use Dory's expression, "as mad as a hornet"—and would hardly speak a kind word, tho' he is one of the kindest of mortals. I called him a bear & crosspatch & everything. He said I was a perfect goose --& I think so too now. Said if he came to B. he wouldn't stop.—but I hope he would. –I do hope some of the family will some day get to B. I will try to get some flowers for you. I am so sorry to hear that the roses are killed. I will try & carry some from Cin'ti.—

Monday night –I concluded not to finish this Sat. but to wait till today & then supposed I would be able to write you what day I would leave Philada but Mr. McCalla has not come yet and I don't know anything about the time I leave. –I hope to hear something tomorrow as I can make no engagements & I wanted to have my bonnet fixed for Spring. But was afraid to take it to be bleached as I could not get it before Sat & I think that I will leave this week. I went to see about getting flowers & will get some roots tomorrow. Everything is so dreadfully dear. I went to see about towels too & can't get nice ones under $5 a dozen. –I could spend $5 or $10 for flower & garden seeds, with great satisfaction if I had it to spare but will have to content myself Save some good things for me to eat. Put some salt on the asparagus bed. Have plenty of vegetables planted. I have got a new tomato seed for you & will send by mail if Mr. McCalla don't come. [this sentence written upside down at top of page]

I believe I did not tell you that Aunt M came on here because Wylie's wife & baby are here. W improves but slightly they still feel uneasy about him. –Mr & Mrs. Chaplain Stewart are now in N. Y. –I am invited to Mrs. Milliken's on Wednesday. I forgot to ask you to ask Pa if he wouldn't—or you—write to Wylie & ask himself & family out to B. this summer. I don't think he will be able to practice all summer & he must go somewhere. Is talking some of going to Nassau but it is almost too late now--& if he continues to get better, if he would come to B.—say in May. I think he would get along nicely. I would not like him to come now because there is still some danger & he had better be where he can see the best Doctors. But he would like to go to B he says--& I suppose he would not like to go just on my invitation. If I thought I could get some one to go home with me I would wait till May when Synod meets—but it seems so long. If I should wait I think I'll be extravagant enough to go back to N.Y for I enjoy myself better there & I've been going in for enjoyment lately. Everyone says I look much better, so I suppose excitement & staying up till 12, 1, 2, 3, 4 o'clock agrees with me. We did actually stay up till 4. one night. Alex was to take us to the Navy Yard but he was not well & overslept himself & we did not go. There were several places I wanted to go but did not. –I'm a goose when away from home & you will say—one there too. Because I don't like to put people to the trouble of taking me round. I'll write a little to Dory now as I didn't direct the last to him Goodbye dear Ma-- My dear Ma I feel very impatient—I am so unsettled not knowing anything about Mr. McC. Cousin Rene says he was to be in Wheeling Monday so she thinks he'll spend tomorrow Sab. here. I got you some flower seeds & four gladiolus roots & will send by him if he comes—Goodbye. Wylie improves but slowly. Tuberculosis found on his lungs—he goes back to N.Y. next week.—

Dear Dory— What do you all think of my Photograph? It don't flatter me everyone says. I don't know whether it is good or not.— I'll have some things to tell you about when I am home. I went to Barnum's & I saw three giants and a giantess, a dwarf, a boy of 12 years who weighed 18 lbs. before dinner & was 23 inches high. And a seal that played the organ. And I can't tell you how many more things. And we went to the Hippotheatron, and saw dogs walk on two feet. They were dressed up like men and women. – and little monkeys dancing tightrope.- and riding horses. – and ever so many more curious things. And we saw every day such crowds of people going up and down Broadway as you never saw in your life. Very often policemen have to take ladies across the street. Once as I got out of a stage on Broadway, I nearly got run over and a gentleman caught me by the hand and held me until I could get across—But I cannot write more tonight I think it will not be long until I see you all, tho' sometimes I think I would like to stay till May as I don't know when I will ever come here again—But I think I will go with Mr McCalla.—Uncle The says it is bedtime and I begin to feel sleepy but I ought to write several other letters tonight. I don't think I can do it. You see I'm writing very badly— I know dear Dory that my little brothers must feel very badly to see their little playmates taken away by death- and I hope that it will make you more thoughtful. Not make you want not to think about it but make you want to live so that you will not be afraid to die. –Oh, I do want all my dear brothers to be real true children of God. –Goodbye darling Dory. Give much love to all and don't forget your sister Lou— Tell Ma that I have kept this till today – Sat- thinking Mr McCalla would be here & I could write you when I'd leave, but I have heard nothing from him so I'll send it Monday – if not today. Cousin Irene is here staying at the Continental & she thinks he'll be here today so I'll wait today Goodbye dear Dory

Now it is Monday & I am not off –I don't know what has become of Mr McCalla. [Tirandina?] is sick but better now

Transcription: New York March 27 1/64

Dear Lou, I have been here about two weeks. Have bought all my goods, and am now about ready to leave for home. Expect to leave here for Phila on Monday evening or Tuesday morning. And wish to leave Phila for Pittsburg on the Tuesday evening train. I expect you to accompany me home and if you intend so doing wish you to be all ready as per programme

I will stop at the Merchants Hotel in Phila and would be pleased if you would leave or have left a note there for me, letting me know where you are and how I will find you as I wish to see or hear from you immediately on my arrival. Mr Howe & Fred will be with us.

I remain yours &c John McCalla

Transcription: Philadelphia Thurs. March 31, 1864

My own dearest Mother:

I hope you miss me enough to feel sorry that I am not "homeward bound." I am sure I have had some very severe pangs of homesickness since it was determined I should not go. I started to go in town to bid Cousin Rene goodbye and to tell Mr. McCalla that I would be ready, when Uncle The called me into the study and fixed my wavering mind by deciding for me that I should stay. If Grandma had not been sick I don't think any persuasion would have kept me, tho' every one said I was perfectly foolish to go now. But oh, I do want to see you all. Grandma was taken sick on Sabbath morning, vomiting and purging and was quite unwell. I felt very much alarmed about her tho' the rest did not and I felt as if I could hardly bear to [go] when she was sick and I might never see her again. I knew I could never forgive myself if she should not get well. I told them before Mr. McCalla came that if I could be of any use to her I would stay, but they seemed to think I could do nothing. You see Aunt Margaret had been here but she was to leave that morn and I knew that it would be very bad for Grandma to be without either of her daughters in the house, not because Miss C would not be good to her, but you know she is a stranger and Grandma would rather have her own children. I am sure that even I cannot be of so much use to her just because she feels that I am in some degree a stranger, but then I am nearer than Miss C and can do more. Well Aunt M. went away Tues. morn with Wylie and wife and child, and that P.M. Uncle The decided I should stay and that is my chief reason for staying, for Grandma. I am glad now that I staid altho' the homesick feeling is often very strong, so that I was almost tempted to go last night without Cousin Rene. But I sleep with Grandma and can do some little things for her, for Aunty cannot be in all the time and yesterday we had regular Down Easter. Such rain and wind that Aunty could not even get in here. She has been suffering with her throat a great deal lately and I think is looking very miserably. Today is "cold and dark and dreary." She has been in while I went for the Doctor, but Betty is sick, so she has trouble at home and I am glad I staid. Dear Grandma is so patient and uncomplaining. I am sitting in her room now. She is sleeping. Uncle The and Aunty think she is better. I went for the Doctor but he has not come yet. The diarrhea seems to be checked now and I hope she will soon be well.

I am very much obliged to you for sending the sugar and the bonnet. I wish I had sent for my mantilla for I may need it. I think they are going to wear little short sacques but you can hardly tell the style yet. I will write Mag a letter about the fashions when I know what they are. Aunt M. wants me to go back to N.Y., they all do, to see the Great Fair. Alex said I was a fool to leave and that he would come after me if I was here when it was in progress, but I have no expectation of seeing him. He is worried to death about his office and he often says things and forgets all about them. I shall not go now anyhow until Grandma gets better, and perhaps not at all. I don't like to spend so much money and that was one reason I did not want to stay here any longer, because my expenses would be somewhat greater here than at home. But I am here, and I don't know that I will ever make this trip again and you may be sure I shall not spend more than I can help. If there is any other opportunity for me to go home before Synod meets I hope you will let me know because if G gets better I may go. Tell the boys I got books for them. Jenny and the Insects for Dory. And Dory Faires says the Young Yagers is not pretty so I got the Pioneer Boy for Brown, but I wish I had got something else. I got your towels too. Had to pay $5.25 per doz. But I must hasten, Uncle The wants me to help him with his church books. I'll be home in two months anyhow, I hope. Cousin Rene is not sure she will get out this summer. She says she is going to get you to let her come up on the hill. Don't say anything to hurt her feelings, but I think there will be sufficient excuse if you don't want to take her, in saying that you think some of the folks here will be out this summer. Wylie is quite in the notion of going and is going to Minn. or Wis. and I tell him to go to B first and then if he don't get better to go further. He wants to go very much to B and I hope Pa will write. Poor fellow, he has tuberculosis found on his lungs and it is doubtful whether he ever entirely recovers, but he seems getting better.

Transcription: New York April 6th 1864

My dear Niece I received your letter with your aunt Susan's and put off answering it at the time I wrote to her thinking I would have more leisure the next day but it is still the same hurry--all running to the Fair--persons calling and our visits to and from Wylie seem to fill up the day. However I must send you this short note if only to say that if you come this week I would like you to bring my bag if not too much trouble. I need some of the things in it. I would be glad to have it sent. I hope mother is better. I would not say for you to come this week if you can do any thing for her which I know you would willingly and gladly do. Alle [Alex] desires me to send this letter to you which you will find enclosed in mine love to all I remain you affectionate aunt M McLeod Miss E. L. M. Wylie

Please ask your uncle Theodore if he will send my bag as soon as he can conveniently do it. I would have sent for it sooner but I [thought] there would be an opportunity of sending it with some friend coming on here. It would be safer as there is a place in the side near the top which might burst open. Write and say when you are coming. Susie has returned from the Fair this evening in good spirits after the day's labour. You see every body you know there and every body you do not know. They are all calling at me to go to the Fair to night, but I believe I will not go. I think your Uncle Theodore might take a run on and bring you and some of the children to see it. They sold 5000 season tickets yesterday--at 5$ a piece. I wish you could every one come in both houses. It would exhilarate me and greatly add to the enjoyment of going to the Fair. You must attribute the illegible writing to a very bad pen you left for Mrs. Savant. Now she has left for you, the room is vacant but as it is soon to be filled, I am going to raise you up higher to promote you.

This is not a letter but only a few scattered sentences which I hesitate to send but have no prospect of having time to write another

[The following is Alex's letter, referred to above.]

Pa'as study, Ma'a at my elbow, Mary trying to borrow a postage stamp

April 6th 1864 Dear Lou

The Great Bear has been once more to Albany and has just returned. He was greatly deceived by his maternal ancestor who informed him that the delicate and darling object of his prospective hug had gone home with some long legged prairie chicken (McCalla). In disgust the Bear emigrated to a village in the Jerseys and exhibited himself one night. The next night stopped at the Astor House. Since has managed to get along at No. 87. The Bear thinks of you often, regrets having just before we parted proved "as cross as a bear." "Will never do so again." The bear hopes to see you soon. The Fair has opened and is a magnificent humbug. Every body goes to it. People are arriving here from Europe to visit it and several $100,000s worth of rare things have been contributed by the Crowned Heads. You must see it, it would be an everlasting shame and eternal disgrace for you to go back to the Wilderness of Bloomington without visiting the Great Eastern Fair said to be for the benefit of our sick and disabled soldiers. Excuse this scrape. Ma'a has given me the opportunity of writing a line. I am in hopes of having a good long letter from you soon telling me you love me and saying all sorts of nice things to [word missing] me. "If it is a sin to love thee, then is my soul deeply dyed in guilt." Yours for ever and ever "Amen"

Alex

Transcription: New York April 7th 1864

My dear Louisa I had sent your letter last night, before 9 o'clock. After worship as I was sitting in the study, I looked round and saw a bag which I thought I had seen before. I got up and looked and behold! it was my bag, actually come from Phil. I inquired about it, but all that any body knew was that Mr. A. Agnew had sent it here. On opening it I found three elegant cakes of maple sugar "how got they in" besides a very nice little pocket book. We do not know who it belongs to. The cakes were not long in finding plenty of places to put them in. I managed to hide two of them and let the multitude regale upon one for the present. They all pronounced them excellent. Susie says--she is lying on the bed beside me exhausted--she will write as soon as she is able, to night if possible. She received your letter this afternoon. She says she is perfectly bewildered with the collar. All admire it very much, even Agnes had to expatiate upon it. She said she was so glad to see it, for (speaking of you) she is the nicest little lady in the United States. Susie will take it to the Fair tomorrow. Mary has gone to show it to Mrs. Shultz of course. She and Mrs. Shultz are great friends. Susie is on duty all day tomorrow. She stays in the Fair until it closes at night--poor Susie--if tired to night, she will be more so tomorrow. We all went to day and it really very much beyond my expectations. It seems larger than the Crystal Pallace and quite as handsome. The Restaurant alone looks like a splendid saloon, two stories high every thing so spacious. The Picture Gallery is very fine. It is indeed a finished and elegant affair. I do hope you will come on and see it. Very likely some one will be coming on next week that you might be coming with.

I am glad to hear by your letter that Mother is better and able to sit up some. I know it is very hard for Mother to stay in bed if she is able to be up. It is the same way with myself. You say your father has been ill. I do hope he is better I know you will feel badly until you hear that he is well. I am very sorry to hear of his sickness, but I think as your Mother did not send for you to come home you need not be alarmed about him though you will be very anxious to hear from him. With much love to Mother and a wish that she would do as she never has done yet, ie, make everybody wait upon her and do nothing herself--and love to all in both houses and many thanks to your Uncle Theodore for my bag and to you for things slipped in. I remain your affectionate Aunt M. T. ML Miss E. L. Wylie The pen wiper and cats are very much admired. Susie send thanks and also her love to her Aunt Mary and Ann Please write again and say how mother is and also if you have heard from you father.

Transcription: Philadelphia April 11th 1864

My dearest Pa: I feel so very anxious to hear from you again that I can scarcely rest. Why did you not send for me at first? I have not had a letter now since Thursday and as they say "no news is good news" I am inclined to hope that you are nearly if quite well. but sometimes I feel as if I cannot cannot wait any longer but must fly home. If it hadn't been that Grandma has needed my attention I would have gone directly hom when I got Mag's first letter. but I have had her to occupy my attention so that I have not had time to think quite so much. But dear Pa, you must have been very sick and I feel as if I ought to be at home with you. Uncle The and Aunty are very kind and they think that I am unnecessarily alarmed. Aunt Margaret wants me to come to N. Y. but I am unwilling to go anywhere unless I should hear you were getting well fast. The great fair is still in progress and will close this week or next. If I go, I will go this week I suppose but I will not go until I hear from you again. And if I don't go to N.Y., I will go home next week I think for I feel too anxious to rest quietly. Indeed I don't know but that I'll dismiss all thoughts of N.Y. Any how. I thought that if Wylie would go out west via B. I would wait and go with him about the first of May. The Doctors say he must have country air. Poor fellow, he is sadly pulled down. But if you have any desire to have me home--that is where my thoughts turn. If you should not improve as fast as you ought please send one word immediately You know I cannot enjoy myself at all when I think of you being sick. Write to me or telegraph, but don't trust altogether to the telegraph, but write too--f you want me at all or think I ought to be at home to help take care of you or to attend to the house or garden. I feel so very anxious--do have some one to write and write to me dear Pa as soon as you are able-- Love to all--every one Your loving daughter Lou Grandma is getting well I think and we have a prospect of a girl--so I will feel perfectly free to go home or anywhere.

Transcription: Bloomington Ap 18th 1864

My dear Lou I received your very welcome letter enclosed with Brother The's on Saturday. I was very much pleased with what he said respecting your attention to Mother in her illness, & for her sake I am glad you were there. I have felt anxious about mother, as one of her age is not able to sustain severe attacks of disease. I have now nearly recovered from my attack. I say nearly for I still feel every day that I have [?] in my face. I have been attending college since last Monday, & yesterday I preached, having been four Sabbaths kept from church by sickness. You seem to be too anxious about me. My affliction was rather painful than dangerous, should there be any cause of alarm we would soon let you know by telegraph. We are anxious to see you once more, but hope while you are in the east you will enjoy yourself, seeing all you can see & learning all you can learn. I am sorry you have had so little opportunity to see the Philadelphia lions. You ought if possible to visit the mint, Girard College, the Navy Yard, the academy of Nat. Sciences, &c. Ma hopes you will come home as soon as you can.

Judge Wylie of Wash. was here & took tea with us last Friday Ev. Dr Owens & his wife, a very pleasant lady, were also with us. Robt McMaster has been here for a few days, paying particular attention to Mag. he has reenlisted. We have a boarder Mr Ken, much more sociable than Mr M. We have very little town news. The health of the town is improving. I have not heard of any new cases of scarlet fever for more than a week. The weather has been very disagreeable, raining nearly all the time & very chilly. We have very little garden made, & our prospect for making garden is very poor.

I have been intending to write to Wylie McL. for ever so long. I would be very glad indeed that he would come out & stay a while with us. The only drawback to company from the east is our shabbiness & slovenliness in various particulars inside & outside the house. I can't get money to pay off my debt, & of course cannot make repairs & fix up.

John Foster, Ma says, has bought a house near Prof. Ballantine's at Walnut Hill & has moved or is about to move there, he going into business with his brother George.

Give ever so much love from me to Mother to whom I have been intending to write every day, but somehow or other it seems that every moment almost is taken up. Love to all the rest. Not forgetting Sister & all of hers when you see them.

We are all well. Our little boys have been by a kind providence during the prevailing sickness, been spared, & are now going to school. We kept them home for fear.

Hoping that you will make yourself easy respecting us & not unnecessarily distressing yourself, & that it will not be long till we have you home again. I remain Your Affectionate father T. A. Wylie

[written crossways at bottom of letter, in a different hand, in pencil, the following] Why thus do you try me Why thus do you fly me Why thus deny me Day after day Hast thou no feeling To see me kneeling My love revealing Day after day Thou have I loved dearly Yes! madly sincerely But thou hast nearly Made hope grow grey Ah, then must we sever Parted forever And wilt thou never Think, love, of me

[in same envelope as the above letter from T. A. Wylie, the following from Brown and Maggie] Bloomington, Ind Monday April 22 My dear Lou I wish that you would send ma a cake of yellow paint or gambage. I left it out in the dining room one day and somebody tread on it. I will send the money in the letter if Ma will let me. I will have to go to bed now. Dory was taken sick this morning. but he is well now for he has been out today. I can not write any more so goodnight to you I got up this morning at sicks Your affectionate brother S. B. Wylie

Dear Lou, Rob has been here he came Monday and staid until the next Wednesday week he has improved so much. Look so well in soldiers clothes. I had a nice time with him I wish you could have seen him. I got lots to tell you wish you were home. In haste Maggie

Transcription: West Chester, May 4th 1864

Dear Louisa, Last evening after Mr. Trimble's return from the Post Office, he handed me your favor of 15th April!! Where the letter has lain for more than two weeks is a mystery I regret very much not receiving it sooner as I had a bottle or two of wine left and could perhaps have sent it to you. I was sorry indeed to hear of your dear Father's illness, but as he was getting better, hope that by this time he is perfectly restored. I regret you could not get out again to see us but still hope, if you have not left for your home that we shall yet have the pleasure of seeing you shortly

As the mail is near closing, have not time to write much more. With love to your Grandma, who I hope is quite restored to health and also to your Aunt Susan, believe me to be your Affectionate Grandmother Susan S. Dennis

Transcription: Walnut Hills, Ohio Thursday June 2nd 1864

My dear Pa,

At last I am on my way home. I hope you will all rejoice as much as I do that I am so near you all. I left P. Monday night 10.40 o'clock in company with Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Hill of Indiana and Miss Bruce of Ky, a niece of John Morgan. Uncle The asked me if I wasn't afraid to make the journey with Arminians and a Secesh lady. Mr. Hill only came as far as Crestline, but he found another Methodist minister who brought Miss B and myself to C and at the depot Prof B met me yesterday morning at 7 o'clock. The journey was long, two nights and a day and I felt so tired yesterday that I did not attempt to write home. Today I feel better but still sleepy, even after a good night's rest. I feel at home again now that I am west of the mountains. We were detained a little while at Crestline and during the day, Tues, a man was killed by being thrown off a bridge by our engine. It was dreadful. We had a very pleasant journey altogether. I was a little disappointed on Monday about getting to the city to get some things. Had intended to go in in the morning and get them but Uncle The said that he would take me to the Navy Yard and mint so, as the things were not necessary just then, I thought I would leave them till I got here, and go with Uncle The. I was very much gratified with my visit to the Navy Yard. Went on board a Monitor, the Tonawanda, and a great boat, the James Adger. Dr. Faires desired to be remembered to you and a great many persons sent respects to you and Ma. I am very anxious to see you all. Felt almost tempted to go straight through, but thought I would feel sorry afterwards. All here are kind as ever to me. Prof B is getting fixed quite nicely by degrees, and Parke, they say, has every thing. I have not been there yet, am going some time today. Alice has grown and so has Edith. Alice is smarter than ever and not quite so pretty. Mr. Hill said he would probably be in B this week or next. I told him to tell you I was on my way home, would perhaps reach there the end of next week. I would like to go to Glendale and Oxford but don't know that I can afford it. I wish if you can, Pa, you would send me about ten dollars. I am ashamed to ask for more money, having already spent more than I wanted to, but I have really tried to be economical. Everything is twice as dear now as in old times. I have not got myself a new dress since I left home and have done with as little as possible. I will not write a long letter this time. I hope soon to be home and tell you all about everything. Uncle The said he would write to you and I urged him to attend to the telescope immediately, but the weather has been so cloudy that there has really been no opportunity for looking through it.

Give my best love to Ma, Mag the boys and all. If you want me home right away, send for me, don't hesitate. I will come. I want to bring Mary with me if I can but I don't know that she will come. Hoping to see you all soon. With dearest love

Your daughter, Lou Thank Mr. Hill if you see him for taking care of me.

Transcription: Philadelphia June 15th 1864

My dear Lou:

The rubicon is passed, what do you think? I have actually been in next door to tea this evening. It is really one of the most wonderful events of the age (in my little world), and how do you think it came to pass? Yesterday we had company, and I, myself, not Uncle The, invited my dear friend (?) tho' at whose suggestion you can easily imagine and this invitation came this morning to pay for it. We had a very pleasant evening. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur were there and I was delighted with them.

I do not know that much of interest has transpired since you left. As usual there have been several uninteresting occurrences, too tedious to mention, and there seems but little prospect of a cessation of hostilities. I have wanted to write to you for some time, but could not and now I have forgotten some of the things I wished to write.

I told you of the strange way in which I had met several of L? McLeod's family (having to introduce myself). Well, last Sabbath week, while in the study waiting for Samuel to eat a piece before starting home, in walked Mr. Alex McLeod and two gentlemen. As usual, I was not introduced and as there was no necessity for us to introduce ourselves (not being at the house) and as they staid a few minutes, it was quite awkward for me. I suppose Uncle The thought we had met before, as I have been here so much.

We took Lulu to church last Sabbath. When we took her into the vestibule she was unwilling to go farther, though she had been very anxious to go to church. After while, however, we got her in and I thought, as she is so much afraid of strangers, that she would be quiet. But she talked quite loud, sang when Mr. Bird did, played with Samuel, began to say (aloud) "The Lord's my Shepherd," and cut up generally so that I had to send her out. That did not suit her ladyship. She wanted back and promised so faithfully to be good that Martha did bring her back, tho I did not intend her to. But she had no sooner gotten in than she began again and made so much noise that I had to make Martha take her out and keep her out, which was hard work as she was very anxious to go back. So she will have to stay home for a while. When we ask where cousin Louisa is, she says "in the cars."

Martha and Lucy do not get along very amicably and Martha has given "warning," but I do not think she will leave Lulu.

The grand fair is in progress now and is said to far surpass the New York fair, in extent and every way. What do you think of that? Are you not sorry you did not stay? It is said to be splendid. They have every thing imaginable, almost. Are making about $100,000 a day and are said to have made $900,000 already.

Uncle has been there twice. I have not gone yet though we have had two or three days set for going. The President is to be there tomorrow, which will attract a crowd.

Uncle The received your letter but has not been able to answer it, said he wished me to write.

I have been writing this by bad light and in a great hurry for the rest of the family being safely at rest in the "arms of Murphy," it is time I was there too, but I hope you will be able to decipher it.

Hoping soon to receive a nice long letter from you,

Affectionately Your's

M. B. C

Transcription: Walnut Hills, O. July 9th 1864

My Dearest Louise,

Returning good for evil, or if that sounds too harshly towards you my friend, endeavoring to do as I would be done by, I hasten to answer your long forthcoming letter which did at last come and was most welcome. I had almost given it up however and Parke and I were having it as a standing joke, asking each other whenever we met "have you heard from Lou?" The same evening after I received it and read your descriptions of the interesting speeches, suppers, etc. you had been having, who should step in about 3 o'clock but the gentleman himself, the original of the Photograph and author of the interesting epistle you saw here, even Samuel Jabez!! Well we didn't think him at all "changed from what he once was." He staid until after supper and before he left took occasion to get one side with Lizzie and offered her, not his hand, not his heart, but a place in his school at Bucyrus!!! Which she refused! And now while I am speaking of Lizzie I might as well finish and tell you that the very next day she had a letter from Mr. Cole offering her the position of teacher in the High School (the place Mr. Smith had last year) in Wabash with a salary of $330.00 for year, which she accepted and is now making preparations for leaving for that delightsome burg the 1st of Sept. She is now taking French lessons from Mr. Beaugureau (goes down twice a week to the city) in order to teach French too, which Mr. C says is very desirable. The class she had last year did so well they are anxious to go on with it. Speaking of Lizzie reminds me also of the "Count" and I mustn't fail to tell you of him for I know you must be all anxiety to hear. For some time after you left he continued his walks past, always looking over with a great deal of interest and when he was out in his yard at home he would stand by the paling and gaze over here most intently. At last I was over at Mrs. Hine's one evening and as I was coming away she said, "Mary, Mr. Bowler (Mrs. Foot's brother) wants me to ask you if he may come over to see you some evening." Of course I said I should be happy etc. so in a day or two Mrs. Hine brought him over and he spent the evening. We found him very pleasant, younger looking than he appears at a distance and quite modest. Now when he goes past he bows, and that of course makes it a great deal pleasanter for all parties. But how I do run on. You will wonder what has got into me. If you were here I would tell you something else but I can't write it, it wouldn't do. Maybe I will see you some time though. I wish I could tell you all about the Glendale Commencement. I wish you had been there with us. It would have been so pleasant for us all. I enjoyed it mightily. Fan and Lizzie performed their parts very well indeed and both looked very nicely. Liz wore her skirt like yours and a white swiss waist, her hair done the "waterfall" with a pretty blue plaid ribbon on it, and neck bow to match. Fan's dress fitted beautifully and she looked (to her sister's eye) better than any in the class, but don't you say this to any one in B. Emma M might not like it. Mr. Foster wrote me an account of your Com and 4th of July the other day. Such an interesting letter. We had no particular celebration, were awakened very early on the morning of the 4th by firing of cannon in the city. I was sleeping down stairs with Ma and so I slipped into the parlor in my night gown and raising the piano, gave vent to my feelings by playing "Hail Columbia" as loudly as I could. This woke the girls and Will and they all cheered vociferously. Then Will went out and fired off his gun and Liz and Fan came down with "red, white, and blue" rosettes in their hair. We all enjoyed the day very much, it was cool and we sat around, took naps and did as we pleased. At night we had beautiful displays of fireworks, rockets, Roman candles, wheels fountain, etc. in different parts of the village. So the day passed. Yesterday Parke was made very happy by a little flying visit from her husband. He staid only a day, is off again this morning for Murfeesboro. Looks very well and hearty.

Monday 18th Dear Louise, My letter has been on hand so long I am ashamed to send it now, but fear to keep it lest I should not have another opportunity soon to write. We have had so many interruptions from company since the girls came and so much work to do I couldn't' write before. Last week Anna had her friend Miss Morrow (a young lady from Knoxville who has been boarding at Glendale) out to visit her. She staid 3 days and Sallie Furman came with her and staid one night. I expect you wonder where we all slept and staid while they were here. We managed to find a plenty of room. Our little house seems to stretch itself to suit every occasion. Parke has had a great deal of company. Olivia Read and her little girl staid a week with her, and Ri Smith has been there now for two weeks. She has been under Dr. William's care, having had the same operation performed on her eyes that Olivia had on hers. But, poor girl, I feel so sorry for her, it seems to have done her no good. She feels very sad about herself. Paid $100 for the operation and then the Dr tells her he can do her no good. I like Ri ever so much better than I do Mrs. Read. She is very sociable and pleasant. Parke had all of us girls and Mr. Lyman to tea with her Sat night. She goes away this evening, is going to see the Runkle girls. Mrs. Judge Foster with Lilly and Willie are at George Foster's now and expect to come up to Parke's tomorrow to stay two weeks. Annie has left Parke and gone to her sister's in Portsmouth and P has two colored girls now. Alice and Edith are as sweet as ever. Edie talks more and grows sweeter every day. She is my favorite, calls me "Mami Mami" very plainly. Fannie has not been well since she came home at all. Her heart troubles her a great deal and she is very nervous. She and Anna did nothing but sleep for the first two weeks but are not so stupid now. Anna is going back to Glendale to teach again. The Dr. gives her $300 with board, lights, etc. which is doing pretty well I think. I do wish I could come up to B to see you. You don't know how very much I want to go. I know you have nice times with Jen back there, and Reddick to wait on you and carry you all around everywhere. How I should enjoy going out on one of our famous blackberry excursions tomorrow in the big wagon. Pa wants me very much to go Circleville to see my cousin Mary O., but I would so much rather go to B and this time I am going to try to have my way! But don't tell folks I'm coming. I might disappoint them (would it disappoint them if I didn't?). I almost forgot to tell you Do has been up here too. He looks very well and is a great deal smoother skinned than he used to be. He is very much like the same old Do, staid here about as much as he did at Parke's. When he went away he gave Ma a beautiful rose in a pot, and Liz a handsome fuchsia and me a Lantana, got them in the city. Ma's verbena's are all in bloom now and are very pretty and we have a good many more flowers than when you were here. A good many from my bouquet lived and are growing finely. Parke's pretty baskets don't flourish, they get so dry these days. Her flowers don't look as well as Ma's. But now I must hurry, Louise my dear, and finish this scrawly letter. I hope to come see you but will not come till it gets cooler, say in Sept. after I get these troublesome girls off. I love you dearly, Lou, and your Ma and Pa and all. Give my love to Jen and Mrs. Dodds and "remember me to all enquiring friends." All send love to you. Liz sends love and says "tell her he still meditateth at even tide." She is very busy studying her French. I guess she will write to you some time and when she gets to Wabash you must be sure and write to her.

Your own loving Mary P.S. Forgot to say that Hal's last letter tells of the safe arrival of Jule and company at Bombay. Uncle Henry and family were there and the [Hazeus?] Chapins and Jule and poor dear Lizzie was almost sick with fatigue. Adieu. As ever, your Mary

Transcription: Norristown Sept. 15th 1864

My Dear Lizzie

I wish very much to write you a few lines by Aunt Emma but fear you will have difficulty reading them as I have to write on my lap, pater familias being asleep in the library. When you last wrote me you were in Convention fits. I think James might have taken you down to it. I had 3 tickets, but could not possibly go. But I stayed at home and talked it up and as Mrs. Jeffries says that sometimes does a great deal of good. If I were a man just now I should stomp the State for Clymer. Clymer and George are going to run very close. Every Democrat must come up to the work and vote. If he don't he deserves a good kicking for his cowardice. The different results offered to the President are the best thing that could have happened for our party. I wish dear [Aug?] had not been quite so long winded in some places, but I decidedly go in for the kicking out policy and I will live and die in "my policy". No wonder the rascally radicals carried Maine so handsomely when every poor [operative?] was compelled to vote the way his master wished him. Folk [one word] slavery and this is white slavery in its worst form. I felt very much like writing Lizzie Nielas to day but would not because she did not answer mine before. But I do admire her father Mr. Nielas so much. He is a staunch democrat if there were more like him in W.C. it would be a different place. You say W. Hammond is just ready for another Concert [one or two words] not if he is. His father was a good old democrat and why can't he be like him. We had our new Democratic club room inaugurated the other night. Why don't you get up one in W.C.? What a dreadful hail storm we had here on Friday last, in the country around it was terrific blowing open doors and windows. I had a letter from Mary Haines the other day. They had just had a party. I have just scratched that out about Will for though a radical he certainly did help me out nobly with the Concert. I am getting thin again. How much I wish dear Lizzie that you could come and live here You would like it so much. There are 4 live widowers here now, 3 wealthy and 1 a great singer. 2 have 1 child apiece and 2, 2 a piece which do you prefer? I had a splendid and refreshing visit from that Cousin who the photographs were intended for but unfortunately for your kind speculations he is married to my Cousin Cornie who is his second wife. He thinks I am wonderful and pets me considerable and says I ought to come out there and give a Concert. Ask L Nielas if she knows anything of Mag McCauley. But there is no use in asking you anything as you never answer my questions in your letters, for I inquired in my last how Capt. [name] was and you never told me. Who went from West Chester to that white nigger convention? Did Will Hammond go? Aunt Emma told me he had been there on business. Did that fellow Rogers go? Did Mr. Haines go? Who did go? All the dirty low disgraceful villains in the United States were there including Ann Dickinson who was there they say shaking her loyal ass. I must close. I bet you will burn this letter as soon as you read it as it might compromise me seriously. It is pretty gay here. We have been invited to 6 parties lately. Harry thinks of coming up next week. How did you get on with your rebellious sister Harriet. She represents the feelings of but a small handful of the people in the South. Oh what a glorious time you will have at the [one word] nigger meeting. You are gong to have. I would not be there for a million. Do write me an account and who the speakers are. I suppose Theo Stevens housekeeper will be there. Give my love to the Fergus's and all good Democrats. Hurrah for Johnson and the Constitution. Down with Congress and niggerdom.

Transcription: New York Oct 22nd, 1864

My dear Louise,

Very glad was I to receive your kind letter. Papa too was pleased to hear from you. We look back with pleasure to the time we spent together in Philadelphia and only regret that we saw so little of you. As to the book, it was but a trifle, I do not remember what it was, but I know I have never read it. It would be pleasant if you were so near that we could read and study together. Not that I have much time for reading now though, for Lizzie and I commenced going to school again on the 20th of last month and I can assure you that we find our time very fully occupied with our lessons. We study Universal History, French, Latin, English Literature, and Chemistry together and I am the Geometry class. That is I have to recite alone, to which I do not object very much, especially as I have a very nice teacher, a lady. Our Literature and Chemistry classes are delightful. Do you not think it would be very nice if you could come a year to Miss Green's? I know you would enjoy it. There are four young ladies there from Cincinnati, perhaps you may know some of them: Misses Elis, Minor and Andrews.

You inquire for Dr. McLeod's family. My dear cousin, it would take me a long time to tell you all about their summer's travels. At present, as far as I know, Mrs. McLeod, Mary and Dr. Wylie McLeod are in Philadelphia. Susie in Pittsburgh and Dr. McLeod, Alexander and Theodore are expected home tonight with the 84th reg't. Wed. Oct 26

As you see by the dates there is quite a pause in my letter. I have been unable to finish it sooner, but to take up my narrative again….Dr. McLeod and sons arrived on Saturday evening. They are all well.

I must tell you something about a fine trip I had last summer with Grandma and Aunty. The only drawback was that Papa and sisters were in town. It was quite impossible for Papa to leave business to which he has always been much devoted.

Among other places I visited Niagara Falls and was (as who could fail to be!) deeply impressed with its sublimity, no painting no description can give one any conception of its magnificence. I was also at Trenton Falls a little beyond Utica and it is a most lovely place. Niagara is an example of sublimity, Trenton Falls of beauty. I visited several other places but will not stay to speak of them.

My dear cousin, you beg us not to pity you because you keep but one girl, who would think of doing so! We might ask you to pity us who are obliged to keep two. It would be delightful if we could do without any.

Do you not rejoice in our recent brilliant victories? Sheridan has earned for himself a name in our history, but yet "we cannot forget that many brave boys must fall." Sisters and I have had no photographs taken recently and I believe Papa has none of his own at present. We will remember you when we have any taken again. Grandma wishes to be remembered to you and Papa also. Thanks for your invitation to visit you. Perhaps some day some one of us may avail ourselves of it.

With much love from sisters and myself, I remain

Yours affectionately

Annie Agnew

Transcription: Philadelphia Feb 23, 1865

Dear Mrs. Dennis,

I received this evening your letter of the 22nd and with pleasure as well as surprize. Pleasure at your continued existence, and surprize at your considering me yet living. Memory has not kept me strictly before you for you may be surprized at hearing that I shall be very soon 85 years old! However, you have made no mistake in believing me "a very old friend." I have not been in any way connected with the Girard College for many years; and since I retired there have been many changes. But, I will at once obtain, and send to you, the information which you so humanely seek.

As I have been, owing to sickness, confined to my bedroom for months, I may not be so soon able to collect information as I supposed at first, but this I know, that a brief delay will not mar Mrs. Welsh's object. A material question is, where was the child born?

With the kindest regard and sincere respect.

Your very old friend

W. T. Duane

Mrs. Susan S. Dennis

Transcription: Vicksburg Feb 23rd 1865

My dear Lou,

Are you surprised to hear from your old friend "way down in Dixie"? I expect however before this you have heard of my wanderings from home. You see I have not forgotten your kind letter and have concluded to have a talk with you this morning. And first of all, if you have not heard, you will want to know why I am here. Of course, to be with my good man! He was down here about six weeks when he came home, and brought me down with him, and a most delightful trip I have had. We went as far as Memphis on the Clifton, a fine large boat. Bella Gwyn went as far as Evansville with us and Alice Elliott and her lover, George Middleton, went as far as New Albany. We had good company and of course had a merry time. We had about an hours stay at Evansville. I rode up to Mother's and saw them all, found them well. Ellen's baby is growing nicely. It is three months old today. It is a very pretty baby, and they are all very found of it. We had a fine view of boats and gunboats at Mound City and Cairo. I never saw so many I thought. Mound City is in sight of Cairo, although some five or six miles above and the whole distance seemed filled with Boats of every description. John and I both remembered and spoke of your interest in the Boats during our trip to Smithland and we wished you could have been with us. We reached Memphis and found the wharf crowded with steamers. Gen Smith's fleet of twenty six steamers had just passed on below when we arrived. We staid three days in Memphis with Alex and Mat and had a delightful visit. Memphis is quite a pretty place. There are some beautiful buildings there. But the finest residences are taken for "Headquarters," and the finest business blocks for Hospitals. The Park in the center of the city is beautiful. The magnolias, lemon and orange trees and box all around are beautiful and the little tame squirrels were moving in every direction. It was quite warm when we were in Memphis and I began to feel the change in the climate, but when I reached this place, the first day I was overcome with the heat and had to lay aside my winter clothing, since which I have been decidedly more comfortable. When we were at Memphis, the Superior, a fine boat owned by Capt. Dexter of Evansville, came down with a fleet of between twenty and thirty boats, carrying Gen. Knipe's Division of Cavalry south. John met Capt. Dexter and he invited us to go on his Boat as far as Vicksburg. Mrs. Dexter and her daughter were on the Boat and the only ladies. The Gen and his Staff were all that were on the Boat. The others were loaded with troops and horses. But we had a most delightful trip down. The officers were all very pleasant and social and we had a real good time. We had a Piano on board and we would devote the evenings to music. We reached Vicksburg about noon and had a splendid view of the place, the forts and fortifications. I never saw a place built on such hills and it looks beautifully from the river. When we arrived we found the whole of Gen. A. J. Smith's fleet here and so many Boats you never did see. It was a grand sight. It seemed to me every Boat on the Ohio and Mississippi were gathered together. Here we found Cy Drew who is Capt. on Gen. Smith's Staff. He had Maggie and Gracie with him and we spent an afternoon together very pleasantly. The next morning their fleet left for New Orleans. The Cavalry disembarked here and expect to go across the country. We were much amused at the Officers on the Boat, not one of them had any idea where they were going. They hoped all the way down to New Orleans and were quite disappointed when ordered to stop here. We are very pleasantly situated here in a private boarding house. The family before the war were worth a half a million and now are keeping boarders. They had a fine house on a hill near town, which was blown up and a fort erected on the spot. It must be very hard for the families that have lived in affluence to give up everything. They are very nice pleasant people, and you ought to hear them tell about the siege. They lived in a cave most of the time, and Mr. Lum was telling me last night how nice mule meat was. He said they really enjoyed that, but that their pea bread was horrible! We, living North, know nothing of the war. Here, everything around shows it. John took me out day before yesterday and showed me the caves and fortifications. There are large caves all over the city, in the sides of every hill. They look dark and gloomy, but I suppose the people were thankful to live in them during the siege. There have been some beautiful residences and yards here but nearly all the pretty grounds now are spoiled. Most every house has a corner knocked off or a hole through it by ball or shell. In the room we are occupying, there is a large hole in the top and side of the wall where a ball passed through. Many of the fences are gone and the ground is now bare by the tread of soldiers, where once has been a magnificent garden. Gen. Washburn has a beautiful house for his Headquarters, and everything about the yard is as green as summer. The trees down here are beautiful and I saw some pretty flowers. I know you would enjoy being here. We have been having rain for two days, so I have not been able to get out. Everything will look fresher and greener after the rain is over. John wants me to go down to New Orleans before I go back North. I would love to go, but am afraid unless he has time to take me, I will not go, as I don't want to go alone. I don't know how long I will be from home. We have been gone two weeks now. Both the children are home with Ma. We miss them very much but thought they would be better at home. John declares Alice shall come next time! I love this mild climate very much but don't think I would like to be here in the middle of summer. I must stop, as I have written you a long letter. I don't know where to tell you to write now, but hope to hear from you soon, when I get home. I had a long letter from Ma yesterday, all about the children. Love to all. John sends you as much love as I will allow, so you can take a good deal for you know I am not of a jealous disposition. Mary promised to write me about my little darlings. Goodbye.

Your loving friend

Parke Foster

Transcription: Philada 2/24/65

My dear Cousin: My brother Theophilus has desired me to remit you one hundred sixty Dollars. Will you please send me an acknowledgement of the enclosed draft for that amount.

With kind regards Sny yours T.W.J. Wylie

Hon. A. Wylie Washington, D.C. (over)

Farmers & Mechanics Bank Phil. Feb 23, 1865 [?] Cashier of Mesrs Jay Cook & Co Washington D. C. Pay to Hon Andrew Wylie or order one hundred & sixty Dollars. $160—Signed [?] W. Rushta Jr Cashier

1865 Feby 24 Rev T W J Wylie Inclosing $160 for his brother Theophilus

Transcription: Bloomington, June 16th 1865

Dear Brother,

About two or three months ago, I wrote you requesting you to make a deed for Prof Wylie stating the dimensions of the old homestead, and that the Prof had settled the balance of his note by giving new notes to each one of the unpaid heirs, according to the amount coming to them respectively. Which plan I supposed you acquiesced in, from what you said to me last summer. I promised to make them a deed last winter but was unable to do so until I had the land surveyed. And now cannot make one unless you give your consent. I know that they are very anxious to have a deed, but do not deserve one until they have paid up all. From what they said (I say they because Rebecca is the man of the house) when they gave me the last notes, "that it was of no use to send yours on that Theodore Wylie would soon pay it," that you have received ere this the amt coming to you. I still hold the note he made in your favour in my possession, subject to your order. They blame me with all the delay of making out the deed and with a good many more things unjustly.

Since I sold my lot between them and the College campus, Rebecca has been saying a great many hard things against me, for which reason I have not been within their house for a long time. Nor do I ever intend to enter their walls again.

Do write immediately. We have not heard from you since you were out last summer. All the friends are well. Mary gave birth to a son a few days ago. Give my love to Carry.

I remain your affectionate Brother

Redick M. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington June 28th, 1865

Dear Brother

I have just now your long expected letter, with a P.S. giving the reason why it was so long delayed.

Before the estate was divided by commissioners appointed by the Court I had purchased the interest of Anderson. I [indecipherable word] Bell and one half of the undivided share of Margaret. (Dr. Dodds bought the other). The commissioners gave to John's heir (little Irene) 40 acres of land which was her entire share, so that she had no claim in the homestead. They also authorized the heirs to sell the homestead for the sum of $4000 to be divided among the following ones. Dr Dodds having one and one half shares (1 ½). Elizabeth & John McCalla one share. Jane one share. Yourself one share. And the remaining 3 ½ shares to myself. I suppose that it is not necessary for those whose shares I had bought previous to the division to sign the deed.

You state that Theodore Wylie paid you a sum of money this last spring. Could not tell from the figures whether it was $100 or $160. There was coming to you on the 15th of Nov 1864 $145 for which amount he gave me his note drawn in your favour, stating that I need not send it for he would write to his brother to pay you that amount.

You might as well draw the deed as though it was all paid, for he has settled the unpaid balance by notes drawn up in favour of those to whom the balances were coming. In my last letter I gave you the measurement of the homestead, suppose that it is not necessary to repeat.

Am afraid that since you have bought a house that you will make your visits to the West less frequent if possible than before. Am now pretty well settled, and would be glad to have you and Carry come out and see us.

I rec'd a letter from Uncle McKee stating that he could not stop by and see us. We were very much disappointed, had hoped to have seen him before going back to California.

We are now in the midst of wheat harvest. So you may know that we are very busy. It is almost impossible to get labourers. Wages are from 2 to 3 dollars a day and board. It has been raining almost incessantly for a month and as a consequence the wheat grew up finely and looked nice until within a week or ten days of harvest, when it took the rust and is now almost destroyed by it. A great many of the fields which looked the most promising will not be harvested at all.

The friends and relatives are all well.

Give my love to Carry

Your affectionate Brother Redick M. Wylie

Transcription: Walnut Hills, O. July 8th 1865

My Dearest Louise

At Last, I am seated pen in hand to write to my dear old friend whom I have not forgotten and whom I love with all the old affection and kindness. If I were sitting close by you now with your hand in mine, as we have so often sat, I could tell you quickly how I have been prevented from writing before, and you, dear child, would appreciate all my reasons and forgive me at once. I would love, dear Lucy, to tell you some of the history of the past months. They have been full to me, full of experience, of trial, and fullest of joy. You heard of dear Ma's illness. Oh Lou, she was so sick. I hardly thought she would ever get up, but she was mercifully spared to us, the dear Mother, and now is almost as strong as ever. Since she got up I have had so much sewing to do and besides (and this has really been the reason I've not written) I have been translating a long French essay for Prof Day's Theological Review, which had taken all the time I could spare from my household duties. I have finished it now, have only to copy it for the printer and then I mean to devote more time to my friends. Parke has told you that we have been enjoying our dear Hal's company for the past six weeks. Oh! it has been a treat to us I assure you, Louise. We hardly expected to see him ever again in the flesh, and now we have been all together again once more after such a separation. But it was only for a very little while we were all together. I'll tell you about it. Willie didn't get home until Thursday of last week and when he arrived, Hal had gone to Marietta to attend Commencement and did not expect to be home until after Sunday. Well, on the 4th Will went to the celebration in the city and told us not to look for him home until 10 at night as he wanted to see the fireworks. Just after supper Hal got home saying he must leave us at 5 o'clock in the morning. Then how impatient we were for Will to come! He didn't get up the Hill till very near 12. We all sat up for him and then for an hour and a half we had a good time. Hal said he would never have known Willie at all, his voice, his size, his manner and all are so changed. Only his eyes he said looked the same. It was funny to see them together. Neither seemed to know just what to say and do, and it seemed very strange to us to have two grown up Brothers in the house at once. Hal has received and accepted a call to a new church in Marietta which is being organized there. We are so glad to have him so near us. He has gone back to Suffield now to get Lizzie if she is able to come and will be back next week. Lizzie has improved greatly since leaving India but we don't know but it may be best for her to spend the summer in N. England and not risk trying the hot weather we have here, as the heat affects her very much. She is very anxious to come and see us and to have Hal at work in a settled place. Since they left Bombay the cholera has raged there violently. There have been 1000 deaths a day. We feel so thankful that they are not there exposed to the pestilence. Dear Hal was so disappointed at having to come back just as he felt so ready to work, but he said he could not but feel that it was all of God and he had not a word to say, only to follow the directions of Providence. He looks and acts just the same, is so cheerful and full of faith, and is so much better, I think than he ever was before. He is so humble and charitable. These two things shine out particularly in him. I am glad he went to India and was a missionary and I am glad he came back to us if it is right. He tells us so many wonderful things of his travels, of Egypt and the Pyramids and the Nile, of Malta and France and England and most of all of India and the heathen. How I would love to tell you all about them! Louise, you don't mind my writing all this do you? I thought you would like to hear it and my own heart is so full always of Hal and his interests I can hardly help writing and talking of him all the time. Will has grown very much and you ought just to see how College boyish he has grown, so full of College talk and College ways, and it seems so funny in Will. We are having nice times here together. Anna is looking and inquiring anxiously for a place to teach next year. She will not return to G as Miss S.P.M. is to rule there again. If you hear of any opening you must let us know of it. Liz will teach here again in the public school. 'Tis very pleasant for us to have her at home. I have just been down to see Parke and hear all about you all and could hardly tear myself away. Thank you much for the little note you sent by her. How I should have enjoyed being with her, dear Lou. I had such a delightful time at your house last year. You were all so good and kind to me. I shall never forget it. I want you to come and see us next winter and stay a good long while. 'Tis so much livelier here in the winter when all the folks come back from their travels and the students come back. We are to have a good many next year I hear, all the graduating class from Marietta except one will come here. Then all 7 of them and a good many from other places.

Tuesday night, 9 ½ o'clock Dearest Lou, I wrote so far Saturday afternoon after getting home from our little prayer meeting and since then until now have not had a spare minute to touch my pen. And I have worked so hard today I feel very tired and dull and ready enough to lie down, but I must finish my letter if it is in a poor way. Parke and Mrs. McF. were in a little while ago and we had another long talk about Bloomington. I think Parke looks better than she did before she went. I have enjoyed this visit of hers very much. We always enjoy every thing we have together. You don't know how pleasant it is for us to be together so much. And so you all thought Alice was very sweet did you? Well she is very sweet and cunning, but you ought to see Edie. The dearest, gentlest little darling, so smart and so very affectionate. Much as I love Alice, Edith is my favorite. I thank you ever so much for the little note you sent by Parke. It seemed so nice to get another note from you, dear Lou. Haven't I got many a one? And haven't we had some dear good times together, Lucy! I do want to see you so much again. I've got so much to tell you. How nice it would be if you and Mag could come together. Tell Mag we all thought she would come back with Parke and were real disappointed she didn't. She must come yet before the summer is over. I wish you could see Ma's flowers. Her roses and verbenas are beautiful. Nearly all the slips I brought from your house lived and now we have the same kinds of roses we had in B. The Celus and Hermosa the white and pink daisy and the Sanguinea, also we have the Malmaison, the Giant of Battles and a lovely white moss rose, very double, and others. Our verbenas are very rich and pretty. Two of the fuchsias from your house lived and several of the geraniums etc. I must stop now and go to bed. Everybody else has gone to bed and I am too sleepy to be interesting. Don't think too hard of me for writing such a shabby letter. All would send love if awake. Love to all your dear family, also to Jen and other inquiring friends.

Your own loving

Mary Write soon please

Transcription: Mt. Braddock Aug. 12th 1865

My dear Lou,

You must really forgive me for being so negligent and allowing your letter to remain so long unanswered. But I know you will for you know how it is, how much I have to do, and how much, do the best I can, has to go undone. And it is not any better now than when you were on. I had to drop nearly all my correspondents, except, of course, Father. But I had about gotten things in such a state that I could have had more leisure this winter, when lo! "Othello's occupations gone!" I will have time now probably to attend to my friends and I hope our correspondence will not be so irregular.

Uncle said he wished me to go back with the children "to deliver them up," so I suppose I shall go back about the middle of September. He wishes me to remain all winter, and if it seems advisable, and if he will let me teach them, instead of sending them to school, perhaps I may stay for the sake of being with the dear children as long as possible.

I hope we will soon hear from Uncle. He was not at all well when I last saw him. I stopped at home about two weeks before coming here, but was, and am still, very busy. We expected to stay here three or four weeks, to give the children the benefit of the country air (we are on a farm) but they do not seem as well as they did at Father's (it is almost like the country there) and do not seem as lively, while I have not been well since we came. I do not care for myself, but unless the children improve more, I think we will not stay more than a week or so longer. It rains nearly every day and is so damp the children cannot play out and is so cool we have fire mornings and evenings and sometimes through the day. We have heard nothing from Philadelphia since Uncle left. I would like to hear how Grandma is and also how Mrs. Martha Grant is. She was to have a "party" (comprenez vous) about the first or middle of this month and I would like much to know it was safely over.

Samuel has improved so much and is a dear, good boy, so little trouble, tho' getting to be a great mischief. Lulu has changed so much you would hardly know her and she is just as sweet as she can be, very energetic, lively and smart. Just now she is under the bed trying to catch a mouse. She and Jennie and Samuel are with me at present. Mag and Sue were here but have gone back to Sharpsburg. That seems to suit them best.

Uncle had Lulu's photograph taken before he left. Did he send any to Bloomington? I was so busy I forgot to remind him of it, but have told Jen to do so if he did not send any. It is pretty good, tho' not as pretty as she. Please write soon and I will be more prompt. Ask as many questions as you please. I will try to answer all if I can. I would be very glad to hear from you before we go back to Philadelphia. Direct to "Care of Sample Campbell, Fayette Street, Allegheny City." And tell me all about yourself.

As ever, Yours

M. B. Campbell

Transcription: Princeton Sept 14, 1865

Dear Pa and all:

I arrived here in safety yesterday, last eve about 10 minutes past eight and found Rob at the Depot. He brought me right up to his father's where I was received with the utmost kindness. Mrs. McMaster says she thinks I can board here or at her Mother's. She says her trouble is that she, Mrs. McM, cannot always get a good girl. I got along first rate, was most fortunate in meeting Jim Foster at Washington. He got out the cars there and I saw him immediately and he came and sat with me and attended to my baggage, tho' I believe Mr. Archer did too. Jim was coming to Princeton so I had company all the way. We had to wait about an hour and a half at the junction. I got along as well as could be. Met Mr. Hunter at the Depot and just think, school don't open till Monday after all. He said nothing was done and school house not ready so he could not commence. I don't feel homesick yet. Mosquitoes are awful here. One has bit me on my eye and it is swelled up. And you know my lip was cut, so one side of my face looks rather badly. Rob is going into a hardware store. The baby is the nicest kind of a little thing. Andrew is better. Ellen Foster's baby is dead. I was so glad to meet Jim. He was so kind to me. I hope Pa got home safely. I was so sorry you waited till the freight. The English company came over the O and Mr. [Toad?] with us.

I wish, Ma, that you would get me one or two gingham aprons. Tho' I don't know either that you need get them until I know whether I'll stay. It will be time enough when Dr. McM goes to B.

I write in great haste and this ink is poor. I expect I haven't said all I want to. I hope you will all keep well. Don't fail to let me know if you get sick, any of you. I feel well, except that the mosquitoes wouldn't let me get enough sleep. Give my best love to all friends. Don't forget to tell Liz goodbye for me. Love to Ma, Pa, Mag, Toph, Brown, and Dory.

In the greatest haste

Most affectionately

Lou

Transcription: Jeffersonville, Ind. September 15th 1865

My dear Friend,

Your kind letter came to me this morning and I shall surprise you by an early reply.

You are greatly mistaken, my friend, in thinking I "do not like early replies" to my letters. I am fond enough of receiving letters but am not at all times so fond of writing them; and of course I cannot ask my friends to write two letters for one of mine. Nor can I expect them to be always prompt when I am so dilatory. I do not like my friends to treat me so much better than I treat them. It places me under obligations I cannot meet. Keeps me all the time a debtor. I have written promptly this time—thinking that while you are among strangers a letter will be more acceptable.

I am heartily glad to hear of your appointment to your present position, and hope that you will be persuaded to hold it longer than you seem at present willing to hold it. Try it longer! You are abundantly qualified for the place and in a short time would wear its responsibilities with perfect ease, perhaps pleasure. Two weeks however will not give you time enough to properly appreciate the enjoyment the position would afford. Try it longer, Wee!

I was sorry to hear of so much sickness in your family. I hope all are well now. We too have all been sick, except Cooper. Flonnie was sick longest and is yet very weak and emaciated.

No ill tidings could have come more unexpectedly than the news of the death of my former teacher and friend Prof Woodburn. I had expected the pleasure of meeting him this fall, for I hope to visit Bloomington this fall or the coming winter at farthest. It will seem strange to me not to meet him. How desolate the death of such a friend makes us feel!

To find all the students strange to me will seem only a matter of course, but to find strangers among the Faculty must bring a feeling of sadness. His successor "pro tem" is a stranger to me. What are his qualifications?

Your suggestion that I should apply for the place sounded strangely to me. You know I never graduated. And since I left College I have paid but little attention to Latin and Greek. If I were qualified for the position, I would seek it, for it would surely be very pleasant. I think Bloomington a desirable place for a home.

I am now engaged as book-keeper at Wm. Guy's furniture store. My duties are light and Mr. Guy is a clever man. I am writing at the store now.

Pa is out of Government service. Campbell is home for vacation until the first Monday in October, and Kate has gone with her husband to Michigan.

Dr. Nutt was in Jeffersonville recently but I did not hear of it until after he had gone.

Give my love to all the family when you write home.

Thanking you for your kindness and wishing you much happiness in your new position, I remain cordially

Your friend

Bruin "Al" Willis

Transcription: Bloomington Sept. 22, 1865

Dear Lou,

Your last letter was received last evening. It did not give me as much pleasure as your first, which in formed us of your safe arrival, and pleasant meeting with friends. You know I did not advocate your going away, tho' not disapproving of it. I thought you would have a rather difficult post to fill and perhaps not very agreeable. I also thought that suffering all this, should you go and struggle through, that it would be good discipline. You now want me to decide as to what you shall do. This you ought to do for yourself. It is not good to do any thing that would indicate want of firmness or stability of character. If you feel that you cannot with credit to yourself and advantage to Mr. H., or that your health is failing, discharge your duties, the sooner you give up the better. But don't let petty or imaginary difficulties lie in your way. It is something to maintain one's standing. Whatever you do I will not be displeased provided you do wrong to nobody.

I know that this letter will not be either satisfactory or consolatory, but I do not know what else to say.

We are all pretty well. Mag has given you all the news. We have many new students. Regards to Dr. McM and family. We expect him and probably now look for you on next Thursday. Jos. McKinley was elected elder last Wednesday Ev. He is now quite sick with the prevailing disease. Mr. Woodburn and Walter are both sick. Mr. Rupert also. The rest of the family have recovered. Ma is up town. I do not know what she would say to what I have written. All send their love

Your affectionate father

T. A. Wylie Miss E. L. M. Wylie Princeton, Ind.

Transcription: Walnut Hills, O. Sept. 29th 1865

My dearest Lou,

I have just a little time now to write you a hurried note. I got your letter of the 23rd from Princeton and thought I would wait till I got time to write a long answer, but it has just occurred to me that you and Mr. Hunter may be wanting to know what I think of going to take your place in the school. Dear Lou, I thought so little of it that I actually forgot I ought to send an answer to the proposition. I cannot be spared at all from home. Fan is not well at all and Ma and I have more to do than we ought to have. You know Lizzie can't do very much when she teaches. My going away from home is altogether out of the question, until I go with someone who can't do without me.

If I wanted to go and teach, I should consider $400 a pretty good salary for the first year. I don't know what to say to you about staying there. We should love very much to have you come and stay some with us, dear Lou, and I feel already somewhat disappointed about your visit. But if you wish to teach and to be doing something and have a place with $400 a year not very far from home and with friends near, I don't see why not keep that place as well as any other. You say you have no confidence in yourself. Teaching awhile would give you confidence more than anything else and Louise, you know you are qualified to teach anything in a school that has Eckley Hunter at its head. I know it if you don't. I don't advise you to teach however. I shouldn't like to do it and I know my courage would fail just where yours does. And it is hard to be away from home, tho' sometimes that does one good too. Dear Anna is a brave good child. I wonder at her. No one knows how much she has to contend with and how patient and persevering and trusting she is. She will have her reward. Liz too is a good girl. She grows all the time in worth and goodness and maturity of thought and feeling. My sisters are uncommon good ones I think. We do have the nicest times here. We enjoy each other so much. I wish you could come and be with us some. We miss Will ever so much though. The students are all back and they are over very often and are a great deal of company for us. Pa is away now attending Synod in Portsmouth. Will go next week to the meeting of the Board in Chicago, then to St. Louis to Synod and indeed he won't be home more than a day at a time for the next month or six weeks. 'Tis a lovely day today. I hope 'tis going to be cooler now and that soon our mosquitoes will be frozen out. Mrs. McFerson and Mary R. are at Urbana visiting now. Tomorrow is Alice's birthday. She will be five and Parke is giving her a party this evening. We are all as well as usual and all send much love to you. Do you think, Lou, Sallie P.M. has gone to Vassar Female College in N.Y. I want to see you so much. Do come here if you don't stay to teach. Thank Mr. Hunter for his offer and say to him I cannot leave home if I were ever so anxious to teach. My best love to you always my own dear Lou. May you be blessed and guided aright.

Your loving Mary

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind.

My Dear Lou

I will try to write you a letter but it has ben so long since I hav written any that I almost forget how to write. Maggie will go with Mr. Small tomorrow if she is better for she was real sick last night. We hav had a good deal of company this evening. I think that I had better stop now so good by

S. B. Wylie

[new sheet] Bloomington, Ind.

My Dear Lou,

I am going to try to write you a letter to tell you how I am. I am well now. We are all well now except Maggie. She is not very well, but I guess she will get well by tomorrow because she is going with Mr. Small to Cincinnati if it is a good day. We have had company this evening. They have been here to see Mr. McMaster. He is going away tomorrow morning. He is going to take this note to you. Brown is trying to write a letter but he makes a blot at every line.

Your Brother

T. A. Wylie

[on the same sheet as above, the following from T.A. senior] Dear Lou,

I received your letter this evening about dark. Have not that book you ask for. So much company has been here that I could not go to the store to see if it could be got. If you can get any book that you need for teaching in P. buy it. And write me and I will send you the price of it. Am glad to hear you are getting on so well. If you keep in good health and don't mind little vexations you will have (I am sure) no difficulty, except the studying. And all you learn will be so much clear gain. Mag has been quite sick to day. She is better now. She wishes to go to C tomorrow, but I fear will not be able. Mr. Blair is sick and Mr. J. McKinley and some others. Dr. McM. will give you the news. Ever since he has been here I and all the rest have been so busy that we had not time to get any thing to send you.

Praying that God will bless you with health and ability for your work, I remain

Your affectionate father

T. A. Wylie

[new sheet] Bloomington Dear Lou,

I will just write a little tonight. We did not have time to make all the things you wanted but got the under bodies and chemise done. I am very sorry indeed but I was so busy that I have nearly worked my self down. Have gone to bed late, slept badly and am up early nearly every night since you left. I was real sick Sabbath and Saturday. I hope my trip to Cincinnati will do me good. I hate to leave home though.

I do miss you at other times besides nights, Lou. I wish you were here now. I do hope I will have a real nice time while I am away. I only wish I felt right well. Five are sick at Mr. Blair's. I guess Prof. Kirkwood will leave and I suppose Ballantine's will take their places. Owen Gillett is well. They all came over to swing the other night. O, I was forgetting to tell you of a visitor we have had since I wrote. Don't think it's any one like Mr. Bradley (have you heard of him, he never wrote to Pa). Well I was sitting in the room talking to Lib and looked up. There stood Louis Sturges at the front door. I got out of the room in a hurry to change my dress. Well he is the same, Louise, has not changed one bit, is as big an ___ goose as ever. Now I come to think of it, I don't know whether he has as much sense as he used to. He asked after Tate, said he wanted to see him. He staid at our house all night and till the next day at car time. Left, got off at Greencastle and went to Lodogo to see Sal McPhitridge and the next day for all he was in such a hurry to get home for the opening of the fair and had left his sister alone he and Sal came back to B. How she could leave her school I don't know. He did not come near our house the last time. He staid two days I believe. We had taken his Mother and little sister down to Nashville the week before he came here. Will Riddell has not been down but two times. The first and second days he came. Its real dry, no fun going on.

I met Mr. Marquis today and he says Kate Tarkington is not fit to teach Music but her old Mother and father got after him so he had to give her a recommendation. Uncle R was up to see [name] not long ago (last week).

Dodds baby is better. All the rest are well. Em commences her school to day.

Arth is better and has got Jim's place in Muncie to keep. His Reg is ordered to be mustered out immediately. I don't know where Jim is going. Alexander's have had 4 boarders but two have left. The two they have are real nice fellows. Mrs. A. has had two very hard chills. I hope we won't get them. I wish I had time to write more. You must write me often while I'm gone. I guess I go Tuesday. I got such a nice new dress. Ma will send you a little piece I guess to see. Mrs. H made it.

My love to Rob McM. Tell him to write to me, that I will write as soon as I can, but not to wait. Josie will be here Tuesday I guess. I don't know but Arth has fallen in love with her. Tell him he had better look out or he will cut him out. Write very often. Love to all Maggie

[new sheet] Monday 10 o'clock Dear Lou They have all gone to bed but I thought I could not let Dr. McM go without writing a few lines to you although my eyes are nearly blinded sewing for Maggie. Poor child, I am afraid she will not be able to go but she is very much better to night. Mrs. Murphy has been here all day helping us and Mag is nearly ready. This evening Mag Dinsmore and her husband came in to get some flowers to make a bouquet for Mat Leonard who is to be married to morrow night to a surgeon in the army. I do not know his name. He fell in love with her while corresponding with her when she was secretary to the S. A. S. Mrs. Hunter made her two very pretty silk dresses. Mag sends her love and a letter. I would not write to night but I must to tell you how pleased I am that you persevere and not give up. I think it is so much better, if you keep well, to stay until Christmas. You can by that time get your name up, so that when you qualify yourself to teach drawing etc. you can do so and have plenty of pupils. Besides that, the money you get will enable you to buy nicer dress than we can now afford when you go in the spring to Cin. It is nonsense to say that is a matter of indifference. It is not. You feel better if you know you are dressed as well as those with whom you associate. Maggie told me to tell you something but I have forgotten what it is and I am so sleepy I can scarcely think of any thing. So I must say good night, dear Lou. May God bless and keep you is the prayer of your mother R.D. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington Oct. 7th 1865

My dear Lou,

You must feel very anxious to hear from home I know. Maggie, I am glad to say is much better. The Dr has resigned her to me, as he does not think she needs any thing more than good nursing. I have just finished washing her and combing her hair and she is eating her breakfast.

I am sorry I have not as good news to tell you of poor Jane. Maggie wrote you I had been sent for at 2 o'clock that morning. When I got out I found her insensible, in which state she remained until between 8 and 9 o'clock next morning when she breathed her last.

Late Saturday evening she went to the orchard and gathered a basket and carpet sack full of apples. On Sabbath was at church in her usual health. On Monday she rode with Sam who was hauling a load of wood, as far as the brick kiln where she got off and walked out to the Dunn place to see Mrs. Binckley and from there to Dodds' where she seemed better and more cheerful than usual. Did not feel quite well that night. Lizzy and she had a long talk that night neither thinking an end was so near. She expressed her firm belief in the truths of revelation, her faith in her Savior and her sorrow in not having served him better. On Tuesday Mrs. Binckley was out there and spent the day. She complained of chilliness but was up and even went to the dinner table. Towards night she got worse, but would not let Liz sleep with her or send for the Dr. About 10 o'clock Liz was awakened by her groans and hard breathing, went in her room and found her very bad. Sent for the Dr. When he got there about 12 she knew him and although she could not speak very distinctly, she tried to tell him what she had eaten and where her pain was, but he said he could not make out what she said. She asked him to pray, which he did. She then tried to pray herself and while so doing seemed to loose all consciousness and remained so until her spirit went to that God who gave it. Dear Lou, remember that for her death was gain. Her life in all probability would have been one of rain and distress. She left no husband or children, Mother or Father to mourn her loss. Her brothers and sisters married and families to care for, excepting Reddick who, I am afraid is thinking too much of making money. Mr. Bishop is away at Chicago so your Papa preached the funeral. His subject was patient in suffering. He gave us a very good discourse. She left her personal property to Mrs. Martin as she said she was the most needy.

I am afraid Brown is having the chills again but they are very slight and I am giving him medicine for it. Jenny Mitchell is very sick. They say she is nothing but skin and bones, her face no larger than Fanny Chase's. Julia Marshal was married yesterday at Mrs. Howe's, no persons invited but the connections. The carriages were waiting to take them to the depot, I suppose, as we passed by. Such is life, one marrying, another dying. Good bye dear Lou. Do not grieve for Jennie, she is far, far happier with her Saviour than she ever was here. We are all in his hands. May we submit to his will and ever feel that He doeth all things well. May God bless and keep you is the prayer of your

Affectionate Mother

R. D. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington Oct 9th 1865

Dear Lou

Your Ma wrote you about the sad events of last week. It has been a very hard one on me. Mag, who was just on the point of starting to Cincinnati with Mr. Small on Tuesday P.M. has been quite sick since. On Saturday she got out of bed, and today seems nearly well. The Dr seemed to think that her disease was rather a relic of the dysentery. Yesterday Mrs. Widow Small fainted in church and was taken very ill. It happened just about the close of the sermon. Mr. Dinsmore took her home in his carriage, Martha and I accompanying. We left her somewhat better. Mr. Blair is also better and Mr. McKinley I think will soon be well. We never had so much sickness among our friends. We have reason to be thankful that so many are recovering. I feel anxious about your health. Don't get blue. Take school troubles easily. I hope Mr. Hunter is getting better. Mr. Dinsmore intended starting tomorrow for Presbytery, expecting to meet Dr. McM at Vincennes, but he is in a quandary. Dr. McMaster wrote me that Presbytery would meet on the 11th next Wednesday. The banner, in two numbers, has published it the third Wednesday, that is Wed. after next. We have some hopes that Dr. McM having seen the notice will send word to day. Unless word come I do not think Mr. D. will go.

We are all well now except Mag, who is the next thing to it. I write only for the sake of telling you so. All send their love. Remember us all to Dr. McM and family.

Your affectionate father

T. A. Wylie Miss E. L. M Wylie, Princeton, Ind.

Transcription: Princeton, Oct. 13, 1865

My dear Brown: I believe I promised you the next letter and I will begin the letter today although I do not expect to send it till Monday, when Mrs. Hunter goes. This is a dark gloomy day. it seems too cold to rain. Dr. and Mrs. McMaster are just starting to the Fair Grounds. Rob is down there and he is going to bring the buggy back for me. I told him I would walk, but he was determined I should ride. I walked down yesterday, and walked back. I don't think it is a very long walk. They are going to give the premiums today and then they will have some racing. I don't know whether it is to be regular racing or not, but it is something of the kind. I do not think the display was very fine. There was one oil painting, which made me laugh to see. The greatest daub I ever looked at I think. There were some very large pumpkins & beets. a few nice Irish and sweet potatoes, some nice Boston squashes. Some other vegetables. Some very nice looking preserves, canned fruit, and jellies. Very few articles of ladies manufacture, and some nice carriages. Well I can't tell all the things, but it was not so good a fair as I had expected. I saw two B. boys there and one girl. The girl was Mary Archer, the boys were Eugene Turner and Jim Dunning. I don't know who Jim D. is visiting here. he was with a girl who lives in town. As I was not acquainted with any of them I did not speak. I hear the band playing now. I suppose they are just going out to the grounds. How I wish I was home today. I expect I will move over to Mrs. Stern's next week. Mrs. Mc M. cannot get a girl and I want to go where I can fix for the winter. I hope you are not having any more chills, and I hope none of the rest are sick. I wish I could hear from home every day, but if any thing should be the matter I know some of you would write immediately. I have not heard from Mr. Hunter since day before yesterday, but I hope he is still getting better. I don't want the care of the school any longer. But goodbye for this time. I expect Rob will be here in a little while. Goodbye, dear Brown & all Lou

[on back page, the following] Sat. night Dear Brown, I went to the Fair and sat about five hours to see the racing. They were so slow. I got tired enough waiting. One man was thrown from a buggy, but I don't think he was hurt much. The buggy was broken to pieces. It wasn't real racing--one horse went a mile in 2 min. 31 sec. I nearly forgot to tell you about the big pear Dr. McM raised. it weighed a pound. It was the only one on the tree was very good tasted --is called the Duchess d'Angouleme

But I must stop. I guess every body else is in bed. I want to write a little to Ma tonight. I know she is not in bed yet. It is after 9 o'clk but we get up as early here. Goodnight dear Brown with love to all. As ever your dear sister Lou

Transcription: Princeton, Oct. 14, 1865

My dear Mother:

I hoped for and expected a letter tonight but it did not come. I have felt somewhat homesick all day but I don't get so terribly blue now as I used to when I left home first for Glendale. I suppose I am getting hardened. I certainly do not love my home less, but on the contrary look forward even more eagerly to the time when I shall return to you all, if indeed I shall be spared to meet you all. My home never seemed dearer to me than now, nor its attractions greater. I suppose I will commence school next week and will have no more holidays until Christmas, unless it is Fast day and Thanksgiving day. Or it may be some sick days, but I hope not the latter. I do not like to think of being sick away from home and hope I shall get through without anything of the kind.

I am beginning now to feel the effects of leaving home in such a hurry. My cold weather clothes are not fixed and I do so hate the bother of [suiting?] myself. One thing certain, I'll have to have a new dress soon and had better be looking after it. I don't know what to get but will try to get something serviceable. If I don't go out any more than I have, I shant need any nice dress. I can tell better about that tho' in a few weeks, and if Mag goes to Cinti I may trouble her to look me up a pretty dress. I had more written here but concluded not to send it--

Transcription: Princeton Oct. 16, 1865 Monday morning early

My dear Ma:

I wrote last Sat. night some thing about you're getting a bonnet fixed for me. But I have concluded to send to Parke to get me one. & I think it will do me for a while any how. It is now quite early, hardly light enough for me to see to write. Won't I be an early riser when I get home? I expect I will go to Mrs. Sterne's to board this week. Rob wants me to go somewhere else, but I think I will get along very well. it may be lonely, but I shan't have much time to be lonesome. Mrs. S. seems like a very kind old lady. And besides, I haven't got so very much time to stay now. Eight weeks from Wednesday. I wish Ma, if you can you would fix the things I wanted and send to me as soon as possible. I need the waist so much. Hire anything done if need be, and I expect you haven't the time to do it, and I will pay for it. I want you to send me the canton flannel drawers only one pair is fit to send. Have another pair made & don't forget the flannel skirt and have my black dress fixed. Send down by express & you needn't pay expressage. And send me those white woolen undersleeves Mag made me if you can find them. I want them to wear under school sleeves.

I would write ever so much more but haven't time. Write to me soon I want to hear often from home. I hope you are all well. Do not wait too long if any one gets sick before you send for me. Be sure you send in time. I suppose Mr. Hunter will be at school today. Andrew MM goes to Pittsburgh to day. When does Mag go to C? Tell her to write me. I hope for a letter tonight. I expect it will be a little extravagant in me to send to C. for a bonnet, but I can be better suited that way and I suppose I might as well suit myself.

Goodbye dear Ma. Write often. Love to Pa, Mag, Toph, Brown, Dory. Tell the children to write. How do they get on at school? I don't want to come back here after Christmas. Goodbye again my dearest Ma. Your loving daughter

Lou I am at school now. Mrs. H. goes this morn. How I wish I was going with her. I feel about as homesick this morn as I have done yet. How are you all at home.

Transcription: Bloomington Oct 16, 1865

My dear Lou

Maggie has got off at last and I can now attend to some thing else. I have been sewing for and nursing her ever since you left, have not had time to make a single thing for the little boys. I commenced your black alpaca waist last week and can soon finish it. I wish I knew how you wanted the sleeves made. Maggie had her purple sleeves made [sketch] so fashion and braided with cord. I think I will make yours wider at the hand and corded with black and white cord like one Mrs. Small's cousin had on the other day. Have you any flannel petticoat with you? We searched the house for your [one word] fine homemade one but could not find it. I wish you would make out a list of what you want and I will send them as soon as possible. I forgot all about the pincushion. Mr. McM had his carpet sack so full that I only sent what I thought you needed the most. Mr. McCalla has a very fine piece of Mulberry color Alpaca. Would you like a dress of it and if so tell me how you would like it made, with one or two points in the back? That is the way they wear them. Mag's look beautifully. Her brown silk with one and her red with two points. Mag took your coloured bonnet and had it trimmed with her red velvet and black ribbon. It looked beautifully. Mrs. McC will fix your velvet when she returns. Now I will stop about dress and answer your questions. We have not had frost enough to injure any thing yet. Last night was the hardest. I have taken up your Fuchsia and Oleander and Coral plant. We have some 4 nice potato pumpkins and 1 large marrow squash. We have nearly all the apples gathered. Today we gathered 10 bushels of Rambo apples and last week about 15 lb of Bellefleur and pippins. Tomorrow we want to finish the Rambo's but it is wash day and I expect I will have enough to do to cook and finish my apple butter etc. Ans. To Ques. 2. Will Riddle boards at Mrs. Woodburn's and rooms at McGee. His Mother and sister were here on a visit last week. They took tea with us. Mrs. R is very anxious for me to take the boys the 1st November as she is not satisfied with them boarding at one place and eating at another, but I am inclined to think they would rather be up town. Ans. 3. Mrs. Murphy has no boarders. Henry Rowan and 4 other boys room there. Mrs. T. Kenney rents the kitchen and front room. She says she makes more renting out her rooms than she could by taking boarders. The boys pay five dollars a week and Mrs. K 6 dol a month, so she clears 28 dol a month.

Mr. Geo. Sheets has bought his brother's house and furniture as Mr. David is going to move to Indianapolis. Bloomington is too contracted a sphere for her now she has been to Terre Haute to spend the summer. Mrs. McC and Mollie H are expected here this week. Report says [Boky?] was horse whipped by the celebrated Mrs. Jane Adams. I have not heard of Belle having any new admirers.

Last Monday night just as we had finished supper, Mrs. Tuley's girl came over and told us Mrs. Johnson had sent word that little Lizzy was dying and wished us to come out. So Papa and myself got ready immediately and walked out. We found her very ill with the croup, too far gone to notice any person. We staid till 10 o'clock and as there were several there and we could do no good and your Pa was tired and had a great deal to do, we left. She died at 2 o'clock. We got a buggy and went out to the funeral but they had started before we got there. Mr. McKinley is better. Brown has not had the chills for a week or two. You never told me how your under body fitted you. Do you want the body of your black dress or only the skirt? If Alex T does not come I will send your things by express. It is late and I am sleepy and tired. If I have time I will write more tomorrow. Good night.

Your Mother

R. D. W. Wed. The children did not take this yesterday. All pretty well. Write immediately and let me know about your clothes, especially your bombazine body. It is raining and has been for two days. The boys are crazy to go to see the Circus come in. When I send your things I will send some apples. I am afraid you will want your body before [March?] C. can fix your bonnet. What had I best do. Toph is most ready to go. Good bye, Your loving Mother, RDW Brown is indignant that you did not direct your last to him.

[From Brown:] Bloomington, Ind.

My Dear Lou,

I got your letter this evening and was verry glad to hear from you. We are all well and Mag is better but she has had the dumb ague. Pa is going to get us a cart like Willie Small's. I whish that you would come home soon. I am sorry to tell you that Pa and Ma were sent for the other evening to come down to Mr. Johnston to see Lizzie for she was not expected to live and the next morning she was dead. She died with the croup. I am getting along verry well at school just now. I think that I had better stop now.

S. B. Wylie

Transcription: New York Oct. 31st 1865

My dear Louise,

I was very glad to receive your kind letter and thank you for remembering me in the midst of your many occupations. We were rather surprised to hear that you are teaching. I have no doubt you will be successful although you seem to have a very humble opinion of yourself and your abilities. Do not be discouraged, and I do not doubt that you will like your work better after you have had a longer trial of it. There is a great deal in getting used to a thing you know.

If I remember right, I last wrote you some time in the last of the summer. Perhaps you would like to know what I have been doing since.

Father, Lizzie and I took a delightful trip to the White Mountains, leaving N.Y. Aug 30th and returning Sept. 9th during which time we saw all the lovely scenery in the mountains, besides stopping a night in Boston, Portland, Bellow's Falls and over Sabbath, at Brattleboro Vt. It was the first holiday that Father has had in two years and I think it did him good.

After remaining at home for a fortnight, Lizzie and I went to visit our Aunt who hired a place near Fishkill for the summer. There we remained for ten days, when we returned home for the winter. I must tell you that Lizzie and I have been housekeepers for nearly four months. Grandma went to Fishkill in July and was detained there by Aunty's illness and although they all returned to town, two weeks since, Grandma still remains with Aunty in 19th St. as she is still unable to be up, except for a few moments at a time. I do not remember whether you saw Mrs. Paton or not when you were here. She is Grandma's only daughter and the only [one word] aunt that we have so you may imagine that she is very dear to all of us and her continued weakness makes us anxious.

Last evening closed the services of our Communion which have been very interesting and instructive. Rev. A. G. Wylie from Duanesburgh and Chaplain Stewart assisted the Doctor. Both are excellent preachers though each has his own style and their sermons were very interesting. I do like the communion services in our church. They seem to give the sacrament a fitting solemnity, although sometimes they are rather protracted. Lizzie and I joined the church just a year ago. I hope that we were more than nominal professors.

Dr. McLeod's family is still at West Chester. The Dr always stays with us over Sabbath and we often see Mrs. McLeod and Susie. They are all well now. Whether they will remove to the city this winter is uncertain. It depends upon their getting a house which is at present a very hard thing to do. The Seminary opens tomorrow and Dr. McLeod will then go on to Philadelphia.

I hope we will have the pleasure of seeing you in New York again soon.

Maybe you would like the names of two or three pretty pieces of music as I know you sing. "Pleasant Memories," "Beautiful Dreamer," "Santa Lucia." The last is arranged very prettily for the piano also.

Father sends his kind regards to you. Lizzie and I send much love.

Affectionately,

Your cousin

Annie Agnew

Transcription: Bloomington Nov. 2nd 1865 Dear Lou, We received a short letter from you yesterday but I found Dory's letter which he wrote last week & thought I would send it and write a little more. Perhaps you may get it by Saturday and it may prevent you from getting homesick. I am glad your things fitted you if your dress is too long only make it short in front as far as the side. Leave the back as it is that is the way they wear them now. Mary Riddle had hers made so short in front that Will declared he would not walk down street with her but she said, it was the fashion, and a new dress. The McKinley's have been here to day with their large saw sawing up those large trees. I think we will have wood enough to do us this winter. This evening Pa took up that large fish geranium for me. I had intended to let Jack Frost have it, but it was so large & full of buds that I could not resist taking it in. I cannot find the Calla in your flower bed. I thought you set it out last Spring. I have taken up the Safranna Rose from there. The verbenas are not blooming & I can scarcely recollect the colours but I think I have taken some of all colors. We made 1/2 barrel of cider last week and nearly the 2 jugsful besides. & then I made apple butter, apple marmalade & most delightful apple jelly, so you see, you can have something good when you come home. I never had better success. Butter & eggs are very scarce here. We make nearly enough butter to do us, but we cannot get eggs enough to clear the coffee. Every thing goes on as usual. We sit up as late as ever, I just now asked Pa what time & he says eleven. I suppose you are sound asleep by this time, but you know we make up in the morning. This morning it was half past seven when I got up. It is a bad habit, but I suppose so it must be. Brown has still the chills, poor little fellow. I expect he will have to take quinine. Mr. & Mrs. Blair & Mr. Russels are getting well. Mr J. McK. & Mrs. Bratney are dead. Mr R. Small is sometimes very bad & then is about again, but I suppose cannot recover. Pa got a very good letter from Andrew Wylie. We have not heard from Maggie this week. I suppose she is so busy she cannot write often but she ought to, at least once a week. I thought I would write to her to night, but it is too late now. Alex Small was here to day & I have sent your sacque & scarf by him. I also put a piece of the black Alpaca in it for you to make your waist larger if it needed. Short sacques are worn but I have no pattern or I would make you one. I want your Pa to finish this letter but he has not time to night I think I must stop as I am sleepy. We have had two letters from Uncle The but no mention in either of them of the wife. I suppose he must have brought her home. Good night dear Lou. God bless you. Your affectionate Mother R. D. Wylie

[the following note from Dory in same envelope] Bloomington

Dear Lou, I am going to try and write you a letter with Mama's help. There is going to be a show here to day. The boys are going to get excused from school early to see it come in. I have a little sore throat and Ma kept me at home because it is raining. Now Lou, I am going to send you a riddle. See if you can guess it & send me an answer in your next letter As high as a house As low as a mouse As green as grass As black as ink

I was playing with Gran just now and he fell over & made such queer faces that I got frightened & called Ma but is he better now. I must stop now for my hand is getting tired. Your affectionate brother Dory

Transcription: Philadelphia Nov 8th, 1865

My dear Louisa

I owe you a great many apologies for having left your kind letter so long unanswered. Indeed I can hardly realize that six months have passed away since I received it, but I find referring to your letter that it is really so, much as I dislike to acknowledge it. But I think I can best atone for my past neglect by sending you an abridged account of the many strange things that have happened since you last heard from me.

Doubtless you have long ere this heard of your uncle's marriage to Miss Jessie Grant. He reached home about a month ago, and is looking better and stouter than he has looked for a long time past. His bride looks quite happy in her new capacity as a minister's wife and I hope she will be able to discharge all the duties of her responsible position to the satisfaction of all. No very light task if I may be entitled to judge, from my slight experience of human nature. The children are all home now and look well with the exception of Maggie who looks very pale at present. Jennie was sick for two days last week and was unable to attend church last Sabbath on account of feeling unwell, but her Father who called in to see us for a few minutes last evening says she is now quite well again.

Dr. Wylie is anxious to move into the city if he can find a house to suit him but I fear it will be some time before he gets one for all the houses that are for sale now bring such enormous prices that it is difficult to obtain one anywhere at a moderate sum. I do hope he will succeed in obtaining one however for it would be so much pleasanter both for his family and congregation if he lived nearer the church.

Miss Campbell is now here. She came home with the children and is spending a few weeks at your Uncle's helping Mrs. Wylie to get the children's clothes ready for the Winter. I met her at Mrs. McBride's last Monday evening where we were spending the evening. She is very well this Winter. We also have had an addition to our family since I last wrote. I say our family for I have always looked upon Martha as a sister, and indeed she is as dear to all of us as any sister could be. Well this important personage is Miss Nelly Grant the dearest and smartest little baby I ever saw. She is only three months old and notices things already. She is the image of her mother almost every body says though I cannot see much resemblance between them. I do wish you could see our little Nelly and I am sure would not think I had said too much in praise of her.

Today the weather is exceedingly cold and Jack Frost paid us his first visit last night. This morning when on my way to market I noticed ice upon the pavements where water had been left the night before. I really must say I felt sorry to see it for I dread the cold of winter. Though for many other reasons I enjoy that season. Christmas is fast approaching now and I have so many things to make, or rather that I would like to make before then that I will be kept pretty busy for these next few weeks. I suppose you too are beginning to prepare for that great festive day, or do you not celebrate Christmas as we do here out in your Western home? But I must not forget to tell you who has been getting married lately. I suppose you have heard of Mr. Dixon a student in our seminary or rather he was some time ago. I do not know whether he still is one or not. Well, I really thought he was one man who would find difficulty in marrying a wife but he came to church last Sabbath morning and brought his bride, a very young and very pretty looking young girl with him. I think she must have a great admiration for soft men when she consented to marry him, which of all things I most thoroughly despise. But variety is the spice of life and tastes differ as well as every thing else and perhaps it is better that this should be so.

Another person lately married is Mr. Robert Black, David's father. He also had his bride at church last Sabbath for the first time. But I am afraid I have tired you out already with this dry and uninteresting letter. If I have you must please excuse me for though I intended to write but a short letter when I sat down. I had so much to tell you that it occupied more room than I had anticipated. But I hope you will accept of it as some poor expression of my sorrow for past neglect of you and will delight me by sending an early reply for I long to hear from you all and to know what you have been doing with yourself all summer. And now good bye. Mother and the children unite with me in sending you a great deal of love and with a large bundle of said article from myself, I remain,

Ever your true friend

Maggie W. Faires

Transcription: Bloomington Nov 13th 1865

Dear Lou

I wrote you late last week and would not write so soon but a letter came for you this evening and we thought we had best enclose it to you so I thought I would write a few lines. I had a letter from Maggy tonight. She thinks she will leave tomorrow (Tuesday) and come by Louisville. She says she would like very much to go to Princeton and see you but she thinks she will not. I am glad she is coming home. I begin to get lonely. In six weeks I hope you will be home. Brown is the Editor of the school paper and he has been busy tonight writing his editorial. He is a dear little fellow. Toph and Dory are real mischiefs. I often get out of patience with them. Tuesday. I had to stop writing last night. Pa had been to College with Prof R and the boys watching for meteors and returned as I was writing and told me how late it was. I have been out this morning planting some tulips Mrs. Bishop sent to me. I got six dozen eggs the other day at 20 cts a doz so you see I can send you more cakes if I get the chance. I wish you had some of our nice cider. It is just in prime order. I want to put some sulpher in it this afternoon as I think that is the best and healthiest way of keeping it. What splendid weather for Nov. The plum trees have some blossoms on them. Dinner is ready and I must stop, but I will send this to you by today's mail. Take care of yourself and come home as soon as you can. But I suppose I need not tell you that. Your affectionate Mother R.D. Wylie

Transcription: Muncie Indiana November 15 1865 My Dear Lou I feel real tired and lonesome & sick to night and I thought if I would write you a letter it might reach you when you might possibly feel so too and that it might help a little to cheer you up again. I judged the effect it might have upon you by what I knew would be the effect of receiving one from you on me. Well, Sister, It has been sometime since I attempted to write you but remember and believe it no very long period passes without your being called up in my mind & I wish you all the happiness which falls to our lot. I often feel ashamed of my meanness to you at many times and feel that I have no such feeling toward you as my acts have often indicated nor had I then. But I have naturally a very mean ugly manner worse I hope sometimes than my heart for which however I have no commendation. I would like to see you to night and take a long talk. I feel so much the want of some such a one to visit at times. I am living very [hovel?] here. Go in Society none Am in fact alone. Si is going to School here Started this week. He and I & another fellow are boarding our selves Sappenfield fashion. It's[hovel ?] but it is all I can do. I am not doing anything towards a livelihood & no prospect. I am in the office with Count Recorder who was a Schoolmate at Moravia. Cooper is his name. He has but one leg. Gets on well though with a [cover?]. I wrote Margie to day. Heard from her last Thursday. Don't you think She has a dour future Lou? I pity her I believe. I am so afraid she does not know how complete a cipher I am. I did hope when I first knew her to accomplish something worthy of her. I had high hopes or I should have remained [Watie? Ibatie? Hatie?] My health is gone & I fear irrecoverably That is among the greatest discouragements. Lou you get her to see the truth concerning me. O Shaw. I must stop this. But I think of it too much. I hope you are having a pleasant time and get plenty of nice good letters.

We had a great murder treat here last week. The man was acquitted according to the public feeling also. A great many are getting divorces. One man & woman 50 or 60 years old. So it goes. O yes Louise I got my discharge yesterday. That is one good thing for me.

There are some right nice young men here. Mr Richardson Price Sheets is. He is an Eastern man. Graduated last year at Amherst. He has 350 scholars this term. I am but little acquainted with him. I almost wish at times I had never heard tell of law. It's slow & hard. So many of influence to push back. I like Judge Marck very much. He is on work every case. I should like to write you a better letter Lou as I write so seldom but I must confess with Shame I cam not content to the task. I see Benchles girls occasionally. Give Rob my respects & tell him to come & see Josie. I saw her yesterday from the window on the street & she looked so fine. Well Lou, if you get time to spare & would favor me with a letter it would be thankfully received. I assure you though I don't deserve it. Yours with [?] Arth What of your correspondent at Ind's

Transcription: Bloomington Nov 29th 1865

Dear Lou,

I did not write to you last week because Mag did and I thought I would wait until now. She got your letter yesterday and I feel quite uneasy about your being sick. It is very strange but both your Pa and Maggie have had an attack of the same disease. Pa was very hoarse, but was able to go to College all the time, but Mag's attack was more violent. She is just getting over it. I have just returned from prayer meeting. We had a very nice time. Pa took for his subject "Hallowed be Thy name." He made some excellent remarks. The young folks staid after for singing. It is very cold to night. I am afraid we are going to have winter. We met Mr. Bupel as we were coming from church. He has bought a farm of 250 acres from Pap Campbel. Was to have moved to day but it was too cold. I hope he has made a good bargain but I doubt. Mr. Magee engaged board here for Henry Rowan but that young gentleman did not come as he concluded to stay where he is, at Mrs. Murphy! I wish when you write to Mr. M. you would tell him as I would not wish him to think it was our fault. We like Elias so much. Brown rooms with him. They get along finely but I am afraid there is not much studying done. The children all wish for you home very frequently. It will not be long now, only twenty four days. You ask if we are willing for you to go back another session. I answer No, without you are very anxious to go. Your Pa, you know, never wanted you to go, so he thinks you have been away long enough. Besides it is probable that it will be Maggie Wylie last winter at home and I think you would like to be together. Tomorrow we are going to alter Mag's cloak to a coat. Quite a job. I am afraid I had almost forgotten to tell you about the apples. I am sorry I cannot send Dr. McMaster any but the best are all gone and those that we have are not worth sending. Besides we have not many left. I wish you were here to get some of the good molasses candy we are eating now. We have such splendid nuts to put in it. The boys brought down a bushel of hickory nuts yesterday and I think we can keep some for you. Upon Mag's recommendation we have sent to Cincinnati for some delicious syrup and Sutherland is to get us some buckwheat. Oh I wish you would bring me a cake of Erasive Soap like that Dr. McMaster had with him here. I can not get any here. Mrs. McDermott the Dr's wife is here on a visit. She seems a very pleasant woman. I must have her to tea this week. How I wish you could be here Thanksgiving. Pa has come in to have worship so I must soon stop. I am glad to hear you are enjoying yourself. I want you to write us soon as you get this if only a few lines as I feel anxious about your health. Good night dear Lou. May the Lord thee keep this night and forever is the prayer of your

Loving Mother

R.D. Wylie Pa sends love and says if you are anxious to teach another session he won't object but he would rather have you home. Do as you please. You know there is no necessity for your teaching and after paying board there is so little left that it does not compensate for the anxiety of being away.

Transcription: Philadelphia Thursday, Dec 10, 1865

My very dear Ma,

I had been thinking of you all a great deal this morn and as Rosanna, the girl, was setting the table I got talking about the many peaches you had put up and before dinner was ready, a box came from home containing the very thing I was talking about. Oh, you are all too good. You don't know what a fuss the children made over the pop corn and all said they had never seen such large hickory nuts as the seven or eight that some dear hand had put in. Beech nuts they had never seen before. Thank you, thank you, very much for all. Only in one thing I was very much disappointed, there was no letter, but I certainly think one will come tomorrow, for you would send one with this.

I haven't time to write but a little as it is nearly dark and I expect to go to hear John R. Gough on "Peculiar People," tonight. Dinner was ready by the time the box was opened and after dinner we unpacked it. Then I cleared up the litter and went upstairs to dress and when I finished I came to write to you. I want them to open some of the good things tonight. I suppose you wanted Grandma D. to have some.

I just sent a letter to Mag yesterday having kept it a day or two for that pho. I got the pho this morn and will send it in this. Dear Ma it is so late. I can no longer see, so I will stop for this evening. Now you are all gathering round the fire and perhaps talking of me, or it may be that Pa and the boys are getting in the wood. Talk and think of me often as you sit before the fire in the twilight. I grudge every day spent away from home and it seems a long while till spring.

Yours lovingly

Lou [Continued on the same sheet:] Sat. morn. I was very much disappointed in receiving no letter yesterday and still more so that none came this morn. I know I oughtn't to complain for I didn't write home one week. Still I thought I should hear today. I went night before last to hear Gough and was very much delighted with the lecture. He described all kinds of peculiar people and the peculiarities of all people. His imitative powers are so good, he carries his audience with him and you do not like to lose a word. The house was full, every seat taken, and many stood. Mr. Stuart introduced him.

Last night I took tea at Dr. McLeod's. I suppose Pa remembers him as he remembers Pa very well. He is now Chaplain in a hospital in Wilmington Del. Has a daughter grown, Miss Sophy, and four little children by his second wife who was a Miss Fenwick. He is a cousin of Uncle John's. We had a very nice tea. Oysters stewed and fried, splendid large ones they were too. Olive and tomato pickle, bread, rusks and crackers, canned peaches and mixed cake, tea and coffee. Not such a full table as we set but plenty. And just before we left we had cakes and ice cream, a pyramid of different kinds, vanilla, chocolate and strawberry and orange water ice, all in one pyramid. The bottom layer of chocolate, next orange, strawberry, and vanilla. It was very nice. You know I like nothing better than ice cream and oysters. It seems to be the fashion here to have refreshments in addition to supper. Only Aunt Jane, Jenny, Uncle The and myself were there. It was so unpleasant that Aunty could not go out.

Uncle The had a letter from Uncle McL. who says the Doctors have decided that Wylie has the typhoid. They are much distressed about him, but he is not in immediate danger. Susy is sick too and they have taken Wylie's little babe to keep so that his wife can stay with him. He is at the office.

You will see in the Banner a list of the prices of Wheeler and Wilson's machine and also that Ministers get them at reduced prices. Can't you afford to get one now? I do wish you could. It would be such a help to you. And that carpet, I never have seen anything about it, for the little room. I mean I don't know whether I could get one now. I think Uncle said he had got sixty dollars from Mrs. Smith. I suppose he wrote Pa about it and perhaps if I want any money I had better get of that. He told me to get from him, but I haven't had occasion to draw any yet. However Christmas is coming and I'll have to get some gifts. I think I'll make a [froting? Footing?] collar for Aunty, and I hardly know what for the others. I guess, dear Ma, I'll write a little to Mag on the other sheet. Give my best love to all. Oh, I do want to see you all so much. Kiss the dear children for me and do not forget your child

Lou It is so warm and pleasant to day, Monday, that I am sitting in my room writing. But I must hurry down and dust the parlor as I didn't do it this morn. And Mrs. Milligan came in. Jennie wants to go to get Christmas gifts and I want to go with her. Do write, Ma. I feel so disappointed that I am almost sick for a letter. Love to all

Transcription: Philadelphia, Penn Monday night Dec. 21, 1865

My dear Ma,

Uncle The and Aunt Jane and Janey have just left for Pittsburgh and I have just a few minutes in which to commence a letter to you. I received your most welcome letter last Wed. upon my return from Fort Delaware, it having come Tuesday after we left. We had a most pleasant visit to the Fort. Our cousin, Lieut. John Black was exceedingly kind and took us all over the fort. We looked into the Barracks and saw many of the rebel prisoners of whom there are three thousand there now. For one thing I was very sorry. I had forgotten until I got down there about Mary B's cousins being there. Just before I left I asked if there was a prisoner there from Va. by the name of Morton and they said yes, and one of the men went out to look for him. I had to leave before he came back and I did not say anything more about it. I thought maybe he wouldn't want to see a stranger, but I was sorry I did not get Uncle The to go to see him. The General gave orders that the boat should not return to New Castle were we took the cars so we were forced to stay all night and as there were no accommodations for ladies, tho' Lieut. B has a splendid room, we were obliged to go over to Delaware City. And accordingly, much to Aunt Jane's terror and dismay, we got into a little skiff filled with workmen from the Fort and were rowed over to Del. City. And it was a pleasant ride tho' very cold. The moon was shining and the motion was so easy that we enjoyed it very much. We staid in that City of 1400 souls all night and the next morning started in the steamer Major Reynolds for Philadelphia. When we arrived at 2 o'clock we saw the rebel [ram?] Atlanta and a monitor down at the wharf. Altogether we enjoyed ourselves, tho' seeing a woman who had just recovered from the small pox on board the boat, brought a return of the olden fear.

But I'll have to suspend operations for the night for all have gone up stairs but the girl and myself. I would not have waited so long to write if I hadn't expected another letter. But I'll try to send this tomorrow anyhow. I get tired waiting for letters for then they never come. We are going to have a Christmas tree. I have had to get some little gift for every one and as there are thirteen to get for, even the least you can get amounts to more than I cared to spend but, I wanted to give all a little token tomorrow. I hope to write more. So good night my dearest mother. Forget not your

Lou

Tuesday morn. No letter. Why is it that my letters are always behind hand? Maybe I'll get one tomorrow. I always prefer getting a letter and writing immediately but we "can't always have our rathers" so I'll submit, because I have to.

I have to go into town this morning much against my will. I went in yesterday and took Maggie with me and she lost or left at the store Jennie's muff and I have to go and look after it. I hoped to stay at home the rest of the week and especially today as there is a slight snow on the ground and it is very cold. Now I am hearing the children and writing while they study. I went to see about getting your fur fixed last week and the man said he would put the tabs to it and fix it round the neck for $1.50 and said it wasn't worth relining. Said it was cat skin, so we need not flatter ourselves longer that it is Siberian Squirrel, of which a great deal is now here and which is more of a bluish gray and quite a pretty fur I think. The lowest they ask for the Victoria alone is $10-$16 or $20, for cape and muff and of course you can go as much higher as you want. I want to take the fur in this week and would like to send it to you as I know you will need it. I felt very comfortable last Sab. Give my very best love to all. I was so angry when I read in your letter about the treatment our room is getting tho, I just wished I could fly home and give all a talking to. I told Mag if she found they were dirty and destructive to take the carpet up and take our bedstead out. I am very sorry to hear of it being broken and I hope you will take it out. It is too bad. I thought Arthur had had one lesson about that at Mrs. M's and would be more careful. I just wouldn't keep such fellows.

Transcription: Walnut Hills Jan 25th 1866

Dear Lou,

I received your letter and money, but no sample of your dress and am afraid to get trimmings for fear the color will not suit. Lizzie B. is no better, not able to raise her head. They are very uneasy about her. Please send me immediately a little scrap of your dress and I will get your trimmings. Love to all, in great haste,

Your true friend

Parke

Transcription: Bloomington March 26, 1866

Dear Lou,

It is pretty late to begin a letter but perhaps I may get time to finish one to night or if not I can in time for you to get it by Saturday, your homesick day. We all have been dreadfully cold tonight. It was announced in the papers that Mr. Walker of Aurora was to address both societies, that he was a great speaker etc. etc. so after some persuasion I went. When we got in the chapel we found it very badly lighted and every thing seemed neglected. Soon Miller entered with an old and queer looking gentleman and took his place on the rostrum. No chaplain, no badges, no students to march. Mr. Walker got up and gave us a speech on the fine Arts, Dixie, Colleges, & Female education. Such a hodge podge you never listened to. I soon came to the conclusion he was either intoxicated or crazy. Your Papa came up and told me he was crack brained. After listening nearly an hour I came home but came to the conclusion I had better have staid at home and written to you.

Dory and Maggie have written before but I have been so busy sewing trying to get Mag's clothes finished. I have all her under clothes made but two night gowns, three shirts and finishing off two chemises. I think I have been very industrious since you left. I have done a great deal of sewing. Every thing that I have made has had a great deal of work on. This week I must stop and make the boys a pair of pants apiece. I wish you were here to consult about her dresses. I think I will give seventy dollars to Mr. McCalla and let him buy her silk and traveling dresses. Then let Mrs. McCollough get her bonnet in Cincinnati. I do not know what to do about her mantle. Mr. Wright opened school yesterday with about 50 or 60 scholars. Mary Alexander is the teacher. He thought he could get you but found when he got here you had left. He pays Mary $30 a month with a promise to raise it if the school increases. Mr. Marquis is going to move to Greencastle next Monday. Miss Little (Mrs. Bryant's niece) is to teach music at the Academy.

Prof Kirkwood and family go on Monday. We will miss them very much. Yesterday Kirkwood's, Nutt's and ourselves took dinner at Dr Maxwell's. On Thursday we expect them and Maxwell's to tea. Laura Woodburn has an offer to teach at Indian Creek and board in Dr Woodward's family. She will get $40 a month. I do not know that she will accept. Mr. Gall took Mag to night. It is 11 and I hear him saying "good night." Think it is time. We had a paper from Pittsburg yesterday for you from Miss Campbell I suppose containing a notice of Mr. Temple Campbell's death, her father I think from his age 54. We also received 3 numbers of Clark's School Visitor for you which I will send to you. Do you subscribe for it? I must stop for it is so late. Perhaps I may have time to write tomorrow but I teach the children and then have to sew. I think they improve some. They will go to college to Latin next session but I will continue the English. Good night dear Lou.

March 29th 1866

Dear Lou,

Ma sent me in to finish and send this letter. How do you like this dress? I do not know what kind to send for by Mr. McCalla. I do wish you were here. I guess you will have to get leave of absence in May. Come about the first so you can be with me as long as possible. I hate to think of leaving home too but it has to be done. I will have to write to my Grandmas this week. Pigeons are building out at Bean Blossom. They say there are 40 or 50 nests in a tree. I wonder if Rob intends writing to me. I wish I could have an hour's talk with him. I was glad to hear about Parke. Give my love to Lizzie B. when you write. I do hope she will get better soon. This poor woman is not any better. I don't believe she will get well. They are going to stop the meetings at the M.E. Church. Only Henry Turner and one other boy are going up to the mourners bench. Omer was with Laura B at the lecture the other night. Lena T was with Merediths. She sent a little note to me saying she wanted to ask me a question and want to know if I would answer. I wrote back that I would etc. She answered that she had not enough paper there (at Chapel Tuesday night) so would wait till some other time. I can answer without giving her the information she wants if it's anything I do not think right to tell her. I wish I knew what it was. What do you think? Mag Write as often as you can. I get good letters from Arthur. I guess I'll get one today. He sends love to you.

Transcription: Walnut Hills April 9th, 1866

Dear Mrs. Wylie

Ma received your letter this morning, but has such a sore finger she cannot hold a pen and so she has requested me to answer your letter, telling you she would be most happy to do any shopping for you. And if you will write telling as definitely as you can what you want, she will do all you wish. We both join in much love to Maggie. I had a letter from Lou last week.

With love, affectionately yours

Parke Foster

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind May 21st 1866

My dear Sister Lou

I did not expect to write to you so soon again but I want to tell you not to forget to bring all the things you need: white dress and skirt sash and belt etc. If you come soon enough we will get you a nice white purse but if you put off till Saturday I don't believe Mrs. H. will have time to get it done, so you must start on Wednesday. Lib is not going to have her dress trimmed, so her Mother says. But Lib says she is going to be dressed nicely for once in her life, so I don't know how they will fix it. Mine is fixed with white satin ribbons. I would like it if we could be fixed alike. But hurry home for you will have to see about it. You may tell Martha B but tell her not to write it on any account for I don't want it out, want people to think it's a party until they get here. There will be more than I expected, more than I want, but it's Pa's wish and I give up to him. They have got hold of it out at the Dinsmore settlement but not the time, only very soon. I don't know how it came. I will have 200 cards to send after and so all my friends can have one. O I do wish you were home. Come as soon as possible. I need your help, besides wanting to be with you as much as possible. We have not heard again from Uncle The. I think it's so queer. I guess I will be down again commencement. Mrs. Small wants to give me a party. I am nearly done my things.

A poor student is dying out at Robinson's. He can't get well and may already be dead. His sister came yesterday but he don't know her. His name is Morgan from Nebraska.

I wrote asking Parke to come on the 29 and want to write to Ballantine's but hate some to do it on account of Lizzie's death. You ask Dr. M and Aleck Small too I guess. I don't know yet about Rob, but guess so. I will do as Arth says best. I know it would hurt him very much if he were not asked. I never have answered his letter. Laura McCoy is going this week to the water cure in New York. I have no time to write more just now. Love to all. Do you want your dress trimmed with white satin ribbons? If you do we will have to send for it. You must answer in person. You must come Wednesday or Thursday. The baker will make part of the cakes and the ice cream and will get oranges for us. I have been to town all morning and am tired out, not very well either. You could help me so much if you were only here. For the last time, come.

Maggie Wylie

Transcription: Walnut Hills July 28th 1866

My own dear Friend Louise,

Many a time since I received your last kind letter has it been in my heart to write to you. Many a time have I longed to see you that I might tell you freely all about our dear precious one who is gone from us, and might enjoy the comfort of your expressed sympathy, that we might mingle our tears and prayers as we have in days gone by and recount to each other the dealings of God with us. As I look back on all I have gone through and then waken up to a relizing sense of our desolate, desolated home, I ask myself if it can be true, am I the same girl I used to be. Oh Louise, such experiences! I feel that I have been learning most wonderful things, great life lessons never to be forgotten.

I know dear Mrs. McFerson told you of our dear Lizzie's sickness, of her triumphant faith, and happy release from this world. Lucy you can't tell how different death seems to me now that it has entered our house, now that one of us has experienced it. I seem to be better acquainted with it and I do not fear it as I did. Truly it was robbed of all its terrors to dear Lizzie. Oh how eagerly she welcomed it! How her face lighted up with joyous smiles as she touched the ends of her fingers and beckoning to me whispered, "They are numb! Tell Pa!" as if she wanted us to rejoice in what gave her so much real pleasure. She loved and trusted her Savior. He was very near and very gracious to her in all her illness and now today the 28th makes it three months that she has been in His presence enjoying all the bliss of heaven in her own natural ardent joyous temperament. I love to think of her as herself, not changed, not having lost her memory, her identity, her peculiar characteristics, but our same dear one still, only made perfect, free from sin, sanctified, glorified and perfectly happy. I try to enter into her abounding joy, to realize how she adored the Lamb slain for her, the Savior who redeemed her and who did not forsake her even in the hour of trial and of death. I try to think of her as being with Abraham and David and Paul, of her learning from them and praising with them anew every day (our days) Him who delivered them all. I try to remember that God made her and placed her here for just so long and at the time that He appointed she sickened and at the time that in His infinite wisdom seemed best to Him, He took her, his own child, home to Himself. Oh can I ever forget her look on the Wed. eve before she went as I sat by her rubbing her swollen feet. She looked at me with a face showing agony and the utmost patience and said "Oh, Pearl darling, don't you think I will go home tonight?" I answered "I can't tell dear child, perhaps not till morning." "Oh, but maybe I will go home tonight, don't you think maybe." Oh Louise, her looks, her words, her sufferings during those long four months come up to me over and over again hundreds of times in the day. I never conceived of such suffering, such sweetness, such patience, such thought for others, such simple childlike faith, such calmness, such joy in the approach of death, such entire and cheerful submission to God's will in every thing. And oh, she was so sweet and beautiful, and I loved her so and was so proud of her and we all were, and oh, I miss her so everywhere, all the time. I try to be resigned, I hope I am, but some times I don't know how I can bear it any longer. Poor dear Mamma feels it more and more. She bore up wonderfully at first. God gave her strength, just then when she needed it after so much fatigue and anxiety. But now her grief seems to have taken such hold on her I don't know what to do for her. We all have to be as cheerful as possible for her sake. But when we come to the table, or to prayers, or sit around in the parlor in the evening Lizzie never comes, she the brightest, the merriest. So often we all sit quiet, everyone feels the loss, no one can be cheerful. It seems wrong almost to try to be gay. We girls often go to the sweet quiet spot where she lies sleeping and carry fresh sweet flowers such as she loved best. On her birthday a week ago last Sat., we went and planted some flowers there and loved and thought of her. I love to go there. It soothes me and comforts me. But I did not mean to write only this. I love to talk of her so I can hardly stop. You will excuse me.

Anna is home now after her long wearisome school time and is a great comfort to us. We mean to keep her now for a while. I want her with me this year anyhow. She is well but is very thin. Fan is not at all well, has had a dreadful deep cold now for three weeks. She needs a change, country air and food, horseback riding and cheerful company. I wish she could go to B'n and visit you and Em Maxwell and Annie Dodds. We are thinking seriously of sending her. I know it would do her good if she would take things easy, not walk long walks or sit up late or get up early. Willie is home too now, is much improved and getting very manly and is such a good boy. I went up to Marietta and staid a week with Hal at the time of their Commencement. He and Lizzie are very nicely fixed house keeping and I had a delightful visit. Would have staid longer if Ma could have spared me.

You have heard of the removal of dear Parke and family from our midst. I cannot begin to tell you what a loss it is to us and how we miss them every one, even Miss Baby. I cannot get reconciled to it. They were such dear good friends and we were so much like one family. We were never so intimate with any family anywhere we ever lived and now it seems as though we were almost broken up. Dear Parke is always so sweet and good and while Lizzie was sick she and John were both just as kind as they could be in every way, thinking of and doing everything for us. Mrs. McFerson is with us still. We couldn't let them all go at once. She intends to visit around some before going to Evansville. I'm afraid Ma will give clear out when she goes, she depends on her so much, and I tell you, Lou, there are very few in the world equal to this same dear good Mrs. McF. God has been very good to us in giving us such good friends. We cannot thank Him enough for all His thoughts of love to us.

Ma has just come in and asked "Who are you writing to?" Says, "Tell Lou I do want to see her so much. Beg her to come on and make us a good long visit." Now Louise I do want you sadly, more than you know. I suppose 'tis not worth while to ask you to come as long as you see in the papers there are cases of cholera in the city. But we don't feel at all alarmed and you need not mind that at all. If it should begin to be bad you could go home in a night you know. If you won't come now you must next Fall or winter anyhow. I won't take any refusal, for I may not be home after next spring, and I want you to stay some with me before that. I want you to get acquainted with a friend of mine too. Louise, he is so good and is such a comfort to me. He is so much too good for poor little me, but he says he isn't and I love him and so let myself be persuaded. He asked me not long ago when I had heard from you and sent his love. You see I tell him of you. He is preaching this vacation at Sharon, near Glendale but boards here in the Sem. So I see him nearly every day. We are very happy in each other and I think he suits me better every day. I hope we have made no mistake and that we will be blessed in all our anticipation. Come on and see and learn to know and love him. I haven't said one word about Maggie tho' I had much to say and to ask. You must miss her very much, but then you can get letters and write to her and that is such a comfort. I hope she is very well and very happy. Give my best love when you write her and tell me all about her when you write me. Best love to your dear Ma and Pa and the boys. Do come to see me, Lou. I want you. Write soon to your own loving friend

Mary

Transcription: This is to Certify that Lou E. Wylie has attended the State Normal Institute, Teachers' Association, and by constant and active participation in the instruction given is entitled to the favorable consideration of Examiners and Trustees, as possessing the aspiration and zeal of a true teacher. Bloomington, Ind. August 5, 1866

Transcription: Indianapolis, Ind. Aug 13 1866

My Dear Lou,

I am very happy to receive a letter from you even though it "ought to be for Maria." But pray why were you mortified to hear that she was married? But I must not take you contrawise. You wished to have a visit from her while she was enjoying single blessedness? Well, never mind that, as far as I can see she is the same Mia yet and I am going to give you an opportunity of seeing her and of having some of the warm of it too. Ma and I talked over your letter and were delighted to find it assisting us to the same conclusion. We are the kind of people who can't bear disappointing but this after all rests upon you. We wish you to come and visit us immediately. Maria will be highly pleased and this will be the very time for you of all others as you are so much interested in Schools and the Teachers National Convention meets here forthwith. So sit down and talk it over and decide to come and drop me a line by what train and pack your trunk and come. If you need further inducement, the Ladies of the City are expected to v the Lady Teachers who know the City with their presence, but in the face of expectations I concluded I was rather too much of a used up man in that line to lay myself out for strangers. And so that our names are not down among those on hospitable thoughts intent, but we have room enough and help enough and nothing particular to do and your coming will keep the City from turning the cold shoulder on me of which I stand in great dread or would if I had the fortune of being known. But seriously, you will confer a favor upon me by coming aside from the serious reasons I have already given, for I shall feel myself obliged to go to the meetings on your account. (I make the mental reservation of an intention of substitution now and then to save my lazy bones and to keep you from having too much of a good thing.) So come and Maria can make you a visit whenever she wants to.

I do not return to Vassar but on some accounts envy those who do. I do not go any place or do anything for the present. If I live, cold weather will set me to work but I expect to remain at home with my dear Father and Mother. You may not have heard but I was very ill at Vassar soon after going and was obliged to go to a water cure for several months. I returned to Vassar soon after Christmas and studied until the end but did not teach and may never again and don't care if I don't. I was entirely broken down. I hope Lizzie Hunter will go and that she will have a very profitable and happy time. It is enough to disgust one with all other schools (Female).

Maria's address is Mrs. H. B. Finch. They are stopping there fro the present. I think a great deal of my new brother. We are very happy in having got [necessary?] Annie here also and her husband is another dear brother. Her little Minnie is the delight of our hearts and how happy people are and how thankful they ought to be when all these things turn out well. With much love from all of mine to all of your dear ones. Affectionately yours Sarah P. Morrison Your next letter may be to me.

14th. I was rather slow this morning and my letter did not get off. The Convention meets today and I am afraid the meetings will be half over before you come even if you decide upon coming without delay. There is another thing which I should perhaps show I do not neglect to think of. We are liable to the Cholera and there is no telling when. On the other hand, we have preventive a nice bath room with hot and cold water equally convenient and I have a good deal of faith in myself as a nurse and some as a physician. You will not of course think the mention of these things indicators that the thought of your visit is any less pleasant than when I wrote yesterday but agree with me in considering caution the best course. We do not expect to have Cholera, we expect to control it if we do. I would like to give you some of my water cure experience. I think it will be of some advantage to you and if you were here where you could practice a little I am sure I could benefit you materially. I think I am in a fair way of being restored to sound health and indeed feel more vigor now than I have before for years. Isn't that a good think to say. Now, dear Lou, you will visit us now or if you think better, reserve your invitation for a later period and believe me equally your friend.

Transcription: West Chester, Chester Co. August 16th 1866

My Dear Louisa,

I received your petite note enclosing cards (wedding) for myself and family and also the same for Caroline Egbert and family. They reached here during my visit to them at Norristown and upon my return I sent them to them by mail. Her letter to me (Caroline's) acknowledging their receipt, requests me to offer her thanks and congratulations, as she presumed I would soon write to you. But dear Louisa, I am not a punctual correspondent, as you must by this time know. I am frequently delinquent in duty as regards writing, as well perhaps in many other things. Procrastination is, as it is said "the thief of time," and from my sluggishness in taking up my pen, I put off from day to day and from week to week until I am amazed at the rapid flight of time. I would have written Maggie offering her my congratulations but I did not know where to direct my letter. Please tell me when you write me. My health has much improved. I was very miserable when I left home in June for Norristown, but the Dr was excessively kind as well as the rest of the household. He sent to the city and had some excellent summer beer brought out. I drank plentifully of it and it was surprising to see how it strengthened me. I returned home looking and feeling like a different being from what I did when I left. I have had quite a quiet easy time of it this summer. Have had no boarders although I earnestly desired them to enable me to get along and avoid debt. The place too has been full of strangers but there was 3 or 4 new boarding houses opened this spring which have taken with the people, being newly furnished and large commodious houses in very pleasant situations. Should my life be spared I hardly think I shall remain here another season. Where I may go is uncertain, perhaps Reading or Norristown. Emma and Lizzie desire much love. Emma says to tell your Mother she writes very seldom since she had the felon on her finger last winter. It is so stiff and crippled makes it difficult for her to write. I have been expecting two daughters of Elizabeth Madeira of Pittsburg, all summer nearly. One of them was taken ill with typhoid, which has prevented their coming. It is now 3 weeks since I heard from them last and I fear she is not well enough yet to travel. Elizabeth Madeira is the daughter of your Mother's uncle John Dennis. Your Mother's sister Harriet Guerard arrived at Philadelphia last Tuesday from Savannah. She has lost her health. The physician said her nervous system was entirely prostrated and advised her coming North. She went immediately upon her arrival out to Bristol, Bucks County to her step son's widow, Emmeline Guerard who married Augustus Guerard. How long she will remain there I do not know, but I expect and hope to see her before she returns South. Madeline and her daughter Mrs. Booth have opened a boarding house at Carlisle and I believe doing well. Lizzie requests me to say she has been intending to write you ever since she received your letter and will write e'er long. With love to Father, Mother, brothers and Maggie when you write her, I remain your

Attached Grandmother

Susan S. Dennis Miss Louisa Wylie

Transcription: Philada. 9/11/66

Dear Theophilus:

I had been unable to remember where it was you and I were told of the "Lequor" book, until you mentioned in your last letter that it was "Baird's" I went there immediately and obtained from him the name of the author and publisher and then sent to N. Y. for a copy. This came today. I have just mailed it for you. The title is "The Manufacture of Liquors, Wine, and Cordials without the Aid of Distillation, etc. etc. by Pierre Lacorer, N. Y. Dick & Fitzgerald, 18 Fin[?] Street." I hope it will reach you safely. If you had thought of mentioning Baird in your first letter I could have got it at once, but I could not find my memorandum of it. The Library has shut. When it was reopened the Librarian could not tell me the name of the book I wanted and I could not get it at the Bookstall. But I hope you will have it soon. It is really a valuable [indecipherable word beginning with ce-]. I think the price must have been raised as the bill for it was $2.50 exclusive of postage.

I am obliged to you for your remarks "[Latin word?]" church matters, the Banner, etc. It is most painful to me to engage in these cantharisial [?] discussions, but duplicity and management I have always hated. I feel constrained to oppose. As for the Church I doubt if her organization is really worth preserving and perhaps it is even a sin to countenance the Schism which her separate ministers causes. We are crippled and embarrassed in the great works [?] the [indecipherable word ending in -tion] required simply to keep up a denomination.

We are all well. Mother included. (Remember I have told you this.) LNC has been staying with us since he came to supply Kensington. He has made himself quite agreeable. Aunt Jane is also here. The children are all at home and going to school except Lou. They like very much to go and I think are improving very much.

Love to Rebecca and all. I send with this the manual for Lou but I think I have sent same before have I not?

Write soon

Your brother

T.W.J.W.

T. A. Wylie Bloomington Indiana

Samuel has begun to write to Brownie and Dory. When his letters are finished I will send them.

Transcription: Bloomington Sept 18th 1866

Dear Brother

You may remember that about a year ago (as near as I recollect) I wrote you to know the exact amount Prof Wylie's brother (Theodore) paid you when he was in Washington. You did not receive my note or else you neglected to answer it.

Theodore Wylie has been out to Bloomington this summer. He says that he paid you $160.00 some time in Jan or Feb 1865. The note which Prof Wylie left in my hands payable to you (which was the balance coming to you on the homestead) was $145.25 due 10th of Nov 1864. Now if this be as the Prof represents you will owe the Prof $12.50 there being about $2.50 interest on the note from the time it was given until it was paid. You may think that I am very officious. But I am only writing now on this subject at the request of Prof Wylie. After this will let him attend to his won business. Would have written you on this subject early last spring, but after you wrote that you would probably come out during the spring or summer I left it alone in order that you might attend to it personally.

Have had a pretty lonely time of it this summer since Elizabeth has been gone. Have been keeping house with no one but the farm hand, except occasionally when some of Marie's family would spend a few days or a week with me. Margaret with two of her small children are now here on a visit. They design staying a month or so when Mr. Martin will come over for her. She looks better than I have seen her since she was married. The two little boys that are with her are hearty sprightly little fellows. They have been living in Carlisle in this state since their return from Texas in a house with one kitchen and two rooms. They having six children must have been in a rather crowded condition.

We hear from Elizabeth pretty often through John Mc--. She says she is improving slowly. She is living in a room with six others. No wonder that she improves slowly. She does not say when she will be able to come home.

We have had rain almost every day for the last six weeks. About two weeks ago the waters were higher than they were ever known in this country. The branch which runs through my land assumed almost the dimensions of a river, being at least 200 yds wide in places, taking away almost every thing which lay in its course. It took away about 2500 rails off my farm. Have recovered the most of them since. The first of the season was very dry and as a consequence the spring crops (hay oats and wheat) were very light. Corn is very good. Perhaps never better.

All the friends are well. We have had no cholera nearer than Louisville. Write soon

Yours affectionately,

R. M. Wylie

Transcription: Waterbury, Vt. Feb 21 1867

My dear Miss Wylie

My long neglected promise is you see redeemed. I trust you have not supposed I had quite forgotten it. I did not sit for any photographs until the eve of my leaving Oswego two weeks since. I came here a week ago to attend a meeting of the Vermont Board of Education to whom I as a pupil of Prof Guyot was requested to give an exposition in regard to what constitutes Geog and the correct method of teaching the science. I return to New York tomorrow. I shall be absent from Oswego until May. In the interval letters addressed in care of Chas. Scribner & Co. 654 Broadway, New York City will reach me. Give me the pleasure of hearing from you soon. Please present my affectionate remembrance to your parents and believe me

Sincerely Your Friend

Mary N. Smith

Transcription: Monticello March 24, 1867

Dear Lou,

I don't know that you will forgive me for the manner in which I have treated you and I feel unwarranted in addressing you as of old. I have no excuse, no apology to offer for my conduct. You may have thought I "was joined to his idols, let him alone," and although I have often and again resolved to write you I have nevertheless so good an intention and resolve procrastinated until now it is near five months since receiving your last letter. A few days after I received it I went to Leavenworth, Kansas on a melancholy mission and was gone two weeks. After coming home I was busily occupied another week and thus from one week until another I postponed the answer until I was actually ashamed of my conduct.

While I freely confess to no one person am I so greatly indebted not for many kindnesses only but for a long earnest and sincere friendship that did more to make me try for something that was worthy and above those things that I had before been accustomed to in my irregular life at College, as to you, and none of all my friends have I treated worse. This is my gratitude Lou, the recompense for all the past. It may be, I trust it is so, that you long since ceased to think of me and those pleasant days of two years since and placed me in that category where I properly belong—an unthankful, an unappreciating friend. I have been here in M since the 1st of the present month and shall remain a week or so longer. I left the Herald office after coming back from Kansas and entered the senior class of the Law College at Indianapolis and graduated on the 28th of Feb. In thus succinctly stating these facts I can express to you a better idea of how I have passed the winter than in any other. I roomed with Black and I believe I can look back upon it now with some degree of satisfaction as well as pleasure.

You may have heard if the endings put to the friendship existing between Mrs. S. and Miss Ryors and myself. I did not treat Belle right I frankly admit. My conduct towards her was ungentlemanly in the extreme. From her I have received more than usual consideration and although I never permitted her to think I appreciated or wished it, I nevertheless elevated her above my Indianapolis friends and our estrangement I regretted more than any other circumstance connected with the unhappy affair. My pride and what I thought dictation from a woman would never permit me to apologize. I may never have another opportunity.

My chief thoughts at present are where am I to find a suitable location to commence the practice of my profession. This place seems very inviting. In fact I am more than usually despondent at my prospect. It was a sharp struggle for me to leave the Herald. My heart seemed to be in a newspaper. I properly belong there and am at the best but a poor fungus growth out of it. Will I succeed at the law? is a question that is inseparable from my thoughts and that vague half undefined apprehension that hangs over me like a blighting shadow and perpetually answers that I will not.

Sometimes in my despair I think I will try my fortunes in the west. Launch out on the mare magnum of the new world beyond the Mississippi and there if I succeed the more praise, if I fail there will be none to participate in my misfortune than myself. But here at home I have opposition and strong arguments to overcome. Age and declining years admonish me together with the infirmities they bring with them that in the course of nature briefly at that, that a pall is to settle over our household and now I am the only son from whom much of that comfort in old age can come and this pleads stronger with them any other consideration. Self and self interest go down in the dust before the higher and paramount duty that I most cheerfully would perform. I may therefore pitch my tent near home, some where in the state and by patient study and attention to business gather around me something of a practice.

I would like to visit B and shall when it is in my power to do so. Will you treat me as of yore? I know I don't deserve it, Lou, but after all I might assure you that I have acted in some degree right and am satisfied with my trial. This last sentence is a little ambiguous but I can't explain it here. When you see Miss Belle will you remember me to her. I owe her much and am not satisfied until I make partial reparation. I feel that with you there is so much of goodness and charity in your nature that if I have not received a full pardon for my offense I nevertheless am once in a while associated with a pleasant remembrance.

So long as I have the power of recalling past events I shall not forget the years and the subsequent visits I passed with your family and shall ever bear cheerful testimony to the more than kindness I received from you all.

My love to the family all. I can only hope you may answer my letter. I have no right to ask you to do so. I can not complain if you do not, but Lou, you will, won't you? Believe me, if there is anything in my professions,

Your friend sincerely,

[P Magee?]

Transcription: Evansville May 25 1867

My dearest Lucy

Your welcome letter arrived some time since and I have been wanting to answer it for several weeks, but have been very busy. Mother Foster is now away at Chicago on a visit to Celia and Add who are living there now and John and I are keeping house for a week or two. How much I wish you could make us your visit you half promised in your letter. John and I have just been talking of you and Mary and the conversation reminded me that I owed both of you letters. I suppose our dear friend Mary will soon leave her state of single blessedness. Dear me! I am so far ahead of your both!! Only think of three children! And such large ones. I declare Alice will soon be a young lady! You must let us know, dear Lucy, when you get ready to stop off. Our children are barking fiercely with the whooping cough just now. I suppose it is a good time for them to have it, but it's rather hard to take the three at once. Little Eleanor is walking now and is very large. She is quite pretty and is rightly named as she has light sandy hair, real golden. Ma says the prettiest color in the world. And she is just as fair as a lily, whiter than either Alice or Edith and very deep blue eyes. She will be the best looking one I believe! How much I wish you could see her. She is a great pet. She calls "Papa," "Mama," and "no, no." But I must not fill my letter about my baby, though I consider you a kind of an "Auntie" to them who will be interested in hearing all about them, even to the color of their hair and eyes.

John is one of our School Trustees now, Lou, and if you know of any one wanting to teach you can apply to him!! I notice you regret that John was not appointed a Trustee of your College. He says that Dr Baker wanted him to accept the place, and he would have been appointed if Dr Nutt had desired it. He probably don't fancy the Fosters very much. John takes a great interest in the College and will do any thing he can for its good. We would like very much to attend commencement this year, but are afraid we cannot. We have not made any decided plans for the Summer, and if it should prove sickly we may not leave home at all.

Sister Eliza came down and made us a short visit before she moved East. They have gone to Brooklyn to live. I am sorry she is so far away but I hope to be able to visit her this next winter. Theodore is still in Cincinnati in Brother George's store. He likes the City very much indeed. Ma had a delightful visit to Cin. Alice is much improved in health since her return. I do not send her to school since she came back but I hear her read at home. She makes her letters very nicely on the slate. I see your new Bloomington paper. We think it an improvement on the old one.

Does your place improve much these days? You would hardly know Evansville now. There is so much new building. There are six or seven new houses right round our house gone up this spring. I hope, dear Lou, you will not only think of your trip, but put it into action. We would be delighted to welcome you here. Now do come and John will escort you up to Princeton any time, but we won't let you off with only two or three days. You must make your arrangements to stay some time with us. How is Maggie? Is she with you now? If so, give her my best love or send it when you write. I often think of her in a nice cozy house and what a good little house keeper she makes. I know she enjoys it. I know the first days of our housekeeping were very happy ones. Everything was so new and so pleasant because our own. Ma is well. She sends much love. John sends you as much as I will allow! That's a good deal you know!

I must say good night. Write me soon again dear Lucy. We are always glad to hear from you. I have not heard from Fannie B. very lately. She was a little better while Ma was there. Love to your family. Jimmy is in Cin. now. He made us a visit not long since. I must stop and write Mary a little. We are having cold rainy weather.

Every your loving friend

Parke Foster

Transcription: Mr. O. Cope presents his compliments to Miss Lou Wylie and begs to accompany her to select performances at "Athenian Hall" on Friday evening next. Bloomington June 5th 1867

Transcription: Muncie July 10, 1867

My dearest Mother,

I was disappointed yesterday in not hearing from you and still more disappointed today. I wrote to you last Saturday and as I got my trunk Monday and no letter in it I have been looking for one ever since. I was sorry that you didn't wait till Monday to send the trunk and then you could have put in all the things I wrote about, but I suppose you thought I could not wait so long. I do not know whether you intend sending me another bundle or not, but I believe it will be cheaper to do so than for me to get the things I need or do without them either. That is if it only costs 50 cts as the trunk is marked. I am sorry you did not send me a flannel skirt for the mornings now are very chilly. Yesterday we had fire. And I would like my black and white shawl. I have caught cold, but it only amounts to the "cold in the head." And I can do without those things unless it should turn much cooler. But here's another thing—Mag went to the store yesterday and tried to get me some black ribbon with white edge for my black alpaca and she couldn't get any. That with black edge was $2.00 a bolt. I think you can get it at home for $1.50 so there would be 50 cts saved which would send me a bundle of the things I want, some of which I will try to tell you.

1st My comb and brush and fine comb which is in the top part of the bureau. My shawl, my blue belt, my brown lawn dress, my flannel skirt, white kid gloves, black ribbon, crepe for Mag's bonnet etc. I can do without these things but I am afraid that I'll have to get a comb and brush if I go down the river. Then my gingham dress has taken a notion to tear and it is the only dress I have for early morning wear, so if you send the lawn, I can make it do without getting a calico as I thought of doing. I want to get me a short dress when I go to C and that is all I want to get. I have made out a great letter about what I want to get and now you can do as you please about sending and I will tell you what I have been doing.

We walked down to see Mrs. Kenton Sab., who lives in the hotel near the depot. Monday I walked down town to the P.O. and yesterday we went over to see Jennie Nulty. She called twice on me, and Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Little and Miss Kirby was here yesterday. Several of the neighbors have been in too. Little Emma Blodgett died day before yesterday of spotted fever, was taken with a pain in her foot. Her Mother had her over here Saturday. It seems to me the disease was more like Inflam. Rheum. tho' her body was spotted after death. Mag wants that receipt for wine and also to know whether you want her to put up any cherries for you. Her plums are staying on pretty well. We are invited to spend the afternoon at Mr. Nulty's tomorrow. Baby and Mag are well. Arthur still away. Have you heard from Pa? Be sure and write us what he says. Write soon and if you send, send soon as I want to leave next Tues or Wed. at farthest. Love to dear children and self from Mag and myself.

Lou If you have already sent a package you need not mind sending another. Dear Ma write soon. I get very homesick sometimes. Burn this as soon as you are done with it. Burn

Transcription: Princeton Ind. July 17th 1867 Miss Wylie: I have been home so long I feel like it is hardly necessary for me to attempt to inform you how I came here. Nothing very worthy of note, however, happened me except that I did not get home till Saturday evening, caused by me going to bed at Vincens and not getting up till after the train had gone. I attended a school exhibition at Mitchell on Friday night which I suppose was pretty good but I could not appreciate it after having the eloquence of the Indiana University. It was given by the Presbyterian schools of the place. Before writing farther a word about the boquet which I shall never be able to amply reward you. I got it home without abusing it any. showed it to the one you requested, together with George Maxan, Joe Small, Dr. Blair, and Rose Hoire. They all thought it was very nice but they could not tell me so. The oftener I saw it the better I liked it. I have it yet and will have while one of the stems will last. Mag tells me to thank you for her fucia. It is doing very well, will soon bloom. I think she takes too good care of it. Keeps it in the house nearly all the time. On my arrival home I found the boys cutting wheat. Wishing to make myself useful as well as ornamental I was soon as much interested as any of them. But now since the wheat is cut and I have seen all the folks I am ready to return to Bloomington. There is nothing very exciting going on here. No one going married or getting dead except an occasional instance of the former. Dr. Sam Green was married last week. Dr. McMaster married him and what is more surprising, Dr. Mumford stood up with him. I have not seen Gil since he came home. He has quit going to church. He brought Kate Keys home with him. Have seen Willis Howe once. He rather regrets leaving Bloomington so suddenly. After I told him what you told me to he asked me if I thought you would speak to him.

Mary Fleming came home last week. I hear she has been under the Dr's care for about three months. She looks rather weekly. I have not spoken to Kate Small. Have only been in town one night. Princeton has lost its charms to me. I am a stranger there now. You remember I was going Evansville on the fourth. But in the morning I watched a nice rain fall, in the afternoon cut wheat. But I am going there this summer yet. Henry and I are talking of going to Morning Sun this fall, starting three or four weeks before school begins. Strange to say James is not married yet. I don't hear as much talk of it now as I did at Bloomington. I suppose Mr. Wylie has gone East and this will reach you at Muncie. I should like to know what you are all doing and see the Garden. I hope Mrs. McMaster's sickness will not prevent your coming here. There are other places they will be glad to have you stay. Rose Howe says you can stay there.

[the following in Rebecca's hand] I tear off the last page as there is nothing but apologies for bad spelling & writing you can imagine them. My love to all & good wishes for the bride elect. I must go up town to get that order. RDW

Transcription: Bloomington July 25/1867

Dear Lou, Surely you have received my letter before this. I directed my last one to Walnut Hills & thought it would be there before you. I am tucking your shirt & will send it as soon as I can in the meantime I will send your pattern by to days mail. I want to write to Maggie to day if I have time. We are all well although I have the toothache. I had a letter from Pa the other day he had received yours. He had been to Washington & staid with Watson Pentland but was not well although able to go about. Would have had a delightful time if he had been well. When he wrote had recovered & was going to N. York. I suppose you will not be pleased to hear Sallie Morrison is here at our house she wrote asking me to let her have Mac's room & in the next letter she thought the little room would suit her better but I would not let her have that as I was afraid I could not get her out of it. But you know the boys must have theirs, so I told her so I think from what she says she will not stay to College but only remain until the warm weather is over. It puts me out a great deal but I don't think she cares very much as I am convinced she is perfectly selfish. But don't say anything about it to any body. You have an invitation to Zeke McD's wedding. I think you had better go to Evansville & Princeton. Jim Foster was here last week he says Parke has returned. Mrs. Mc M was better. I will send you the money. You made no mention of receiving the other I sent. Madame Rumor says Jim is paying attention to Mat McPheeters. Is not that queer? Remember me to all. Tell Mary I wish her every happiness. The flowers look very badly for want of rain. The cistern is so low that we are afraid to use the water to water them. Liz came back last Saturday. Mag is still here I do not think it right for us to have so large a family, & think of sending her home but she don't want to go. Write me when you want the money & I can send it after the first. Your affectionate Mother R. D. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington July 30th 1867, Tuesday

Dear Lou,

Your letter was received late this evening and I hasten to answer it although I cannot send it until tomorrow. I will go to the office tomorrow morning and get a P.O. order which is more certain. I think if you want to you had better go to Princeton for two reasons. 1st because you want to see them and 2nd because I know you will not be contented that S.M. is here and I am very much afraid we cannot get rid of her. She has made up her mind to stay and will take no denial. I will not allow her to do any work, to see if I can disgust her pride or independence but she takes it all out in talking. Has more cool impudence than I ever met with in any person. She knows I do not want her. But I will tell you all about it when you get home. It makes me mad to think of it. Mr. Bishop says she had it all arranged before she said a word to us about it and he laughed at the very idea of her paying for her board, washing and ironing by working two hours a day. But now for another subject. Your own fish geranium has very large clusters and is beautiful. Would it not be better to get a flowering pomegranate or Cape Jasmine or something of the kind. We went to McCord's to day and I got some rose slips. Tyler is working here. He says you told him to do some work but he cannot remember what it is. We have sown turnips every place we can. The potatoes are splendid. We are going to dig them tomorrow. I had a letter from Pa on Saturday. He leaves tomorrow, Wednesday 31st, for Pittsburg. Perhaps will stay there until Monday or Tuesday and then for home, on the 7th he expects to be here. I have not enjoyed the vacation. First work, second this vexation but I hope there will be an end. The boys have been remarkably good. They go to Prof Dodd every day for Latin. Dory studies pretty hard. I know the fleas will worry you when you get home. They are nearly as bad as at the Maxwell house. I can scarcely write with any pleasure they are bothering me so. I have ripe tomatoes but will not eat them as I want to send them to Hannah Riddle. She is so fond of vegetables. The Clematis will be in bloom when you come home. The Lycopodium is perfectly beautiful. We have scarlet, magenta, pink, and white verbenas in bloom, but no purple. I got some slips of it and think they are growing. You had not planted all the gladiolus. I found them yesterday in the closet. I guess I had better leave this space for fear I may have forgotten some thing and will think of it tomorrow. I ironed your skirt today. It has 11 (eleven) tucks and looks beautifully. Mr. Anderson wrote he would be pleased to see you when you went through Mitchell. Em McCrea is to be married to Chub Fee. Mr. Morrison talks of moving here. I send John's letter. If you go to Princeton I might send what you needed to Mitchell and you could get them as you passed through. Send the length you want your skirt. Good bye dear Lou. Write soon

Your loving Mother I send $20

Transcription: Canonsburg, Pa Aug 3 1867

Dear Professor,

I regret exceedingly to say that no D.D.s were conferred at our commencement. I did all I could in behalf of Mr. Wylie and so did the Faculty. The matter rests entirely with the trustees. The explanation given is this:

There were 20 nominations for the D.D. before the board—some of several years standing. Of this number, nearly every trustee had his favorite. After a good deal of animated discussion, it was agreed that the board should vote by ballot and that none but those receiving a majority of all the votes should have the degree. On counting the votes it was found none had a majority, hence the result. Dr. Edwards, as well as myself, is mortified, and he says he will urge the matter at the December meeting and hopes to be successful.

Mr. McMillan told me in Washington that you were to be in Pittsburgh. I looked for you here, and think you might have stopped.

Mrs. K and Agnes send their love to Mrs. Wylie and Lou. Mrs. K desires to congratulate Mrs. W. on becoming a grandmother. Mrs. Bell of Wheeling was here a few days since.

Yours very truly

Daniel Kirkwood

Transcription: Bloomington Aug 16th 1867

Dear Lou,

You see that I have at last got home. I have had on the whole a pleasant trip. Went as far as N. Haven and attended the College commencement there, but I will reserve all communications about travels till I see you. On my return stopped in Muncie. Intended to remain over night as I had done, but the train failing to come in time, I spent the day with Mag.

The Trustees had a meeting last Tuesday. They have been trying to fix things to their own and our satisfaction. We were sorry Prof B could not have answered explicitly. The board has so often been disappointed that they would not risk it. I do not at all like the arrangements made. Prof Kirkwood will take the Ch. of Math. Prof. Dodds takes the Latin. Mr. Morrison of Indianapolis is elected Prof of Greek and I go to the Chair of Nat. Phil. Prof D and I had all arranged so that we were to work together, he in the Math and I in the Phil, but all that is gone up and I feel very blue.

They have elected a Barnabus [Hills?] a friend President of Earlham College to the Chair of Theory and Practice of Teaching, but it is said he will not accept. This would be a better place for Mr. Morrison. Miss Sallie left us this A.M. to spend a few weeks with Mrs. Hunter. You need not hurry your return home, not that we do not want to see you, but we desire you to get your visit out. We will send you money enough to come on if you send us word. As it is, we only send you love.

The boys, as you have heard I suppose, have been reciting to Prof Dodds. All things, Ma directing, go on about as usual. Mr. Alexander seems as if he were about to lose his eye.

Ma wishes you to give her love to Mrs. Master. Remember us both affectionately to Dr. McM to whom I will shortly write.

The boys send their love

Your affectionate father

T. A. Wylie Miss E. L. M. Wylie Princeton, Ind.

Transcription: Albion, Ill. Aug. 25th 1867

Dear Lou,

Your letter was received Saturday and I was glad to hear from you. I was not at all surprised to find you were in Evansville for I knew you had been trying to get off so long that you would not like to miss so favorable an opportunity of going down with Mrs. Foster. So you have been broiling with the heat too. I can sympathize with you for no doubt it is equally as warm here for the last week or so. It has been dreadful, almost unbearable. It is as much as we can do to visit at all. I think I shall take your advice the next visit I make and wait until Fall. We can only venture out after tea when the sun is down.

Albion is a very quiet pretty little place. I have had a great many calls from the feminine portion of community as well as a few from the gentlemen. Like our town, there are more nice girls than boys. Saturday night I had a pleasant, moonlight buggy ride with Mr. Campbell a young lawyer here highly esteemed by Dr. Thompson. Fine young man, no doubt.

Last night Mr. C came for Em and a Mr. John Brown for me to go riding. Of course we did not refuse but accepted with quite a willingness of mind and heart, though I don't wish you to understand that my heart was with Mr. B for although he is very good looking, he is as common as his name. I cannot say I am having a gay time for the weather has been too exhausting to have anything of an exciting nature on hands. I pass most of my time quietly with the family who are very kind indeed. I am sorry I shall not be able to accompany you home. I have concluded to wait before sending for Uncle Red until the weather becomes cooler. I know he would not enjoy traveling now and it would be unpleasant during his stay here for we could not entertain a gentleman with much ease just now. I received a note from [Stormont?] saying he hade met a fellow in [TH?] who had been in Albion and who wished him to drive him over here or come with him for company. And if they decided to come they would start Saturday the 21st and be here over Sunday. I answered and said I thought it would be better to come some week days for then we could entertain them better. For some reason they decided not to come at that time but said they would let me know if they concluded to come. The fellow who was to accompany him wrote me a little note saying the reason [Stormont?] could not come was that he had a girl in Princeton who wore an apron with long strings and S. was tied onto them. Had a letter from Mr. C. He did not know of your being in E. Said you had been talking about it so long that he would not believe it any more. He says Ella Wade has been in a fight.

Louise, dear, you must write to me while here whether in Evansville or not. Homer Bothwell was here Saturday and made a long call. He started for home the next evening but will be back with Frank McD and Shryer who are to visit him. Frank has been several places, Muncie for one. Miss Kensted the attraction I presume. The boys are going to get up a Chowder. It will be new to me.

Anna had a letter from Maggie in which she says Mr. [Harbrison?] has gone crazy, presume it is Pres on religion. He didn't look as if he had enough to over balance his brain. Laura B. case is all the talk it seems. Likely I will stay until after the Fair which begins about the 14th of Sept if it will suit uncle R about that time to come. Anna will go to housekeeping soon and I will help her some. She has had me talking ever since I have been here. She is getting along very well and cooks much better than when in B.

Your friend

Lib

Transcription: Marion, Indiana Sept 1867

My dear Louise,

I haven't heard a word form you since you left us, an hour or two after we were married. Theodore told me his mother was going to meet you at Vincennes and take you to Evansville before you went to Princeton. So I suppose you made Parke a pleasant visit first, and then saw your other friends and are now back at home getting settled for the winter. I hope you feel better for your trip and visiting.

How astonished I was to hear that Mr. Morrison and Prof Kirkwood had been elected to fill you College vacancies. I should not have supposed they were the most desirable men that could be had. I felt glad for one thing that Morrison was elected and that was that you might be relieved from Sallie. I want to hear if they have moved yet, or is Sallie still with you and have you determined to enter College with her or is she the only female applicant?

There are ever so many things I would like to talk to you about. I feel that I was so taken up with my own affairs when you were at our house I didn't have many satisfactory talks with you. I had so much on my mind then I was hardly like myself. I realize now how much I was bearing mentally then. For since I've come away, I have been so easy and free from care and happy, my heart and spirits have seemed as light as air. Louise, I won't try to tell you, for I couldn't, how completely contented and happy I have been these past four weeks. I hope you may know for yourself some day how good it is to love and trust and to be loved and trusted by a great, good, manly heart. Our married life so far has flowed on so peacefully and sweetly and has been so full of blessing that I seem to have no fear or dread for the future even tho' pain and poverty and affliction should come. And now could you look into our rooms and see how cozy and comfortable we are, you would not wonder at my being content. We have them furnished now with our own furniture and they are very pretty and nice. We bought a new carpet in Cin. (the colors of the one in our parlor, but smaller figures) which I made all myself after getting here, and Henry and I put it down. We have very pretty new walnut furniture and some pretty pictures on the walls, which, with one statuette, ornament our sitting room handsomely. Mrs. Wallace is very agreeable and keeps a good table. I couldn't ask to be more pleasantly fixed.

Marion is quite a pretty town and the people kind and cordial. They have received us very kindly indeed and I trust we may be useful to them. There is a great field open here for me to do good, as well as for my husband. I feel the importance of the position I occupy but I think I shall have many helps to do what seems to be my duty and I try to look most of all to the great Helper who will aid the least of His servants if they ask in truth for assistance. You won't forget your old friend, Lucy, in her new and difficult place, will you? I had a delightful visit at Father Brown's. We were there ten days. I made many acquaintances in the town, and was invited out to tea a great deal. We then went back to the Hills and staid two days. Fan was better, a good deal, than she was when I was married, and enjoyed my visit greatly. They had learned how to do without me very well. Ann had taken my place and was carrying on everything swimmingly. She is just about the best child in the world. Will left for College the day after I got there. Since I've been here they have written that Fan keeps about the same, has some pain now and then but is able to be up, and downstairs, and in her wagon. Pa preached at Marion O. last Sab and Em and Jule Ballantine came back with him. They will be much company for Ann and Fan. Will was informed when he got back to College that he had taken the first prize. The boy is quite delighted. The prize is $40. Don't you reckon he talks big about it? I must close now and I must write to Parke today. I sent a letter to Maggie last Monday. Write soon Lou and tell me all the news. I wish you had become better acquainted with my husband. Some day when you come to see Maggie again you shall come to see me in my own home and then you will see how good he is. He sends kindest regards to you. Give much love to your Ma and Pa, also to Mrs. Bishop and all my friends who ask after me. I heard thro' the paper that Mrs. Wade was dead. Where is Mollie H. now? I've thought of her so much and would write to her if I knew where to send a letter. Goodbye.

Ever your loving friend

Mary O. B. Delight Sweetser died the week before I got here. She was married 8 months ago to a Mr. Winchel. I took dinner yesterday with a Mrs. Wilson formerly from Muncie. She is sister to the wife of Mr. Mellette's partner and knows Mag.

Transcription: Logansport 20th '67 [envelope postmarked Oct 21]

My Dear Lou After reading your letter I felt a twang in my conscience. To talk to you as I did about my religious notions was wrong. No matter what opinions I may entertain upon that subject, I should not speak of them in the manner I did to you. I have thought always if there was a really religious and conscientious person in this world that person was yourself and I ought not to offend your belief or shock it even by my disregard for such matters. I have grown up a sceptic [sic]. How or why I know not. I am hardly a sceptic [sic] either but have the most liberal notions in matters of Religion. A wide and easy belief that may not avail me in the final hour. Do you remember the lay sermons you used to read me? You talked with the earnestness of a good woman. I rejected it all with the perverseness of a fool.

I believe my nature was founded on good principles but a handful of cares were scattered with the wheat and have finally overrun the ground until it is given up to skepticism. I have been to Indianapolis since I last wrote you and enjoyed a most pleasurable visit. I called once only. Ah, Lou, it is desperate hard to overcome the bitter passion of one's nature. It is a great effort of the will to crush it out and destroy it, but I have done it at the expense of my own temporary happiness. I have struggled manfully and at last completely triumphed. "Io triumphe." Like Evret Arlen "I bear a life long hunger in my heart." and one that can never be satisfied. My college love was foolish I know yet now when I look back upon it and remember its happiness and then contrast it with my present desolute condition I am all but willing to give up anything and try to forget it all. Now don't think the sight has awakened the old feeling. Far from it. I have no present love. But I do live in the past, it may be too much but then I cannot help it. I think it far best as it is but not for me. I had the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Carter nee Miss Maxwell here with her husband on their return from their bridal trip. She looked lovely and informed me that Indianapolis was to be their future home. I did not see them when I was down. So you think I am as strong a democrat as ever. Indeed I am. Pennsylvania and Ohio have done so nobly, Lou. My heart rejoiceth thereat. I feel now the country is safe. The danger that has been so imminent and so threatening is happily passed and I have taken new hope for the future. There should be ordered a day of thanksgiving for the great victory and the nation's deliverance from the bad men in power. I don't think you would have been edified at my attempts at speech making and I am certain had you been present my trepidation would have been the greater as my zeal more moderate and becoming. I have been editing the [Thuros?] while here but shall not do so much longer. In fact politics has lost its charm for me. I don't like the strife and turmoil. I would very, very much love to be with you this fall. We are now enjoying the most splendid weather, with the exception that it is too dry and our fall crops are suffering for rain. It is not best to leave my office for any length of time, and as it would take a week at least for me to visit you I therefore can not possibly do so this winter. I hope to be at Commencement. I have been written to about a reunion and if it takes place shall try and be present. I would like very much to see Maggie and the little nephew which Dory thinks lisps my name. (You must excuse erasures and blots. I have such a cold that I can hardly write let alone to think and spell correctly.) Mrs. Shuks informed she intended visiting B this last week and is probably there now. Our friendship is still mutual and I think her a noble hearted woman as ever lived. She has been a kind, kind friend to me. Miss Belle I suppose is still as coquettish and vivacious as ever. I hear by the way a poor account of Al. He is one of those generous souls that deserve to do better and I wish he only could. I wonder if Miss Lib Dodds made an impression on some of our youth. I imagine the Pharos to be a tender expression of the ardent passion. Don't you? I am glad that college is prospering, the old faculty are coming back. And how glad you must be that Prof Ballantine and his family are again with you. Love to all and with the hope of an early letter, I am Always &c Rufus Myer

Transcription: Evansville Jan 10th 1868

My dearest Lou,

Your kind letter came yesterday and I hasten to answer. I wanted all the time I was East to answer your letter received in Cin. but I was so busy going about I could only write home to Ma and John. I cannot begin to tell you what a splendid time I had in New York. I was there six weeks and Sister Eliza and I went every place of any interest and heard and saw so much of interest. I heard so much good preaching, which I assure you I enjoyed. I heard Henry Ward Beecher on Thanksgiving day and he preached a grand sermon. Then I heard Dr. Newman Hall and Dr. John Hall both fine preachers. I had a delightful visit at Orange with 'Miss Poor'—she has not changed at all, seems just as I remember her. She asked very specially about you, your Father and Mother and John McCalla! She lives very nicely and did every thing to make my visit pleasant. John came on and spent two weeks with me. We had a grand time. He said his time was entirely at my disposal and he would take me any place I wanted to go. So we were 'on the go' most all of the time. We heard Dickens read which I assure you was a great treat. He read "Christmas Carol" and "Trial of Pickwick" and it was splendid. We came home by Washington City and had a nice time there. John had some good friends there, speaker Colfax, Sen. Morton, Judge Otto and Sen. Patterson (Johnson's son-in-law) who were very kind and attentive to us. Mr. Colfax took us all over the Capitol and showed us every part of it. We were in the Senate and House, heard some of the great men make speeches, saw Charles Summer, Ben Butler, Wade Tessender, etc. Sen. Patterson took us over the White House. John knew him in East Tenn., brought him down to Knoxville from up the R.R. I admired the White House exceedingly! John laughed at me a good deal for going into such exstacies over it, said he didn't know of anyone that would enjoy living in it more than I would! But I am hardly so ambitious! We found our little darling so sick when we came home. We knew nothing of it till we reached Cin, then we hurried home. She was out of danger when we got here, but had been very ill. I don't think I can ever leave my children again, but I was so thin, they all said I must go. I gained ten lbs while I was away and am very well now. Have not had a cold this winter. Eleanor is now entirely well. Ma's good care and nursing saved her.

We had a beautiful Christmas Tree and a merry time. "Uncle Do" was down and brought the children a great many beautiful presents. Alice and Edith both wax dolls. Alice's is almost as large as our baby and she makes a fond mother! My good husband gave me a Dickens works complete, and a beautiful large picture, "Sunset on Lake George," he bought in New York. Mother gave me a handsome back gammon board. Mr. McCares has resigned his pastorate here and is going away. We will have to find a new minister. He has been here eighteen years.

Alice is getting along finely in school. She is in the 2nd Reader. She came home the other day rather discouraged about her "numbers" as she calls them. Next day she came home delighted, said she had hers the best of the class, but said we did not know how she did it. We could not guess. When she told us she "had prayed to God to help her and He had."

I wish so much I had been home in time for ma to have gone to B to meet Aunt Alice. I know she would have enjoyed it. I would love to see Mary B. I am going to write to her soon. Give much love to Mrs. B. and Anna and Fannie for me. How I would love to see them and you all. I was very much disappointed in not seeing you and so was John. We all send you love. Ma and I went to see Mag McCalla today. Ma went last Sat. too. Write me soon dear Lou. Ma sends much love.

Love to all

Yours lovingly

Parke We have never heard of Do's lady love in Louisville and he did not go there. It must be a mistake!

Transcription: Indianapolis, Indiana January 25th 1868

My Dear Friend Lou,

I have just written Sister Sarah a letter and I am forcibly reminded of my indebtedness to you. I wish I had your good kind letter by me that I might the better answer it, but it was laid away a good while ago for me and I am only able to write a little now so I won't fatigue myself by going for it. I have had nothing but pillows around me for so long that I feel strangely to be up and writing. The letter I wrote to Sarah this morning is only the second I have written her since my husband's death. Oh it is so sad to think that my beloved has gone where I cannot even send a message of love. This thought makes it a sad thing for me to write a letter and still I want to write for I do not want to lose the friendship of the friends who are left and still love me. So dear Lou, I know I shall have your forbearance.

My health seems very much broken down, and as I can never get over the desolate lonely feeling for the great loss I have sustained, I cannot recover rapidly. But in time I hope to be stronger. Then I can control my feelings more. Sarah is very anxious for me to go to Bloomington and I remember your kind invitation and many other friends have urged me to visit them, but to all I say I cannot come now. I am better at home for the present than I could be any where else and I know it is best to stay here while my grief is so keen and bitter. None but those who have suffered the same loss can know what I have lost and nothing can help me but God in His own good time. He is helping me all the time in the kindness and love of friends and sometime when the suffering is all over and we all meet our lost loved ones, we will all see that the Hand that has led us has been a gentle loving hand.

Mother returned Monday from the sad burial of a much loved brother at Salem. She stopped to see Sarah but I suppose saw none of you as she could not feel like going about much and I suppose you did not know of her being in Bloomington. Goodbye. I must not tire myself too much or I shall be sick again. With love, I am ever your friend

M.M. Finch ["Maria Morrison Finch" is written in Lou's? hand on the envelope]  

Transcription: Bloomington Feb 16th 1868

Dear Lizzie I have been expecting a letter from some of you for two or three days. On Monday I received one from you announcing dear Mama's illness and if I had only got it before I think I would have gone. I wish you had written sooner, but regret is unavailing. How sad and lonely you must feel. I think about you all the time and am anxious to know what you intend to do. I do not think it will be pleasant for you to live there now, even if it could be so. I am so glad Caroline was with Mama. I feel so much confidence in her love & judgments. Give my love to her and tell her I wish she would write to me and tell me if I can do anything or if she thinks I had better go on this spring. We wrote you last Monday. I hope you have got the letter before this. I hardly know what to say until I hear from you but I will urge you again to come on and make your home with us. We will do all we can to make you happy. Remember our Mother is happy now & that she is now enjoying the society of her blessed Redeemer and singing that new song that none but those that love him can sing.

"Sweeping a harp of wondrous song

With glory on her brow" The troubles, cares and anxieties of this poor earth all, all forgotten. O how I wish I could see you, talk to you for a time. I am so poor a hand at writing, cannot say half of what I want. Little Dory comes to me & says "tell Aunt Lizzy she must come out here" and the children all would say the same if they knew I was writing. Last Friday Mr. & Mrs. McKinley received a telegram from Pittsburg saying Hannah (Mrs. Riddle) their daughter was very low indeed so they started on Saturday but only reached there an hour & a half before she died. She leaves two little children. I expect you remember Hannah. Give my love to Emma. Tell her to write me without reserve as she used to in times long past and I will answer immediately. Bloomington is not as it used to be when you were here. You would find that the girls have all married and moved away and the people are not as sociable as they used to be. Mrs. Fee & Mary Maxwell are the only ones left of your circle. I kept this letter yesterday in hopes that I would receive one from you but was disappointed. Do not grieve too much dear Lizzie but recollect--it is our duty to feel that "He doeth all things well." If you should prefer to stay in the east I will help you all I can. We have reduced our debt from thousands to hundreds and I feel now as I have not felt for some years. That is, that we have a prospect of being out of debt because the trustees at their last meeting have raised our salaries. Love to all who you think value it & believe me to be Your loving Sister R. D. Wylie

Transcription: Norristown, February 24th [1868]

Dear Children,

I was very glad when yours of 21st came. You must not for a moment suppose that your talking of dear Ma would distress me. I read over her letters and find them a source of comfort. Night before last I dreamed she and I were in a most beautiful garden, filled with all sorts of flowers in full bloom. I saw Miss Hughes in church. She told me her sister had been to W. C. to attend the funeral of a relative and heard of Ma's death. The weather has been so cold I did not venture to the City and hardly think I shall get there this, because I wish you to go to Mr. Everhart and have Ma's will recorded. I will send you the copy of the receipt Ma used to send me to draw her ground rent, due 2nd March next. If it is recorded in W. C. I should not think it necessary to have it done in Philadelphia. He can tell you all about it. Let him alter the order so it is payable me. I will send it in a Post Office order and at the same time send the Age money and ask Emma to give you money for Alpacha to cover your frame with. I am afraid to send it in a letter for fear it may miscarry. What is the amount of the Age? I have heard from Cousin Cornelia a short, kind letter. She was suffering much pain having had a fall on the ice and injured her back. Madeline has likewise written to me. She says they occupy a large old fashioned house on the main street, rent $350. She has recovered 15,000 and her Rail Road Stock begins to pay very handsomely, but they all wish to go to Baltimore and live. Anderson has gone to Sav. Eliza Williamson, her half sister is dead. I am glad Sam is able to get round to see you and sorry James is suffering so much pain. He must have patience and not attempt to walk too soon. I have your gloves, veil, jet buttons, ribbon, etc. Ask Emma if she will not have the shawl? I will send them all with the money from the City and pay the express to W. C. soon as I go in. Now be sure and get your Bonnet. I have written Rebecca and David. The former I expect to hear from by Wed or Thursday next, and will apprise you of the contents of her letter. Now listen to what I say—Can you let me know whom Ma owes and the amount, of each over bill? The taxes are paid and $30 toward the rent. You want $25 and 50 cts to liquidate the rent, is it not? If Cornelia does not take Annie, I am at a loss what she will do with her. It would be absurd to retain the house on her account and involve yourselves still further. For Ma's debts must be paid. Tell Mr. Trimble to be very careful of himself. Next month is very searching and goes hard with invalids. Admitting Mr. Nields house rented for $200 it would cost you 25$ to move besides all the trouble attending it. I repeat, Elizabeth, whenever you feel inclined come and stay some time with me. I cannot advise you what to do as I am in ignorance as to the amount of debts and whether what you get from the 3 boarders will defray all your expenses excepting the house rent. Emma promised to let me know, but has not. What have the two worthies been about? MC and B? Write me if either Emma or yourself wish any thing in the City. I sent to have our dear Mother's death published in the Ledger Monday (today). Buy one if you can. Should you have one of the Village Records left had you not better send it to Mr. Leiper at Chester, Penn? as he was an old and particular friend of Mamma's. I noticed Mr. Joseph Ingersol's death in Saturday's paper, likewise Mr. Tobias Wagoner, another friend of hers. You must not go out to the grave too soon, as the ground is damp. Mr. Ford gave out a hymn on Sunday which I though very appropriate to us— I lay my griefs on Jesus, My burdens and my cares; He from them all releases He all my sorrows shares.

Now, dear children, do not give way to despair. It is a great comfort for us to know that our dear Mother is at rest and free from all care. I brought away in my pocket a pocket handkerchief of Mamma's and will either keep it for you or send it to you. I will come to W. C. some time the latter part of next month when you determine what to do. How long will Mr. Bert remain with you? Give him my best respects. Dr. E- wishes the establishment at W. C. broken up!! Ask Emma if she knows of no one who would take Annie, allow her to go to school, and have her services at other times. She is a large, strong child, and will have to begin to work for her living now dear Ma has gone. Unless Mr. Trimble takes her and even then they will not keep her idle. The mail will soon close. Mind and have the will attended to for you can draw no money unless it is. Love to all. Has Ma's coffin been paid for? Let me know. That is the only bill standing I know of.

Ever your distressed Sister

C

Transcription: Germantown Feb 27th 1868

My dear Lizzie,

Though I have not answered your letter of the 9th you must not for a moment imagine we are unmindful of you in this your great affliction. Oh no we all sincerely sympathize with you all and do not forget you in our feeble prayers.

You were very kind to write to us and we were very, very sorry to hear of your great bereavement and should have answered immediately, had not we at once concluded that George would go on, which would be more satisfaction to you and all of us. I very much wish some of us could have gone with him but all had colds more or less and the weather being unpleasant we thought it most prudent to remain at home, hoping at some future time to have the pleasure of visiting you and knowing at that time you had many dear friends and relations to offer consolation which we would be glad, very glad to extend to you, but which at the same time you and we all know time only and our Heavenly Father can bestow. Great as your loss is, you have every assurance it is your dear Mother's eternal gain and I hope and feel confident you all will try patiently to submit to Gods holy will, knowing He does all things well. Oh how glad we all are that we had the great pleasure of that short visit from our dear friend, your excellent Mother, last fall, and so very glad she enjoyed it. I did so very much wish to make a visit to your kind and hospitable family during her lifetime and should have made a great effort to have done so this coming summer. How much we both would have enjoyed it. If life and health are spared and you remain at West Chester I shall still try to visit you, but oh how sad the change, how I shall miss my very dear friend. But we should not complain or selfishly wish her back from her happy state, to this world of care and trials, but endeavor to follow her example and patiently wait God's time to meet her in that happy land where parting is no more. I am so very glad your dear Sister Caroline was able to be with you in your great distress. I hope your cousin Caroline has quite recovered and that your Sister will be able to stay a while with you. Elizabeth, Willie, George and [Suie?] all join me in much love and sincerely sympathize with you all in your great affliction. We shall be pleased at any time to hear from you. That God may support and comfort you prays

Your affectionate friend A. Billmeyer

Transcription: Wyandotte City March 16th 1868

My Dear Sister Lizzie,

I have been waiting anxiously for letters, but they have not come. I wrote Emma some time ago but suppose her time, with yours, has been so occupied that you could not find time to write. And you may also feel as I do, it seems as though I cannot compose a letter. I had so many plans for this spring and all are frustrated. I know you are certain our Blessed Mother is far better off, but I cannot give her up. It seems as though I must see her once more and when I sit to write or read or sew tears blind me so that I have to give up. If I had not a large family to work for I do not think I could keep up.

What are you going to do? I am so anxious to know. I would like to have you both with me but do not want to be selfish. I have no inducements to offer more than a hearty welcome from all, for I do despise Kansas. Yet you may like it, many persons think it a paradise. You would have many inconveniences to suffer, but we manage to get along and I do think we can compare favorable with Bloomington, Indiana. I suppose you have to decide by April, as I understand Emma, the house you occupy is sold. Oh how my heart aches for you two girls to think of you breaking up and even storing the dear old furniture we have seen all our lives. Please send me something for Richard that belonged to his dear Grandfather and his Uncle Richard. He has a turn like me for relics and I used to tell him when we go home your dear Grandma will give you something that your Grandpa and Uncle Richard used to own and it would please him so much. I thought if it was even one of his uncle's books or a picture, he will prize it. We are all well but the weather is so hot we have doors and windows all open and the grass is green and flowers budding. Oh dear Lizzie it makes me feel sad. Do write me and tell me all you can about our dear Mother. How glad I was Sister Caroline could be with you. It seems too hard to think all could be there but me.

Mr. Cornell will start again for Washington in two weeks and says he will go to Philadelphia if either of you will return with him. It would be a good chance for you as he travels a good deal and is attentive. So do write and tell me what you intend doing. He may remain ten days or two weeks in Washington. I wish he would go to W. Chester to bring me some shrubbery, but if Emma or you come you can. What will you do with Anne? I suppose Cornelia will take her. I suppose you will miss her much and she you. How thankful she should be for the kindness you have all shown her. Fred has just handed me a letter from Julia Egbert and she mentions that you were not well and had gone home with Sister. So I will enclose this to Emma and you will get it on your return. Do, dear Lizzie, write soon.

Your attached Sister

Addie

Transcription: Norristown, March 24 [1868]

My dear Rebecca, I received your kind letter shortly after my return from W. C. [West Chester] where I went for the purpose of bringing Elizabeth home with me—I found her much excited & down in the parlor with Mrs. Trimble--& quite a number of persons there, which did not allay her mental suffering but only increased it—for in my opinion kindness & quiet are the best restoratives—I banished all company & in a weeks time brought her with me to N. where she has improved & is able to walk out twice a day & has a good appetite, is as cheerful as she can be under the circumstances—Ma's death she has felt deeply—she knew all Ma had to endure from Mrs. T—who is & always was an unfeeling, vindictive, selfish, untruthful woman, she abused her mother with her vile tongue & of course her sister, who was her constant companion, can expect nothing else from her hands—Let us drop the subject & hope she may see the error of her way & repent—Mr Theodore W—sent me a check for $50. Mr Trimble would insist on paying $53 for the purpose I mentioned to you—I remonstrated but both Emma & E told me I had better give in & let him have his own way as he is so ungovernable in temper when aroused. So I still have your money & if you have no objections the Drs bill & Apothecary are yet unpaid—I will liquidate them & if there should be any amount left will pay what or part of a bill that has been standing against Ma for some 2 or 3 years & then let you know exactly how I have expended it. I wrote David & he no doubt will assist us so I will make myself responsible for all debts standing against our dear Mother at her death—but for none contracted since—If Emma keeps the house for the accommodation of Mr. & Mrs. T-- & Annie Dolan/not Dennis/ it is her own lookout & not mine—Emma should place her in an Episcopal institution as A says she will not go to the Presbyterian church/ & let her be properly trained & educated. I mean a Charity Inst.—then she can sell off at W. C. & let the Trimbles shift for themselves. Eliz is anxious to pay you a visit in June but Cornelia is opposing it vehemently & I am sorry to say has great influence on Emma on a/c [account] of the child. Now perhaps you would prefer E defraying her expense out to Bloomington with the 50$--Speak your mind truly dear Sister to me. I will clothe E- & you must promise me to let her come & divide her time with me. This is ironing day & I am very busy—Love to Theoph. & the children. I must write you all about Daddy Franklin in my next. Mr Trimble wants it for $50 but he shall not have it for $500.

Transcription: Norristown, April 30th [1868]

Dear Elizabeth,

I received your gratifying epistle just after having returned from the City dripping wet. It rained all the time and I was prevented from going to the Cemetery after a lot. I purchased 2 more Dresses for Julia, a plain Book muslin and a very pretty Grey, making 6 in all!! Sallie E- the dress maker we have [waxed?] into making two entirely as the bodies are to be puffed and tucked. 4 we are to make ourselves, full bodies with fancy buttons up the body, some trimmed with ruffling of black silk, rose quilting and other white edging. I procured a white Lama Shawl etc. so on Monday the box goes by Adam's Express. We missed your expert fingers at sewing I opine. Keep up your spirits my dear Sister, the Almighty does not always allow the wicked to prevail. Trust in him as our dear Mother did and he will see us safely through. I am glad to find you had nerve enough to dismiss the Trimbles the house. I only hope you will not waver. Insist on their going. She should have been with strangers years ago. It will be a losing business with Emma and yourself should they remain 4 weeks longer, for no other would come into the house. I leave it to yourselves, if you choose to keep the house for a quarter, you can easily ascertain whether you succeed or not. If not break up, sell off and go West for a while at any rate. Look out Elizabeth for your glass and china. Take an inventory and compare it with Ma's. Dr. E- has gone to the City. I have given him my Stock to sell, so we shall have a suitable lot for our dear, dear Mother where she wished to repose. Keep up your spirits. I have been twice to the City since I saw you and I will give Emma my Lawyer's opinion. She will let you read it. I will send the money next week, for I cannot wait until the Dr. returns today. Let Emma read this and she will let you read hers.

Write soon

Ever

C Too late for mail I am afraid.  

Transcription: Bloomington May 11, 1868

Dear Parke,

I am sorry you have gone away without coming to see me, for I wished an opportunity to speak to you about several things. I cannot by letter even if I had time and strength, enter into some circumstances as fully as their importance requires, but I am not willing, either, to believe that you are unkind to me or to have you think that I would take any pleasure in being otherwise than kind to you.

I called upon you as soon as I could without seeming to put a slight upon Lou. I could have called several times in the morning, but as I had been owing her a call for a long time, I did not wish to go to the house when as I had understood, she was engaged.

In the second place, I called before the time you expected me, after our meeting at the College, to show you that I took advantage of the first opportunity the weather afforded me and when both my own duties and Lou's permitted. I was very sorry not to find you in and so expressed myself and in that expression included Lou.

Next came the invitation to the party. I expected to go. I told Dora so, but when I came home and found that you and Lou had been here to make a call upon Mrs. Hunter who had not yet made a call upon you and in the time of my known absence and when the not to me had included Mrs. Hunter, why I felt that I could not go to the party.

And I hoped still that you would come over with your husband. It would have given me satisfaction both to see you both and to give and receive some necessary explanations.

But as I have not been able to do more than I have done, I trust this will assure you of my integrity and unaltered friendship.

I am yours truly

Sarah P. Morrison

Transcription: Evansville May 16th 1868

My dearest Lou

I should have written you much sooner, but when you know we have been in the midst of our party you will not wonder I have had no time. We arrived home safely Monday night, but you may know we were both very tired. All day Tuesday I rested. Then we commenced in preparations for our company and as we invited 291 people we were of course very busy. Our party was quite a success. We had as many as our parlors, hall and porches would hold and had our dining room filled three times for supper. Mother had an elegant supper, salmon salad, boiled ham and tongue and pickled oysters for meats, all kinds of cakes—coconut, fruit, sponge, filly, lady cake etc—oranges, wine jelly and fine apples and ice cream to finish off with. Our table looked beautifully. I wish you could have seen it. Rettie wore her wedding dress and looked her prettiest. I am heartily glad it is over and so is mother. It has almost made her sick, though we had a great deal of help. I send you one of our invitations from the "Journal office." We are all resting today and enjoying the good things. I wish you and your mother were here with us. I received a letter from Sallie Morrison a day or two after I got home, saying she was sorry not to have seen me and explaining why she did not come down to your house. I will send you the letter, but don't let any one know it. I sat right down and answered it, though very busy. I told her we went expressly to call on her and not Mrs. Hunter and had she not met us at the door and taken it for granted we would never have gone in at all. I told her we inquired what time she recited Greek and as it was before prayers, we thought she might be home and if I did not go then I could not have gone at all. You can confirm what I wrote her if you ever have an opportunity. John and I would have called to see her if she had been at your house Friday night, but you can see from her letter how she felt. I am sorry for it, as I did not wish to be rude to her and pay no attention to her call. I hope she will be satisfied with the explanation I gave her. I told her the weather and my health would not permit my going until Friday morning, and that I made a great effort to get up to her house. We certainly told Mrs. Hunter we came to see Sallie. I will trust to you to make all right. My flowers are all doing nicely. John and I take great care of them. They remind us of you and your pleasant home and we trust they all will live. John goes to Chicago in the morning. I have decided not to go. My dear little babe is very delicate and Ma has not been at all well this week, had just such an attack as the baby. She was not down the night of our party at all. She is some better today. Alice talks a great deal of you and your folks.

Tell the boys the children were perfectly delighted with their brackets and all the big folks think them beautiful. Edie has had a dozen parties on her table and had written Brown a letter, but Eleanor tore it up. She will write another. Alice's teacher gave her two words "home" and "summer" and told her to write her a composition. I have got it and I send it to you as she wrote it. She cannot write very well yet. She reads so well now. Give much love to your dear mother and thank her for her kindness to me while with you. You were all so kind and good. John and I will always remember our visit with pleasure. Mag McCalla was over yesterday. She had sore throat and did not come to our party. I must close. I am afraid you can't read this poor letter. Write me soon, dear Lou. Give love to all the Ballantines. Is dear Fannie alive yet? Write me often. Love to all friends.

Your loving friend

Parke Foster

Transcription: Friday morning [Summer 1868]

Dear Elizabeth,

I received yours dated 27th [ult for ultimate or else an abbr. for a month]. Yesterday and today have wetted us down. I intended going to the P.O. today and getting a P.O. order for 25$ and sending to Emma, but yesterday I did some ironing and today I have a woman for ½ day to Iron the Shirts and Skirts. A small girl has just arrived, so I can get along very well until I hear of a full grown one, only it has prevented me from going to the City on Tuesday with your Shawl. If you do not like the fringe, cut it off and bind it. I think the fringe pretty. I shall get the Lot when I go in and then write Emma for I see you have not qualified and of course cannot act. Then we will see what Mrs. T's excuse will be next, something no doubt will be started in shape of an excuse. Dr. E- blames me very much and well he may for every one is horrified at my allowing Ma to be placed in old Trimble's lot after their treatment to her while living. But dear Lizzie so it is. Perhaps it is done to let us all see to what an extent her depravity of heart will extend. I am not angry with either you or dear Emma, no indeed. Tell her I think she had better pay off Easte's bill 8.91 and give Finnegan the balance. I wish you to take out $3.25 or 50 for a pair of nice boots. You might get them in the city for less as Kate did, but very miserable, so do as I wish you to and that without delay. Then you must go out and walk and not fret as you do after Ma. She is happy with those she loved on Earth and I trust we will after a few years join her. Think of that happiness and be reconciled to your lot. Say not, dear Sister, no one loves or cares for you. I love you both and as I told you, would always divide the last crumb with both of you. Say to Emma my reason for paying Finnegan is in case you want Groceries on credit he would credit you, having known you so long and he appears to be a clever man. I hope you made B's Mother and Sister pay you for your trouble. You ought to have told me how you were off for Cash. Emma wrote you had a prospect of boarders. I will be on some time this month. Besson have Lawn for 20 cts but not deep enough for either E- or yourself. If you cannot get boarders, how would it answer to rent out your two or 3 upper rooms? It would assist you. Write me. You might rent them by the month. I shall write Rebecca, although she has not replied to my last letter written in May. Old Trimble should have had the generosity to pay Emma for his portion (2 months) toward the house rent. I did not mean for Emma to send me any memorandum of the Louisville business, only the name of the Gentleman whose hands it was placed in by Mr. Dungan and Smith. It appears D. and S. have it back in theirs now. It is deferred too long. She should have sent it sooner, as he has left. You say you are sorry my letter was too late to Cousin C-. It was your keeping Mrs. T- and husband so long, or Lizzie you might have had her. But all is for the best. I will leave the Shawl for you when I go to the City. I wish you were with me. We are all by ourselves. I wrote Mrs. Rheiner to come out and stay until Wed. and I would go to Phil with her. Lizzie you ask me in case of my death, who will the lot belong to? I answer you candidly, to the children of course. That question Ma never put to me. Do you approve of her lying in old Trimble's lot or his wife's? I was to have the deed drawn up in Ma's name. At her death it was to revert to me. She never put the question who the lot belonged to in case of my death. I see through it. That is to be raised as a stumbling block now that they do not make use of the $100 excuse. They are both rascally cowards and I am almost sorry I did not let the Dr. handle them. She deserves severe punishment and no doubt will receive. I heard of some of her outrageous conduct. I cannot say I was astonished for I believe her guilty of any act. Her standing is very low. I sincerely hope Emma will never allow herself to be taken in by them again. I must see after Dinner. Mind and tell Emma I will write and send the money some day next week. With much love to E- and yourself.

I am as ever

Your Affectionate Sister

C- You said nothing about the Everharts or Nields. Give them my love. When I come on I must go and see them. Destroy this after you have both read it.

Transcription: Logansport June 24th 1868

Dear Lou,

Your letter was so long coming to me that I had all but given up hearing from you and had intended writing you but have delayed from day to day until this long period has transpired. I often have good intentions that come to nothing more than intentions. For instance, I was intending to be with you at Commencement, a desire chiefest in my heart, and yet here I am with no possibility of putting that intention into a certainty. Business, my dear friend, makes a great difference with one's plans, and mine is not of that kind that will permit me to go away and return at my pleasure. It does not wait for me in my absence but goes elsewhere.

How much I would like to see the boys. I suppose I may yet use that phrase, for you must know I shall ever associate them in my mind with my college days. And how much I would like to see their wives. How queer that term sounds in some connections. When I read that part of your letter: "Jim Foster and wife, Zeke and wife, Lee Willson and wife," etc. don't you believe the past came up to me very forcibly. All married but myself and Ryors. I am as far from it, Lou, as when a college boy. I found a quiet, welcome place by the "coal fire," and a good warm unselfish friend in you. I have no heart for any such thing now. That early experience satisfied me. Not that I regret it or that I ever wish it might have terminated differently three years ago this commencement. How strange it seems. It has all passed out of my sight into my dreams forever. I want you to write me a long letter and tell me of all my old friends, which one in your opinion has made the best selection for life. Zeke's wife I know. The others I do not. And to those boys remember me kindly and cordially and the same to your family in whose esteem I trust I have not yet lost my old place. And tell me something of Maggie, Lou. I often think of her and wonder if battle with her goes as well as she was fond of anticipating. You know I always looked into life as into a glass, darkly. I am not so morbidly sensitive now as of old. I have been so successful in my business and so much to be thankful for, such good friends and prospects. The uncertainties have passed, the realities are now with me. I know you think, dear Lou, my letters are poor unsatisfactory ones. They are not such as I once wrote you, but your place shall never be vacated for after all you have been the best and truest friend of all my life. You must remember that a change comes over one when they have made the transition from boyhood to early manhood. A business change, nothing more.

Goodbye and write me soon. You will have so much to tell me, I must have a long letter. Love to all

And always, dear Lou

Rufus Magee

Transcription: Norristown, July 20th 1868

My dear Rebecca, Your last was dated 15th April which I replied to in due time--& have been anxiously awaiting an answer. Receiving none I address you again—perhaps your reply has miscarried. When last in W.C. the girls told me mine had been received & you would answer it as soon as you were able— I will say but little about Mrs. T- only that she may be classed among the very worst of her sex—She held out the belief to Emma that as soon as a suitable lot had been procured she would give her the permit to move Mamma's body—I went to the Woodland Cemetery, near Phila & purchased a lot near the one Ma told me when last there, she would like to have—that one had been sold—at the same time I did not believe Mrs. T- was honest enough to give the permit. I then wrote E- to procure it—she applied & of course was rejected—Emma ought to demand it as Executrix—strange infatuation of Emma's—all on a/c of that child—though I am of opinion E's eyes are beginning to see a little into her roguery—They can get no boarders & are willing to break up & leave W.C. I shall go on early next month, let them reserve what they wish, pack it up & stow away until we move to Phila. Then I will send for it & keep for them. Mr. Wray is expected down next week, Georgianna wrote Emma she could get her a situation to teach in the public school, or she might keep school herself—I think she had better make the attempt—something must be done to make them to leave W.C. I have made myself responsible for dear Ma's debts /say nothing about it/ & will pay them off gradually—I have invited them both to come & make my house their home /having no family at present, but the Dr Kate & myself—Harry & Julia are in South Carolina & Caroline at Baltimore—we do not look for them back before Oct. When schools commence Emma can go up to Mr Wray's & Elizabeth if she choose can either pay you a visit or Adelaide—stay the winter if she is satisfied—I am glad to have her for I love her dearly—poor dear child to think of that old hound sitting at the Table & casting up to – how much he was out of pocket by her mother, that was too much to bear, I do not wonder she ordered them out of the house, it was high time I think. I have your $50 & will send E- on if she wishes, if not please write me, whether I shall return it to you or Mr. Theodore. The Bust of Franklin is still there—Mr T- told Emma he would give her $200 for it at any time, the offer was still open—I put my veto on that as it once belonged to Aunt Becky—I sent him word, he should never possess it, not $2000 of his money would ever buy it. Mrs. T- told Emma she had letters in her possession written by members of the family approving of her conduct respecting Ma's body. When you write I wish you to express emphatically your wish that it should in the fall be removed to Woodlands. I am inclined to think she has no such letter, unless she has forged them. Signify if you please your opposition to having Pa's remains removed from where they rest, as she has I think written Georgianna to sound her with regard to leaving part of the expense but Georgianna wrote me she had objected to it—Chloe told me when last in the city she was present when Ma was lamenting not having all the family together. Pa remarked Well Susan it matters not where we lie, where ever I die there let me be buried. Mrs. T- said to Emma, if I wanted the body, I should pay for the coffin—I replied certainly I would for I had asked that as a particular favor & both Mr T- & his amiable wife refused me. Then said she how about the lot, will she buy that? No said I, not as a gift would I possess it after they had owned it. Did you ever hear of such a piece of cruelty? Toward our dear Mothers remains? I have been without a servant for 4 weeks—we have one now who is next to nothing—I knew her failing when I took her & she has been under the influence of liquor for 3 days—She just follows Kate up stairs, & spoke to her in such a manner that she must go—the Factories take all the girls & we have to put up with the refuse. Very good Farmers daughters can be had but they all wish to sit at the Table, with the family. Give my love to Theophilus & the children & believe me as ever Your aft Sister, Caroline

Transcription: West Chester, August 3rd [1868]

My dear Rebecca, I received you last in due time, was glad to hear you were all in good health though much fatigued this warm weather. I find the girls have not written you lately & as you mentioned in your last Mr Wylie intends coming on shortly—knowing all travelers are pressed for time, I wish to inform you I left home this morning to be with Emma & Eliz who have at last made up their minds to sell off on Wednesday 5th August reserving certain pieces of furniture for themselves—each a bedstead feather bed mattress & bureau &c &c Daddy Franklin will not be sold—an artist here thinks it worth $3000 which seems like a high valuation—that it is valuable no doubt, especially if it is one of [Conover's?]. Elizabeth will return with me to Norristown—Emma is much obliged to you for your invitation but says she will not leave Penn under a year. If Mr Wylie should be detained a week or two we can fix Lizzie up & she will return with him. Should she not be able to get ready- you may know of some other opportunity—Tell Theophilus he must come to Norristown, we have plenty of room & will be glad to see him—Caroline is at Baltimore still, no one at home but Kate & the Dr. Emma will be with me some time between this & Sept. How sad & desolate we all feel, without dear Ma. It is not right to indulge in sorrow but who can help it—every article of furniture recalls her dear image to my mind. Have you her likeness? Georgianna wrote me Mr Wray was to leave her in a week or two for Phila. He wishes Emma to return with him. Will write you more fully next time—Had a letter from David lately, he was, poor fellow, suffering with his eyes—Chloe is well—I must go & lend a hand as there is much to do Love to the children Every you Aft Sister C-

Transcription: Chambersburg Aug 10 1868

Dear Lizzie

I expect you are over whelmed with work that you can not take time to scribble your poor sister a few lines. Never mind. I shall expect you to make up for it when you arrive at Bloomington. I cannot tell you how I like Chambersburg as I have not visited it but once and that too short a distance to tell on Sunday. But as soon as it clears I expect to go. I saw Agnew Crawford. He was so different from what I had imagined, of a very nervous excitable temperament I should judge. Mr. F. told me Mrs. C expected soon to call on his sister and myself. She had been absent from town. Agnew said he recalled Papa very well and spoke in the most unbounded terms of Theophylus. They are repairing and enlarging his church. The congregation was large and some left and have formed a second organization. Have offered $1000 for a preacher. Are now worshiping in Court House but are raising money to build. Be sure and give my love to Susan Black if you see her and try and see Mrs. Perkins. I wanted to so much. What about Franklin? I am sorry I could not see Theophylus. I wish he would go home by way of Louisville so you could see about that business. Cornelia wrote that the Nields were going to break up house keeping and that Lizzie was to start for her school that day, Tuesday (the 1st I imagine). Clara Darlington still continues very sick. Lewis Shields is just about commencing repairing his house. The Terra Cotta chimneys had just arrived. Mrs. Fergus and Maria had made a beautiful baby house for the fair with a conservatory with ferns and mosses in it. Miss Crefson got some more boarders (Southern), 7 I think, but I believe they and all have left after a very short sojourn. I do not wonder. She stopped at Cornelia's one morning, said they had arrived. She did wish I was there for she had every thing to do herself. She had just been buying 6 bushels of coke and her marketing which was to have been there by the nine o'clock train but did not arrive so she was obliged to wait until ½ past eleven. I wonder what time they got dinner? The hour is 12. I must stop and see about supper, but will not close my letter as I may think of some thing else I want to say. Tell sister the permit is safe but I want to send the Hair in this so you can take it out. [following in a different hand] Dear Lizzie,

I must scribble a few lines and tell you how we miss you. Brownie looks all over for you and finally gets on your bed and goes to sleep. I sent a boy out to Francisville with the check for your baggage and paid him. I hope he did not charge Mr. W--. Was all right? Had you any trouble? And how did you stand the trip and how do you feel? A letter came from Emma on Sat. evening for me and one enclosed for you, which I send. [perhaps Caroline has written on the bottom of Emma's unfinished letter to Lizzie?] And she sent Rebecca's portion of Ma's hair. I will give the substance of my letter. The house is a comfortable two story brick house with good back buildings. The family she is much pleased with. Mr. and Mrs. F both kind and intelligent. 2 Lady teachers, one quite young, the other quite a musician. Piano just arrived. Washing and Ironing days she assists with the cooking, that is optional. She is busy putting down corn. This week preserving Quinces etc. Makes the sweet cake, Dessert etc. Says she is not worked to death. Mr. Shields is about commencing repair. Miss Annie Dolan had been taken sick the night before and Dickey went for the Dr at 10 o'clock, was better when Mrs. T— wrote. Mrs. Watson met Annie on the street and asked about the Piano. Said if it was to be sold a price should be fixed. He had been offered $50. If it was not to be sold Mrs. Watson would have it tuned for her daughter to play on and they would keep it without charge. She wants to know what you say. My advice is for you to sell it for $100 or 75 as you choose. You had better write her about it. When I returned home from Philadelphia I found two letters from David, one bearing date 26 August and the 28th. One felt as if it contained a P. Order. I wrote Emma a short letter, telling her you had departed and forwarded on the two letters. I expected a letter from her today but none as yet. The Baker's wife and Christina came over on Sat. night and she was positively engaged to set in on Monday/this morning/ but it is now near lunch and no Christina, so I must put on my Bonnet and go over. It is threatening to rain and Chloe will be disappointed in her visit. Emma did not get her Trunk until Wednesday evening after she arrived and it left W. C. on Thursday morning, just a week and it cost her $2. And her box only cost 45 cts. She says I hope Liz got the papers I sent. The list I made out from the receipts I have by me. I cannot quite understand how it should be over the mark but Grub I recollect paying just before the sale and I may have some one else and forgotten. I know I was short and had to borrow from you for taxes. But when I get more time will straighten up and look over my books better!!

I do not understand the latter part of her letter for I gave her money to pay Grub, for flour I think it was. 4 or 5 months ago. When you get leisure just copy the articles and amount they sold for and I will make it straight as she calls it.

Transcription: Bloomington, Indiana Monday, Aug 10th 1868

My dear Pa,

It seems a long time since you left, tho' it is only four days. We miss you and Dory very much. I wanted to write sooner but we have been kept busy. Mrs. Jackson staid till Saturday. On Friday Mr. Heinl came. He took tea with us. Ma gave him an order for a few Blackberry, Raspberry and Strawberry plants. On Saturday Dr McFerson came so he has been staying with us and I, for one, am glad to have some one with us at night.

I took the measure of the wind Friday and Saturday, but I am sure I did not get it right for Friday I made it out 999 miles and Saturday only 110, and Saturday was an exceedingly windy day. So I feel somewhat discouraged about taking it. Yesterday I was not at home and today I forgot. I hope Brown will soon be here to attend to it. We had a letter from him Saturday. He said he was clerking in a Grocery store for Arthur and was not very well. Whooping cough is prevailing in Muncie and the Doctor says if baby takes it now, he will hardly get over it. We have written for Mag to come right home. It is raining a little this P.M. but is very dry. My Datura is out and is very pretty, large and pure white. I will send you the measure of my skirt. You cannot get one for me unless you have the measure. Dr. Maxwell was here today and bid me tell you that he had sent a check for $4000 to New York Care of Dr. McLeod. He sent it there because it was payable there.

Give my best love to Grandma, Uncle The, Aunt Jennie, and all the children and ever so much love for Dory. Tell him he must write and tell us whether he has had his shoes blacked yet etc. Write just as soon and often as you can. I must leave room for Ma to write. Remembrances to Prof Dodd.

Affectionately

Lou

Lou says you will be disappointed if I do not write a few lines, so I will quit all my work and write. You don't know how much we miss you. The house seems so lonesome but we keep busy. I have not seen Mrs. Dodd since Saturday evening. She called on her way to the P. Office. Lou told me to tell you if you got her a Boulevard skirt she wanted it not more than 35 inches long. I wish you would go to the Agriculturist office and subscribe for it. I am going to send by Do for a barrel of coffee sugar and 50 lbs of coffee, a kitt of mackerel for Lou. We had a letter from John McClerkin last night. Toph was well and had been working finely. He says he does a man's work. They sold 1078 bushels of wheat at 2.00 a bushel. That was doing well I think. He says Toph will come back to study if we wish, if not he will stay where he is and work. I wrote for him to come home as I cannot do without some of the boys. Lou wants to take this to the office so I must stop. Give my love to Dory and all and believe me to be your etc. R.D.Wylie

Transcription: Norristown, August 14th [1868]

My dear Rebecca, I regret so much not having seen Theophilus having many things to communicate that cannot & ought not to be trusted to paper—how much I miss dear Elizabeth & how sorry we were to part with her—even our Dear Mother's cat appeared to feel her loss—But I had a twofold reason for letting her go—the first was to get her out of Mr. & Mrs. T-'s reach, that she could hear nothing they might say or do--& secondly to let them see she was willing to go & that would show she was well treated while with you before—for when I suggested breaking up the house at W.C. she told me how badly Lizzie had been treated by out West, that you had sent her home with but the dress she had on & that a forlorn one, that she was obliged to give her one of hers--& you had worked her (Mrs T) so hard she did all the work of the house besides minding the children & every stitch of sewing—I listened to it all without believing a word & simply remarked she must have been very industrious! She is a very wicked woman & will fall in her own snare—Lizzie will tell you about her behaviour & what trouble she has cost us. Such anguish of mind. Emma I received a letter from on Sat. She appears well pleased with her new situation, says she does not work near so hard as at W.C. She sent me your portion of dear Ma's hair, thinking Elizabeth had not left. Shall I retain it or forward on to you—perhaps you would like me to have a pin or other article made I have a [likeness?] of yours, if so name what & describe it as near as possible. I was disappointed not seeing Theophilus Junior. If our lives are spared hope to see you next Summer. I have a very pretty Breakfast Shawl that Kate nit for Ma she prized it highly & I would like you to have it—would you dear Sister accept & wear it for Ma's sake Love to all & write me soon C-

Transcription: Bloomington Monday Aug 17, 1868

Dear Pa,

We are all well at least those of us that are at home and those that are away as far as I know. But I am sorry to have bad news to tell you about Prof Dodd. On Saturday night about half past ten we were awakened by the cry of fire and jumping out of bed heard some one say that Prof Dodd's house was on fire. Lou and myself dressed immediately and ran over there where we found the house all in a blaze but the family all safe. John Leonard was there in his carriage so we put Mrs. Dodd and the children in and brought them over here. She is much better today. It appears that Mollie had been ironing that day. Mrs. Dodd had one of her bad turns about nine. The girl thought she would heat some water and bathe her. She kindled a fresh fire with brush and after bathing her went to bed. When in bed she saw a light and thinking Mrs. Dodd had got up she went in to see what was the matter when she found the kitchen was all in a blaze. But I will leave the rest for her to tell. Thank God the children were all saved. That was all my fear as I went over. Tell him to be of good heart, his books and furniture nearly all saved, silver safe. Indeed it was wonderful how much was saved. Dr. Maxwell has had everything taken to the college and locked up safely. He thinks the Prof need not hurry home as everything has been done that can be. We will take every care of Mrs. Dodd and the children. I can not write more as I am in a great hurry.

Yours etc

R. D. Wylie

Dear Pa,

Do not let Prof Dodd feel too much alarmed. The house is completely burned and the woodhouse, but very much was saved. Prof Kirkwood went down and attended yesterday to the removal of the books. The greater portion was saved. Indeed considering the great distance from neighbors it is really surprising how much was saved. Mrs. Dodd screamed fire and also sent Jennie to Mr. Shaw's. We will take good care of them all and will be very careful of fire, as we always are. And they were too, but you know the flue was defective and it caught from that. We expect Brown tomorrow.

Lou

Transcription: Bloomington, Indiana Wed. Morn Aug 19, 1868

My dear Pa,

We wrote to you day before yesterday and told you about the fire and for fear that you will be thinking that some accident will happen to us, I write again to day although I know that you hear of us thro' Prof Dodd for Mrs. D writes every day I believe. Neither Brown or Toph have come home yet. We looked for Brown certainly yesterday, but he did not come, nor did we get a letter. He may be waiting for Mag and I look for him either today or tomorrow. We had a letter from Toph yesterday, written very well. He don't seem to be the least homesick or to think of coming home before the session begins. He had been to Evansville and had seen Col. Foster and family. Alice had been sick.

Mrs. Dodd is not well yet. Indeed I think it is a wonder she lived thro' the excitement of that night. When Ma and I went over she was completely exhausted lying in a bed in the front yard with the little children, half dressed, all around her. We had her brought right over here. We were so fearful that some of them had been burned, but all are safe and well but Mrs. D and I hope she will soon be quite well. She is not very sick, but was so weak at the time that I think she has not got over the excitement yet. Then yesterday she heard that her brother was sick in Kalamazoo, had been sunstruck in June and had brain fever since, and you know that did not make her feel any better. I think the greater portion of Prof D's books were saved. All things have been stored at the College, excepting clothing, some pictures, the clock—glass cover broken to pieces—sewing machine, bureau and big rocking chair which are here. We think a good many things have been stolen. Ma has gone over to see to the things this morning. Mollie, the girl, has been attending to them but she left yesterday. She did bravely in trying to put out the fire, but it was so far from any house that I suppose no one was there for 10 or 15 minutes and as it has not rained since you left, till night before last, you can imagine how dry it was and how the house burnt as quick as it could. When we got over, and I don't suppose it was 15 min. after I heard the first cry, the roof was all in a blaze but they were still bringing things out. You know there was no one but women to call fire and Mrs. D screamed till she was exhausted. She sent Jennie for Mr. Shaw and he was the first there. He and the Dutchman at the corner. Then Mr. Tuley took up the cry and it seemed to sound all over town they said. As we were shut up in the north room, I think I heard the answering call from town first. We looked up town but could see no light tho' bells were ringing and then I heard Mr. Tuley say 'over at Prof Dodd's.' Ma and I ran to the front window and saw the light and then we dressed in a few minutes and went over. We are very careful about fire and about locking up and you must not feel uneasy about us. Stay as long as you want to and believe that we will be taken care of. I hope neither you nor Dory are sick. How does Dory enjoy himself? I intended writing to him but will not have time today. Tell him to write to us. We do not know your exact address in N.Y. I have found two of Dr. McL's addresses and they are both different and I am not sure but that his present address is still different. I directed to his care. People up in town are well generally I believe. They had a grand rally at Harrodsburgh yesterday. I did not go as we have enough to do at home. Your melons are beginning to ripen and we have nice corn and Lima beans. John Alexander has charge of Mrs. McCalla's peaches and we get what we want. They are ripening fast. Some trees have been gathered entirely. We have had peaches and cream three times. Some of our own are ripening. But I must stop as it is near time for getting dinner. My love to Aunt Margaret, Susie and all and much love to Dory. Write soon and often. I believe Prof D writes every day. We would like to hear twice a week. Ma would send love if she knew I was writing

Lou If you get No 2 shoes for me they must be small, especially narrow.

[In Rebecca's hand, the following postscript] Dearest Pa

I know you don't like to read such long letters but I must write a few lines. I have just been over to the college to look after things. Prof D books and boots are in his room. Prof Ball. and K. have been attending to having the stoves put in the block house. We are all well but Mrs. D and she is better now. Tell Dory to write and do so yourself. P. D. writes every day, two or three letters. R. D. W.

Transcription: New York Sept 4th 1868

Dear Lou

As Ma does not answer my letters, I must write to you. This A.M. we (Prof D, Dory and I) returned from Boston. We went there via Albany, Troy, Williamstown, where we spent the Sab very pleasantly at Mr. and Mrs. Latham's. On Tuesday we crossed the Hoosac Mts. And reaching Boston Tuesday evening, we spent Wed. and Th. in B and after a delightful though somewhat rough passage at the entrance of Long I. Sound, reached N.Y. this A.M. about 8 o'clock. Dory is very much delighted with his travels. Enjoys excellent health and feels now ready to return. Perhaps I may leave this tomorrow, but we have so much yet to do, that I fear that this will be impossible. We have not yet done buying for the college. I have not yet done any thing for ourselves. I hope to attend to these things in Philadelphia. I think I may safely say that I will be D. V. in Bloomington on Friday or Saturday. Prof D has had a good deal to trouble him. The burning of the house, the unsettled condition of the family (I do hope Ma and you will not grow weary in well doing) and the solicitations of Dr Aldon to move to Albany, putting him in that to me exceedingly disagreeable state of betweenitis are enough to vex anyone. I wonder how he has got along as well as he has, wishing to be at home yet unwilling to return before the work was finished he came to do. I am glad to hear that Liz is back and I hope she will stay. I have been writing a number of letters, have some accts to attend to and lists of books to review. So that I hope you will excuse the shortness of this letter. Both Dory and I are anxious to see you all, particularly Maggie and her little Wylie. Love to Ma and all the rest. Am glad to hear of Phandy's return. I hope he will work as well at his books as he has been at farming. I think both he and Brown ought to be with Mr. Cole. With affectionate regards to Mrs. Dodds and her little ones, but particularly Baby (Grace), I remain

Your loving father

T. A. Wylie P.S. Have hardly seen any person in N.Y. Have arrived myself but one day. Remember me to Prof B. Am sorry he did not commission me to bring some classics for him. Could procure some beautiful sets of particular authors very cheap. Am now at Sister's. Dr. McL went this week to Pittsburgh to marry Miss Black to Mr. White. Miss B is a daughter of Cousin And. Black, lives at Sewickley. Dr. McL is expected tomorrow. Wylie's wife, Niece Sarah, has been sick for a good while. Wylie himself is not well. Theodore is down town all day. Alexander boards about.

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind Sept 5, 1868

Dear Lou,

Left Boston on the 4th, got here on the 5th. We went to Little Falls on the cars. When we were 3 mi from Little Falls the engine broke down and we had to stay 2 hours. I got tired waiting for it. In an hour we got to Newport, then we got in a Magnificent Bo'steam Boat. We then got our supper. When we got up I could hardly walk. When we got in the Saloon the wave struck the vessel so hared it nearly knock us down. Pa though we had struck a snag. We then went to the Prow and was coming back when Bang, she went again and knock Pa into a chair. It rock a great deal. Got to New York at 8 o'c. Tell Alice Dodd that we at her Grandma 3 days. They have lots of plums. I am awful sleepy. I had my boots black 3 times.

Yours truly in love

Dory Wylie

Transcription: Pittsburgh September 21st 1868

Dear Lou,

I received your letter just one month of the date being over four hundred miles from the spot to where it was directed. Since then I have been waiting to see Uncle Theophilus but now I suppose he has passed through and may be at this moment at home again. Dear Lou, I regret very much I cannot comply with your wishes, for I would have taken pleasure in purchasing any thing for you that I possibly could. I only hope your Pa succeeded in getting the desired articles.

We are always absent from our home in the summer season and often miss friends passing through that we cannot meet in winter. If I had been in New York your "baby brother" should have indeed been well taken care of. I would have taken him every where. And I hope he has not been neglected, but will speak as well of our village as his most respected sister.

When are you coming on to see us Lou? We stand ready to welcome you at any moment and there will always be a [cxxx?] for our little Lou. Do you remember how Alle used to carry you down stairs sometimes and do you remember our trip to Mrs. Britton's? Mary sends her love and says to come on, for she has a new style of fixing hair. She wants to know if you still wear a waterfall. Jennie sends her love. I am now making her a short visit. Ma'a is out at Louise. If she was here I know she would send much love to you and all.

Give my love to Aunt Rebecca, Mag and every member of your family and with a large portion for my little Cousin Lou, I close

Being ever your

Loving cousin

Susie MacLeod

Transcription: Norristown, Sept 23rd 1868

Dear Elizabeth,

I received your kind letter yesterday and intended replying to it immediately. Annie is to be married on the 12th Oct and is to be on and pay us a visit. I had a letter from Emma day before yesterday. Intended to copy part of it for you but have put it in my wardrobe and cannot put my hands on it. The sum and substance of it is that there has been a failure of the Academy and it is to be disbanded next week. She wishes me to write Caroline who is still at Baltimore about a situation, which I have done. I wrote Emma to bring her Trunk and Box and come straight to our house, both the Dr. and I wished it, and not to think of going to the miserly Trimbles. Have not heard from her, expect her on Friday or Sat. That is if she accepts my offer. I further begged she would remain with us until she heard of another situation. I wrote Adelaide on the subject. Consult with Rebecca on the subject. My object is to get her as far as possible from the T's and Miss Dolan! By the bye, I understand from one of your old neighbors that when the Trimbles left there was a general rejoicing and when Annie left the premises their joy was unbounded! I went in and drew the ground rent. Did not see Mr. Paulding, he was on the Eastern shore still. Emma begged me to write you and say she had written you two letters, one I copied to you or enclosed, I forget which. She had no time to write and her finances were low, from which I infer she had not been paid yet. Mrs. Brownie is well. She attends lunch at 12 o'clock, prefers the middle of Julia's bed where she sleeps every day and night until 9 or 10 o'clock when Kate marches down with her in her arms and kisses her good night. She grows quite corpulent! I expect to go to W. C. early in Oct and pay what I can unless Emma should call upon me to assist her, but I am in hopes he will pay her. It will be a shame if he does not. Emma says David's letters contained no P.O. order, as he did not know her whereabouts. One was a letter to Mrs. T- for her to peruse and send. Emma said it was very severe. I saw nothing approaching severity in it, if it was a copy she sent me. I suppose Mrs. T- has been writing him another manuscript of falsehoods in extenuation of her infamous conduct. Emma sent me the permit, likewise her protest. Told me to either return the protest to her or keep it for her so I pitched it into the empty chamber under my bed and consider even that too decent a place for it. I will copy it for Reb's and your benefit. You know as well as I do that Ma never expressed a wish to her where she was to lie or anything about Dr. E-. All she knows has been gleaned from Emma. And as for talking about her feeling of respect for dear Ma, either while living or since her death, that is all a sham, for she never let an opportunity escape of insulting her and wounding her feelings. Let us drop her. I thought you would feel some curiosity to see it. I advise you to destroy it and this letter likewise. I will write you when E- comes on. The Gentleman who has the Louisville business on hand is Oliver H. Stratton, Attorney at Law and Conveyances, 142 West Main St., Dulaney Building, 2nd Floor. I am glad you stood the journey so well and was so much with the scenery etc. I feel well assured you will feel more happy after a while. You must not, Dear Child, fret after our dear Mother so much. You know how much happier she is in Heaven, nothing to fret her, no sorrow to contend with, all is peace and love. What she so much loved and longed after on Earth. It is but natural for us to feel her loss and grieve. Time alone will heal our wounded hearts. I paid the man $1 to carry the trunks from Norristown Depot to 31st and Market and 25 cts to the boy who took out the check to Francesville. There was no charge on the baggage from Norristown to Philadelphia. When I go in next week I will see Susan and if they have been imposed upon I will see and make it all right. I will take in your Balmoral and the best Quilted sheet. I am going to send, if the Bundle will not be large, your Waterproof. Your Trunk is hardly worth fixing up, only that it belonged to Ma. But her Box is worth a new lock. We have no House as yet. Mr. Theodore Wylie was polite enough to drop me a few lines on Monday telling me of a house in Park Avenue, Rent $800, which is too high for us. I have just found the message Emma wrote you, so will enclose it. I will send Rebecca the receipt for salve. She must take a small quantity on her finger and rub it well in the corner of her eye next the nose, then a little on the eye lids close to the lashes at night. In my next will send what she is to make the wash out of. As I cannot get this off in time, I will close and send it to her in this tomorrow. She must dissolve what I have sent in a Gill [1/4 pint] of Soft Water, put it in a bottle and add the water to it. Wash the eye 3 times a day. If it smarts, she must add a little water. Thursday morning. Kate sends her love to all and says tell Aunt Lizzie Mr. Ford is just passing. Christine made her appearance Monday after you left. She is rather stupid but willing though careless. She goes out to her Sister's this afternoon to assist her in quilting. On Tuesday I hired Mrs. Wilkerson to wash and Wed. to iron. 2 of Kate's fine stitched P.H's are missing. I starched and folded them down so they did not blow away. The pilfering is between the two. I suspect the Darkey, knowing their natural propensity. Christine has brought a huge chest which I shall see the bottom of before long. I think you had better let me have dyed your red Sontag and those armlets. You will have some wear out of them, unless you have Mama's black armlets. I have not heard from Mrs. Wray yet. I suppose she is digesting the news communicated by her Husband, whatever it may be. Dr. [German's?] youngest daughter is dead. The Mother of the young Miss who took Tea with us before you left. She died at Cienfuego, Cuba. How sad, is it not? No letter from Emma this morning. She certainly must be coming. I will see Susan Black either this week or early next, as Cousin Cornelia is to start for Baltimore either today or tomorrow to place Clara at Boarding School and I wish to see her on her return, which will save me the expense of going to Lambertville next month. You may send me the $20 if Theophilus will not accept it, for I am very anxious to have Ma's body removed as soon as the weather will permit and there are 30$ of the debts which I have promised to pay next month. Emma has not been able to refund what she borrowed. Say nothing to her about it. What about the Piano? You had better sell it. I will see if Mr. Fitzsimmons wishes to purchase it. And what he is willing to give. Dr. is in the Fidget to take the letter. I saw Chloe she had not visited W. C. and I doubt if she goes. Give my very best love to all and reserve a large portion to yourself.

Now as ever Your dear Sister

Caroline

[Enclosed with the above is this copy of Cornelia Trimble's note to Emma] Dear Emma,

Richard has consented from respect to my feelings which were hurt by having any disrespect thrown around Mother's memory, to send to you this permit for the removal of our dear Mother's remains. His refusal of it heretofore was based on Mother's expressed wish not to lie in a lot of Dr. Egbert's and from Mrs. Egbert's representation he has been led to believe she had nothing but what she got by appropriating what the Dr. allowed her for the house, which together with the fact of the Deed being made out in her name would make the lot virtually her husband's. He enters a protest against her removal founded upon the objection above stated. But deeming you the proper person as Executrix of Mother's will to control this whole matter he places it in your hands to act upon it as you conscientiously think right.

C. M. T-

Transcription: Thursday night, Oct 8th [1868]

My dear Elizabeth

It is past 9 o'clock and I am very sleepy. Just as we were sitting down to Tea, Mr. Charlie Gilpin made his appearance and is now in the Parlor chatting with Kate. For fear I forget, will give you C. & I. direction. I had a letter from Emma two days ago in which she wrote she would be on Monday next that the house was nearly ready and Mr. and Mrs. T. would then move. I wrote her to write and forbid the Key being placed in their hands until I got your furniture out. She adds, "I will have to go to W.C. to get out Annie's winter clothes. I took them out of my Trunk and must have put them back again." We will see which way the "Cat jumps." Never mind I will secure yours. I will wait until Monday and if she does not make her appearance shall start off myself and if we have a house will bring them all on. If not will move them to [Fingess's?] until we get one. Do not feel uneasy. I wonder whether she will insist on having part of the Taxes remitted? I enclosed your note to her and asked if she ever heard or saw the letter received by Mrs. T. I took in on Friday last a bundle, make perfectly flat and not very large of your water proof cloak, Balmoral skirt, best quilted skirt. Mrs. Winslow Almanac and Miss Furgis letter to be placed in the box and sent to you. It happened to be the Republican Parade day and Susan and Mr. and Mrs. Wylie and all the children were in the City viewing it. So I left it and left the message about the money. The servant at Theodore's said she did not think there was any change, but she would tell Mr. Wylie. I have just carried down Mrs. Brownie off my bed into the kitchen to sleep. She is immense. It has struck 10 and I must go to bed. Dr. E goes in town tomorrow to look at a house in Vine St. near 20th and another in Pine above 9th. I may not close this until he returns home.

Aft. 9th—Dr. E has been in town all day and when he returns will acquaint you with the result of his day's labor. At dinner time a Gentleman called with an idea of purchasing this house. Kate saw him and he told her he was from West Chester, spoke of his Daughters. He was about 60 or 65 years of age, tall and thin with white hair and somewhat tottering in his gait. No tidings today of Emma. I think it would be imposing on Rebecca to ask her to pay Emma's passage out. I advise you Lizzie not to do it. Adelaide has offered to send her $30 towards it as Annie is to be married 20 inst. and she wishes her to be there at the time. And David has informed her he could send on $50 for either you or her and if you did not need it, might go towards payment of debt. She wrote me she had written him, she did not require it and she was sure you did not. And another thing, there are forty odd dollars uncollected in W. C. If she is going on as she states to me, let her collect that. The Piano ought to be sold or it will fall into the hands of the Trimbles for the pretended use of that beautiful damsel and you will never see the first cent. I shall go on next Tues or Wed and will see Fitzsimmons the stove man I mean and if he will give you 75 you had better close with the bargain. I will write you more fully when I return home. Continue to direct of Norristown and should we move our letters will be forwarded. Buy yourself some Parafine and a very small, say 1 ounce vial, of Laudanum. You ought not to be without it. Do you know if any one leaving Philadelphia for Bloomington? Your dress is not commenced but soon will be. We have Caroline's to fix next week and send down. Brownie has just walked out of Caroline's room into mine and jumped on the bed where she generally sleeps. Kate give her your kiss, no doubt it was very sweet. I shall see Hoffman and know that all is right and will go on without any interruption. Oh dear Lizzie how sad I sometimes feel and how many bitter tears that bad, unnatural woman has cost me. Her annoyance is I believe one of the crosses we have to bear, but the knowledge that dear Ma is beyond her reach and can no longer hear her insulting voice should reconcile us to whatever insults or injury she may heap on us. She is a poor wretched creature and sooner or later you will find my words true. How much I wish I could have a long talk with Rebecca and yourself. David has not replied to my last. I will get his letter to Emma for Mrs. T- and copy it when she comes. Tis too dark to write. 9 o'clock. Dr. has returned and wishes me to go in on Monday and look at a house on Broad St, 3 squares below the Baltimore Depot. Houses are so scarce I am afraid we shall be obliged to take it, 700$ rent. I saw James Gibbons on Chesnut St. He called to me and informed me he had heard from that Gentleman at Louisville and he would send me his letter in which he informed him the Lot had been sold. Emma writes me she had just received a letter from Mr. Vallette. His Brother in law writes as follows— The firm of Dungan and Smith has been dissolved. Mr. Dungan is somewhere in Indiana and I understand Mr. Smith has started a brush factory somewhere in the upper part of the City. I found the party having possession of their books who inform me that the affairs of Mrs. Dennis have been marked as closed. I have been a number of times to see Mr. Smith, have not succeeded in seeing him. Shall certainly see him soon and advise you of the results. I was informed by their late Clerk that the property was sold for $550. Mr. Vallette writes from the above extract, you will see at once that the firm of Dungan and Smith is evidently trying to take advantage of you. Frank will, according to his promise, look up the matter for you and you will then be able to give him whatever instructions you see proper. M. Vallette Mr. Stratton writes Mother "A conditional sale has been made for $1040, the sale made upon a credit of three to six months. If no additional effort is made to set aside the sale, the purchaser can have it confirmed the first Friday in Oct. 1867." The next letter was from the firm, Jan 11th 1868 Madam, Your favor of 10th or 12th Ult. has remained unanswered awaiting a definite result as to your business. We shall be able to report a final settlement of the entire matter from the 25th to 31st inst. (Our Mr. Dungan is still absent from sickness.) Very Respectfully, Dungan and Smith

If the Lot was sold after Ma's death it is not valid, as neither Emma or you ever sent a power of Attorney. But if the sale took place prior to Ma's death, I cannot say how it would stand. When I go in on Tuesday, shall call and get the letter from J. Gibbons which may show some light on the subject. It looks like a rascally piece of business and I fear is a swindle. I should think there would be more likelihood of Dungan and Smith knowing something of it than Stratton. He only attended during their absence, their direction was formerly. I cannot lay my hands on it at present. Will look it up, as the firm has been dissolved would be of no use. Kate says the water proof Dress are very simply trimmed, either with black Alpacha braid or silk. Silk Dress are much trimmed with Lace and Buttons. I wish you had your wrapper and cotton Dress, though I do not fancy cotton when near the fire. I always dreaded dear Ma wearing Cotton in winter on that account. Give much love to Theophilus, Rebecca and all the children for me as I feel somewhat weary and having bread to set must kiss you, dear Sister, a fond Good night

C.M.E. I will [most of this sentence is blotted out]

Miss Caroline M. Egbert Care of Dr. George S. Dilts No. 195 East Peatt St. Baltimore, Maryland

Miss Julia Egbert Care of Major H. C. Egbert Montgomery, Alabama

Dr. Humphrey of Louisville, Kentucky was the Gentleman who recommended the firm of Dungan and Smith to attend to the business.

Emma thinks she saves the postage by not writing you at present. I enclose you her notes and do the same for you. The fact is she has nothing very agreeable to communicate, so you must excuse her and not feel hurt. Chloe is waiting to come to me. She says she had changed her mind, and is not going to see Mr. and Mrs. T-. What do they care for me, said she, they would not pay my passage, so I will save my money. She sends love to Rebecca and yourself.

Transcription: Nov. 4th [1868] Philadelphia No. 1335 South Broad St.

My dear Elizabeth,

Emma left here on Thursday last for West Chester to pack up your things and get them ready for me. She is well. You need not worry about her, she shall always have a home with me, and David sent her $50, so she is not in want of funds. Mr. Foster paid her $35. She refunded me $10 she borrowed of the Ground rent. I paid Darlington and White for Wood, Campbell's bill and $10 to Meredith. This is Wednesday. On Monday I went to W. C. and brought down your Furniture and did not forget your Mattress. I had my Dressing Bureau taken up to Julia's room and Dear Ma's is in my room. Kate has your Secretary, Washstand, chairs. Julia the Bed stead, Bed and mattress. Everything is safe. Shall I unpack your Glass and China? When I get time? Which will not be before some time next month. Now perhaps I have not mentioned all. 2 Trunks, 4 boxes, 2 Rocking Chairs, Carpet, Shovel and Tong, Preserving Kettle, Tea Kettle, Box of Knives and Forks. Shall Kate use your carpet. She will take great care of it. Tomorrow a man comes to shake it. Pitcher, work stand, [Stern Maria?] Blue foot stool. Emma has the keys of the Bureau and Sec. so I cannot get into the Drawers until she comes. I packed your Spice box, Ottoman and Glass Pitchers and many other little items in them myself in W.C. She went to Francisville with Annie Speck and there learned your articles of Dress were still at Theodore's, so this morning I started off and brought them home. Kate has been working on your Dress today and I will express all your things by Sat. to you and pay for them out so they will cost you nothing. Emma wanted a quilted skirt, so she took one of yours. Not the one with the body attached. She is nursing Mr. and Mrs. Trimble. I look for her on Sat. They have not taken the house. Mr. Shields told me. Trimble would not give him any more rent than Ma paid and he should not have it as he had laid out $2000 on it. It will not be completed before December. He has arched over the Ice house and made a vault of it, is putting up a two story back building with Bath room and water closet, has thrown the Parlors into one, both side and placed a window where Mrs. __ door was. Mr. Ernhart was buried the day I went out. I went with Emma and to the house and heard Mr. Moore speak over him and when he concluded the prayer I left to resume my packing. The house was thronged. He looked very natural, though very thin, was laid out in Black Silk. J. Hickman has been dangerously ill with Pneumonia. I bought an Age before we left Norristown and gave it to Emma to send to you. When we get a little settled I will send you a paper once a week. We moved in last Thursday and are Topsy Turvy. Our house is too large entirely, rent $700 too high a rent for the Dr's purse. We expect Harry, Julia and C some time this week or early next. The Furgeses told Emma they had been too much engaged to make those little books. I did not see Susan Black this morning. She was at Market. Saw Mr. and Mrs. Wylie. They enquired after all of you and begged to be remembered when I wrote. Christine came with me and promises to remain 2 weeks. She is homesick and wishes to return. Chloe is with me as faithful as ever. She is, like myself, growing old and will soon pass away. She sends her love to all hands out there. Two of our neighbors called this evening. Nothing arranged in Parlor and I thought their visit rather premature considering the Carpet not laid down. Daddy Franklin was taken to the Art Union today so I presume there will be some opinion passed upon him before long. Ask Rebecca what she thought of the Groom? I thought he improved upon acquaintance. He seemed social and Jolly. Did Emma tell you that Addy offered to send her $30 towards bearing her expenses out to Wyandotte. I doubt if she ever leaves her beloved Annie. Mrs. Hemphill is in her confinement. Emma thinks the old mansion is too large for them and they had better take a smaller house. I think there is something about Annie but E did not whisper it to me, so say nothing about it when you write that I have a suspicion of the kind or about David sending her money. He has written to me and requested me when I write you to say that was the right Book you had. He wishes me to forward the cane, which I shall do. Emma spoke at one time of going up to Georgianna's this winter. I did not oppose it because I thought it best to let her do as she pleased. I told her to consider my house as her home, to go and come as she chose, we were all glad to see her and would do every thing in our power to contribute to her comfort. David spoke of her in his letter to me and begged I would not object to her living with Mrs. Trimble, as he supposed she wished to be near the child she had raised and as Mrs. T's home is acceptable to her and the child she might probably prefer it on that account. If so, he hoped I would throw no obstacle in the way. All this is very considerate and kind in David and I shall certainly take his advice on the subject. Between ourselves, I do not believe they will go to housekeeping. They want to keep Emma to fall back on in case of sickness. Miss Dolan has grown considerably since you saw her and Mrs. Brownie reclines in a large box under the Dining room register with her two sweet kittens, one a jet black and the other Gray and white. She gave birth to five the day before we moved and I drowned 3. You may know dear Lizzie how rejoiced I was, we have a great number of Goats down here and Brownie thinks them wonderful. There were 7 of them in our yard. We live the farthest house down Broad St, 3 or 4 squares below the Balt. Depot. I took the cars at Francisville and rode to within 3 squares of our house for 7 cents! I told the Dr as the children were to have the use of your furniture he should pay the expenses of Freight car hire etc. It cost near $10. He was very willing for a Bureau alone would have cost him 20 or $25. I am going to varnish it all up nicely. I took out a new clothes line and gave to Emma for the mattress to be tied with. I recollected there was a quilt went round it, but it was sent without any rope and I am sorry to say is a little soiled. You had better not write me until you receive your Bundle of clothes as I shall be anxious to hear of their safe arrival. I was sure my dear child you had them all ere this. You must have suffered for the want of them. Write me every thing and if you want money, the debts are getting reduced. Give my best love to Theophilus, Rebecca and the children. Kate sends much love. God bless you dear Elizabeth.

Ever your affectionate Sister

Transcription: Philadelphia Nov 30th 1868

My dear Sister Lizzie,

It has been my intention to write you every day for the past week. Am sorry to say that my household duties prevented me. I have Chloe and Margaret both old and faithful, but past their prime and like myself not good for much. So soon as Christmas comes Margaret will get her cough and have money enough to keep her awhile at home. Chloe has more principles owing to her early training. I paid $2 Freight on your Bundle to Illinois, a mistake the Agent made. Dr. E has called at the Office twice and day after tomorrow they have promised to rectify it. Whether they intend to refund the $2 or only the difference from Ill to Indiana I know not. If the former I will remit the amount you paid and should it be only the 50 cents I will send on the receipt I have and you can get it there. Emma dined with Mrs. Perkins today and afterwards went out to Mrs. Black, with the intention of remaining all night. She took Tea with her and I believe she said ate some of your canned peaches sent from Indiana. Susan was going to a small party at Judge Stroud's so Emma returned home. I was glad she did as she complains of her head and I gave her some of my Pills. She heard of a situation through Mrs. Gardner of W. Chester at York, Penn as assistant teacher in an Institution there. She is to go on trial for 3 months and to receive pay, how much I cannot say, as I requested her not to let me know so that when the question is put to me, as to what she receives, I am ignorant. I have advised her, should it not suit, to return to me. While I have a house, she shall always have a home. Some day this week she goes to W. C. and returns on Sat. so as to start on Monday for York. She deferred writing you until she could learn a few items of news to make her letter more interesting. Should she not get time before she starts she will write from York and I intend giving her the receipt for you. Chloe thanks you for the cape and dress, the latter is to be turned into a petticoat and save her the expense of purchasing one. I have a cotton dress of yours and a quilted skirt which Emma I think will not use. She is going to purchase a water proof cloak, a very necessary article for winter wear. Mrs. Brownie has two pretty little kittens one jet black the other spotted white and black for me to find homes for. She is fat and a little inclined to be thievish, for she ate up nearly half a raw mackerel Margaret had put to soak for Breakfast. Tell Rebecca I wrote to know whether she would like to have Ma's shawl, did not receive an answer. Had it in my hands, when I sent your things, but did not know whether to send it. Perhaps Theophilus may know of an opportunity. If so mention it and I will carry it to the place myself. You want, dear Lizzie, a description of our house. We have one parlor, about the size of one at Norristown, a Dining room and nice sized Kitchen, with a tolerably good Range. Over the Dining room, pantry and kitchen, is the Dr's room with 5 or 6 large windows to it. Decidedly the handsomest and best room in the house, with a southern exposure. Then my room and Caroline's communicating, at present occupied by Emma as I cannot say when Tilly will be home. Over Dr. room is one Chloe sleeps in at present intended for Harry, back of which is the Store room where all your boxes and trunks are stowed and mine likewise. By the bye your trunk with clothing must be opened as Chloe's things were actually wet and I am fearful they will be mouldy if not aired.

I went to the Navy Yard today to return a visit on my way home I stopped at Ronaldson's and directed the Superintendent to resod the Grave for I will not be able to have the bodies removed for some time. Emma did not wish me to remove Ma's body until after she left, which accounts for its not being done. I have a presentiment that Mrs. T will interfere but she had better keep quiet.

Dec. 2nd. Dear Lizzie, I have been engaged putting down carpet etc preparatory to the arrival of the two pets, since I commenced your letter. Emma went this morning to see Mr. Wray who is at the Will Hospital having had an operation performed for cataract of his Eye. He is doing well, but poor man, the eye sight is gone entirely of the one operated on. I wish him to come to our house as yet he cannot leave the Institution. Dr. E went to the Express Office today about your business. Mr. Gorman is to pay or rather refund the $2 I paid here, so I need not send you the receipt, but next week I intend going to Francisville and in the next letter I write you will send you $1.50 which you paid. I send you an obituary notice of Judge Lupen the gentleman you recollect who came once or twice to W. C. to see Dear Ma. Emma goes to W. C. tomorrow to kiss Mr. and Mrs. T and her beloved Annie good bye. She says give Lizzie my love and tell her I am going to gather all the news I can and when I get a little fixed at York I will write her. We must manage it so that she and I do not write you at the same time. I will write some time during the first week in every month and Emma sometime in the third week. Emma is going to bring in your Basin and Pitcher. Kate says she will write you shortly all the news. Chloe is well and sends much love. She is getting quite feeble. Emma met Mr. Chambers he was very glad to see her and enquired about dear Ma's death. I received a letter from Caroline yesterday. She was well. I now have a letter to reply to from old Mr. Hust of Hadington, Penn. He and his wife are now quite aged and infirm. She has lost her sight. They think a great deal of Caroline and wonder what has become of her. I could fill this sheet if I had time, but you must excuse me from so doing. I must now see to mixing the bread and then write the old Gentleman. Give my love to all. I expect Rebecca's time is as much occupied as my own. Write me soon dear Sister

And believe me ever

Yours Affectionately

C. M. E. Harriet Guerard has returned to Savannah. She called to see Chloe, not knowing we were in the City. Chloe was with me and did not see her. I wish you could see Brownie's two kittens play. Chloe who abominates cats has just had a hearty laugh at them.

List of Articles in Trunk 3 Chair Tidys 12 Sheets, 1 ironing sheet, 1 Linen Sheet 2 Arm chair dimity covers 1 Bureau Cover, 6 Petticoats, 4 Salt Bags, 8 Pillow Cases 2 Linen Table Clothes, 10 Good Linen Towels 1 Silk Patch work, unfinished. Black Tassel and cord 1 Blue and white French Chintz Dress. 1 Shawl 1 Mohair Mantilla, Ma's. Red and black bonnet strings 2 pieces of Velvet Black belonging to Bonnet 1 Parasol. 2 Knife Cloths. 1Coarse Apron. Papa's Marseilles Vest. 6 Linen Doileys. 4 Small 3 Crash Towels. 4 Linen Towels. Wafer Box. Small blue box. 3 chemise made up and 2 unmade. 1 Short night Gown, I think it was dear Ma's 1 Box of Instruments. Small roll of black silk. 1 Roll of Yellow Canvas containing Zepher Long box containing 7 Pillow Cases. 7 babies linen cambric shirts, 2 caps and 2 little chemise marked Elizabeth 1 Pr Cuffs 2 Pr Undersleeves, I think Ma's

Transcription: Evansville Dec 11th 1868

My dearest Lou,

You have doubtless received the paper announcing our darling Alice's death. My heart is so sad. I can scarcely write and yet I long to tell you of our loved one. Would you were here that I could tell you all, more than I can write for I know how you loved her. We feel that God has afflicted us deeply in taking our fairest and brightest jewel and yet we can trust in His love and mercy through the dark and gloom. Oh, if it were not for the Blessed Comforter, we could not be consoled. But when we think our little one has but gone before, and that we shall see her and love her again, death seems robbed of all its terms. The Saviour has been very precious to us in this gloomy hour and we trust this stroke will draw us nearer His side, nearer Heaven. I know you, dear Lou, will sympathize with us in this our first bereavement. Her sickness was very short. She was not very well in the night Thursday night, but on Friday morning would go to school as she had never been absent or tardy. She answered to her name when called, and being sick came home. And before the school bell rang again, she had gone forever to that school above to be trained by our blessed Master. She died Sabbath night, just as the clock struck nine and died so sweetly and calmly. Oh, if you could have seen her, the sweet face will ever be fresh in my heart. I never saw anything so lovely. Our friends were so very kind, everything was done for her that could be done, but her brain was affected from the very first, and nothing could have saved her. It was God's will that she must go and we must submit and learn the lesson he would teach us by this blow. Our greatest comfort in this sad hour is that our Alice was prepared to die. She had changed and developed so much within the last year. I wish you could have known her. She was much disappointed that she did not get to go with her Father to B last summer. She had improved very rapidly in her studies during the last year, was in the Intermediate Department, studied Arithmetic, written and mental, Geography, Reading, Spelling, writing etc. She used to bring her books home every evening and always studied an hour after tea. We never had to tell her to get her lessons. She was very ambitious. You know what a great little talker she was. She has left us many precious sayings. When alone with her Papa or with me, she would tell us her thoughts and feelings. I want to send you a letter she wrote just 3 months before she died to the very day (Sept. 6th). She used to learn her S.S. verses on Sabbath afternoons and her Catechism and then to amuse her, I often gave her pencil and paper as she loved to write so well. She went off alone and wrote this and when she came to me she said, "Mama, don't read this till I am dead." I laid it away.

"When I die— When I die, I want to be an angel with God. I do not want to go to the bad place. A letter to God— Sunday— Blessed Saviour, will you give me a new heart. Help me in my lessons. Take me when I die to Heaven happy there with thee to dwell." Then she wrote some verses such as "God is love—Jesus wept—God is our king—Do good—Be kind—Love God—Little children love one another." She had learned all of that little hymn you sent her to commit, "Oh what can little hands do to please the King of Heaven." She thought it beautiful. She loved the books "Line upon Line" and "Precept upon Precept," more than any others. She would read them by the hour and was a good Bible scholar as far as knowing the stories and incidents in it. She loved the Bible her Grandpa gave her, and had commenced reading it through with me out loud. She had written a great many little compositions. Her teacher last year sent me one she wrote a year ago. I will copy it for you.

"I know a little song, home sweet home, there is no place like home. Heaven is a beautiful home. All good people can go to that home. No bad people can enter heaven. It is summer in heaven always. Alice Foster" And in all her definitions and sentences, she would often have some pretty thought about God and the other world. One day she came home from school so happy and told me she had done so nicely in her arithmetic and wanted me to guess how she did it. I could not. When she said "I prayed to God to help me and He did it." She loved her Cousin Lou, and all your family so much and her pleasantest memories were of your house, the little verses you taught her, Lou, were never forgotten and I know did her good after she was old enough to understand them. She was her Father's darling and pride and he feels her loss oh so much. He was always bringing her books and was so proud that she could read them. And then he took her with him every place he could and she was so much company. We took her last summer to Chicago and I never saw any one admire the Lake as she did. Her Father took her out on a little boat to please her. She grew more and more fond of Nature, shells, flowers and trees, as she grew older. Ma brought her some beautiful shells home from the East just to please her. She was so anxious to go to house keeping and we had promised her and Edie they might have a room by themselves. We had just had it Papered and fixed for her when she was taken sick. We are still at Mother's. As John says we have lost all our interest in going to housekeeping. She had grown so womanly, always dressed and undressed herself, took care of her hair so nicely, tied her little ribbon around it etc. John says we have just lost three years—it will be so long before Edie can do what she did.

We are going to write out a little sketch of her life for our own use and our children's. Will you, dear Lou, write us any remembrances you have of her. Tell us if you can how many times she was at your house and the year etc and any little sayings you may chance to remember. I know you loved her and always took an interest in her. She never forgot Toph, Brown, and Dorie and I don't want them to forget her. Tell them to love Jesus as we trust Alice did and they will be ready to meet her in heaven. I have thought so much since her death of how she loved Cousin Lizzie and Fannie, and she is with them now. She has many friends in heaven. She loved me to tell her of Fannie when I came home. I told her Fannie told me to tell her to meet her in heaven and it made a deep impression upon her. Our other darlings are well yet and we pray they may be spared the dreadful disease. We kept them away from Alice. Poor Edie can't realize it. Nor can we. It just seems she has gone to school and will come again. Give much love to your Father and Mother. They can sympathize with us in our trial as they too have loved ones in the other world.

Theodore came down last Tuesday, was here to the funeral. He is with us still. He had his presents laid out for Alice for Christmas. He loved her very much. I must close. Write me soon dear Lou. Love to all my friends. Goodbye. John sends love and so does Ma.

Ever your loving friend

Parke Special love to Mr. and Mrs. B. I am going to write to Mary.

Transcription: Philadelphia Dec 28th 1868

My dear Elizabeth,

I steal a few minutes to write a few lines to apologize for not having sent the Games for the boys. I have been to the City but twice since Emma left me. The weather has been very unpleasant. Julia returned about 2 weeks ago and Harry yesterday week. Mr. Wray has spent 5 or 6 days with me. He starts for home tonight at 11 o'clock, same time you left. I feel very much for his affliction. He has lost the right eye entirely and says there is a cataract forming on the left. His sight seems very imperfect but with all he is resigned to the will of the Almighty. Mrs. Ross expects to be confined every day and he appears to be anxious to get home to eat his Christmas dinner. Say to Rebecca I am much obliged to her for the Peaches—when I get them. After receiving your letter Dr. E met Theodore in the street. He mentioned they were at his house. The Doctor requested him to send them to us, giving the no. and he would pay the Express man. As they have not made their appearance, when Kate and I get time to go after them, we shall do so. No doubt they are delicious as you had a hand in putting them up. I have not had time to go after the Games. I have a beautiful little pattern of young gentleman's Cravat which I will send you in my next so you will be enabled to make them yourself. Dr. E received $1.50 from the Express man here and a promise of the balance 50 cts when he heard from Indiana. It all will be right then. I send you a Post Office order for $5. $.50 to pay yourself for what you paid on the Bundle and the balance for your Christmas, dear Lizzie. I know my heart has sympathized with you and Emma. How much have I thought of our darling Mother, her trials and suffering (of mind) while on Earth. Then when I reflect on her present happiness it composes and reconciles me to her absence and I think it is so with you. I wrote Emma and told her what your wish was about the Piano. She replied to my letter in a hurry and did not mention it. Neither did she say any thing about the Louisville lot. Perhaps she has to you. I expect to go to W. C. next week if not too severe or muddy as I cannot get to the Woodlands on account of the mud. Emma did not wish me to have it attended to until after she left so I foolishly complied.

Harry saw Caroline in Baltimore. It was the Sabbath and of course she would not come on. She promised him to be next week, but wrote me she was always so much confined to the house during the winter in Philadelphia that she would like to spend Jan. and Feb in Baltimore. So I cannot say how it will be. We have had a cold snap here and Chloe complains of the Rheumatism and cold terribly. So does Margaret. In fact Margaret has warned me twice she was going. Still hangs on. This house is very much exposed and when it storms and blows, you would think it would tumble down. The Gentleman who lived here for 2 years told the Dr he some months burnt 5 Tons of coal a month, and I believe for we always burn 3. Kate and Julia are Mantua making. They have had a Dress Maker for a week and after Kate gets through will write you. Julia intends writing you tomorrow or next day. I am sorry to hear of David, must write him soon. We sent him the cane. Dr. E is not well. I think he looks badly. I rather think Miss Dolan and Mrs. T— have had a kind of squabble. Emma told me she did not know if she would remain at Hemphill all winter. No particulars did she give. I merely drew the inference. Do you not remember Emma telling me or rather asking me if I was willing to pay for Ma's coffin? I agreed and told her certainly. She then asked me if I would purchase Trimble's Lot? And said Mrs. T—wanted to know. I told her unhesitatingly No, I would not own their Lot or anything else that ever belonged to them. She now denies ever having put such questions to me. At last she admitted she had some recollection about the lot, but nothing else so I let it drop. I should like to have Pa and Ma's Portraits to hang in the Parlor and preserve them. When you write Emma speak about it. I will get them when I go to W. C. if I can and take good care of them for you. Your things are all washed and tomorrow I shall air your Trunk and put them away. Have not had time to overhaul your glass. Emma left the glass Dishes there and your Basin and Pitcher. Chloe sends her love and says keep a good heart, better times are coming. I will write you more fully at another time many things I wish to say, but have not time at Present.

Love to all

In haste

Your affectionate Sister

C— I was looking over some of dear Ma's letters yesterday, written one year ago. Buy yourself whatever little article you wish for Christmas and it will please me. C—

Transcription: Wed. night Philadelphia February 3rd 1869

Dearest Elizabeth,

I find upon looking over your last letter it was written Jan 3rd. You surely made a mistake in the month, it should have Dec. No, I am the crazy one and not you, I made the mistake and not you. I am certainly excusable, taking everything into consideration. In the first place, I have a woman in the kitchen who is capable enough, if she did not indulge too freely in whiskey. For instance she goes out at night and is absent all the next day. The excuse is "A death in the family." Leaves me on Sat night, makes her appearance on Monday morning "her brother's wife had a Baby and she was obliged to cook the dinner for it." What will be the next excuse I know not, but this I know, she gets put out. You know Chloe is old and able to do but very little. The house is large and very inconveniently situated, no church, market or stores near. The nearest Presbyterian Church is the West Minister, 6 or 7 squares off. The Market is 7 or 8. I am not pleased with the location. It is lonesome and dreary. Sit by my window all day and see nothing or nobody but gangs of rowdy boys and men. I hope we will move before long into a smaller house in the City. I would much rather live in Norristown than here. How very sad I have felt for days past. Yesterday I spent two hours at the Woodlands and selected the spot where our dear Mother is to be placed. We have had it exceedingly mild for this season of the year and Mr. Bringhurt and I both thought it suitable weather to remove Ma. I wrote Mr. Hoffman on Sat to fix a day for me to go up, provided the weather continued fair. Today I received an answer from him. While he was writing me, there was every appearance of a change and today it has been showing rainy and blowing terribly so we must postpone it a little while longer. This time last year we were watching beside Ma, now her trials and troubles are all over. Our dear Mother happy with her God. Oh Elizabeth, while Dr E laid sick we did not know how soon he might pass away. I could not help comparing his feeling with Ma's. Such a difference between one who feared and loved their Saviour and one who seemed to live in defiance of him. How much I miss going to church here. Sunday week I went to Dr. Wylie's and heard Theodore speak. The next day his wife called to see me, his time is so much occupied she got tired of waiting for him so came without him. Will Theophilus or Rebecca come on next summer? No news of Mr. Wray since he left here. I presume Mrs. Ross has an heir and that their time taken up with it and cannot write. Caroline is not home yet. Wrote Harry yesterday she would be up next month. Now it is time to begin to think of your Spring and Summer clothing. I want you to let me know just what you want to last until the Autumn and just what your feelings are with regard to remaining out at Bloomington. By Sept. all the debts will be paid and perhaps by June. So you may make your arrangements and return if you wish. We can visit Ma's grave and walk together. It is near 11 o'clock and I must make preparations for bed so I kiss you good night. 4th 1 o'clock. I have just superintended the making of a pot pie and wish dear Lizzie you were only here to assist in eating it. But I know you live at Rebecca's much better than we do for provisions are so low there. Apples here are from 40 to 55 cts half peck. I have promised them a Dumpling tomorrow and must be as good as my word. Your clothing was very damp in your trunk. I have aired your clothes well. Had a coarse pillow case washed which had feathers in and put back again. Now that your sheets are all washed and ironed your trunk will not contain all. Next week I hope to unpack your glass and see if any is broken and try and find room for your 2 glass pitchers. Your Marseilles quilt, Richard's vest, your blue curtains etc. I must find some place to store them in. Perhaps in the other trunk. Then your books must be overlooked. Emma told me to ask you whether the little Tea pot Miss Barclay gave Ma belonged to you or her. David wrote Emma last month. The letter came here I forwarded it to her. She wrote me and said he had received the cane. Said nothing about the books you sent him. Ada Sharp called to see Kate. She has lost her baby. She informed us that Jeffy had a baby. I sent you 3 papers when I last wrote. Did you receive them? Last night was a terrible night. I thought the house would have blown down. Julia is not very well. In my next will send you the pattern of a cravat for the boys, then you can easily make them. When did you hear from Miss Chapman? I am thinking how pleasant it would be if you were with me to go on and pay her a visit. Do not, dear Lizzie, keep any thing a secret from me. What you write will be strictly confidential. Tell me your sorrows and your wants. Emma is not confiding enough, but do not mention it to her I beg you for fear of offending her. I wrote her to know about the Louisville lot? She replied, "I am waiting to hear from Louisville. If I do not hear, I shall write." I do not know whether she has written or not. She is too dilatory for a business woman, will never answer. Susan Black has been to see me. She is well and sends her love. Did I mention to you that Mrs. Lindsey had fallen on the Ice and broken her hip bone. She still lies in splints, not allowed to move, begins to be very restless and anxious to get about. I have not been to see the Phillips or Mrs. Hays. In fact I seldom go to the City. We have 4 squares to walk before we reach the cars and there are no [huses?] built up so the snow and rain run down over the foot path and make it very muddy. Some of the crossings are nearly over your shoe tops so you need not wonder at my slow travel. I must go to 8th Street for Emma. She left me two pair of kid gloves to be dyed black with her other things, which I sent. The gloves were forgotten and I must get them. I have been waiting anxiously for a letter from you. Are you sick Dear Elizabeth? I fear as the anniversary of our dear Mother's death approaches, you give way to your feelings. That must not be. Cheer up and try and follow her example, and by your work and example [one word] as to join her in Heaven. Write me soon. Love to all. Recollect what I have said to you. In my next I will send you the Ground rent order due the 2nd March to sign and please say what you wish done with it. I wrote David last week. Farewell Dear Sister,

May God love and bless you

Is the sincere prayer of

Your ever affectionate sister

Caroline M. Egbert

N. 1335 South Broad St. Philadelphia The enclosed is for postage.

Transcription: Philadelphia 1335 South Broad St.

Dear Elizabeth,

I have been waiting every day for a week past to place your clothing in your Trunk for it has been in the Sun, airing for several days, say 8 or 10. I found every thing very damp, but nothing mildewed or injured in the least. Emma bought at W.C. a small Padlock and key. It was likewise tied with a rope. You had I think 3 or perhaps 4 sheets. One the Ironing sheet Emma told me. They have been washed and all shall be put nicely in the Trunk with some pillowcases and Towels. I will take a list and send it to you in my next. My excuse for not doing it before was want of time. Since writing you Dr. E— has been very sick. In fact, I may say ill. Is at present able to go out, but very weak and feeble. Tell Rebecca I send much love to Theophilus, herself and children. Have just come to the bottom of her first can of Peaches. Thank her for them. They were very fine. Chloe has been confined to her bed for 10 or 12 days. I so often thought of dear Ma when I had to track up to the 4th story to take her meals and put on her mustard plaster. She is about again, though not able to do much. I parted with Margaret who was afflicted with Rheumatism. Another girl came last Wednesday who told me all the work fell upon her and she would not remain unless I paid her $3 per week which I was obliged to do for a while. Harry and Julia are at home. Caroline's trunk reached here yesterday. When she will make her appearance I know not. Do not, dear Lizzie, think for a moment of returning the money. Keep it. I have now on hand $50 and if the weather is favorable, will go next week to W.C. Shall attend to some debts and as the ground is not at all frozen, shall have Ma's remains brought in. I was at the Woodlands today and made arrangements. There were 3 bodies brought from a grave yard to be interred. The cemetery looked beautiful, covered with snow. Fear not dear Sister I will not expose myself. I must remain with Ma until I see all is safely deposited. David wrote Emma he would like to buy the lot. That he shall never do, for fear Mrs. T will contrive to get possession of it by strategy. I hope you will continue to go out and enjoy yourself. It will make you more cheerful and please me. I am very glad you went to the dinner party. I stopped at Sally's yesterday and saw Jenny and herself. She sent a great deal of love to you. I have not heard from Mr. Wray since he left for home, presume Mrs. Ross has a baby and that occupies their time. Should not be surprised if they all moved to Illinois with Augus and her husband and farmed. Becky Barington has been staying a few days with us and Julia returned home with her to Moorestown this afternoon to remain until next Tuesday. Have heard nothing from Annie or the Trimbles. May be able to give you some information on that subject in my next. I have Caroline's Rocking chair. We have had a very large fire in Chesnut St., corner of 9th. All 3 of the Bird Stores are entirely burned down. One occupied by Orne the carpet man, one by Howel the paper manufacturer and the corner by Caldwell the celebrated Jeweler. He saved all his Diamonds and watches. They always put them in the fire proof chests at night. Two of the Clerks were burned to death and others badly burnt and blistered. I must send you a paper giving you an account of the disaster. I cannot succeed in getting a newspaper in the Lamp post but have to send it to the Post Office which is a great distance from our house. I am quite out of concert of our mansion. It is too far down town, away from the Churches, Stores, Market house, and every place. I sent Emma today her large blanket shawl, her dress I gave her last winter, her half knit shawl with cord and Lapels which she left with me to be dyed black, by Adam's express. She purchased herself a water proof Cloak, with the money David sent her. She wrote me about 3 weeks ago and Julia last week that she had a sore finger and would write me when it was better. She said not a word about the Louisville Lot, whether she has written to Mr. Maguire, Mrs. [Vattell's?] relation or not, I cannot say. She is what I should call very dilatory and a very poor business woman. Let this be between ourselves. Another thing, Elizabeth, she does not like to communicate her business affairs to any one. I think she allowed Shields to bamboozle her out of the Taxes. It would be very pleasant for you to pay Miss Chapman a visit during Mrs. T's absence, as she will be lonely no doubt. Brownie is well and her black kitten a splendid specimen of the feline race. What do you wish him called? Tell me. I spent a very dull Christmas. I have a very pretty little Cravat to send you and these you can make for the Boys yourself. But it has got somewhere in my wardrobe. I must search for it. I have not looked over any more of Pa's papers. Will reserve what you wrote for when I come upon any such. Mrs. Prince has returned to Philadelphia and is boarding down Lombard St. I intend calling to see her soon. Did I not write you that the Louisville property had been sold before Ma's death. That Smith and his partner had received the money and gone into business with it. I begged Emma to not delay but have it attended to immediately. It is after 10 o'clock, so excuse my breaking off so abruptly. Chloe is getting sleepy. She sends much love to all hands. Give my love to all, write soon and believe me ever

Your loving Sister

Caroline

Transcription: Beta Hall Mar 6th 1869

Miss Wylie:

In behalf of the members of Pi chapter of ΒΘΠ, we wish to return to you our sincere thanks for the elegant entertainment given us the evening of the 22nd of February.

C. N. Henderson

Frank McDonald

R. M. Miers

Transcription: 1335 South Broad St., Philadelphia [March or April 1869 apparently…see below]

Dear Elizabeth,

As Kate is writing you I thought it not out of place to drop you a few lines. The two Invalids, Dr. E- and Emma are clacking at a great rate. I can scarcely write. Last Saturday night ½ past 10 at night, we heard a tremendous ring at the bell. Servants in bed, so Harry went and there stood Emma. She had just come down from Harrisburg, not at all well. She has pain in her head and Ear. They are both better today I am happy to say. She speaks of going to W. C. in a few days to consult Dr. Molany on her complaint. The physician at York advised her to lay by for 2 or 3 weeks. I think it doubtful whether she returns. This is between ourselves. Emma says to tell you Annie Hemphill is married to Alban Ganett. Mr. Spackman is dead, likewise Walker Yarnell and Moffite the Cake Baker. She will write you all the news when she returns from W. C. which I presume will be some time next week. Chloe is alive and kicking, pretty grum occasionally. I have had a tipsy cook but now have one who appears very clever. I received a letter from Georgianna today, the first since Mr. Wray left, informing me of the birth of Angus' little boy. Mr. Wray's sight was not much better though he had preached every Sabbath since his return. I presume Maggie is over her trouble before this time. Tell Rebecca I congratulate her, if the event has taken place, upon the birth of her 2nd grand child. [Charles E. Mellette was born March 1869] When you write Dear Lizzie be sure and tell me what you want. You must not go shabby. I wish you to sign the enclosed order and E- will sign it here. She wishes her portion to go towards liquidating the debts. Write me what you wish done with yours. She says she is going to dispose of the Piano so by May or June all will be paid off. I have been twice out to the Woodlands this winter and should have gone today, but the wind blew a hurricane and I was afraid to venture. Dr. E- went out to West Philadelphia yesterday and has just gone to bed with a heavy cold, quite unwell. Harry has gone to Washington to spend a week. I sincerely hope Gen. Grant will disappoint the Radicals. They are already beginning to pick at him and before a year passes over their heads, they will abuse him as much as they now caress and bow and cringe to him. Batter is raising his Flag in Congress, let him keep on. I will tell you a dream Emma has had about Dear Ma if she does not. Say nothing about it, only when you write her, ask her if she ever dreams of Ma. You can write on the other page only having 3 lines on the second line write your name and do not omit the S. in your name. Do not write any thing on the back part of it. Love to all and accept a large portion for yourself.

Ever yours,

C-

Transcription: Philadelphia 1335 South Broad St.

Dear Elizabeth,

Your pretty little remembrance has just reached here. It is beautiful and quite a new pattern to us. We thank you for it. I just laid down my pen to hoist the window and order Chloe in from the front steps. It has been snowing and freezing all day and contrary to my express direction she would go out. She is very self willed and is obstinate as all old negroes are. She leaves me shortly as the Irish girl and herself cannot agree. I am not at all sorry. I think she has a strong idea of trying Mrs. T— who establishes herself in her domicile tomorrow. Emma is with me but not at all well. She had a letter from W. C. last week. I cannot tell whether they invited her to take charge of Ma's house or not. Addy wrote her on Wed. last stating there was or would be a vacancy at the School in Wyandotte, and if she would accept it to say so immediately. Then she had to write to W. C. about Miss Dolan. The answer came, she informed me all was right about Miss Dolan so she wrote Addy. What I did not ask. She told me she thought she would accept, only she must write something about the salary. I promised David I would not [has?] her one way or the other, and told her so. If she goes and does not like it, she is always welcome to a home with me as well as yourself. But she expects to visit W. C. next week and I should not be surprised if she changes her mind, that is if they want her services.

Yesterday dear Elizabeth was the anniversary of our dear Mother's birth. Do you know what day of the week she was born on? We must certainly have it somewhere. [Eaneas?] Foulke took tea with us one night last week and promised to return previous to his return home, but has not. He came on for recreation from business and to place his Daughter at Boarding School at Carlisle where she is very well satisfied. Emma will write you when she returns from W. C. She wishes to see the Billmeyers before she goes to Kansas. Adelaide is wondering why you do not write her and you are doing the same. I have been looking over some of the papers endeavoring to get some information relative to those lands. Can find nothing as yet. Among some papers of Emma's I found what I now copy for you. [see end of letter] Chloe says keep your spirits up and make haste and let her know what you have to say that will make her laugh so. A Gentleman here, Mr. Lipincott has offered $150 for Daddy Franklin. Dr E thinks he might be induced to give 200. You must fix a price on it. I do not think Ma was much attached to it. I believe she would have parted with it when she was so tried for money, but she would never consent to the Trimbles having it, that I know. I do not believe you will ever get over $300, perhaps 250, for you cannot prove it was done by Canover. Whatever you get, I advise you to put your portion out at Interest. Caroline has not yet returned. She is so wedded to Balt. she cannot tear herself away. Harry and Julia are both at Home, neither in very robust health. Harry has 2 or 3 months absence/leave on a/c of his health. I was at Woodlands on Saturday. Went for the purpose of trying to get Sister Mary's body and having it placed in the same grave with Ma. She always wished to get it. Tomorrow if it clears, I shall call on Mr. Wells who will give me all the information relative to it. Poor Henry Glisson's body was brought on from Pensacola the day I was there and placed in the vault. On Sat. I stood by his Grave. I could scarcely realize his death. He came frequently to our house in 9th St. I have looked over 3 or 4 of David's letters and see no mention of the lands. If not too dark will look over one or two more this evening, or I will send it in my next. Tell Rebecca Emma has received her letter all safe. Give my love to all. Have not had an hour's time to go and see Susan Black. Emma is going when she feels strong enough. I think E—will be all the better to go to Kansas even if she only remains the Summer. Urge it. Old Dicky is in bed so Miss Dolan has written.

I send a kiss to you dear Lizzie. Harriet Guerard called to see me last week. She brought on Annie's Daughter Johnanna, whom she took out to Savannah last November. Her Mother has broken up housekeeping and stays with John Mathews. Her health is poorly. Richard they think is in a decline. Harriet is coming on in May. How I wish I could only invite her to stay with me. Julia sends love and says she is going to write you very soon. Emma is on the bed napping. Sends love to all.

Copy of George W. Harding to Theoph. Wylie, Jan 15 1867: Sir, I recommend that the heirs at law of Col. R. Dennis convey all their Illinois lands 160 acres the N.E. Section 24 Township9 North, in range 3 west—320 acres half section of Section 12, Township 12 North in range 2 East—160 acres North east quarter of Section 18 Township 7 North in range 6 west, all in Illinois, the government patents for which I have in possession—etc. The rest I need not copy. It is nothing more than directing Ma how to proceed in getting the signatures. One of these Sections, the east, corresponds with the numbers you sent me.

C.

Transcription: 15th April [1869]

1335 South Broad St. Philadelphia

Dear Elizabeth,

Yours of April 2nd I will now reply to though it is rather early in the day to write, not 7 o'clock. I have been waiting for Emma to return from W. C. where she went about 3 weeks ago to ascertain why we were not allowed to remove Dear Ma's remains. She is not very well, has written me twice since she left and appointed different times to return, but has failed. I look for her every day. She is a singular woman to allow herself to be duped by a wicked untruthful woman like Mrs. T- knowing her character as well as she doses. But never mind, all will be well. I forwarded on to her 2 letters from Adelaide shortly after she left, the contents of which I know not further than she would not be wanted in Kansas before Sept, but to come out as soon as she wished. Also a letter from Georgianna. Yours is awaiting her return here as she wrote me to forward none coming after last Monday. I am sorry to hear you have all been so fashionable as to have colds. They generally prevail at the breaking up of winter. Caroline returned on Friday week and she has been in her bed some days with a cold she took on the way home, is now better, which I hope you all are by this time. I cannot see any papers relative to the lands further than I sent you. I do not know whether Emma has heard from Louisville. Before I forget, Dr. E- wishes to know what you intend doing with Daddy F-. He thinks if he is not removed they will charge for him and Mr. Lippincott I think it is, will perhaps give you $200. He has offered $150. The debts are nearly paid. I will see to that and had you not better receive the money and put it out at interest or speculate in lots at the west with it. Or if you intend Mr. Wylie to have it, why, box it up and send it on. Emma spoke of sending on your Pitcher and Basin and the vase, but said nothing about Aunty Salter. Ma and Pa's portraits I have no control over, but shall remonstrate about Mrs. T's having Aunty S- in her house. Julia and Harry are both here and much improved. The latter intends writing you. Richard and Willie Guerard are both unmarried. I must write Harriet today. Must stop to go to Breakfast. 16th April. Dear Elizabeth, I did not get time to finish my letter yesterday. Last night Emma arrived, looking very well and says she feels well. Have not had an opportunity of asking many questions. You ask if I succeeded in obtaining [Mary's?] body. I have taken no further steps towards it, but hope to call on Mr. West perhaps today. Oh, dear Elizabeth, how mortified I have felt with regard to Ma's remains. I sent out an old Gentleman (an undertaker) with [an in?] and water proof box, made every arrangement for the removal. When Mrs. T- heard of it, Mr. T- her pliant tool was sick. She went immediately to Mr. Garret and told him Mr. T- had countermanded the order and the body was not to be removed. He asked why not? Mr. G- replied, she said the "ground was too wet." He told him he had come prepared for every emergency and did not mind the state of the ground. Well, said he, they say it should have been done in April when the permit was granted. Why said he, I have the permit and it is dated June, in which month it was impossible to do it. So he returned and stated to me the facts. So Emma started off but I am sorry to say she possesses no firmness whatever and will believe whatever lies Mrs. T- may invent. Old Sharpless wrote Mr. Homer (the undertaker) a note, the contents I will copy for your perusal. Of course part of the family are to be excluded from having any right to an opinion as regards their mother's body and those who were most kind to her while living. Emma ought to demand it. I asked her last night if she had heard from Louisville yet. She merely said no. I will interrogate her before closing. I wrote you one of your china boxes had been broken lose and I opened it. Found nothing broken. One coffee and one Tea Cup had a handle broken off and as I could not find it concluded it was off before packed. A small glass Milk Jug had the handle off, but that was there. So poor Mrs. Bethune is dead. She died in Switzerland where she had gone for her health. I cut out her death and will lay it in Ma's scrapbook. Must stop as breakfast is ready. Emma advises you to dispose of Daddy F- at 200. I have been down to see Chloe twice. She has not been very well. Said she would not live in the house with Irish girls, they annoyed her so much and insisted on going home, as she put a woman in the house to take care of Mary and every thing was neglected and dirty. Has Rebecca an Ice Cream Churn? We have one that freezes in 10 to 15 minutes after the cream is put in. Destroy this scrawl after reading.

Love to all

Ever your Affectionate Sister

C- Do not, Lizzie, fret so much about Emma being sick. Rest assured if such was the case I would write you. Your postage I will put in my next. C and Kate and Julia will write soon.

Write soon

Ever Yours

Copy of Phil Sharpless' note to the undertaker: Thy note to Mr. William Hoffman has been handed me for answer. On receiving it, William H called on the Sexton and the Manager of the cemetery to have the body taken up. They declined to do so without having the order and permit on hand. They also objected on a/c of the late season of the year and the time since the permit was granted. The Sexton called upon Richard Trimble, with these objections. Under these circumstances Richard has withdrawn the permit to remove the body for the present but will renew it next winter if requested by the majority of her children. He also makes the following offers. If the Family will agree to let the body remain where it is, he will convey the Lot without cost to either of the following named parties: viz. David C. Dennis, Emma Dennis or John Ray. Or Richard will unite with the family in the purchase of a Lot in Laurel Hill or Woodland Cemetery and have the body removed to it next winter !!! Thee will show this to the family. Phil Sharpless PS Richard has been sick and requested me to attend to this for him.

Dear E—you can easily see from this that their wish is to retain the body. Some of the family are not allowed to have a say in the matter. I spurned the offer. They shall never have any thing to do with a lot there. I presume Emma or yourself could demand it. Emma says Mr. Maguire was expected in W. C. every day and will call on her. That is all I can say on that subject.

I have written to Adelaide to state to me whether she wishes Ma to remain in the Trimble lot or that her desire should be complied and be removed to the Woodlands. Ask Rebecca to please do the same on a piece of paper and enclose it in your next letter. I wish to learn who it is that would like the Trimbles to keep it in their possession. I fear Rebecca's seeds are all stems and hulls. We have stripped them and I will put them in this letter so you may get in time to plant. Tell Rebecca she shall have the Shawl next winter, or when I send your Dress. Emma intended writing you today but judging from present appearances, it will be some days before the letter starts. She saw nothing of the Ernharts, but they are furnishing their house anew. She met Lizzie Cross in the Street. She said she intended writing you. She went through your old house. Mr. Shields is residing there. Caroline has returned at last. Says tell Aunt E the flower of the flock has arrived. You wrote Kate about the Grecian bends [bustle] or [two words] My opinion is that they are horrible and disfigure a lady very much. Caroline is or rather has had a Dress made of striped Black and white poplin trimmed with a flounce edged with black silk, fitting close in the neck and black and white buttons down the front. You must certainly be in want of Lawn Dresses. Only say so and I will send them on. The debts are nearly paid.

Transcription: Philadelphia May 1st 1869

Dear Lizzie

I received your very welcome letter while in Balt. And do not think I have been much longer answering it than you were mine. I have been home about a month and would have written you before but when I first returned was quite sick for a while owing to a very heavy cold taken before leaving, and after I got better a sudden unexpected event took place which has kept us all very busy ever since. Do not be too much surprised—Julia is married and sails in the steamer to day with her husband for California. The gentleman she was engaged to, Lieut. William Edgar Dove was suddenly ordered away, the destination of the regiment is yet unknown. They are at present at Omaha on their way to San Francisco and when they get there they will receive orders to go further, some think their destination is Alaska. I verily hope they may stay at San Francisco. That is 4000 miles off and far enough. Well, I know you are dying to hear all the particulars. In the first place, I won't describe him as Ma sends his photograph, except to tell you he is quite tall, very kind hearted and affectionate and a perfect gentleman, and all the family are pleased with him. In the second place, Julia had very little time for preparation and we had to get 2 dressmakers and an operator on the machine besides our own assistance and that of Becky Barrington. She had a very pretty outfit. The wedding was strictly friends and no cards were imprinted, but it is in 3 papers. Besides the family there were about a dozen friends present. They were married in the Unitarian Church at 12 o'clock, Thursday morning by Mr. Furness. Harry and Edgar were in full uniform with their epaulettes on and looked very fine. Julia wore a dove colored silk made very elaborately, white bonnet with orange and white flowers, cape to match her dress. Kate wore a dove colored dress, white bonnet and pink flowers. I did not get to go for various reasons. They returned to the house after the ceremony took their dinner and then Mr. and Mrs. Dove took the 4 o'clock train for New York. We got a letter from Julia this morning. She was pretty well considering the excitement of the past day. Her husband is one who will take the greatest care of her and regards her as the apple of his eye. Ma and Aunt Emma are going to write you a few lines. Kate sends love and says she will write when she is able. Aunt Emma and myself are talking about taking a trip to Beech Woods to spend the month of June with Aunt George. This is a great neighborhood for weddings. There having been nine here within 2 years. I am glad you are so well pleased with your Western Home. I did not see Lizzie Irwin. She was absent from home when I was there last summer. Corrie was then in all her glory. There is a gentleman by the name of Quin very attentive to her. I must stop dear Lizzie. I am busy finishing up a night gown for the wash. Write soon. Give my love to all and accept a large portion from your affectionate Corrie

Transcription: Tuesday night 9 o'clock

My dear Elizabeth,

Last week a letter came from you for Emma, who left here on Wed. for Georgiana's. Caroline wished to pay her a visit and Dr. E- would not allow her to travel alone, so he offered to pay E's passage and as long as she promised Mr. Wray to go up this Spring, thought it a fine opportunity. So off they started. I look for a letter from them every day, though we may not receive it before Saturday next as Miss Wray told me they only received the mail once a week. Emma told me if she could get a school up there she might remain 2 or 3 months, but I rather am of the opinion she will not remain so long from her beloved Annie Dolan/Dennis as she calls her! Caroline wrote [on May 1st, 1869] and informed you of Julia's marriage to Lieut. Dove U.S. Army. He is a Lieut. in Harry's Regiment and was unexpectedly ordered to California. Camp Independence is where they are to be stationed. We were all kept busy sewing and fixing, two dress makers at work and one operator on the sewing machine. Harry is at Washington. I presume he will be off before long. Kate, the Dr. and myself are all alone with Old Margaret and Bridget the chambermaid. When Caroline returns then Kate will take her turn. I am anxious for the Dr. to move into the City as we find it expensive and inconvenient living here. We are obliged to sit with the front windows down on account of the dust, there is so much driving and racing of horses in the afternoons. I suppose Emma wrote you she had sold the Piano for $50 and what disposition she made of the money. In case she has not, I feel that you take in interest in all our dear Mother's affairs. She paid Devoe $20, Worth the carpenter 11$ 43 cts and some bill of Finnigan's 8$ and some cents. This latter bill was not Ma's. She then bought a large box and packed in it your Basin and Pitcher and 4 Liquour bottles. Paid $1 25cts for the box, 75 cts postage and 25 cts Freight. She told me she reserved $10 and would deduct the cost of Box, postage, Freight and send you the balance. The vase came likewise in the Box, safe, but your basin is broken in 2 places. I will putty them in. I drew the ground rent, paid her $11 11cts her share and have yours. Shall purchase you a dress this week or early next. Kate will send you a present of her Black and white Lawn already made up. Would you not prefer a pretty Grey Dress, trimmed with black, a light material. Julia left a lead [colone?] straw hat for you. I thought perhaps you would have your grey Neapolitan done up and wear this summer or shall I have this trimmed and send out? Your boots can go in the bundle. I will pay the freight here and don't you pay one cent on it. The balance of your ground rent I shall put in the Bundle. Write me immediately if there is any thing else you want, say so dear Lizzie. Shall I put Ma's Shawl in? Her debts will soon be paid. The coal bill has been reduced to $12 and I have on hand sufficient on hand to liquidate that and Apple, leaving a balance on Meredith and likewise part of Devoe. Tell Rebecca Dr. Egbert met Susan Black and her Sister Mrs. McLeod yesterday in Chesnut Street and Susan told him that Mrs. McLeod had come on to see her Mother who had fallen and hurt herself quite badly, but did not enter into particulars. I shall go out there next week. I quite long to know the contents of your last letter to Emma. She forbid me opening any of her letters. I hope you urged her attending to the Louisville Lots. She will never recover one cent if she is so dilatory. Oh dear Elizabeth how distressed I am to think how badly we were served about dear Ma's body. I asked Emma what she intended doing. Oh she replied you will have no difficulty in the Fall. So you said before now said I Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Trimble's word I would not rely upon even were they to kiss the Holy Bible. Old Phil Sharpless is very little better. You must have a responsible person to go forward and guarantee that the remains shall be given up to me for I am determined to go after it myself. I doubt if E- will agree to this. Tell Rebecca I have met with much to distress me through life but never felt anything like this. I have not written to Adelaide since the wedding. Must write her a few lines this evening. We had no [one word too faint to read] and very little cake. Give love to Theophilus and Rebecca, Louisa and Maggie and accept a portion yourself.

Caroline Write me immediately

Transcription: Philadelphia, June 7th 1869

My dear Elizabeth,

I concluded best to write and inform you I had purchased your dress last week. 10 yds Crepe Maranetz double width, enough for a very long skirt and basque or sacques. I mean a suit as tis called. You can loop up the skirt and make it a walking dress, that is the only way. It is to be trimmed round with quilled Satin ribbon which is done by machinery and worn in deep mourning. Kate's fashionable dress maker disappointed her on Thursday last. We intended her to cut the skirt and sacque and I will cut and make the body, Kate assist in putting together. She will be with us on Thursday so you must give us Friday and Saturday to finish it off and pack up. This day week (Monday) it will start in the Express. I will bear the expense so please pay nothing for it. I passed by the Art Union on Friday. Did not see Franklin in the window. As I called the week before and learned he had not been sold I did not stop, and I expected Emma down. She will be home the last of this week. Caroline wrote me E- had made up her mind to go to Kansas, which I was glad to hear. The farther she is from the Trimble woman the better. I wonder whether they have the use of her Silver. I wish she had sent Aunty Salter for me to keep for you as there was so much opposition to my talking care of the portraits. I would not of course mention them, but the large picture belonged to Aunt and I feel confident she would never allow it to remain in Mrs. or Mr. T's house after their unnatural treatment to our dear Mother and her remains. The Louisville lot you may I think look upon as a dead loss. Had it been attended to properly in time something might have been recovered, but E- is too slothful to be an Executrix. She means well, but lacks energy and that is the main point in business, as in fact every thing else. I shall get out your White Skirts today. Kate and I have been busy last week sending a few Articles to Georgiana. Mr. Wray wishes to sell his Farm. His eyes are very little better. Do not repeat what I have written about Emma. I would not hurt her feelings on any account. If you or Rebecca wish any thing sent it will be time for you to write me. Julia I suppose is at Camp Independence. Harry is expected to night from Washington to start some time this month for the same Camp. So they will all be together. Kate speaks of going to Baltimore or somewhere else for the month of August. Would you like a paper sent you occasionally? I will send a Dispatch today. Last Monday I was at Sally Gibbon's funeral. Julia brought from South Carolina a Mocking Bird. It sang very sweetly and she would open the cage and allow it to run about the room. Mrs. Brownie walked up or rather down stairs and darted at him catching him by the throat and killing him. So the Dr. swore he would shoot her and I went to Sally's to see if she would adopt her into her family, but her old Tom still lived and she did not want her. That very night Sally had a chill, fever set in and she died the ninth day of Typhoid Pneumonia, pretty much the same as dear Ma did. She was delirious off and on until she passed away. Her voice was so weak as not to be understood. She was 70 years old. I felt very sorry to see James. He grieved much and so did Mary and Susan. I went to the cemetery and remained until the grave was partially covered. She looked as if sleeping. Everything was very impressive, the first Catholic funeral I ever attended. She had Ma's likeness hanging by her side, showed it to me the last day I called there. We do not expect to move Lizzie. The Dr says he will remain here as long as he lives. It is a large house and that is all he cares about. The inconveniences are nothing. Brownie is still with me. She follows me all about the house like a Dog and has 2 beautiful kittens. Have no news from W. C. I saw Dickey Trimble. He was in the City about 3 weeks ago and looked very well. He did not know me. How could you propose letting him have Daddy Franklin. When Ma said she would never let them have it as hard as she was pressed for money. Always bear that in mind. I will send enclosed a puzzle for the boys to puzzle out. Give my love to Rebecca. Tell her I hear of them all through you, not to feel hurt at my not writing her, for indeed I have much to occupy my time. I sent Cousin C- some thing about 2 months ago and am afraid they are lost. Must drop her a few lines. Harriet Guerard is in Germantown. I saw her last week. She will stay some time with me previous to going to her Daughter's Mrs. McComb. If you do not wish any thing, postpone writing until you receive the Articles if you choose.

Ever your Affectionate Sister

C About 3 week ago I opened one of your boxes of book and found them very musty on top, exposed them to the warm sun and dusted them well. Will now replace them. Emma opened it and not I.

Transcription: Philadelphia, Aug 4, 1869

Dear Lizzie

Your letter to me enclosed in Aunt Emma's came to hand a few days ago. It went to Beech Woods, was sent from there to W. C. and then sent here, so it had quite a pleasant little trip before it reached me. I am a little at a loss to understand the contents as I do not know what Aunt Emma could have written you. She and I were talking about some matters and I have an indistinct recollection of her reading me some part she had written and I was not at all pleased and told her I had no idea of her writing to you on the subject. And she then said what should I do, I will have to write my letter over again. No said I, tell her not to mention it. I have no idea of "going about the country singing" as you call it. Pa has a good situation now and is well able to support me. I do not wish you to say one word to Mr. Wylie about it. I think the best way for both you and I to make money will be to get married and let our husbands make it for us. I was exceedingly disgusted with Beech Woods and the bedbugs. The first 2 nights I was there I never slept a wink. The trip cost Pa nearly 100 dollars. I wish I had never gone and he had the money in his pocket again. I never begrudged any thing so much. You may thank your stars you never went up there. Aunt Emma was in her bed nearly all the time she was there. Mrs. Wray is all for the Trimbles, is very anxious old T should go up and pay them a visit, says "Nelly has been so kind too Angus." If it depends on her and Aunt Emma, I doubt if you ever get Grandma's body out of old Trimble's lot, and you need never count on living with Aunt Emma again unless you make up your mind to live with Annie too. I thought of going out West when I was within 60 miles of Pittsburg, but could not stand the journey. We have just finished getting Kate ready for her visit to Baltimore and she departed in the 12 o'clock train today. She had quite a pretty outfit. She took a very handsome black and white lawn and white French muslin with 3 flounces trimmed with pink, a white cross barred muslin with 2 flounces, a beautiful blue and white pique, a thick white pique, a very rich pink and white dress striped, the watered silk and cotton, a brown and white striped mohair and various other pretties. If you write her do not mention any of these as she is peculiar about some things and may not like my mentioning it. She took another, a purple flounced robe, very showy, and a pink wrapper. She says she only intends staying 2 weeks but I rather doubt that. I know she will enjoy herself. Julia and she always have the luck of going to see the nicest people at the nicest places, with the least expense, while it has always been my portion when away from home to go into the most disagreeable ones. I did not give you any of the particulars of our tiresome journey to Beech Woods as I thought it would be but a repetition of what Aunt Emma wrote. I believe I will have to conclude, as I have just eaten 2 large platefuls of soup and vegetables and some cultivated blackberries and I feel stupid. The neighbors appear to be clever but the stairs are very steep. The roaches nearly carry me up and the market is a great distance and there are no good churches near, which is very afflicting to Ma and myself. I saw your Irish widower at B.W. and think I would like to have brought about a match between him and Aunt Emma if she could have done so. Willie is the best of the bunch. He is kind and intelligent. Angus has a nice pretty little baby and a pretty nice husband. Ma is going to write you a few lines. Lizzie why don't you go and pay Bill Miller's wife a visit and see your intended? I insist on your going. I know you will have a delightful time. Do you ever hear anything of Robert McMillan? I have seen Dr. Brinckle, Atkinson, Fred Hubbell and Jimmy Newlin and a new beau who you have never seen, Welhom, since I have been home. You must write often and tell me all about the beaux in Bloomington. I am sorry they are so destitute of musical taste. What do they like shuffling. Write soon and often and give me all the Bloomington news. As I have to write a note to my Cousin Pat Richardson who is going to run as Democratic candidate for Lieut. Governor for the State of Iowa, I must abruptly conclude by wishing you all kinds of health and prosperity and signing myself your lately arrived niece from Cork, viz Beech Woods.

Cornelia Egbert

[continued on same sheet is the following from Caroline, Sr., plus the post script added on the first page] August 4th Dear Elizabeth,

As Theodore expects to start for Indiana this evening, I had a few more pieces of Kate's Dress and as you stated in your last to me, that a little more would enable you to cut a cape, this is a good opportunity to send. When it is washed, let some salt be thrown into the water and let it not be dampened but taken from the line just fit to be ironed. The first time we washed it, I thought it was ruined. I threw it in cold water, which brought it clear and beautiful again. I send you the balance of your money dear Lizzie. We are now nearly out of debt. Oct. will I trust see us clear. Dear, dear Ma, how often my heart is wrung with bitter anguish when I think of what she endured so patiently. But all is at an end and we know she is happy, though it seems hard that her remains should be in possession of the only one who abused her while living, and who is retaining it to annoy us and trying to make people believe she loved her while living. Harry's letter announcing his arrival at the Camp was received yesterday. Julia and Mr. Dove were not very well. I resume they had either taken a slight cold or over fatigued themselves. You must write Julia. Her direction is To Mrs. Julia E. Dove, Camp Independence, Owens River Valley, California, via Aurora, Nevada Tell Rebecca and Theophilus I wish they would send Louisa on by Theodore and let her remain as long as she feels satisfied. She can spend her time pleasantly between her Uncle's house and ours. We have plenty of room and will do all in our power to make her time pass pleasantly. I had a letter from Emma last week, the first since she left me. She had not paid Meredith, although I gave her the money. I immediately wrote her to do it as the interest was running on. She is the most inept being I ever met with. Mr. McGuire had been on. She I suppose has written you all about it. Say nothing to her about Meredith as she is very touchy. Love to all

Dear Lizzie, I have just returned from Francesville and Dr. W. informs me he is not position of going West, so I left the bundle and brought back the letter. Will send you the 50 cts and one or two of the patterns. If he does not go and you wish the pieces to make a cape, write me and I will send them by mail. This morning Dr. E- received a letter from his Brother E- at South Bend informing him he and wife would be on by Sat. to pay us a visit. The only way to make your Dress for a party dress is to loop it up. I am so sorry about your things as I sent your writing paper and Envelopes. The package is not large and perhaps Mr. Wylie may know of some merchant sending for goods. It is the 12th Infantry Dove and Harry are in. Maria Watts has gone to Middletown, Con. for a few weeks. Mrs. Brownie is enceinte. She is devoted to me, follows me all about and boxes Tom's ears when he comes in her way—that is her Son. They sit in the Parlor window every night. No one to molest her.

Transcription: Evansville, Indiana Tuesday Aug. 10, 1869

My dearest Ma: We arrived last night in perfect safety having had a very pleasant tho somewhat tiresome journey—You know I was not feeling very well, so I was more tired than I am usually when traveling. We waited but a little while at Mitchell but had to wait four hours at Vincennes, and did not get here till 10 ½ o'clk. I did not see any one at Princeton that I knew. Mrs. McFerson is looking well & Theodore looks very well. Edie is rather thinner than she was, when at Bloomington.

Eleanor stood the journey remarkably well, was very good and is as bright as can be this morning. I have not much to write of course as yet, and must be in a hurry as I want to send this this morning and have to go down town—I did hate to leave you all yesterday, but I think I will enjoy myself & come home feeling better.

Take good care of my flowers. I think perhaps I may come home in two weeks. & if I do they won't need much attention. Perhaps if you would shade one of the Abronias it would do better, one of them looks very badly. & I don't know what kind of treatment it needs. If you have time to look in Breck or Vick it may be you can find what is the matter. But the one that is blooming I would leave as it is unless you find something to help the other. You had better send for the flower pots too. I forgot them yesterday. Eleanor said she was going to write to the boys. But she is so busy playing that I won't call her. She was so glad to see Edie that she woke her up last night.

I was so sorry to hear of poor Priss Harbison's condition. Write me about him & Bill Dobson & the Dodd children & do make them things & send them even if you won't go up. But I think you had better see Prof. Dodd & tell him why you haven't gone sooner.

Eleanor came in just now & says tell the boys she is eating some of them apples & pears now & she sends them all a kiss & Edie sends her love to all. Now I must close. & get ready to go up town. Give my best love to Pa & all. Tell Pa I won't stay too long. Tell Dory not to tear my room to pieces I believe I left a breastpin- your purple one-loose in my drawer.

But goodby dear Ma I want to see you all. Take good care of yourself & don't work too hard. Tell Liz Edie says she remembers her—

With much love Your daughter Lou

You must be sure to write if any of you get sick—I don't know what I'd do if you would not Please send that recipe for the hair stuff for Col. Foster I believe I left my new kid gloves at home. Please look for them & send them right away. They may be here but I haven't time to look & don't remember packing them.

[on a separate sheet, in same envelop, the following letter to Rebecca from Emma Dennis referring to their Mother's remains.]

Dear Sister I have written quite a long letter to Lizzie and yourself I want you to read it all & decide what had best be done, then let me know as soon as possible. It is a very painful subject to me & I would like it better so it would not come up again.

Cornelia of course (for that was her objection in giving up the permit) & David object to her lying with Dr. Egbert. & Sister George & Addy I think are opposed to her being removed but wish the family to own the lot. This neither Richard or Cornelia wish to hold after the wishes of the family are known. It is a dreadful difficulty to arise in a family but having arisen must be met. & I for one want it so arranged we may regret nothing in the future. I forgot to tell Lizzie the lot here cost I think from 25 to 30$ The price at Woodlands I do not know. Do write soon & do not suffer yourself to be prejudiced for or against anyone. Give my love to the family generally and write me soon (this month) a good long letter. Is Louisa at home now? Ever your affect. Sister Emma Dennis

Mrs. Rebecca D. Wyllie

Transcription: Bloomington August 24 [1869] Dear Lou I expect you think I might have written to you before now but I have been so busy since you left. The week you left we went to Mr. McKinley's & spent the day very pleasantly. A few evenings after we went to Prof K. to call on Sam & his wife. Last Thursday we had them down to tea & on Friday had the Dodds, McCallas, Martins, Ballantines, & Mr. & Mrs. Brown. On Monday we went to Sam Dinsmore's and to night the lectures for the Teachers Institute commence. Pa lectures on Friday night. I hope it will be cooler than it is to night. We have thought a good deal about you since the weather has been so very warm and have wondered how you were getting along at E. I had a letter from Maggie last week she seems to be real homesick. Wants to see us all so much says she can scarcely wait until next week. Uncle The is not coming out this Summer. He says there is so much sickness he cannot go so far from home, so he has gone to Carlisle. Now I must tell you about your flowers. Your plumbago is perfectly beautiful 14 or 15 clusters of flowers on it. Then the Pen. Grant's have about as many on them. The contrast between them is very fine. The double scarlet has three clusters very handsome. The day lily is blooming, but I am sorry to say your abronia is all dead. I shaded it but a heavy shower of rain came on & it withered & finally died. Next year you must plant it in a pot. I got some new kind of seeds from Mrs. Dinsmore she called it Fusiana. She has also the white Thurbergia. All the flowers she got from Heinl are growing finely. We had such a delightful ride home from there. We did not leave until dusk. In a few minutes the full moon rose and lighted us all the way home.

I have gathered a good many seeds, among them a very dark orange portutaco[?] and a bright orange. There is only one plant of each kind. I have not seen Mrs. Ballantine since her return but I was sorry to hear that Mrs. Mc F was not coming to B. this fall. I had a great deal to tell you but can't think of it now as it is so late & I am getting sleepy. I think I will this week commence putting up tomatoes as I am afraid the chickens (your pets) will eat them all up when the fences are pulled down for building next week. [Is this perhaps when they built the "summer kitchen"?] Give my love to all. Tell Parke she must come again soon as that was scarcely a visit. Mrs. Hughes & Howe & Dodds called the day she left & several ladies told me they intended calling but she left so soon. Kiss to Eleanor tell her she must not forget us. The thermometer was 94º today on our portico at three o'clock. Hot enough I think. I do not know that I want you to get me anything without you can get good black kids cheaper than I can get here. Good night dear Lou. Come home as soon as you get your visit out. But be sure to write immediately to your af. Mother R. D. Wylie

Transcription: Evansville Tuesday night Aug 31, 1869

My dear Ma and Pa,

I expected to leave here Monday night when I last wrote, but I couldn't bear to think of getting off alone at Mitchell at midnight. So I waited till today and have been persuaded to stay till tomorrow and am thinking of staying one day in Princeton. So you need not look for me home till Thursday or Friday. I write in great haste as it is late. Hoping to see you Friday.

As ever your loving daughter

Lou

Transcription: Philadelphia, Sept. 2nd, 1869

My dear Elizabeth,

I received your last letter in due time and should have replied to it immediately but owing to Dr. E's brother and his wife being with us, I was prevented by want of time. The first week the Judge was confined to his room from indisposition and then his wife whom I found a sociable, clever woman was taken with Diarrhea. They were with us about 3 weeks and left on Monday for Niagara Falls on their route homewards. I almost promised them to visit there next Summer if still in the land of the living. I sent the order for the ground rent to Emma for her signature and requested her to return it as soon as signed, which she has complied with. I enclose it to you. She wishes her share sent to her. I will draw it when I receive your signature and remit her portion to her. Yours I will retain until I learn from you what I am to send you besides a Bonnet or Hat. Be particular in writing what kind you wish and how trimmed. Do you wish a coat, cloak or shawl? I sent for the package at Francesville and will send writing paper and Envelopes etc at the same time the Bonnet goes. Emma writes "I have written to each member of the family concerning dear Mother's remains, have as yet received no answer from any one but Lizzie. Think all will go right. What more can I do?" I told her plainly before she left me that I should never send out again when only Mr. and Mrs. T's word were pledged for I looked upon that as a mere bagatelle. She must have a witness whose veracity I could depend upon and then I should go out myself. Chloe came up on Sunday afternoon and spent a few hours with me. She told Caroline that Dick Trimble and Annie Dolan had been to see her for the first time and he said Chloe do you know Emma is going to Kansas? He likewise invited her to pay them a visit. Emma has written me two letters since she left and said nothing about going to Addie's. Has she to you? She wrote me the Orange tree you gave me, we sent to Furgate's, was not taken there. Mrs. F- told her only one came to her house. Say nothing about it to them. I expect it went to look after your Decanter! In opening your Trunk the first thing I discovered was the Feather Fans, one perfect and entirely free from moth and the other nearly destroyed. Dear Ma's cloth coat not injured. So I aired it well and did it up again. Several little woolen articles were riddled which must not be put back again. Books all nicely aired and returned to their places. I shall have room in one trunk for your two glass pitchers, plain Decanter, etc. One box containing your china with gilt silver I wrote you had been unpacked and found all safe. Concluded not to open the other but in lifting it a day or two ago to sweep, I discovered a hole in the bottom sufficiently large to admit my hand. As far as I felt there was nothing but Hay so I intend to open it. Caroline expects the Dress maker to make her a Black Alpacha Dress trimmed with Purple. We expect Kate home this week. She has been absent a month. We are all anxious for the Dr. to move into the City and into a smaller house. C- wishes to know whether Mr. W. Miller still lives at Springfield, Illinois? Chloe has gone to stay 2 weeks with Maria Waters as her waiter has left. She says Miss Dolan is a complete chunk, as broad as she is long. What is your idea Dear Elizabeth of wishing me to sign a paper conveying the glass to you? I have reflected well upon it and although I did promise and I believe propose it, after the trouble given me by the behaviour of some members of the family, I am determined it shall never fall into the hands of those she would not like it to. So you must excuse me for not complying with your request. I have never looked through it. I found one or two broken pieces on the top. I am ignorant of what number of pieces it contains, but remember Emma told me when she and you packed it she kept out several odd pieces. What they were she did not say. Did you get any? If so they must be in the Box I have alluded to. The Dr. is waiting for the letter. He has just gone and I am too late for mail. I am in arrears to many of my correspondents but business must be attended to first. Your letter is somewhere in my wardrobe. During the sickness it has got pushed back. There may be questions in it to reply to, but I will answer in my next. Theodore was much disappointed at not getting off to the West. It was owing he told me to the death of one of his congregation. The Eclipse must have been well worth the seeing at Bloomington. Here it did not amount to much. The chickens did not go to roost. Julia writes she has 50 little chickens. Have you written her? If not you ought to. Does Rebecca raise her own fowls? Mrs. Brownie has just given birth to 5 little ones, 4 of which I drowned and reserved one, white and black spotted for a little girl. Black Tom a son of hers is a noble animal. He caught a Bat in my room a few nights ago. Tell Rebecca not to feel hurt at my not writing her for I have not written Harry and Julia but once each since they left us. You had better all make up your minds to come home with me next Summer. When this letter is answered, I will send Emma her share and money to pay Apple and the balance due Hall and Sharpless which is only a trifle. Then Devoe will be paid his balance. Then, dear Lizzie, I feel as if my promise to dear Ma was fulfilled. How happy and contented I should feel if she laid at Woodlands. We cannot have all we desire in this world. God bless and preserve you is the prayer of Your Affectionate Sister C-

Transcription: Philadelphia, Sept 13th 1869

My dearest Elizabeth,

I received your very welcome letter this morning. I started down to Mr. Paulding after the money. I shall forward Emma's portion to her tomorrow. Dr. Egbert has been quite unwell for some time. At times I feel very uneasy about him, he is getting so very feeble and so extremely weak. You must not, dear Lizzie, give way to despondency. You have me to love you and rest assured I will do all in my power to make you feel contented and happy. I do not think you can teach through the Winter season. We have heard of several young ladies who attempted it but from exposure lost their health and were compelled to give it up. So let me entreat you not to do it. I shall pay Devoe next month and then I can let you have just what you want. I speak of taking Caroline (if things stand as they now do) and paying Rebecca and Dr. E's brother who has been on to see us, a visit. I am under a promise to do so and you can either return with us or I will send you the means and to come as soon after November next as you please. Suppose you go and pay Mrs. Miller a visit of a month or six weeks when you get your Dresses. Write me what it will cost to go there and back. You speak of visiting Kansas. How soon did you wish to go? Week after next Chloe is going out to W. C. and when she returns will let me know all about Emma's going, whether it is really her intention to do so. No doubt you would be of great assistance to Adelaide for she wrote me she had 6 boarders and worked very hard. I am afraid it would be too cold for you at Kansas. I am delighted to hear your health has improved. I am looking out here for a situation that I think will suit you. Caroline heard a few days ago of a situation to attend to and instruct two small children. The particulars we have not learned of. We were told by a lady who thought of accepting it herself. She was offered $6 a week and her board found. If suitable for you and she does not take it, I will make enquiries etc. I would prefer your remaining with Rebecca until Spring, but you must my dear Lizzie go out rather more. I will send you money and Rebecca will I suppose have no objections to your purchasing a cord of wood and keep a fire in your room to dress by etc. would she? I do not know what Emma intends doing. She has not written me on the subject. Perhaps she will when her mind is made up. 14th I have consulted with Kate about your clothing. We think a Black Silk body and panier trimmed with velvet would be very pretty to wear with your Alpacha skirt. Caroline intends getting a White Empress Cloth, but you would not like to wear white. How would you like a nice black cloth Sack, bound round with plain black braid for your shoulders this Winter? I found 2 pr of very stout white Hose in your Trunk. I think they were knit by dear Ma. Shall I send them on with your things? I have your bundle with the Stockings, writing paper etc in it. When I hear from you will get your Bonnet and send all together. Have you got a warm pair of Gloves? I have a nice pair of Boots. You must not wear old shoes to get your feet cold. Are you in want of Canton Flannels or muslin for underbodies, or Merino Shawls? Now do write and tell me. You have a Fall and Spring Shawl in your Trunk with a Ground of Green. It has been washed I think. Would you like it died black? Now dear Lizzie, I may send for you before the Spring. If you cannot content yourself just let me know. Should you remain until Spring I want you to become a good Arithmetician, but let me insist you will not study too hard. I would be pleased if you pay Mrs. Miller a visit. Adelaide I am not so anxious for. You might be too much exposed there. Tell Rebecca I will write her before long. David wrote me a letter. I shall reply to it before long, likewise Mrs. Wray and Adelaide. Now Lizzie if you wish to have a share in purchasing a lot to place our Beloved Mother in, I will give you the required amount, but shall have nothing to do with it individually. It was first suggested by Mr. Trimble's wife through the old miser and it appears that each member of the family are getting in favor of it. I purchased the lot as near the spot as Ma fixed upon as I was able. She never put the question to me whether I would put a child there or be put there myself. It never entered into her kind generous heart to do so. We both intended to have all those interred at Ronaldson taken out there. Dr. E- is so much disgusted with the proceedings that he has determined to have a lot, three from ours, which was reserved for him sold and purchase at Laurel Hill. They will all be at Loggerheads before they get through and that will be just what Trimble's wife is trying hard for. Dear Lizzie I have performed my promise to Ma, made to her on her death bed, with the exception of one and God knows I would willingly do that if in my power. I wrote Emma yesterday and sent her share 11$11cents, sent her Apples bill and the balance due Sharpless and Hall. And if my life is spared Devoe shall be paid. Now I feel as if nothing more than my duty was performed how cheerfully I have done it. Do not mention your portion to go towards it. You must not do it. Oh Lizzie how I wish I dream of Dear Ma. It must be a great comfort to you and them to see her so plainly as you do. I cannot dream of her. Dr. E- is still very sick and low spirited. I think Julia and Harry going so far has had a very great effect on him. H. Vanarsdalen was mistaken. Mr. L did not leave me a legacy and was Caroline. There is no danger of my being offended Lizzie. Say to me just what you choose. I love you too dearly. And Oh how often do I wish you were with me. I look forward to next Spring with great pleasure. Tom caught a large Bat the other night. Take your time and consider what you want and then write me. I send you 50 cts for paper and will put more in the bundle. Love to all and yourself.  

Transcription: Philadelphia Sept 18th 1869

My dear Rebecca, Your long looked for letter reached me the early part of the week & today I received one from Emma, stating she had an idea of spending the winter in Jersey—what the situation was she did not mention—or what part of Jersey, but said she would pay me a visit first as she wished to go to Germantown & this was the sum & substance of her epistle—she is a poor hand at transacting business & from her being so dilatory I fear she will not realize a cent from the Louisville Lot.

I think your advice to Elizabeth with regards to teaching was very correct in my opinion she would be entirely too much exposed particularly during the winter months—Do you not find she is more cheerful when she has something to engage her attention? It is the case with us all—I mean in assisting you about the house, I always found her very willing & obliging in fact she appeared worried if I could not find her something to do—Caroline & I should all things go on smoothly speak of visiting the west next Summer & I should like Lizzie to return with us but if you find she feels herself I will send for her—she was very anxious to go West & I felt myself inclined she should for two reasons, one to get her as far from Mrs. Trimble's annoying tongue & another to refute her calumnies with regard to your treatment towards her while with you before—Elizabeth has always spoken in the highest terms of both Theophilus & yourself & told me how kind & attentive the children were to her—but I know it grieves her to be so far from me & away from her other friends—but on the other hand she must not for a moment think of going to West Chester—when she leaves you she must come live with me—Dr Egbert's health I am sorry to say is very miserable his extreme weakness seems to increase every day, perhaps he may gain strength as the cool weather approaches—we are anxious on our own account he would remove into the City as we now have 4 squares to walk before the cars can be taken & the same distance returning which we find fatiguing in warm as well as cold weather—Elizabeth wrote me she had given up the idea of teaching—She dwells too much on our dear Mothers death—no doubt she feels alone in the world—she should reflect on her peaceful happy end & how fully she was prepared to meet it—then I know my dear Sister, the crude behaviour of some of the family with the remains of Ma how deeply I have felt it—this proposition of buying the lot in shares was first proposed by Mr. Trimble's wife, through him I have it in black & white in P. Sharpless hand writing to the undertaker I sent out—Now I advise you to be very guarded in what you write Emma—I purchased the Lot with money that never belonged to Dr E- Ma knew all about it was the proceeds of the sale of a Lot belonging to I. Arnold—when I found we removed to Balt[imore?] it was out at Interest & that interest I gave Ma for six or seven years—I did not purchase the Lot to make money off of it—but to place Ma's body there & to have Aunt Becky Richard & my two children taken out there—this was frequently talked over by Ma & myself & she would regret not having Mary's remains—Now the Lot is purchased for that purpose—I will not have any thing to do with any other –it may be purchased by Mrs. Wray or Mrs. Speck—or any body else. I am getting tired of this delay—it is all the fault of Trimble's wife & Emma I think to blame in a measure, for wavering as she does, she lacks firmness—I have written you my views on the subject—viz: I will have nothing to do with any other Lot—I have carried out Ma's wishes as far as is in my power—the debts are all paid with the exception of one, that I shall liquidate next month—I promised her to see them paid—that Lizzie should never want & that I would purchase the Lot at Woodlands for her—these were made her more than once, but the last time on her dying bed—I hold them all sacred & hope while I continue to be in sound mind ever shall—please make no more suggestions to me I cannot accede to them. Dr. Wylie was much disappointed not getting out to Bloomington to witness the Eclipse it was from Elizabeth's account well worth seeing—we saw it only partially.

I saw Chloe this morning she is staying with Mrs. Lindsay's niece for a few weeks—What is Harriet Vanassdalen doing at Chicago? Is she residing there—If I mistake not they expelled him for the church for indecent behavior—I felt sorry for Harriet she always appeared very amiable, so did all the girls & boys likewise. I thought I would answer your letter in case it might have some weight with you in replying to Emma's epistle—Caroline unites with me in love to Mr. Wylie & all the children—whenever you feel inclined to drop me a few lines I will be happy to receive them until then believe me ever Your Aft Sister C.M. Egbert 1335 South Broad St. P.S. For fear you may have left I direct this to Mr. W- C. Give much love to Eliz & tell her I look for a letter from her.

Transcription: Philadelphia, Oct 5th [1869 from context]

My dear Elizabeth,

Your very welcome letter was received this morning although it was directed 133 instead of 1335 South Broad. Be more particular in future or I may not receive it. I was fearful you were sick, from your silence. Am glad to find you are well and have plenty to do. Rest assured dear Lizzie you shall never want a friend while I live. I suppose Louisa and yourself are amusing each other by experimenting in making pies, cakes, etc. The Dr. is very little better. I guess there is not much the matter, just grunts because he is fond of hearing himself. I am looking for Mrs. Guerard and her daughter every day to stay with me for a short time. They expect to board North this Winter on account of her health. Harriet Junior dined with us last week. They are at present at Bristol. Are you in earnest about returning with Addie? Are you not afraid it is too cold there? I should like you to visit Kansas, before you return to me. Your paper has just come to hand. They opened it and charged more than letter postage. You ought never to send any thing in a newspaper, it is contrary to law and liable to forfeiture. I suppose you did not know it. I will send you a neat little Bonnet but I hardly think my dear Child the crepe will answer, it is rather shabby. You shall have the Water proof. Kate's Dress maker is expected tomorrow and she will let us know the quantity for Dress, Cape, etc. I found in your Trunk a pair of kid gloves, much soiled, though good quality. They are at the Dyers. The corset and shirt I will not forget, writing paper etc. I cannot tell you what kink Emma has in her head about Susy. Have not heard from her since I wrote you last. Chloe is I believe at W. C. Trimble and Miss Dolan paid her a visit and invited her out. I must not forget to thank you dear Sis for your beautiful flowers. How well they have retained their color. I have placed an oval glass over them and intend getting a frame. I had a letter from Julia yesterday. She complains that you have not replied to her letter. Have you not done so? Her direction is Mrs. Julia Dove, Care of Lieut. William E. Dove, Camp Independence, California, Via Aurora. Now you can have no excuse for not writing to her. Put on a 3 cent stamp and it will go safe. One of your large feather fans was eaten by the moth a little, but dear Ma's Coat was in good order and everything else, excepting some little mats woolen. You recollect the Decanter the Molasses was kept in. Emma took one, you another and the third you gave me. Yours was put in your Bureau drawer and locked up. Emma took hers and I brought mine in a Basket home. Yours, when I opened the drawers, was missing. I mentioned it to Emma, but she thought little about it. I should not be surprised if Trimble's wife had cribbed it. She is bad enough for any thing in this world. I rode out to Francesville last week. Mrs. Black had gone to Town. Saw Maggie and Old Bettie who informed me that her Grandma had fallen the night before and injured her arm, but not broken it, was in bed and quite indisposed. The idea of remaining down in this abominable hole another dreary winter almost drives me frantic. We are completely isolated. We have 4 squares to walk through slush and mud. Any man who keeps his family here should be treated as insane and put in the insane asylum. Away from the Churches, markets and every place of amusement. The girls cannot go out of an evening. Harry was their escort last winter, but he is far away. Well I suppose as dear Ma used to say, we must be content, there are many far worse off. The mosquitoes nearly devour us at night, and the roaches and small red ants plague us to death. Now, Elizabeth, see what trials I have to endure. Now I shall not write until I send your clothes. I will pay the freight and take a receipt. I will give you the news when I write next, of Chloe's visit. I should like to make you a present of a Tippet [scarf-like narrow cloth worn around the arms, above the elbows] or Cape and Muff. What kind do you like and what do they ask out there for them? I have the money to pay Devoe and that is the last bill. I should like to know what pew rent is due, when Ma gave up the pew and how much she owed at the time. Can you give me any information? Say nothing to Emma about it when you write her. There must be receipts somewhere and I expect she has them. Ma mentioned she was in arrears when she gave it up. When Emma received the money for the Piano, she gave $10 or $20 to Devoe. That I intend to refund to you and herself. Did she send you any of what was over? I have heard nothing of Daddy F- She is too slow about business and I fear will never recover a cent from Louisville. There is a firm here who collect and sue persons in every State and Territory in the Union. As there is a Lawyer already engaged, I shall suggest nothing to her on the subject. I fear you will never realize a farthing from there. I feel very sorry for the young girl you wrote me about. If the enclosed will be of any aid, make use of it as you think best. Should you think of any other article you stand in need of, write for it. I have a nice warm pair of Boots I will send and throw away some of your old ones. I wish you could see Mrs. Brownie and her black son Tom, lying asleep before the Kitchen range. Chloe used to say to me last winter, Mrs. E- look at Brownie's white chemirette, meaning chemisette.

Give my love to all. I am a little weary. Caroline is complaining and has retired early. Kate has been quite indisposed, something like cholera morbus, is now able to go out. Farewell dear Sister. May God bless and preserve you is the fervent wish of

Your attached Sister

C. M. E.

Transcription: November 3rd 1869

Dear Elizabeth,

I have been looking for a letter from you for a week past, so that I could send on your things and if Louisa should have made up her mind to purchase a Dress it might go in the same parcel. Your waterproof suit is nearly completed, all but the braid and cape. I will send you a Rosette such as they loop up the Cape behind if you wish. I received information last week that the man who had Daddy Franklin was about being sold out. I went down in a heavy rain just in time to rescue him. He was stowed up in a Garret with rubbish. I was obliged to pay $7 before I could gain possession of him. I had him taken to a Gentleman's house and I think he will purchase him but doubt if he will give more than $100, which I advise you to take. Emma wrote me she was out of funds and could not come to the City to see about him and the Dr. advised me on your account to see after him, which I did. So what is your advice to me concerning the old man? Emma was in the City on Wednesday week. She I believe went out to see Susan and would return to W. C. that evening. She had to get Miss Dolan ready for the Winter. When I wrote her to come in and attend to Franklin on Thursday last she wrote she was not well and besides had no funds. So no time was to be lost and I went unauthorized to work. He said he had him insured for $250. As Emma wants money you had better dispose of him. It is not as valuable as you suppose. I tried to get him in at the Academy of Fine Arts but they had one there already. Harriet and her daughter H. have both been staying with me. The latter has gone to Germantown and I rather think they will board there for the Winter, unless they go to Lambertville, New Jersey. She sends her love. She and Caroline are keeping up a great chatting, I can scarcely write. Harriet has Dyspepsia very badly. She suffers severely and looks badly. John Mathers and Edgar are both married and gone to housekeeping in Savannah. Emma's being out of money looks as if she supplied Miss Dolan, or what has she done with her money? As she told me she was not in want of Winter clothing. Do not say any thing to her about this when you write her, as she might take offence at me for the remark. Tell me, Lizzie, if when you wrote to any one in W. C. you mentioned that Caroline said it cost her Father $100 to cover their expenses to Jefferson Co? For she got to hear it and was very angry. Caroline could not divine where she heard it unless you had mentioned it. Emma would not satisfy her. There is no probability of our moving now before the Spring. I dread the Winter here. Emma said nothing about our dear Ma's remains. If she allows the Trimbles to keep possession of it, I am done with her. Kate is at Chester. We expect her home tomorrow. I will not send your things until you write me. I have had two pair of Gloves dyed for you, one pair kid and the other cloth. I wrote you that your Decanter had been stolen at W. C. I guess where it is. Write me soon and give my love to Mr. W-, Rebecca and the children. Please answer all my questions. Tell me whatever you want.

Ever your Affectionate Sister

C- Destroy this after answering it. Did you get what I enclosed in my last? How is the young woman?

Transcription: 19th Nov. [probably 1869] 1335 Broad St.

Dear Elizabeth,

I have nearly finished packing up your things. I am very sorry for the delay. I expected to have sent them off yesterday, but Mrs. Maderia and Sallie came round and sat all the afternoon until dark. This morning directly after Breakfast I was obliged to take Caroline to the Shoemakers. That took us until 1 o'clock. Well forgive me dear Lizzie, I am sorry for I feel confident you are in great want. I hope your Waterproof will suit. The body is not sewed on very carefully in case you have to shorten or lengthen it. I send you some pieces, if you wish to make a Rosette to loop up the cape behind with. If it gapes in front where the button holes are, lay a piece of black under to obviate that. The Gloves I send are what I found in your Trunk. The moth had found their way into the cloth ones and I had them dyed. The kid were much soiled and a good quality so I had them dyed likewise. I hope you will be pleased with your Bonnet. Kate made it. The strings are some ribbons I found in your Trunk and I send you extra ones, as the fashion now is to tie them under the chin, so one set will hardly last you the Winter. I neglected getting a Bill for Louisa's dress. You will find a paper in the Dress with the amount paid. She had 25 cts over and I purchased the Blue and white collar and bought the cuffs to match. Tell her to think of me when she looks at them. The young lady who sent for the sash had 25 cts over and I hesitated whether to return the cash to her or purchase a Doz. Buttons. Should she not be pleased, take them yourself and hand her the 25 cts. You wrote me for stout woolen for sleeves. Will what the articles are in answer? If you are in need of good warm stockings or Merino shirts, purchase them and I will send the money to you. Soon as your letter came, I wrote Emma to know what her wishes were regarding Franklin. She has not answered my letter. I shall write her again on Monday. If she intends getting the permit after the 9th [one word] they grant them. Who is it that dares to assert that I am quarreling over removing Ma's body? I understood that Mrs. Wray had made some unkind and uncalled remarks, but never mind. I will let her conscience prick her. She pays too much count to an artful, wicked woman. Say nothing of what I have written you regarding her (Mrs. Wray) when you write Em as Trimble's wife is I presume at her old tricks reading people's letters to obtain information regarding their domestic affairs. Emma told me she had heard about the amount Dr. E- had paid from 5 different sources. As Caroline corresponds with no one at Beech Woods and never mentioned it to any one but you, we have come to the conclusion that Mrs. T- (that is if C- did write you about it) has gone into Emma's trunk, read the letter and started off giving the information to whoever she met and they have repeated it to Emma. If Old Sam does not get her, he will not get his due. I feel pretty confident she stole your Decanter. Mrs. Maderia is inveterate against her. Sally I believe intends passing the winter in Philadelphia. Her mother returns in a week or two. How feelingly she speaks of dear Ma. Caroline sends her love to all. Kate went to Gilpin's before dinner and will not be home before tomorrow night. There are three or four young girls there and they expect to have a merry time. She sends love and says after the Dress maker finishes, she will write you and send patterns of her Dresses. She bought one of those plaid dresses, the pattern of which I sent you, but is now sorry she did not purchase a red like Louisa's. Tell her she must have hers trimmed with satin points. Kate has a Black Alpacha trimmed in that way. I shall take the things down to the Express tomorrow morning and pay the freight so recollect you get them free of charge. This letter I send off tonight. You can, Dear Lizzie, keep the $1 I sent or do what ever you think best. You are welcome to it. Dr. E- is very little better. He is getting quite feeble. Mrs. Guerard and Harriet have gone to Germantown. I doubt if she can stand the northern climate. Edgar is constantly writing for her to come on and live with him. Cousin Cornelia will be on next summer. I received a letter from Adelaide this morning. She writes that she is a Grandmother. Says she heard of two good situations for Emma, but she must be on the spot to accept them. I doubt if she ever leaves Miss Dolan and I am sure she is not wanted in Kansas. Did I write you that all the debts were paid? With the exception of the pew. Say nothing to Emma about it, but can you guess at the time Ma gave up the pew. And do you know what rent she paid, whether the whole or part of the pew. There certainly must be some receipts somewhere, not among Ma's papers. Emma told me she sometimes paid them. I get confused writing, as Caroline and the Dr. are talking and such a grumbling as he is keeping you never heard. I send you a bottle of Whiskey. Use it when you require it. Mind and unpack carefully or you may break it. Are you going to pay Mrs. Miller a visit? Caroline goes to Pemberton, New Jersey to visit Sallie Egbert, who has lost her mother. She will be absent about a week. I have not yet heard of a situation that will suit you. I heard of a person who advertised for a suitable lady to take charge of and educate 2 small children, but the drawback was she must speak French. I must finish packing. Love to Rebecca and all. Ever Yours I wanted to send you a set of furs, but it was not in my power.

C.

Transcription: Nov. 30th [1869] 1335 South Broad St.

My dear Elizabeth,

Yours of 25th inst. was received yesterday morning. I went out immediately as the weather was pleasant and found that the Dress pattern similar to Caroline's was all disposed of. It was purchased at Proctor's in Chesnut above Broad. [inserted: Caroline had 10 yds, it has a train of ½ yd on the ground and the body and sleeves are trimmed with black velvet leaves.] They have a piece like the enclosed and one of Green left, have reduced the price from $1.50 to $1.25. It is rumored today the firm has failed, in fact three or four of the largest retail houses on Chesnut St. failed last week. Such being the case, goods will be reduced considerable. I am very glad your dress answered and you were pleased with the Articles sent, and Louisa also. Please say to her, her polite little note was received and appreciated. There was no extra charge in sending her dress. You were right in conjecturing the Collars were for yourself. I only wish I had sent you 2 pair of nice, fine white woolen but knew not you would wear them. Now in your next write me what you wish for Christmas, try think of some things. I was sorry I did not send the Boys something. What would be acceptable? I had very little choice as to the sash, most of them were sold. We visited nearly all the stores before we met with one that would match the plaid. I met Mrs. Madeira in the street Saturday while on my way there. Sally was confined to her bed since Saturday with bad cold. I expect them to spend Wednesday with me, if she is able, which I doubt. Her Mother returns home in about two weeks. Her Sister Mary has had two children, one living, a fine little boy. I received a note last evening from the Gentleman who was kind enough to take Franklin in which he asks me what is the lowest E and yourself will take for the bust of Franklin as he may have an opportunity to dispose of him. I have written Emma and she wrote me she thought it ought to bring more than $100. So I replied to her letter and advised her to come in and attend to it herself. She thought it should bring $150. You ask me what Adelaide wrote. "Now Dear Sister, about our dear Mother's body. I thought I had made it plain enough that I wished you and Emma to do as you thought best, and that is still my wish. I feel sorry that Ma's wishes were not carried out and she taken at once to the place she was to rest in, but as that could not be, I am satisfied. I am not willing that she should rest in the Trimble lot, so if the or the lot they purchased and hold and if you decide upon letting her remain there, let them (Trimble) make it over to Emma, David or Mr. Wray as they say they will. I think you have done more than your share and I know Cornelia has fallen far short of her duty. I know how badly she always treated Ma, even before Pa's death. I have heard and seen Ma cry many a time at her unfeeling language and conduct. I have even seen her strike at her, and I know that her disposition and behaviour did not change after my marriage. And I believe that conversation Ma held with her a short time before her death is a lie of hers got up to influence David and others. So I wish you and Emma to act in the matter for me and if E declines, I wish you to act and I know all will be done as it should be."

Now Lizzie, can you tell me what the conversation she alludes to was? For I am in the dark. After I went to W.C. I can be qualified she never held any with dear Ma. Pray inform me what it was, for I shall write Addy to let me know. Is it not a pity that Mrs. Trimble pays so little regard to the truth? I received a letter from Georgianna this evening containing a long preamble about what she wrote Trimble's wife and "that Mrs. T sent me the permit, but I did not remove it, the weather was against it and for some reason it was not done, that is removed to where I wanted it and now that specified time is expired." Did you ever hear of such an absurd rigmarole in your life? It occupied nearly two pages of fools cap paper and ended where it began. Please say nothing about this to Emma when you write as Trimble's wife will be sure to get at the letter. Now I must copy Emma's last to you and I have finished. It is evident enough she is putting off until the ground is so hard frozen that I cannot risk going to W.C. She told Kate and I they granted permits after 9th Nov. and in my last to Emma I reminded her of this. "Now dear Sister, with regards to the removal of our dear Mother—I have never exchanged words with Mr. T about it since I have been here. I did not and do not consider it necessary. He pledged himself when the proper season should come and the majority of the children should request it to deliver it up and I believe he will do it. But I wrote to each one and it was only last week I received the last definite reply and I find there is not yet that unanimity amongst us to be desired and I had intended writing to you on the subject if you had not mentioned it. [this is probably where the close quotes go] Now Lizzie I am sick and tired of Emma's behaviour. Could it be plainer than this that she is afraid to come forward and demand what she is entitled to? I shall say nothing more to her on the subject. When she comes to town and broaches the subject to me I shall give her my decided opinion and she must abide by it. I hate all this prevarication. Why not come forward at once and say it shall not be done. Trimble's wife has agitated all this and now sits quietly down and delights in the cunning she has devised, or the quarreling she is causing as Georgianna expresses in her letter to me. Now I have said all I intend to and I expect you are glad of it. Well forgive me but it annoys me to think I promised dear Ma what I cannot fulfill or perform. I shall see Dr. Brinckle about your side. Is it high or low. Tell me as near as you can it must be some little affection of the liver. Take this recipe to the Druggist and try them. This is the point for [two words] I will send you in my next you're a/c. Tis after 11 o'clock and I am very sleepy. Chloe is with me this winter. She sends her love. Love to all

Ever yours  

Transcription: Philadelphia Dec 23rd [1869]

My dear Rebecca, I have intended writing ever since a letter was received by Kate from Emma which was two or three weeks ago—but we have had company staying with us & believe me, when I tell you I have not all my carpets down. We live so far down town that when we have a visit to return in the City, it occupies all the morning & in the afternoon we feel too much fatigued to undertake any thing like work. Elizabeth's letter bearing date 18th inst. was received this morning, I am thankful you are all enjoying good health & are beginning to feel a little more cheerful—you must have had a pleasant little party—we are very quiet this winter—Kate was at a Ball at Wilmington last night & danced until 4 o'clk this morning so she feels a little weary to day though she has had the dress maker at work—on Monday she starts for Baltimore to spend the Holidays & then goes to Washington for a week or two—she expects to be back by February—The Dr's health is failing he complains much of his old complaints—Dyspepsia—I tell him his diet is not quite plain enough.

Tell Elizabeth I am afraid he will not regard her advice about eating his Christmas dinner—I went out this Aft & bought my Turkey—it was a very nice young hen Turkey, fat as butter & weighed 8 pounds for which I paid $2. We expect to spend a very quiet Christmas. Chloe is with me this winter she shows her age I have just been down & enquired if she wished to send any words to you She says tell them to go out & enjoy themselves while they can. Yesterday aft she followed to the grave a woman by the name of Charlotte her oldest & dearest friend—she appears to fret after her & speaks of soon going herself to her blessed home—she is a good creature & fully prepared for the change which soon must take place. I rode out to Susan's about two weeks ago & to my surprise she informed me Emma was staying with her for a few days & she would call her to which I decidedly objected I remained with her about 15 minutes & took my departure her Mother, she told me was as well as usual—Now you may think it singular that I should act thus until I give you my reasons & indeed I must nerve myself for it—it is trying to my feelings I assure you. Emma has deceived me with regards to dear Mamma's body she I presume wishes it to remain in Mr. Trimble's lot & is not satisfied with that but from the tenor of her letter to Kate would like to have possession of Richards body likewise which lies in Ronaldson Cemetery corner of Shippen & Tenth St. I wrote David words that not one of them should touch or disturb that grave & Emma writes that I am "carrying out the principle that might makes right" & "Why should Brother not have as much right as a Sister?" I think Emma must certainly be deranged & if she remains much longer under Trimble's roof she will be equally as wicked as the old mans wife. It is evident enough this is all her maneuvering to get Richard's body—Aunt Becky was the first buried in the grave, then Richard, Aunt Budd & two of my children. There they have all rested quietly, no one ever thought of disturbing them until this mania for resurrecting arose in Mrs. Trimble's mind. I have made up my mind to let our dear Mother's remains be. I cannot fret & distress myself any more. We must, my dear Sister, trust in the Lord & all will be right. It seems to us hard but no doubt it is intended for some wise purpose—I was really astonished upon receiving a letter from Georgianna a short time ago in which she had the audacity to advise me to "stop quarreling & let the body remain where it is." I have too nice a sense of feeling & propriety to quarrel on such a subject & hope by my conduct to prove it.—Emma has wounded my feelings deeply. As for Mrs. Wray, I could expect nothing more.—Say to Lizzie to keep cool & not espouse my quarrel.—The next letter Mrs. Wray writes me I shall return unopened to her. I will write Eliz some time next week & send her a remembrance.—Mrs. Guerard & her daughter spent some time with us they left this morning for Germantown where they are boarding. It is 11 o'clk & as I generally rise at 6 o'clk I must be preparing for bed—Give my love to Theophilus & the children—I am glad Louisa was so much pleased with her Dress.—If Elizabeth should be troubled with her throat tell her to make a strong solution of Alum sweetened & gargle with it 6 or 7 times a day whenever she feels the least disposition that way.—Mrs. Madina & her daughter Sallie have been down from Pittsburg. She expressed herself highly indignant at Emma giving Annie Dolan her Father's name of Dennis. She thought it an outrage would not go near W.C. Sally is to spend the winter here in Philadelphia at Mrs. Devereux's.—Tell Liz she gave us a full account of why she left Ma's house. It was altogether owing to Mrs. T. who persuaded her. I will write E- the particulars Good night dear Sister Hoping you may pass a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year I am your Aft Sister Caroline

I will send Liz her a/c

Transcription: Thursday night, 9 o'clock

My dear Elizabeth,

These few hasty lines go tonight and tomorrow I send you your Christmas. They are not very expensive but will keep you warm. You can dispose of them in any way you please when you finish wearing them. I send a pound of Sugar plums. If you think worth while, can give them to the boys. The hose will keep out the winter and likewise jacket. Have you over shoes? If not let me know and I will send you money to get them. Any thing you want, hesitate not to let me know. I have not heard any tidings of Emma, her whereabouts I am ignorant of, presume she is with her advisers, the Trimbles. Next week Sally Madeira is to spend a week or two with me. Caroline and I are busy making patchwork of Mousin de laine for winter use. Next week I must put up my bedroom curtains. In looking over Dear Ma's letters, I notice she mentions a ¼ section of land in Hancock Co. Why do you not try and gain some information about it Lizzie? It may be worth seeing after. I endeavored to see Mr. Minis about the 50 or 80$ due but he had gone South. I hope you have not given up your correspondence with Miss Chapman. If so, I beg you to renew it. We had quite a grand wedding at the Cathedral. A Miss Thomas was married, had 4 Bridesmaids and 6 ushers. Her dress was splendid, train 2 ½ yds long!! I send you a fashionable net for hair. I will pay the freight, so do not pay it the second time. We had a very quiet Christmas. I suppose you were all merry at Rebecca's. Generally where children are that is the case. How is Louisa? Give her my love. Caroline sends hers and says to tell you she will be out West next Summer. I send you 3 old towels, you can put them to a certain use. I wrote Rebecca 2 or 3 weeks ago. Nothing particular. Tell her I am always glad to hear from her, but she has her household duties to attend to as well as myself. Love to her and all the rest, reserving a large portion to yourself. Julia and Harry are well. Kate is at Baltimore. Look for her the middle of next week. Write soon and

Believe me, ever your much attached Sister

C. M. E.

Transcription: I am glad the boys enjoyed their sugar plums. Give Auntie's love to them and Louisa and Maggie, likewise Rebecca and Theophilus. I cannot conceive how you can get along without 1 or 2 Summer dresses and hope you will not be backward in letting me know. What have you for your shoulders? Kate is busy cutting out her Drawers on my bed and sends her love and will write when she gets time. Caroline is sitting in her room making up 2 unbleached chemise for Chloe and Chloe is washing up the pots and pans in the kitchen and says tell you to keep up you spirits. She hopes to see you in the Fall. I hope you will not neglect writing Miss Chapman, as I have two friends living in New Jersey, one at Jersey City and the other at Westfield, whom I expect to visit in the Autumn and I can drop you for a short time at Miss C's.

Transcription: Jan. 25, 1870

My dear Elizabeth,

I received your last acknowledging your receipt of the Articles sent. As the S. Plums were so acceptable I only wish I had sent 3 or 4 lbs instead of one. I wish to send you a black silk dress in the Spring and then you shall have them. The Furs were not expensive. You can part with them whenever you leave off wearing them and I will give you another set. Write me whatever you are in want of. Caroline and Sallie Madeira have gone a few doors above us to spend the evening and Sallie wishes to write you a short letter. I thought it no harm to pen a few lines myself to slip in. You wrote me postage amounted to so much, now you must write your friends. I will furnish you with money. Did you receive the Dollar I sent, balance due from your Ground rent? You should always acknowledge. It makes me feel safe in sending again. I promise you 50 cts a month for writing, send the first installment in this letter. Write me where Miss Chapman boards. I have heard nothing further of Daddy F. Sent a lady to look at him last week and some boy in the office told her that Mr. Lippincott owned him. They may have judged so from its being placed there. Dr. E has been quite sick, most of the time in bed. Should he not gain strength I fear my trip West will be postponed. But Caroline still intends going to her Uncle's and will stop and pay a visit at Bloomington if only a day or two. I would like you to pay Addie a visit before you return to Philadelphia. Let me know what it costs to go there from Bloomington. What a lively girl Sallie is and devoted to company. She gave us a full account of W. Hammonds capers. You were right, she was urged to leave Ma's by Mrs. Trimble, who hurried her off. This is her story—You were all in the Parlor looking at a party or something else at Lewis's. W. H. took hold of her ankle. She made an exclamation and Mrs. T saw the commotion. Sallie asked him how he dared to do it and if he intended it. He replied yes, and I intended to go further. Mrs. T remarked "if Ma knew of it she would be killed or it would kill her up" and Sallie must leave. It was not proper for her to remain. So there was a council of war held and Sallie, Emma, and Mrs. T present and it was determined that S must leave, which she did in a hurry. I suppose Mrs. T saw she had a formidable rival in Sally. She knew S would relate it to Ma and the upshot would be that her pet would be cleared out, much to her chagrin. So she managed that Ma should lose Sallie who was paying her $7 or 8 per week and retain her admirer who was promising to pay $4. A very dutiful and affectionate daughter that, and one worthy to retain her mother's remains. All things will work together for good, there is no doubt of it. Chloe has not been very well for 2 or 3 weeks. I gave her physic. She seems much better, but appears to grow more feeble every week. I do not think she is particular enough in her diet. We have all been complaining. I do not think Dr Beale is out of the way when he says it is sickly down here. I hope we will move when Harry comes on. Put this letter before you when you write and please let it be soon. Affectionately The girls have just got home. Tilly sends her express love. Love to Rebecca and all the rest.

Transcription: Philadelphia February 22nd 1870

My dear Sister Elizabeth,

Your letter bearing date February 6th found me nursing Dr. E- who has been, I may say, ill. At one time we had no hopes of his recovery. The attending Physician Dr. Beale told me it was doubtful. He is now up and about again, not able to attend to his duty or even go out. Fortunately for him, he has an excellent assistant, one he can depend upon as having had much experience during the war. Dr. E is still very weak and nervous. I sincerely hope a week or two will restore him to health and strength. Your last letter is before me. I must answer your questions. The Gentleman who pays me your ground rent and is I believe Executor to the Estate of the late Moses Johnston, is a Mr. Spaulding and his counting house is in Commerce St. about 6, 7, or 8 doors below 5th St., North Side. About 2 weeks ago I noticed the death of a Mr. Theophilus Spaulding and in his obituary it stated he was an old and highly respectable merchant and had his counting house in Commerce St., Philadelphia for a number of years. Now whether it is the same person or a Brother I cannot say, not knowing his first name. I will enclose an order for you to sign if you have not made arrangements for another to draw it. If so destroy it as of no use to either of us. What disposition am I to make of your share? I cannot tell you where Emma is or any thing about her, excepting Mrs. Bilmeyer told Caroline and Sallie (who went to Germantown to call on Mrs. Guerard and Harriet—they extended their journey to Bilmeyer's) that Emma spent a week with them and was sent for in a great hurry to return to W.C., that Mr. T- was very ill. This was about New Years, so I presume she is still nursing her darling. If I am to draw it, now dear Elizabeth, I wish you to understand me, I am perfectly willing that Emma or any one else should draw it, and will not feel at all offended or hurt, but I advise you to beware of Mrs. T- having any thing to do with it, for she would assuredly rob you of it. You know I believe her to be a great rogue and dishonest in every sense of the word. Our dear Mother would never allow her to draw or have any thing to do with it in any way whatever, for she told me so. Emma will have to sign, so if you choose, you can send it to her. Sally Madeira was at our house yesterday. She is staying with the Devereaus. Her Father is looked for tomorrow and she will return home with him. I know nothing more of Daddy Franklin. I received a letter from Addy yesterday in which she says, "I cannot see why you cannot have your plans carried out. I understood Emma if the majority were in favor of your taking charge of things, the others would submit and I understand sisters George, Rebecca, and Lizzie with myself all wish you to act, whilst Emma and David side with Cornelia. So why is it that you do not take charge of things?" Judging from that, Emma has not been quite so candid with her as with me. I believe Emma would write any thing to bring about a reconciliation between David and Mrs. T-, but unless David is a natural born fool, he cannot be either blind or deaf to her atrocious conduct and the many falsehoods she has been detected in. Let me drop the subject as it makes my head ache. Caroline and Sallie went out to see Susan Black 2 or 3 weeks ago and found she had been quite sick with her Throat. Dr. E's illness has alone prevented me from calling to see her. Now Lizzie you misunderstand me entirely. I only wished you to visit Kansas for fear after you return to Philadelphia you might feel sorry not going there while out West. Addy wrote me they were very striving people and rose* I have just stopped writing to go down and mix up some Buckwheat cakes. I left Chloe nodding on her chair. I enquired what I should say to you for her. She replied, tell her to keep up her spirits and I shall expect to see her next Fall. So you must not disappoint her. Caroline still talks of going West next Summer. It will be a good chance to come with her. I shall not be able to leave the Dr. I must now finish what I commenced on my 3rd page *and bundle out of bed at 4 or 5 o'clock and have breakfast over by daylight. Annie's boy she thinks a prodigy! I am not desirous you should go there, it was only on your own account, thinking you would like to see the family. I hope I have explained all to you. Madame Brownie is well and fat. Caroline has a son of hers as pet, a monstrous black Tom, a very dissipated scamp, oftentimes out all night, makes his appearance in the morning lame, bleeding, teeth broken, in fact a complete rowdie and yet affectionate as possible, large yellow eyes, but a real pisstail. I threaten to cork him up! We cannot trust him to sleep in the Kitchen with his Mamma, but put him in the cellar where he perfumes and then the Dr will wonder what the smell is that comes through the furnace and I tell him only the old cabbages from the truck patch over the way. I send you your postage money. Write me exactly what you wish, now do not hesitate. Would you like a Hernanie or Grenadine or Silk? What kind of Shawl or what else? Silks are considerably reduced. Love to all Ever Your Affectionate Sister C- If you sign this then send it to Emma. I looking in my purse I have no 50 ct note so will send the balance next time.

Transcription: Bloomington, Saturday March 5, 1870

My dearest Father,

We were so glad you had not waited another day when last evening at 6 ½ o'clock we received a dispatch from Uncle The saying to hasten. For you know if you had waited, you would have had to start on Sat. and had to lay over during Sabbath. I carried over the papers to College this morn and asked Prof Thompson about taking the mechanics class and he was very willing to do it. But the boys were not anxious to recite so they got Dr. Nutt to excuse them for a few days. But Prof Thompson says that if you cannot get back as soon as you expected he will hear the class. So you can be easy about it. We are all well. Ma's nose is better. The boys have been down and fixed the walk, very nicely indeed. Brown did most I think.

If you have time and money and can do it I wish you would get me a pair of shoes. 1 ½ black lasting buttoned shoes, with tolerably thick soles. I do not care for the fine French lasting, but good lasting. And I do not think they ought to cost over $5.00. If they do cost over $5 or 6, you need not get them.

Prof Ballantine said he got so absorbed in preparing his lecture that he forgot to go to the train. Prof Renbilt was out this morning and expects to hear his classes on Monday. As it is late, and I would like to send this to day, I will close. Give much love to all from us all. If you see Dr. and Mrs. Faires and Maggie give them love. I shall never forget their kindness to me. Much love to Aunts Margaret and Susan. Try to bring some one home with you. If none of Uncle The's children can come, perhaps Susy McLeod can. I am so glad you went when you did, and I hope you will find dear Grandma alive when you reach Philadelphia. Write soon and tell us when you will be home, if you know. But don't hasten too much for if you can't come Col. Thompson said he would hear the Mechanics. I attended the Library part of the time this morning and Mallow part of the time. With much love from Ma, who says she wishes she was with you to comfort you, and with much love from all

As ever your loving daughter

Lou Ma says she wishes you would stop a night with Mag on your return.

Transcription: Bloomington March 7, 1870

Dear Pa,

I scarcely think you will expect a letter from us today but still I know you will be glad to hear. We feel anxious to hear from P. Have not heard since Friday, so we hope you reached there in time to see our dear Mother. From The's dispatch I was fearful you would not. Do not feel anxious about us. Lou says if you want to stay do so, only write and let them know. Prof Thomson would take your classes but the boys were hurried and begged Dr. Nutt to let them off this week. If you can I think you had better bring some tea and a few pounds of the best Java coffee. Luyler has sent the books. The boys are waiting to take this letter so I cannot write any more. Love to all. Yours affectionately,

R. D. Wylie

Dear Pa,

As I wrote Sat, I will not add much. The books have not come yet, but they shall be attended to when they do come. If you get the Peas you had better get Dreer's Extra Early and Champion of England. I hope you got safe to P. Don't hurry yourself too much. Prof Thompson seems perfectly willing to take the class and will do so, but the boys wanted a little rest.

Love to all

Lou

Transcription: Williamstown, Mass March 9, 1870

Dear "Cousin Lou"

I have been hoping that in some idle moment your good Mother would let me hear from her. I will put the best construction upon the silence and suppose that she has not yet had leisure. Please remind her that she is in my debt and that I should be glad to hear from her. She will remember that I asked her for a recipe for a hair dressing. She told me she would give it to me the next day but I suppose we both forgot it. If it is convenient will you please send it to me. What is the Bloomington news? I do not know that I can interest you much in that way by giving you College or town news here. I am always glad when your Father's letters come. Tell him (your Father) that there is a young bachelor Prof of Natural Philosophy and Chemistry here whose name is Wright. Ask him if he thinks it would be wrong for his daughter to come and see him. I have heard his rooms in College are handsome. He has invited me to come and see them. Will you come and go there with me? The Prof of Greek here is a widower, young and handsome. The Professor of Latin is pleasant and very agreeable. Were it not that he has a better half I could recommend him. The College paper (corresponding to the "Indiana Student") "The Vidette" says "We congratulate our Freshmen on their excellent instruction in Latin, Greek, and Mathematics." The term closes here in four weeks. I suppose your vacation will come soon too. It has seemed to me that I came here for a visit. I can hardly realize that it is my home yet. The children enjoy themselves sliding down hill. They have all been well since they came. My Father is quite sick. He has had inflammation on the lungs. He is some better but coughs a great deal. The people here say the weather has been more changeable than usual and consequently there is more sickness. I often dream about Bloomington and about your family. I am afraid I am not the subject of even the day dreams of many of the good people there. Please give my regards to any who inquire about us. The children all send love to you all. Father and Mother wish to be remembered to Prof. and Mrs. Wylie. Love to Miss Dennis and all the members of your family. I shall hope to hear from you soon.

Yours truly

M. C. Dodd P.S. Mr. Dodd has just received a letter from your Father informing him of his Mother's illness. I suppose this will reach you before his return. Grace says tell "Cousin Lou" she wishes she would write to her.

Transcription: Dear Elizabeth,

I send you a collar and pair of reversible cuffs. You can turn them up or down. Kate sends you a small veil and says if you will not wear it to give it away as the fashion is constantly changing. Take some of the sugar plums for yourself and give the boys the rest. Caroline sends her love to Rebecca, Louisa and yourself, also does Chloe, who has been quite sick, is now about again and says tell you to keep a good heart, better times are coming. Kate and I go to Mrs. Wylie's funeral in an hour. [She died Mar. 13, 1870] Dr. E- is very miserable, some days in bed and then walking about. He will try and meet us at the Church but cannot get to the house. I feel so happy to think Theophilus was here when his Mother breathed her last. It was a great consolation to him. I will get your Bundles today if possible. I cannot go West this summer on account of the Dr's health. Caroline going is uncertain unless she has a suitable escort. I shall expect you to spend the winter with me and will remit you your passage money between now and Oct. More particulars in my next.

In haste

Your Affectionate Sister

C- Write me if you are out of money, be candid dear E- Write me what Dresses you have to wear

Transcription: Philadelphia April 11 1870 Dear Lizzie,

I have intended writing you for two or three weeks to thank you for the beautiful mat you so kindly crocheted for me. It is so pretty I do not like to use it, but have put it away carefully. I am glad the Winter is over for your sake and I am rejoiced to hear that you are coming on in September as I am going away in June or the latter part of May, and it would be a great comfort to Ma to have you here. You could save her so many steps and you and herself always get along so nicely. I hardly think I will get to Bloomington as the railroad between South Bend and it is said to be the most dangerous in the country, and I am going on to Iowa. I had a most delightful visit from Sallie Madeira who is a very warm friend of mine. She wrote me lately she had had a very sweet letter from you. Pa's nephew, Edward Egbert, is living with us now. He is a very fine young man, very talented, a beautiful [orche?], is studying law. I was sorry I did not see Mr. Wylie, but we expected him round again and I was quite disappointed. But I suppose the loss of the dear old lady his Mother prevented him visiting any. In Aunt Addy's last she did not say anything about going to Bloomington. I am glad you made up your mind not to go there. You could not stand it there. The best place for you is here with Ma who is like a Mother to you. I saw Clara Mitchell about New Year's. She inquired particularly after you, also the Billmeyers, Lizzie and Sue. Mrs. Guerard and Harriet have gone to Bristol preparatory to going to Lambertville. I must now close as I have considerable sewing to do. Give much love to Aunt Rebecca and family and reserving a large portion for yourself. Believe me ever

Your attached Corrie P.S. Write soon

Dear Elizabeth,

I have been intending to write you ever since Mr. Wylie left, but sewing and sickness in the family have prevented, even to the servants. My cook who had been with me all Winter left me about 4 weeks ago, under pretence of not being very well. I then found a substitute and Sabbath afternoon she went to Church and I have not seen her since. So Chloe is the only one with me at present, and now the winter is over, she will leave so soon as I can supply her place. The woman she left in the house with old Mary was up a few days ago and told her she must come home as it was an impossibility to manage Mary any longer. Chloe is very feeble and her memory has failed her. You will observe a great change in her as well as myself. It will be a good opportunity if Mr. W. should come on to accompany him. Should he change his mind I will send you the means in Oct. Brownie was put to bed with 5 little kittens. 3 of the number I drowned reserving a Grey and spotted white and black. Her husband has been killed in the war and she is now a widow. Her eldest son Tom is grieving after his mother, so Chloe declares. Emma told me she would like to have one of the kittens for Annie, but I would see her far before she should have one of Brownie's to torment. Dear, dear Ma, how often did she say "If I had a person that would take good care of that cat I would give her away." I opened your 3 Bundles, had the bustles washed and the chemise and then put all up in your Trunk, where they are safe. We all are anxious for the Dr to move in Oct. when our year is up, but he is an obstinate old man. We are now having a north east storm and the streets are inundated. It is horrible down in Mayamensing when it rains heavily, which is the case at present. I send you your postage money, 50 cts in my next. Will send the 25 cts I owe from the last. Write me if you wish money and I will send [Caroline]

Transcription: Philadelphia May 10th 1870

My dear Elizabeth,

I have intended writing you for a week past, but it appears to me we are seldom without some one here either for a week, day or night. I have been with only one servant for nearly 2 weeks (old Margaret). I wrote you Chloe had been sent for to nurse and attend to Mary who has become quite childish and very feeble. When night comes I feel weary and too tired to write. We experienced a very terrific hail storm on Sabbath afternoon on account of which I sent you in yesterdays Ledger. Did you receive it? I had frequently read of hail stones the size of hen's eggs. Never did I believe such a thing until I saw them on Sunday as large as a Goose egg. We had 19 large panes of glass broken in the front of the house, 7 in my room, 6 in the 3rd story front and 6 in the 4th story. The glass flew all over the room even on the beds and no one dared venture to close in the outside shutters. Capt. Ransom who attempted to close his with the assistance of his man servant had it taken completely out of his hands and carried into his court yard and broken into pieces. It was the most splendid sight I ever witnessed to see these immense balls of ice fall into the dark long green grass in our yard and then rebound. Our lot is nearly 200 feet deep so you can picture to yourself what the sight must have been. At 9 o'clock at night I took into the Parlor a saucer full of hail stones and handed them round. I am writing in the Dr's room and his Gas is escaping and nearly suffocates me and my room is too cold to write in with the panes broken and wind blowing in, so you need not expect a long letter. Tell Rebecca I am a Grand Mother at last. Julia gave birth to a fine little Boy on 18th April. Of course there was a lock of his hair sent on, jet black. The name of the young gentleman is—indeed I forget his first name, but it is after a brother of Mr. Dove's who died quite young. Now Lizzie I must let you into a secret. We are expecting another wedding to take place this month. In my next I will write all about it. We are looking for Harry every day, so you can put your guessing cap on as Dear Ma used to say. Oh how often do I think of her. We will talk together. I have a very pretty Black and white Lawn dress for you, made with a Garabaldie body. Write me if you will wear it, and I will send it by mail and pay for it here as it is very fine and light and will not weigh much. What have you for your shoulders? Caroline has just purchased a Black and White Shawl for Summer and Kate intends wearing suits. I have neither heard or seen any thing of Emma since I last wrote, neither have I had time to go to Susan's and enquire after her. Caroline is out this evening at one of our neighbor's who is complaining of not being well. And Kate has gone down to Chester and will return at 10 o'clock. Dr E has just remarked he feels very badly. He is weak and feeble. When you come on in Oct you will notice a great change in all of us. I sincerely hope we shall be out of this sickly hole before that time. I have been airing and examining our woolens today and tomorrow expect to finish putting them in Tobacco and Camphor. The Sack given to you by Miss E is eaten by the moths somewhat. Caroline has given up all idea of visiting South Bend this Spring and I am glad of it, as long as I could not accompany her on account of the Dr's health. She speaks of going to Pittsburg to visit Sallie Madeira for a week or two. They will take no refusal. Have you heard from Addie lately? I often think how well Rebecca and herself behaved with regards to Mamma's body, so different from David and Emma, to say nothing of Georgianna who appears to have but little opinion of her own. Do you intend to take any steps to possess it, or quietly allow Mrs. Trimble to retain it? A Lady enquired of me, not long since, if Franklin had been disposed of. Can you inform me any thing of his where abouts? Dr. Egbert's nephew is still with us. How long he intends remaining, I cannot fathom. Should the Dr's health improve, I may go to Jersey for a month or six weeks during the summer. Mrs. Rheiner has been writing for me and indeed I almost promised last Fall to spend a while with her. Mrs. Guerard and her daughter Harriet are boarding at Lambertville, New Jersey and Cousin Cornelia is expecting to come on if she can dispose of her property there. I think her very foolish in doing so as things will change after a few years and the South will not always be under military or Negroe rule. I will send you another paper in a day or so. It is put up already. What in particular is in it, I cannot say. I put in your postage, be sure and not neglect your correspondents. Give my love to Rebecca and Mr. Wylie, to Louisa and all the children. I enclose a piece of wrapper we made and sent Julia. We made nearly all the youngster's clothes and if he lives shall have more to do as they can get nothing out there. I am almost choked with the gas. Write me soon dear Lizzie and believe

Me as ever Your affectionate Sister C—

Transcription: Camptonville, May 27th 1870

Dearest Sister,

I received yours of the 10th May. I mailed one to you of the same date at which time I was recovering from a severe bilious attack. I am able to work a little through the day but I find myself failing in strength. My physician says I should get some other occupation as mining is unsuited to my condition. I have been trying to sell one ½ interest for the sake of having some one with me but owing to so many giving up mining, I have not yet succeeded. If I can not get a partner by the early fall will sell for what I can get for the whole claim and go below and try to get some other occupation. If I can not succeed then I do not know what to do. Maybe if I have the means I may go to Mid Atlantic States if I thought I could get some occupation even if I only made a living by it. This living alone and the occupation is seriously affecting my health as far as the mind is concerned. I thank you for the advice contained in your letter. I strive to do what is right and pray to God to strengthen me in my efforts. I would be the last person to think you were getting fanatical. There are various views taken on the subject of religion as we see by the numerous sects. I think the New Testament is a guide as safe to go by as the teachings of the different sects. I have mined but little this winter on account of the state of my health, and as a consequence have not made much. 30 dollars since last May. I have fell behind about 100 dollars. Doctor bills etc. I would like to see you all once more. The climate is better suited to me than the cold north. If I could only succeed in getting about 400 or 500 dollars I could make a fair living here by raising stock, potatoes. A number of my friends are making a good living at it, commencing on a small scale. The Chinese buy largely of hogs, chickens, etc. The increase of cattle is very remunerative. A common milk cow will sell here from 75 to 100 dollars. Two to three year old steers sell on foot at 11 to 12 cents per pound. Hogs alive sell say 200 pound weight for $16, the same converted to bacon will bring 24 collars. Chickens sell for 1 dollar a piece or 8 dollars by the dozen. I have a fair situation for raising vegetables, etc. if I could only succeed in making enough to start upon. I have not had a letter from Sister G. for some time. I am sorry to hear that Mr. Wray's health is so poorly. You write you have that distressing complaint neuralgia in the head. I have suffered terribly at times from it. Have had to abstain from tea and coffee altogether live on milk, chocolate, rice, in fact avoiding all stimulating drinks or food. I hope Sister Caroline does not bear any hard feelings against me. If she does I am sorry for it. I acted in the way that I thought was right and just. If I said any word that gave offense I am more than sorry for it. I have no garden seed on hand. The wild flower seed can not be had until August. I sent Tiger lily seed to all but never ascertained whether they matured or not. Why don't you all now that the fare is so low make a trip to California. The trip would benefit the health of all of you. Write soon. Give my love to all and believe me your Affectionate brother David C. Dennis. I think it best to say if you do not hear from me for the future within 3 months you may address William Quayle, Slate Range, Yuba County, Cal. I say this in view of the uncertainty of life and not of any apprehension at present. D.

Transcription: Philadelphia May 28th 1870 Sat. night

My dear Sister,

Your long looked for letter reached me yesterday as we were anxiously looking for Harry and his pretty bride to arrive. (How these times remind me of our dear Father and mother. I always picture Pa seated in his Goblin Chair waiting our arrival and Ma sitting near him in the Parlor.) If your Eyes are troublesome or painful I will send you some of my wash. I intended waiting this week and then writing Rebecca, fearing you were sick. I do not think our neighborhood very healthy. There has been several cases of Typhus fever near us. The authorities are filling up the ponds and removing nuisances. We have a large new cheese Factory about two squares below us where they make the Dutch [Sewhaster?] cheese. The stench from it when they open the valve is beyond every thing I ever smelt. I feel sorry you will not receive your Dress and Sash in time. Why did you not get Louisa to write me for it? I will take it down either to the Post Office or Adam's Express on Monday afternoon so you may expect it. As for the Land business I cannot see how anything is to be recovered. The property was in Mr. Fister's name and not Pa's and you would have to prove it was Pa's. You have no letters that I know of. I see no Deeds or any thing relating to it. What is Emma about, she does not see to the Louisville Lots? And how are you getting along with your Illinois Land? If you were not to be encumbered with Annie Dolan you might support yourselves by taking a few Ladies boarders. But neither Lady or Gentleman would tolerate that little pimp. People talk about Trimble's mean housekeeping. I expect between you and I, Emma has a hard time with them. This morning I received a letter from Julia. How well she gets along with the little boy. His name is Wilber. Reminds me of Wilber Nields, poor fellow. I was reading his obituary in Ma's scrap book. The young Ladies are wearing very high crowned hats. I wish I could send you one without mashing. Julia must have one when Harry goes out next month. They send out on Monday 300 cards. They had a private wedding, not more than 30 persons. Dr. E and Kate went down to Washington to be present. Everything passed off pleasantly. They are spending a week with us, then return home to her parents until they start for Camp Independence. I wish you were with them in the parlor. I have been much on my feet today and you must excuse my writing any more. I do not think Adelaide is sick, only busy. She is sometimes 2 months before she answers my letter. Mr. Wray's sister died in Dec. last. I hear she was found dead in her bed, had been unwell some time. She left about 1800 or 2000$. Angus was to inherit it, so Georgianna told me. Give my love to Rebecca, Theophilus and children and when you receive the articles, let me know.

Ever your Affectionate Sister

C— 30th I would send you and Rebecca a piece of wedding cake only it is too greasy to put in a letter and neither can I put it with the Dress. Farewell Bride and Groom both well.

Transcription: Williamstown, Mass June 16, 1870

Dear Cousin Lou

Alice wants to know why Mrs. Wylie does not answer her letter. Ask Wylie if he has forgotten me. Has he got the bell I sent him yet? We sent to New York and got some flower seeds. I got forty five cents worth. My marigolds are the nicest I have and nicer than any one else has too. My Love Lies Bleeding is the next. I have morning glories, Pinks, Sweet Peas, Sweet Alyssum, Portulaca, Globe Amaranthus, I believe one Four O'clock and Larkspurs up but none so nice as my Marigolds. Papa says they will bloom before long. Alice and I went to Adams and got our picture taken and I will send you one of them. When we went there we stopped to see the cascade on our way back. I think it was a very beautiful place. It looked so picturesque. Grace says she likes Bloomington better than Williamstown and she wants to go back again. The reason is because there is more yard there. There are some Chinese men in Adams. Alice says she likes Bloomington best excepting there are no Mountains there. Jennie says she would go back again if she could see little Wylie. We have not been up on the mountains yet. Mrs. Griffin gave me a silver thimble. Mama is not well. She sends her regards to you all. Jennie says she will write when she can. Grace says she will write to Dory when she can write better. Write soon.

Your affectionate friend

Agnes

Transcription: Sunday Aft. 19th June [Lizzie wrote: answered July 15th 1870]

My dear Elizabeth,

It is not often I write on the Sabbath day but as Dear Ma once wrote me if it was a sin, she hoped God would forgive her. How often I think of her and how I have been treated with regard to her body. It seems I cannot get over it. How strange it is that the only one who ever abused her should be allowed to keep possession. Emma I am told, states that Mrs. T- has nothing to do with it. For the last two weeks, we have sewed constantly, making up clothes for Julia and her Boy. Last evening we completed 3 Dresses. Harry and his wife spent 8 or 10 Days with us. We were all delighted with her. Her Father is a professor at Washington. Harry took her home to spend as much time as possible with her parents, previous to her leaving them for a long time, and he has returned to us to make his purchases, pack Julia's and his own traps and send off, as Julia I believe wrote Mr. Dove had started the Teams to Reno, so the baggage should be there when they arrive. Your last letter is somewhere in my wardrobe and I must write without referring to it. It grieves me to see you so unhappy. Do you suppose I would urge you to come if I did not wish it? It is time, my dear Sister, you knew me better. I will give you a room to yourself, so it shall be your room. Do with it as you please, leave it for a week or month and pay a visit to your friends. I know I shall frequently have occasion to call upon you to assist me in many things that I know will be a pleasure to you. I will do all I can to render you happy. Dr. E- is sometimes hasty in his temper, and between you and I, curses us all, but it passes over and to speak the truth we are accustomed to it and do not mind it. His health is bad and I have thought many a time he would not last long. So you see we all have our crosses. If you cannot content yourself with me, be candid with me and we can lay our plans and try and devise other means. But dear Lizzie, as long as I have a home, you know you are welcome to share it with me. Keep up your spirits. The time is short. In August or Sept. I expect (if nothing happens to prevent) to visit two friends in Jersey and I would like to be home when you come on. I will send you the means to come. I shall send you patterns of Julia's dresses excepting the 5th. Now I must answer your question about not calling the children down to see Mr. W. Dr. E- was out that day for the first time in a month or more. Theophilus must remember when he enquired after him I stated he was out, for he expressed surprise and remarked he thought he was very ill. We were all finishing off clothes to send in a box to Julia. Kate begged I would not send for her and Caroline had just come up stairs tired and was not very well. I thought Mr. W- would come and dine or take tea with us and would then see them all, which I presume he would, had it not been for his Mother's sickness and death. I invited him to stay and he promised if he had time he would come again. There is nothing strange in this. I am sure dear Elizabeth you must have heard something said or remarks made (I suppose by Mrs. T-) about the debts or you never would have written and offered to refund your half. That has wounded my feelings a little, for I do most solemnly assure you, if you possessed the wealth of Creosus, I would never receive one cent from you or Emma [rest missing]

Transcription: Dear Lizzie,

I wrote you I believe last week, no news yet from Emma. I sent Kate up to Susan week before last but Susan was not at home. Next week will endeavor to get there myself. We have not had time to get any where--have been making up clothes for Julia and the Baby. The last Harry took off yesterday. I send you the receipt for worms as you were under the impression you had worms. It is simple and you might try it. Kate intends writing you next week and I will send you some change as you certainly must be out. It is yours to keep, I did not send it before. Love to all. [on the back is the receipt, as follows] The seeds of Pumpkins when bruised or ground and coddled until [ropy?] with warm water execute a soothing and healing action in bowels and urinary troubles. They are an excellent expellant of worms of all kinds and numerous instances are on record of their effectual removal of Tape worm. Dry the seeds, grind or powder, boil into a gruel, sweeten or flavor to taste and take from two Table spoonfuls to a tea cup full on an empty stomach. Eat sparingly of food during the day and at night take a fair Dose of Dutch Tea or Castor Oil.

Transcription: Dear Lou As Pa is going to send the Programme I thought I would write a few lines on it as I wanted to tell you about your things. The curls are done, two long ones. The woman says there is plenty short hair left to make face curls but thought it best to ask you about it. If you want them write immediately. The skirt I am making today. I have enough to make it as long as you said. Have not determined what kind of trimming to put on, if any. I believe that is all you wanted me to do. I am very much obliged to you for the flowers. Every thing lived but the Cleredendron that was good for nothing when it came the Begonia is beautiful looks like scarlet wax. I have the white in bloom too the red Cactus was really elegant had eight blossoms on the two pink ones were also very fine. I got a white Crape Myrtle. Your Lilliums are in bud will I think be in bloom when you come home. The Hunter Jasmine are in full flower and perfume the air. Mr Bunnel's sister & her husband & children took dinner with us yesterday. Mr Hardie is a play actor but a very handsome man & sings splendidly. Bunnel says you have not sent him that German letter yet. Harry Gay is at Saint Louis. Brown will put his address in the letter. He has been home but has returned. Prof B. returned as I suppose you have heard. He comes to see the garden once or twice a day. Stripped the strawberry bed the other day unfortunately there is no fruit this year. We have neither strawberries or cherries. I have no time write more as the dinner bell is sounding and B. wants to go to the office. Your aff. Mother R. D. Wylie

[in Brown's hand]: address Jon H Gay, Care of O & M R. R freight office, East St. Louis, Mo.  

Transcription: Monday 25th July, 1870

My dear Lizzie

Kate and myself have been intending to write you for a week past, but we have been engaged sewing during the day and it is too oppressively warm during the night. But I fear, Dear Child, you are out of money and have been waiting to get to the City to obtain a P.O. order to send you. I enclose you $2 and when you acknowledge the receipt of it I will send 3$ more, which will enable you to get along until I send you money to come on with. Emma called to see me last week, or rather Thursday week, she came to the City to bring Miss Dolan to visit a friend of hers residing at Camden N. Jersey. When they reached the Domicile the friend was absent, so they went out to Germantown and spent a week with the Billmeyers (so Chloe informed me). Emma never mentioned having been there to me, but told me the Child and herself were staying at Susan Black's. I saw she was very anxious to bring the saucy hat to see us, but receiving no encouragement, she gave it up and returned to W.C. I am astonished at Emma, for she well knows I will never receive her. She is nothing but a spy and I allow her to come. [C.E. probably meant "will never allow her to come" but as she turned the page, her thoughts out ran her pen.] Emma informed me she intended going to Georgianna's shortly as she could get nothing to do any where else, which information surprised me I assure you. She had received no letters from you or Addie, though Adelaide wrote us she had written 5 to her. Mrs. Trimble no doubt has them all in her possession. She is at her old tricks again. Caroline wrote Ade to write under cover to her and she would forward. I will copy a part of one of Dear Ma's letters for your perusal. "There is no house on the 9th Section of Land in Hancock Co. that I know of. I understood David there was plenty of young Timber and that people told him the tract was worth about $300 at that time. It had been sold several times for Taxes and that $30 would clear the land of all Tax titles. This was in 1853. Some person I suppose had been writing Mr. Harding and making enquiries of him. The enclosed letter from him to me will explain why he wrote me. It may be the man who wrote me about purchasing it, Mr. Given or his Agent Mr. Berry. There is no name of Hebron Pilton on David's mem. I enclose the letter of Mr. Harding's, also David's mem of taxes which you will please take care of and return me. I hold the Patent deed. All the heirs assigned their shares to me except those at the South which could not be obtained." Perhaps you may make some use of it, Lizzie. Emma had far better go to Adelaide than to Jefferson Co., but I presume she will not separate from her beloved Protégé. She told me Mr. Lippincott would dispose of Franklin. Now please write me what disposition to make of yours. I advise you by all means to keep it yourself. It is nothing but right. The night bugs are so numerous I can write no more. Give my love to Rebecca, Theophilus and all the children. Harry and his wife reach Camp Independence today. None of us have been very well owing to the extreme heat. Emma told me Mr. Theodore Wylie had gone to Bloomington and taken 3 of his children. It must have been Anderson. Goodbye. Write soon.

Transcription: Oxford, O. August 15th 1870

Miss Louise Wylie

I have just received your letter of the 13th inst. and in answer, will say, that I would be happy to assist you as far as I am able in learning to paint photographs in India Ink and Water Colors. My time will however be very limited after the first Wednesday in September, as I will then resume my occupations at the Oxford Female College. If you can make arrangements to come to Oxford until then, I can give you instruction every day at my studio in town. I cannot give you any information as to the price of board per week. I suppose however that board can be obtained at different rates either at the Oxford House near the Depot or at private residences. I have no regular classes at my studio but take a few irregular pupils at the rate of 50 cts the lesson, half day, or $1 the lesson whole day. After the first Wednesday of September I can only work in my studio on Fridays and Saturdays of each week. My brother, whom you mention in your letter as your former teacher, died four years ago of paralysis, after a long illness.

Yours respectfully A. Beaugureau.

Transcription: 22nd August [1870] 1335 South Broad

My dear Lizzie,

I must send you a paper to peruse. Did you receive Kate's letter from Philadelphia with a $1 note I send you for you have a rather curious way of leaving us to guess whether your letters reached you. Dr. E- and Kate are at Cape May where they expect to remain two weeks. When they return Caroline is to take her trip for about a fortnight, and then I shall start for New Jersey. Mrs. Rheiner who resides at Jersey City was in Philadelphia about a month ago and was taken down with Dysentery. She made me promise I would pay her a visit of a week and then I must stop at Westfield for a few days, so I calculate upon being back by the 1st of Oct. I shall then write you and send on 20 or 30$ for your passage. You must write me if you intend stopping at Pittsburg, and how long. I want you to give away what ever you may not want. I promise you a prettier Fur Tippet if you will bestow the one I sent you last winter. They are not fashionable now. Caroline says to tell you she is taking a rock in your rocking chair and if you were here, she would take you and pay 3 or 4 visits. I received a letter from Emma dated Beech Woods last week. She must have been starved out at Trimbles!! She never gave me the satisfaction of knowing the particulars about Franklin. Perhaps she informed you. I will send you an order to sign for your ground rent. You can either send it after signing to her or return it to me and I will send it to her. If I mistake not it belongs to you, as she drew it last Spring. Emma mentioned when in Philadelphia before that Mr. Lippincott would give $100 himself. She never mentioned any thing about dear Mamma's remains. I presume she would prefer the Trimbles keeping possession of it as they keep her child. I have no doubt that Mrs. T- has threatened if she was compelled to give up one, she would the other. Emma tried her best to bring her Protégé down here, but did not succeed, which surprised me very much I assure for she shall never put her foot in my house after her treatment to my mother. Emma's conduct with regard to the interment is inexplicable. What does she mean? I want to ask you my dear Elizabeth, who you would like me to will the Lot to? Not to any one who would ever suffer it to go into either Mrs. T's or Miss Dolan's hands. If it was willed to you, should Emma outlive you, they would fall heir to it. I think I have been shamefully treated. Rebecca, Adelaide, Georgianna and yourself expressed your views fully. And if Emma had not prejudiced David by trying to reconcile him to Mrs. T- he never would have opposed it. She is afraid to act. I suppose owing to her keeping the child. Indeed I feel grieved that they are permitted to have it after their base behaviour. I will dwell no longer on the subject. Give my love to Rebecca and say to her, although she is indebted to me a letter, I intend shortly to write her. Ask her if she is not coming on to Philadelphia. Write me soon. For fear you may not have a stamp handy I enclose one.

Ever your Affectionate Sister

C.M.E. After you read this, better destroy it. I mean after you answer it.

Transcription: Oxford, O Aug 26, 1870

My dear Pa

I arrived here last night at 8.20 and got into the omnibus and went to the Gerard House, no one having met me at the Depot. This morning the landlady told Prof. Bishop that I was there and about 9 o'clock he came up to see me and took me to Mr. Beaugureau's room and I found he had engaged a room for me at the Oxford House as the nearest to getting private board. After I had come up and had seen the landlady here, I went to Mr. B's studio and have been working there all day. I have finished one picture. I will work as rapidly as possible in order to get to work in colors. I hope I will succeed in doing all I want to. The picture I worked on today was not very difficult. I shall have others more difficult. Prof. B. was very kind. They were to have a family picnic today and he invited me to go but I thought I had better go to work and I'm glad I did. I have seen no one to speak to that I knew except Prof. B. I saw Dr. Fithian but of course he did not know me. I saw old Mr. Kumler too on the street. Oxford looks very much changed to me. I have not seen the College yet. I shall take a walk down there some day. I am in for work at present. I spent two days very pleasantly at Mary Hannaman's. They were exceedingly kind and wanted me to stay there and take lessons in the City, but I went to see Mrs. Ingraham and she said her time was so much occupied that she could not give me lessons the whole day and she charged $2.00 a lesson, so I thought it would be better to come here. I have to go tomorrow at 8 ½ and leave at 12 and go again at 2 and leave at 5. So I put in nearly all my time.

I have not heard from home yet and they have not got my letter yet. I got a telegram from Ma telling me to come here. I hope you got to Muncie safely with Wylie. Tell Samuel that I have his brush. I know he'll grieve over it, but I'll try to keep it safe and sound and send it on by Aunt Lizzie.

I hope I'll like my boarding place. It seems pleasant, but rather lonesome. The house is a very large one built just next to the O.F. Institute but tonight there are only three persons in it, Mrs. McMurphy, her son, and myself.

Please excuse pencil. I broke the pen I had in my holder and can't find my others.

I hope you are well, and Brown too. I expect he is enjoying himself finely. Tell him I want him to write to me and you write too. And when you know at what time you will pass thro Muncie, if you come that way, let me know. I hope to go to Muncie about next Wed. or Thursday week, but if you want to return any other way do so, especially if Brown comes with you and wants to try another route, for I am not afraid to come from there alone I think. I was pretty brave to come here alone I think. But good night. I ought to write two or three other letters tonight but I am sleepy. I think I had better write to Mr. Allison to hurry up the pictures for coloring. Write soon if you have time before I leave here and tell me about Brown and Samuel and all. Love to Brown and Sam, Uncle The and all

As ever your loving daughter

Lou

Transcription: Monday morning, 7 o'clock 5th Aug [Lizzie or Caroline crossed this out and put Sep in a different ink]

My dear Elizabeth

Your letter was duly received together with the order, which I forwarded by the next mail to Buck Woods, but we must recollect that they send to the P.O. there but once a week and whoever goes to the Office carries their letters to forward on. So that I do not look for an answer until some day this week, when I shall write you. I write now to beg you will not think of coming down to our house in the middle of the night. You have no idea how far down it is (4 squares below the Baltimore Depot) and a very lonely and dangerous walk at night, even if you have an escort. I sent you a paper last month containing an account of a young woman (lady they call her) who was walking down about 3 or 4 squares below us with a young man she was engaged to when 7 rowdies attacked them and each one committed a rape on her and beat him severely. 5 of them have been arrested, tried and committed to serve several years in Prison. One turned State's evidence. 2 are still at large. You must not think of such a thing. It is far better for you to send your trunk on and for you to stop at Pittsburg over night. Either the Dr or myself will meet you at the Depot in West Phila. and bring you home. I think it is time almost Theophilus had reached his brother's. I intended this week going out there, but last night Dr. E invited a gentleman to stay 3 or 4 days with us. Caroline is in Jersey at her Cousin's (Pemberton N. J.). Will be home on Wed, I hope, and Kate is not at all well. I feel much disappointed as I wanted to spend tomorrow at Doylestown with Harriet. I shall not be able to go to Jersey City before the middle of the month and then only spend a week. That is long enough for me to be absent. Dear Lizzie, I will send you $30 to defray your expenses or will that be sufficient? I think the 1st of Oct would be more pleasant for you to travel, than when it is so warm and dusty. We have been sorely tried with the heat this summer and at present the mosquitoes are devouring us. I will send you a letter of David's concerning the lands. If you choose you can copy that part of it and hand to Mr. M, Maggie's husband I mean and another paper which I found. I called to see Mr. Miner, he is in a Country Seat, expected in City next month. Received a letter from Addie last week. She said Emma had written her she would spend the winter in B. Woods! Did you know that? I suppose Miss Dolan is to go up after a while.

Give my love to Rebecca and the family. Write soon and believe me ever

Your aft Sister

C I will send a P.O order for the $30 The other letter I enclose is a letter from a Mr. Asbury at Quincy, Ill. I got Harry to write him, as Ma wished me to. I would not take them. Show them to Maggie's husband (I forget his name) and he can, if he thinks proper, take notes from them.

Transcription: Philadelphia Sept 9th 1870

Dear Ma,

I expect you think I hav forgotten you. I have been having a vry nice time. We have been to a grate many places and seen a great wounderful things. Last Wednesday we had a great fir which burned a plaining mill and part of a lumber yard. It commenced about 2 o'clock in the afternoon and burnt all night and about 3 in the morning another one broak out in another part of the city. I have started to school. I am sorrie to hear of the fir you had. I will have to stop as pa is waiting. We are going to Dr. Egbert's this morning.

Good by

S. B. Wylie

Transcription: Philadelphia Sept 9th 1870

My dear Reb,

Your very welcome letter was received on the 7th. I thank you for its length and fullness. Am very sorry to hear of Dr Renbilt's fall and hope that he may be able to show that his condemnation was unjust. I am glad on the other hand, that I was out of road of Daily, who I suppose is enjoying a sort of triumph with the brethren who do not and did not look upon his former conduct very severely. I have been a good deal distressed by not knowing exactly what to do with Brown. Dr. Faires is very kind. He has been attending school, but on account of the difference of training does not feel altogether at home. He told me a day or two ago that he did not want to stay. Yesterday, he said he thought he would remain. Every thing has been done for his comfort here and I suppose will be. Sammy and he have a room together and The says he would be glad that for Sammy's sake he would remain. If he continues in the same mind, till Monday, I think I will leave him. This feeling I have had about Brown and something else with reference to Susan has given me a good deal of uneasiness since I came. The result of these Church quarrels is utter estrangement and this of course is exceedingly unpleasant.

I thought it strange that Lou should leave O and go to Indianapolis but I suppose there is reason. I did not write to Lou as I had intended and it will hardly be worth my while now. I had hoped to have been on my road homeward to day but could not accomplish it. I do not think that I will get off till Monday night and may if no accident prevent, be in B on Wednesday.

I bought some tea yesterday, 5 lbs and two or three other things. Am very sorry you did not mention what I should get for yourself and I fear a watch will cost too much. The little trifles we see so many of are worthless and the shallowness of the purse won't allow us to get things worth while. I will have to fix up Brown before going. I got him a new suit of clothes. The clothes he wore were so much abused by our rambles in Pittsburgh that I fear he will hardly be able to get them clean again. After a good deal of trouble I got a duplicate of the check I lost and sent it to the man in N.Y. thus closing up that matter. I believe I said in my last to tell dory that there is not as far as I can see a pineapple in town. The air pistol perhaps I may get. It has an [[arrow?] to it like the air gun and I feel afraid of his using it.

Love to all. Have not yet been to Mrs. Egbert's. Will try and go today. Hope Phandy is ready for a term's work in College. All here are well. Your affectionate husband

T. A. Wylie P.S. The got a telegram yesterday informing him of the death of Dr. Courteney, brother in law of Louisa. The's children were staying at his house all summer.

Transcription: 11th Sept. [1870]

Sunday Afternoon

My dear Elizabeth,

I wrote Emma just 2 weeks ago and enclosed the order. Have not yet received an answer, so I concluded it best to send you $30 to bear your expenses home. We have had company staying with us for a week, which has prevented my leaving home, together with Caroline's absence. She has returned though not much benefited by the trip. Tomorrow John M.Guerard (Harriet's eldest son) his wife and sister-in-law spend the day with us. I sincerely hope nothing will happen to prevent my getting off the latter part of the week, as I must be home by 1st Oct. I must repeat once more dear Lizzie that you do not attempt to come down here in the middle of the night, even with an escort. Sally Maderia is at home. C- had a letter from her not long since. You must let her know what day you expect to arrive there. Her direction is Third Avenue, No. 158. Mr. Peter Maderia. That is provided you wish to stop and cannot reach here unless after 12 P.M. You will have plenty of time to write her ad receive an answer before starting. You can check your Trunk all the way through to Philadelphia where it will be safe if you hold on to the Check. I think if you leave about the 1st of Oct, you will find it more pleasant traveling then than to encounter the storm which generally takes place between 22 and 25th of Sept. But if you meet with an escort before that time of course profit by it. Be sure to let us know when to meet you, that is, what train you come in from Pittsburg. I was out when Mr. Wylie and his Brother called. Caroline represents Brown as being quite a handsome boy. Will get the Dr. to take him to League Island and the Navy Yard when the weather gets a little cooler. I commenced this note intending to go up to the Church and hear Theophilus speak and then hand it to him, but Kate has just made her appearance and says it is near 4 o'clock and too late to go. The Church is 12 and ½ squares from where we live so you can form an idea how far down we are. Kate will go up to Francisville tomorrow morning and should Theophilus not have started he will take it out. If too late, I will get a P.O. order and send it on. Please acknowledge the receipt of it if an order. Love to Rebecca and Family

Ever your Affectionate Sister

C. M. Egbert No. 1335 South Broad St. Philadelphia

Transcription: Muncie Sept 1870 Monday morn [probably the 12th]

My dear Ma

As usual I write in great haste to let you know about Mag for I know you are anxious. She was worse yesterday, but is a good deal better today, has no fever and rested well last night. I don't think there will be any need for you to come. I hope not. I want to get her well enough to go by Friday any how if not before. Si goes then I believe and as she is so weak, I can hardly manage her and the children and the baskets by myself, so I want her to be ready to go either with Si or Pa if we know when he is going through. It is just from over work I think. It has brought on a fever and great prostration but I know that she will get well when we get her home and that is one reason I want to go as soon as possible. I would be the homesickest girl you ever saw if I had time. As it is I have not time. The reasons for her being worse yesterday are various. First she and Calvin too would insist, in spite of all I could say, in keeping Wylie during the night. He was not well and tossed about, kicked off covers etc and she did not sleep a bit. Then Arthur gave her a great dose of oil and that made her sick and weakened her. Of course she was worse in the morning. But Mrs. McCulloch came over and we got her up and changed her sheet and fixed the bed so she could lie comfortably and washed her face and hands and bathed her feet. After Mrs. McC was gone I fixed her hair and Arthur got her some ice water and she said now she could sleep and rest and I thought she would be much better by evening. I went out of the house for a while and when I went back here was "Aunt Betsey." Mag had been afraid she would come and said she would be no help but only make work and now she was worried nearly to death. Her fever rose and she never rested a bit all day. It just put her back a day. Of course she came out of kindness but it was mistaken kindness for Mag. "Why won't people learn sense." She does not expect to leave till tomorrow. I get along very well so far. I keep very well and if I can only continue well till I get home, I shall be thankful. The poor child will never get well here and I believe Arthur is convinced of that. She is anyhow.

Burn these letters and don't let any one see them. I would not like her to see them lying around. I hope to get home Friday at the farthest. Fix the front room for her I guess and I will take the children in my room.

You don't know how well I succeed in housekeeping. But goodbye. I wrote to Mrs. McC Sat and told her to tell you Mag was better.

Lou I may not have time to write tomorrow but if I don't you will know that all is going well. Love to all.

Tues. My dearest Ma,

I was so busy yesterday that I forgot to send my letter by Arthur and I could not leave Mag to take it myself. She seems weaker today, did not sleep well last night. I went for Dr. McCulloch this morning and he gave her some medicine, but she vomited it up. If she could only get home—so she said this morning and I know she never will get well till she does. But she is too weak to go now and I don't know whether we can go this week. Dr. McC says he thinks it is Remittent fever, but as he has only seen her once he can't exactly tell. I thought this morning I should surely have to send for you. Mrs. Powers was so little help and the children so bad and Mag so sick but about noon Mrs. Mellette came and I think we can get along. If I should telegraph for you, don't be frightened. I think perhaps you had better not bring Mag, as there is no place to put her and I'll stay and go home with you. If you come bring a bottle of your currant wine. Oh Mother dear, I never want to leave you.

I know there is more I want to say but haven't time. Where is Pa? Write to me but nothing you wouldn't want to be seen.

In great haste

Lou

Transcription: Muncie Sept 14 1870, Wednesday

My dear ma,

I thought I had brought quantities of paper with me but it has given out, so I have torn off a piece of Mr. Allison's. I received your letter yesterday and was rejoiced to get it. I am dreadfully homesick and anxious to get home, but now I don't see how I can do it till next week. And yet what shall I do about the fair. Isn't it next week? And I've got Mr. Allison's pictures and he has more he wants me to do. Of course tho, I must be patient. Mag is better now and I think will get well as fast as possible, but her strength was so much reduced and they were so long in calling the Dr that it may take her longer than I expected to be up. We had to send for the Dr last night and now this morning. I think the great trouble is over. Wylie is as cross as a bear and poor Charlie is not much better. I am sick too but I hope to be well by tomorrow. Mrs. Mellette is here now and she relieves me of the cooking but she is not well either and groans a good deal. But she does a good deal. Mrs. McCulloch is so kind. They have Charlie over there now. Wylie is getting so dreadfully spoilt. He isn't anything like the good child he was at B, but he is sick. Pa will get home today I suppose and you don't know how badly I feel not to be there. Give him lots and parcels of love and be sure I will come home as soon as possible. The Dr said this morning that he didn't think Mag could be moved this week. I just feel as if I fairly hate this place. I don't see what time I shall have to attend to Mr. McC if he comes, there is so much to do. We sent out the washing and ironing this morning. Everything is dirty nearly, but still not such a very great wash. Mrs. Mellette thinks it is dreadful to pay 1.25 for it but I don't. But dear Ma, I have not much to say. Mag seems free from fever now. She has been taking large doses of quinine and her head was confused and she is deaf from that, but I do hope she will improve rapidly. Write again if you can immediately for I don't think I'll leave this week but be careful what you say for fear somebody else will get it. Love to all. I have much to tell you.

Lovingly

Lou

Transcription: State of Indiana County of Putnam

Balthasar Boisen having given evidence of good moral character and of proficiency in the branches required to be taught by the Ind. Sc. Law, is hereby licensed to teach in the Common Schools of Putnam County for the term of Twenty four months from date G. C. L. L. Keyes Sept 17, 1870 Sc. Ex.

Transcription: 24 September Saturday Afternoon, 5 o'clock [1870 most likely]

My dear Elizabeth,

Your letter announcing Addie's [Adelaide Dennis Speck] desire of going to Annie [Adelaide's daughter, Annie Cornell] has just been handed me. It took us all by surprise, as Caroline is hurrying to finish my Winter Spread (quilting it) so as to have your room, where she is quilting, all in apple pie order for your reception. I made the remark to her this morning how nice Lizzie's room will look. Kate is in the kitchen preserving Peaches and making some Peach marmalade. We are all terribly disappointed but the Lord directs all things. I would like you to see Kansas and you appear inclined to go, so you must consult your own feelings. If you are pleased C- and I may travel westward and perhaps you may be persuaded to return with us. If you do not feel at home, I am at any time glad to have you live with me. Our family is small and I cannot express the disappointment of the girls and myself at your not coming. Kate has even purchased you a suit, of which I send you a sample. Now buy whatever you require to make you comfortable, keep your feet warm through the winter. Make 3 unbleached muslin chemise and buy 2 good Flannel skirts, perhaps a good opportunity may offer. Mr. Cornell may put you in the way of getting things on from here and then I can send them ready made to you. You [left] several articles here, the Sack Miss E gave you and other woolens that had better be worn so as to keep the moth from eating them. You must have a comfortable cloak and any thing else you may want. Do not stint yourself. This morning I intended going to Dr. Wylie's and inviting the boys to accompany Dr. Egbert to League Island on Monday next, but the work of Preserving and quilting prevented. Hope to get there on Monday. I agree with you about Emma, she tried her best to get one to invite Annie to our house by saying she (Annie) wished so much to see us all. But I remained mute, so she gave it up. I hardly think she would go to Kansas, unless Annie was invited. I hear terrible accounts of Trimbles. If I dare, I would tell you much to amuse you and I know the goodness of your heart would make you feel sorry. He conceits he will die a pauper and I hear scarcely gives them enough to eat. That serves her right. I think Mr. Cornell's offer to you a very fair one and can say nought against your accepting it. You dear Lizzie, are too sensitive for this world. I wanted you to live with me as one of my children to call upon you to assist me with any thing about house just the same as I was looked upon at Harriet's or Ma's after I married and lived with them. I always felt happy and contented and never felt dependent. Neither should you. So Lizzie you must make up your mind to lay aside all those feelings and be happy once more. I was sorry we saw so little of Mr. W., but we live at least 3 miles from Francesville. We are thinking of moving up in the City and only hope we may on the girls' account, for they cannot go out at night when invited. I think Emma will be down when the cold weather sets in. I shall never consent to allowing her to bring Annie to the house. I asked her when she left if she had money enough. She replied yes, she has $20. I wrote her when she wished any to write me. She said she would do so. Dr. E- is not well. He says tell Lizzie to go and take a peep at the West, if she is not satisfied to come to us. After I return from Westfield Kate and I intend to take a trip to West Chester. Did Emma write you that your friend Mrs. James intended marrying the Cake Baker. Two of our neighbors have just dropped in and I told Tilly to stop quilting and dress and go down. We could next month make your dress and send to Addie's, if it did not cost too much!!

Love to all

Your Affectionate

Caroline M. Egbert Caroline will write you soon.

Transcription: Philadelphia Oct 11th 1870

Dear Elizabeth,

I was much delighted to receive your letter this morning, felt so uneasy for fear you were sick that I had just made the remark to Kate, I thought it best to end all suspense and write Rebecca. Emma wrote me about two weeks ago saying she thought of going to Kansas. I answered her letter immediately and told her, knowing she must be in want of funds, if $20 or $25 would be of any service to her to let me know and she should have it. Have heard nothing from her. I may get a letter in a day or two as the mails I believe are somewhat irregular in that quarter. As I wrote you before my dear Elizabeth I want you to consult your own feeling. The only thing that worried me with regard to your going to Annie's was that you were going without a suitable outfit and that would have distressed Dear Ma. I know I have not objection to your spending the winter with Mrs. W. I feel you would see more of the world and perhaps be happier than with me situated as we are down in this truly miserable hole. We are shut off from the City during the winter months on account of the open lots. Owing to the snow and sleet, very often for a month we cannot get to church and as for going out of an evening it is entirely out of the question unless the girls stay up town over night. I should be delighted to have you with me and insist upon your coming to Philadelphia until I fix you up a nice comfortable wardrobe which I know you need and shall have. So if you agree to try it with Mrs. W, my advice to you is this—come on with them to Pittsburg, then write me when to meet you at the Depot and when your arrangements here are all completed I will accompany you as far as Jersey City. You may laugh, but my visit is not yet paid. We will not make up your Dress until you come on. Caroline is away at present. She wrote me yesterday for her Furs and upon opening them today I found them all ruined by the moth, entirely gone although they were put up in Camphor and Tobacco. I had your room scrubbed and windows washed. Mrs. Guerard and Harriet came from Bristol on Friday and left yesterday afternoon. She speaks of returning to Savannah next month. I went to the City this morning and bespoke a little coat for Julia's child, white lined with Blue. Do not get a Neapolitan Hat. They are going out of fashion. Wait until you come on. It certainly will not be long now before we see your pleasant countenance. Kate and I are alone. I am very sorry to hear Rebecca is sick with Dysentery. I think for that complaint, nothing is better than injection of starch, sweet oil and a little Laudanum. They have saved may a life. If Emma is pleased with Kansas, and you are not satisfied here why then pay a visit there and see how you like it. I see no use in your both going out. Dr. Egbert took the Boys down to League Island. They were delighted. Theodore accompanied them and was much gratified with the Iron Clad etc. This is Election day. The bonfires are burning all around us. Brownie and her son Tom are out on the steps, admiring the fires. The papers state that the Irish and Negroes had a fight at the Polls and the Marines were brought up from the Navy Yard. I will send you a paper containing an account.

It is late. Take good care of yourself. As soon as you decide write me. Love to all

Ever your Affectionate sister

Caroline

Transcription: Sat. evening, November 19th [1870]

My dear Elizabeth,

I fully expected this day would have brought me a letter from you informing me when you would be on. I really feel worried about you as I know you must be destitute of proper warm clothing. We cannot make any thing for you until you make your appearance. So, I beg you will let us see the light of your countenance. If you desire to return and stay until the Spring, I can have no objections, for you will, to speak the truth, find it dreary enough down here and the Dr. has determined to remain 6 months longer in spite of our remonstrances. Do write and let me know when you are coming. We all want to see you so much. Brown Wylie came down on this day week, expecting to find you here. He spent the day. We were all pleased with him. He is a nice boy. I saw Chloe last week. She was well and enquired after you and added, is she ever coming on? To day I received a letter from Emma dated Lawrence, the first since she arrived there. Annie Cornell was confined on 23rd Oct, another son [Howard M.], both Mother and child doing well. Her sister Mary had just reached there. She is to be married in January. Mr. Cornell, Sister and Brother were there on a visit and the Girl had left them 2 days before Annie took sick. On Monday they engaged another but she had disappointed and Miss Cornell attended to Annie and the Infant while Emma saw to the house and Master Fred. So Emma had no time to write, even to Rebecca. She arrived at Wyandotte on Tuesday at midnight and knocked them up, found Addy was with Annie so she left in the morning train and reached Lawrence at noon Nov. 14th Her time is pretty well occupied I should say. Addy has been to Denver City where she intended going to live, but Emma supposes she was not sufficiently pleased with the place to remove there. Addy had a letter from David. He wished to go to Kansas but Emma would I believe prefer his going to Beech Woods where she says he could get plenty to do in the Summer Season. Caroline says she is sure the widower has bewitched you, that you do not come on. You must come on and fix up and not appear before the widower in such old attire. Kate goes to Baltimore and Washington the latter part of next month. She is over the way, sitting an hour or two with the Miss Carns. Today we had our first sprinkle of snow. Kate and I were caught in it corner of Arch and 8th. Have you heard any thing of Richard Conn's widow? I believe they resided somewhere in New York or Brooklyn. Soon after the receipt of your last letter I wrote you and directed as you wrote me to. I fear you have not received it. Did you? Last week we had all our Carpets put down ready for winter except the stairs which must be done next week. I hope Mrs. Wylie's health has improved. Make my respects to Anderson and her and tell her she must spare you to me before Christmas comes. Now my dear Sister, write me soon. And say what your plans are. If you want money to come on, do not hesitate saying so to

Your Affectionate Sister

Caroline M. Egbert No. 1335 South Broad St., Philadelphia Emma says you must write her and direct Care of Dudley C. Cornell, Lawrence Kansas.

Dec. 7th Is it not too bad Dear Eliz that this letter which I enclose has just been returned to me from the dead letter Office, owing to my not directing it right? I send it to you on account of several little items of news it contains from Kansas. I wrote Emma last week. I would like to enclose $5 for you to make some little Christmas presents for Mrs. Wylie's children etc. but on the other hand I hope you are coming on to be fixed up and then if you choose you can return and take them with you. Now what do you say? If you are really going to spend Christmas with them, you must spend New Years with us as Kate expects some time in Jan to go to Baltimore and Washington. Excuse this as we are engaged sending off a box to Julia and Harry. I have just had 2 beautiful little dresses made for Julia's Baby. Has Mrs. W- a young baby? I get them made for $1.50 a piece. We are all well excepting the Dr. Brown Wylie told us last Sunday week when he dined with us he expected to return home about Christmas.

Transcription: Muncie Dec. [believed to be 1870. Check B'ton papers for date of Mr. Orchard's second marriage]

My dear Sister Lou:

I was so glad to get yours and Pa's letters yesterday and still more glad of the news contained in them. The thought of so soon seeing dear Pa and Ma again makes me so happy. I wish you and Toph were coming with them too but you must come in the spring. I look for both the little boys next week. They must be sure and come too. Arth says he can hardly believe it and tries to make me think less about it, but I have set my heart on it and cannot be disappointed.

The other news in your letter made me laugh a good deal. I think its about as queer a marriage as I know of. Ask Ma if she remembers saying to Mr. Murphy that old Mr. Orchard would marry again. And he would not think of such a thing. "Oh no! Mrs. Wylie. Why John Orchard is older than I am," were his words.

I have sleigh bells ringing in my ears from the time I get up in the morning until 10 and 11 o'clock at night. I never saw or heard so many.

Arth has to make a speech about 10 miles out before the G.A.R. on Christmas and is there is plenty of snow, but I don't think I can go.

You know Lou I had intended giving Ma a skirt. I had set my heart on it, and now I find I can't do it. It is a real disappointment but I have done all I could. So I am knitting her a pair of white yarn stockings. You must not tell her any thing of it.

Give Mary Alexander my very best love and tell her how sorry I am that I can't see the knot tied. Tell M to find room in her trunk for those beautiful old shoes. I miss them so much. I will explain more about them some other time. Arth is waiting to take this. Don't disappoint me.

Maggie

[in Arthur's hand the following] Maggie said I must write a little on here, Louisa, but I have but a very few minutes now to do it in. Have your Pa and Ma come if possible. Take good care of your beaux. Come down here and see nice ones. I wish you could send me a programme of the G.A.R. I think I could get one up here. Maggie is much better since we came back and I do hope she may continue so.

Your Big Brother 

Transcription: 1335 South Broad St.

My dear Elizabeth,

I was very glad this morning when your letter dated Brooklyn was handed to me and I hope ere long we shall behold your loving countenance. Whenever Mrs. Wylie can spare you to us, write us what train you are coming on and either the Dr. or myself will meet you and escort you home. All that worries me is that you have not proper clothing to appear in. We shall not commence on your Dresses until you come. My advice to you is to have your Trunk sent to the car and then get it checked to Phila and you will have no further trouble. It will cost less than to have it expressed. If you have not the funds to come, write me immediately and I will send it to you. Dr. Egbert received a Telegram yesterday announcing the death of his brother Elisha of South Bend, Indiana, died after a few days illness. Chloe came up to see me last week and was enquiring after you. I gave her the cloth sack you directed me to, for which she seemed very thankful. She put it on and walked home with it on, under her Shawl. Old Mary is still living. I have been out all the afternoon in search of Servants. Have not had a Cook in my house for 4 or 5 weeks. I spoke to the Chambermaid somewhat sharply today and she told it was so far for her to walk down here at night she believed she would get a place further up town. To which I asserted she is always complaining, and I am in hopes of getting a more competent one. It appears to be a general complaint in Phila. Dr. E- has taken the house for 6 months longer, until the Spring, so I shall now go to work and put my carpets down. Your room is the only one in the house with a carpet, excepting Caroline's. Give my very best respects to Anderson and his Wife, and hope I shall have the pleasure of seeing them in Phila. Now do, my Dear Sister, let us see you as soon as you can conveniently leave Mrs. W- as I wish much to see you and am anxious to get at the fixings. Write me as soon as you know definitely. All join in love.

Ever your Affectionate Sister

C.M.E. Have not had a line from Emma. She must certainly be at Addie's by this time. Be sure and direct your Trunk to 1335 South Broad or it will be taken to North Broad and be knocked about the City for a day or two. Is A. McElroy Wylie, Anderson Wylie? If so why did you not give him the title of Revd?

Transcription: Philadelphia Dec 18th 1870

My dear Elizabeth,

I received a letter from Emma yesterday bearing date Dec. 12. She enclosed me money to purchase her Hoop skirt, stocking, etc. and send out to her. I wrote to know what kind of a dress I should send her for a Christmas present. She chose a Poplin having always worn Alpaca. She likewise sent for Shoes at Laris, or rather Boots. They will be made by Wed., day after tomorrow. I will send her velvet for trimming and all the necessary linings etc. Her time, she writes, is pretty much occupied and I believe her. Between ourselves, she says it would never suit you out there. We will talk the matter over when you come on. Mr. Lippincott sent me a check on Friday for $100, informing me he had purchased Daddy Franklin. I immediately wrote Emma to know if I should forward hers by a P.O. order or what disposition to make of it. She particularly stated to me not to send out her Muff. Kate saw Chloe yesterday. She was well and enquired when you were coming on. I hope you will not offend Mrs. C by not accepting the Dress because it is not exactly a new one. As for the skirt not being trimmed, every body does not wear a trimmed skirt. We can fix it up very prettily for you. The Dress Kate bought for you, a Black and white Poplin, we are making up. I want to make you a Christmas present. Shall I give you a winter Bonnet? If so, would you prefer a Felt, which are very fashionable, trimmed with velvet and Feathers, which latter you have. They only want curling. Are you not in want of warm stockings? Do please Lizzie write me about your clothes. Kate leaves here early in Jan. for Balt. and Washington, so ask Mrs. W to please spare you for a week or two. Tell her I promise to send you back safe. Kate wishes to know which you prefer, a handsome necktie or collar and cuffs. I intend asking Brownie to dine with us on Christmas if he does not return home before that time. Tell Mrs. W the Baby dresses were Pique white, made long sleeves and high neck. One had a yoke neck trimmed with edging round yoke, sleeves, and skirt. Another gored front trimmed from neck to hem and the third was buttoned from throat to hem in a slant with Hamburg edging. They looked so cute and were beautiful. I made them a present to her, bought the material and gave them to a lady to make who has become reduced. They were all made very neatly by hand. I paid her $1.25 and $1.50 each and it took 2 yds each. Do not forget to say what I am to do with your money. Caroline sends her love and says she does not believe you ever intend to come on. Write soon so I can send by Friday afternoon to reach you by Sunday. I will pay the Express. Be sure and write. Give my best love to Mrs. W and tell her I feel as if I loved her for her goodness towards you. We heard from California today. All well but the little Dove whom is teething and very fretful. He and his mother we expect in the spring. Her health is delicate. Harry and his wife are very happy. Dr. E is better, though complaining. He enquires when you intend coming on. He and the Girls join me in love

Ever Your Affectionate Sister C. M. Egbert The Goblin chair is flourishing at the French Fair. I did not send the vase, for fear of an accident. I have been without a cook for 3 weeks. The Detectives came after the last one I had, on Sunday afternoon. I have only a young girl and she is worth nothing. I am obliged to ring twice every morning before I can get her up, go down and open the house before my lady makes her appearance. So I intend marching her off before long. C—

Transcription: Philadelphia, Dec 23rd, 1870

Dear Lizzie,

I have been anticipating your arrival very eagerly for the past few weeks, but am fast coming to the conclusion that like many Philadelphians you have become so enchanted with that charming place New York (which was called the Paris of America until Chicago took the name away from it) that you have forgotten to come home. I hope you will not leave it after the last of this month as you promised, as I have important business for you to attend to here with me about that time, having some more "Smiths" to look up, and I know you are such a good hand. I am also waiting for you to go with me to see little Brown Wylie, the poor child has been here twice to see his Aunt Lizzie. Ma has just gone to Haddington to see poor old Mrs. Herst and husband and take them their Christmas turkey and other things, and Kate has gone to the Wilmington Bole and we have two impudent lazy worthless servants who have to be driven like a pair of mules and I do not know what is to become of people about servants. How is my old friend Anderson? He once saved me from turning Roman Catholic. I will not write any more as I expect to see you very soon. And tell Mrs. Wylie she must let you stay awhile. Kate goes to Baltimore soon after the holidays, also to Washington. I hope you will get on to see her before she gets off. I wish you could see her dress. It is the loveliest shade of Rose color, trimmed with delicate white ruchings. Adieu till I see you. You will miss the German and French Fairs and the Fair for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Brownie and Tom are flourishing and Brownie wants to send her wishes. Our cook will drink neither coffee nor tea, but drinks chocolate, has a silk dress and gold watch and chain.

Ever your affectionate Corrie

Sat. morning Dear Elizabeth,

I am very busy putting up Emma's Dress Boots, Stockings, linings and trimming etc. she wrote for Lead colored fleecy lined Stocking. I have looked the city over and not a pair in the large or small can be found, so I shall send 2 pr. of heavy white cotton. She wrote me Lare had her measure for Boots. He promised to make and send them up on Wed. last. I called there yesterday and was informed they had lost the measure so I thought it best to take a plain pair of Boots at a risk and she will write and send on the size should those not suit. As Shoes are enormously high there she can easily dispose of them. I regret she cannot get them by Christmas but cannot help it. I sent her a present of a very pretty Poplin Dress with all the trimmings, linings, etc, etc. complete, 11 yds., as you suggested she was short of Dresses. You made no mention of your money. I sincerely hope she does not intend to squander it on Annie. I was at a loss whether to send your present on or keep it until you came on. You can come on in any train most convenient to yourself. I can meet you either at the Kensington Depot or Depot in West Philadelphia, whichever the Gentlemen are in the habit of coming to who bring you on. Only we will meet you and do not trouble them to bring you down so far as our house, when they have their business to attend to. Be sure and let me know the Train you come in. Take your own time and come when it suits your convenience. Your Dress is nearly completed. Shall not trim it until you come on. Dear Lizzie, this time always reminds me so forcibly of dear Ma, and to think we are denied placing a flower over her Grave. Is it not sad? Love to Mrs. W. and Anderson. You need not reply to this until you know for certain what day you will be on, as you write you are so very busy. I wish you all a very merry Christmas and many happy N.Y's. We are all very quiet and dull.

Transcription: Thursday Evening

Dear Elizabeth,

I received your welcome letter this morning and was delighted to learn you reached Brooklyn in safety. What a sad accident occurred on the Harlem Rail Road. I am sorry to hear Mrs. Wylie is suffering so much pain and sincerely hope it will be over soon. This Afternoon a letter came from Emma. You must excuse my opening it as I felt so anxious to hear whether she was coming East or not. I hope you have written to her and sent Mr. W's address so as to ease her mind on that score. Another letter came yesterday from W. Chester from the Trimble concern for David. Kate concluded money must be scarce there as they did not pay thine postage! Kate left for Washington yesterday at 12 o'clock train. She expects to spend 2 weeks away. The play went off very well. Kate and Caroline both went, got home between 1 and 2 o'clock. I went to bed and fell asleep. A tremendous ringing at the Bell awoke me. I immediately ran to the Dr's room, found him sitting before the fire fast asleep, endeavoured to wake him. Finding that an impossibility I ran down with only my night gown on and in my bare feet and let them in. So I assure you my Gentleman shall not be allowed to sit up again. Thin Girl became offended and the other disappointed, so they sent in and borrowed our new waiter, who acquitted herself first rate. They sent me in plenty of cake and Ice Cream. I wished you were here to assist in eating it. I have your Bracelet, Cross etc left behind. Kate says it was her fault as she stowed them away. I will leave them at Susan's so Dr. MC will take them on. There are 2 letters for David from Camptonville. One is a money order for $40. I forget whether it came while you were here or not. Caroline is taking a nap. She has been disappointed in [betining?] tomorrow night. She has not been very well, is better today. I have been into the City twice today. This morning to purchase some paper collars and cuffs to travel in. She expects to get here early in April. I found out where they manufactured them, but they would not sell less than 100. The collars were $1.90cts and cuffs $1.70 for 100. So this afternoon I carried them down to the P.O. and mailed them. Our streets are in a deplorable condition. I came very near falling. Miss Newbold came back on Monday and remained until Tuesday Afternoon. Caroline will give you a full account of the party, some of these days when she wakes up. I intended writing you all day yesterday as it was the anniversary of Dear Ma's death, but could not bring my mind to it. I sat and thought of her and felt too sad to write. Emma I see is coming to Beech Woods. What a pity she ever took the fatiguing journey. However I suppose she is intending to send for her beloved Annie. Dr. E- thinks David cannot reach here before the 15th or 17th of the month. The rail road has been at certain places 3 feet under water which may retard his coming a little. I wrote him at New York on Monday, thinking he might have a few hours on hand and call at the Office. I informed him how he had best get to the house etc. I feel tired and sleepy dear Elizabeth so send much love to Mrs. Wylie and yourself. Caroline says tell you Mr. Grotz lecture comes off on Friday next. I will write you when David comes on.

Ever Your Affectionate Sister

Caroline When you write Emma, let her know it is not always we can walk down here, and that is an excuse for going to Mr. Vallette's. At present you could hardly get there, it is slush nearly to your knees. Bridget is out at a party to night. Will not be home until tomorrow morning. I like her very much, but the other is worth but little.

Transcription: Valentine's Day, 14th February [1871]

Dear Elizabeth,

I send you a few hasty lines as I feel very much worried about David. The Steamer Sacramento arrived at New York on Saturday last. David immediately wrote me, which letter I received early Monday morning, to send him on the Post Office order, as he had but $1.50 left. I sent it to the Office and the Clerk there told Dr. E it would go in the ½ past 12 mail. I directed it merely to the city of New York, New York. We sat up last night for him until 12 and watched all day for him in vain. He appears to be staying at Paige's Hotel, corner of Spring and West Streets. I judge so as the envelope had the Hotel on it. He wrote for the money order from Camptonville from Mr. Madden, which I sent. Do try and find out something about him. He wrote if the money had not come on it was lost and please send him $5 to enable him to come to Phila. I did not send the $5 as I supposed the Order was sufficient. I am afraid he is either sick at the Hotel or the order has not been received by him, as he would never have remained there at an expense. I have his room comfortable fixed. Do ask Anderson to make enquiries about him and let me know. Should he neither write or come tomorrow I shall Telegraph him at the Hotel. I wrote him last week and directed my letter to the Steamer Sacramento at New York, telling him where you were staying. Perhaps you may have seen him. We are completely snowed up. My Chambermaid has gone out sleighing tonight. She is good for nothing else. Bridget enquired after you. Tom has had an awful battle and came near being killed. Brownie is in status quo. Dr. not at all well. There is likewise a letter here from Emma for David. I hope Mrs. Wylie has entirely recovered. Give my love to her. Caroline is asleep in the large chair. She has had to postpone her lecture on account of the weather. It is awful down here.

Good night my dear Lizzie

Ever your affectionate Sister

Caroline

Transcription: Philadelphia March 20th 1871

My dear Elizabeth,

I was sorry David wrote you last week without my knowing in time to add a P.S. I received a letter from Emma this morning acknowledging the receipt of my last containing the amount Ground Rent $22.22 safely. I enquired of Mr. Johnson what he would be willing to give for the Ground rent? He answered he would consult with a friend, so last week he sent me a note offering $700 I think having mislaid his note, but I am confident as to the amount, for Dr. E remarked at the time it was worth 800 if a cent and then he could not make it convenient to pay the cash until June. So I think you had better let it stand as it is, for the present. I send you some Sulpher [Cassie? Cafris? Capis?] for your eye wash. Put it in a bottle and add to half the quantity I send half a Tumbler of water. If too strong add more water or you might try half the quantity and keep the balance tightly corked. David has improved wonderfully. His cold entirely gone, a slight cough occasionally, his head almost entirely relieved. He has been to Dr. Barkey and had his teeth filled and 4 or 5 decayed stumps extracted. Dr Egbert thought perhaps they affected the head, which must have been the case. Mrs. T is very urgent he should go as soon as possible. I will write you the particulars of his visit then when I have more time, if it is worth taking the time. Emma says she would like to live on a Farm. If David's health improves, he says when you answer his letter, direct to Rockdale Mills, Jefferson Co. I understood it was Mrs. T's Doctor who had the stroke. It may be like the rest of her lies. She wrote David they were all packed up ready to move. He went out and saw no appearance of it. She said they had not made up their minds as to whether they would move or go to board. Caroline wishes to write, but complains of want of time. David and herself are going out this afternoon to see Mr. George Lurten.

I beg my dear Elizabeth you will abandon all idea of going into a Hotel or any other public place. The lady Mrs. Bell speaks of may be better calculated for such a position than you are. Do my dear child be satisfied with your lot. Something else may turn up before long. As for making money, there are many who sink what little they have by endeavoring to make more. And as for the Boarding house business, I should suppose you had experience enough in W. C. to see that would be a failure. Emma writes she will remain the winter in Bloomington. You speak of Mr. Wylie's house having water in the cellar. Why ours has not been dry since, even our two Furnaces have water up to the Grate, a thing that has never occurred before. Try and comfort Mrs. Wylie for she is to be pitied. She is I think a good friend of yours. Julia arrived last Thursday [March 16] with her little Boy. He is a fat, chubby child, very lively. Has taken to David and he succeeds in keeping him quiet when we all fail. Julia looks very delicate and when she left had no idea what an undertaking she was about to endure without a nurse. David expects to leave about the first of April. Emma has her money order she sent David from Daddy Franklin. His friend returned it from Camptonville to him at Philadelphia all safe and he sent it on to Bloomington to her. David found the Hancock land Warrant and the Deed of conveyance from all the children so that is safe. And Emma says to enable her to try and obtain something from Louisville and Hancock Co. induces her to remain in Bloomington this spring. I think from what I can learn, poor Emma had a hard time of it in Kansas. Mr. Brown Wylie has not shown his countenance here since you left. The law suit between the Church is progressing, whether slowly or otherwise I cannot say. Dr. McCloud is able to tell you. I must go to Breakfast so Farewell for the present. All send love. Dr quite sick and grunting. I expected Dear Lizzie to have sent you some money before this, but Caro was disappointed in her Lectures. But April 1st I will send you $5. Georgianna wrote David to get the money I recovered from A Miner and he could have it. Emma had written her I received it. She must be crazy. It seems queer about Georgianna's money being lost, for while she stayed with me Mr. Wray mailed her a letter with money and he said the person it was entrusted to never put it in so why trust another!!

Love to Mrs. W and much to yourself

Your Affectionate Sister

C. M. Egbert

Transcription: Philadelphia, March 22nd [1871] was in envelope with his letter dated May 27th, 1870]

Dearest Sister,

For some days past I have been expecting a letter from you acknowledging the receipt of the M order you sent from Lawrence to Camptonville, but as yet have not received one. I hope you have received it. In matters of business you should be particular in answering at the earliest moment, as you may therefore avoid losses etc. When I wrote you last I was somewhat hurried, the doctor waiting as I supposed for me to go to the Rail Road office, so you must excuse its brevity. Sister [this apparently refers to Caroline] has been exceedingly kind furnishing me with all necessary means so that I did not need any more funds. Oh, Emma if you could only know how she is suffering in her mind, both from her miserable husband's conduct and her wish to carry out our mother's request. She is looking I think very badly. I cannot commit to writing how her poor inebriated husband treats her in his cups. My heart feels for her but I can do nothing. I would so much like to see you. I thought I should have been able to have left for B.W. [Beech Woods] today but will not get off till Monday. I called to see Theodore [this would be Uncle The Wylie, TAW's brother] but he was not at home. I saw Brown. [Uncle The also had a son Samuel Brown named after the father of The and TAW. This could refer to either him or TAW's son.] He is a fine looking young man. He resembles Theodore very much. I called to see Mrs. Prince. She is very weak. She was very glad to see me. Chloe is well, Julia and her son have both very bad colds. Her boy resembles his father and is a fine child. Susan Angus expects to be confined about the last of this month so Sister G. writes. The weather is pretty cold today. My health has improved for the last two weeks. D. Brinkley was on a visit here last week. I consulted him as to my deafness. From what he said, there may be a probability of my recovering my hearing in time. Cornelia answered my letter. She insists on each one holding an interest in the lot. I am sorry that she clings to her personal feelings. After all the former objections are removed there appears to be no abatement of the bitterness either on her side or Sister's. Sister Caroline has shown by her intentions that she wishes to do right. I think Mr. Johnson told Sister Caroline that he would give 700 dollars for the Ground, but that if you and Eliz were willing to sell he could not pay the cash before June. I would advise you not to sell. It is worth a greater sum than that, and the property is sure to increase in value. I have not received a letter from Eliz for some time. I am anxious to hear as they have had the smallpox very bad in New York and Brooklyn. Tilly Egbert is not very well. She has a bad cold. She is lecturing in the public schools on Astronomy. It has a tendency to occupy her mind besides a small remuneration. She is the most intelligent of sister's children. Write and let me know if you have received the P.O. order. You must have time now surely to write. Direct to Rockdale Mills. Give my love to sister, Theophilus and family, and believe me your Affectionate brother David C. Dennis

Transcription: Philadelphia, March 27th [1871 seems likeliest except that the baby would be very young to travel that far, but by March 1872, Emma was in Bloomington]

Dear Elizabeth,

I received your last the very day David reached our house, so as there was an understanding between us that if he was here, I need not write immediately, I did not hurry myself as you may perceive. I do not think he is looking so badly, when he first came, as I expected to find him. After he became rested I thought he improved but yesterday his head was very much affected and continued so for some hours. It was a dizziness, brought on no doubt by thinking of our beloved Mother's remains, for he told me previously he intended going out to W.C. today to see about the matter and spoke in a (I thought) too sanguine manner of getting it. I shook my head and said nothing, having said nothing to him on the subject. He is sitting in your rocking chair and says I must tell you he is afraid to write on account of his head, will do so shortly. Make no mention of his sickness when you write and say nothing about the body. Mrs. T- has her money order and I presume will keep it. She wrote him she could not invite him as "all her time was devoted to her poor sick husband, could not stay away from him for even a short time." Emma's money order has not come to hand and I have written to her so she can take steps to recover it. David thought it might be in W.C. so he wrote on to know, and received answer it was not there, "that they was all packed up ready to move and their colored girl was sick and hardly able to move about, that her Physician had a Paralytic stroke and she was deprived of her medical attendant but never mentioned where they were moving to or invited him up. Be very careful when you reply to this as I must hand it to him to read. I have not been able to get to Susan's. Caroline is out so much and Kate away and the weather has behaved very badly, snow and rain alternately. I will endeavor to get there this week, take up your Bracelet, Cross, etc. Have not laid eyes on Brown or heard from Bloomington. I received a letter from Emma dated Lawrence 15 February, the very day David and I wrote her. She sent on the order for ground rent, which I enclose for your signature. She requested me not to send it on to her, until I heard from her again, but to draw it and ask [letter continues on other side, but the above sentence seems incomplete.] The Emma says in her letter, I could not imagine why Lizzie did not write but have just received an advertised letter from her. Annie fortunately saw it in the paper. She did not direct to Mr. Cornell's care. Tell her why I did not get it. It was written in January. She expects to leave for Bloomington the latter part of this month or early next. She never said a word about Georgiana. David and I wrote her week before last, but you know they send once a week to the P.O. Kate leaves Washington tomorrow for Baltimore where she spends 2 days and returns home on Friday. Julia and young Dove are expected about the 15 or 20th March. There is plenty of room for all hands. I do not want David to go to B.W. and will try our best to get something for him to do here, something light. Have your eyes open, you may hear of a situation where he can oversee or anything but hard work. He is not at present able to do any thing until he recruits. He is low spirited and has thought too deeply. I will, dear Lizzie, do all I can for his comfort. He shall want for nothing it is in my power to give him. I will send you some money by April 1st. If you are in want write me so. Caroline and the Dr. unite with me in love. David will write you soon. He sends much love. I think old Tom got over his sickness soon, if he was on the move!! Mr. Madeira has been to see us. He came after Miss Lizzie. She did not call to bid us good bye. As Emma does not wish the money sent on soon, if you are very busy you might delay writing a few days, but do not lose the order. Give my very best love to Mrs. Wylie and do not forget Anderson. My eyes are beginning to droop. What complaint have you at present? The Dr's stomach is as ailing [under it is written aleing] as ever.

Ever Your Affectionate Sister

C. M. Egbert 1335 South Broad Street Phila

Transcription: 1335 South Broad

Dear Lizzie,

As today is quite stormy and I am unable to peregrinate I have taken advantage of it to give you that long promised letter which would have written before but from want of time. Julia and Baby have also contributed greatly to draw me out of the line of duty. I wish you could see him. He is perfection in every way. Beautiful with a skin like alabaster, merry dark sparkling eyes with little rosebud checks, and mouth full of little pearls, and the most perfect hand and foot your ever beheld. Julia is looking wonderfully better. Had a tooth extracted yesterday and is lying down today with neuralgia in the face. Uncle David is expected every day from the wilds of Beech Woods. He will make his home with us. Annie McComb, who is in bad health, is coming in with her two children. Annie Cornell is likewise coming with her two. Verily my dear we shall see our relations. I expect you have been wondering how I was getting on with the Lectures. Well after you went I became very much annoyed and put the business into the hands of Grotz and Bell who put it through. We had a very large lecture in Hollingsworth School. Uncle David went and many of my friends, but it was one solid mass standing up. Nothing could be seen or heard. The boys and girls making a descent upon McAllister nearly captured the instrument. I at length dismissed them all and gave two lectures instead, one in the Grammar School and one in Hollingsworth in the afternoon. McAllister was so much enraged that he disappointed them at Hollingsworth and I had to give the Lecture over again so that my illustrating so many times took away nearly all the profits. Then I had one in the 14th one of Kate's and did not realize much then. Rogers section your other one, did not come to anything and I have reason to believe that he voted it down. The Controller, a black eyed bachelor Elkin you know, whom I afterward managed to see, told me I had better apply again, but I think the remuneration too small to take so much trouble. I have lately had two in Col. McSchele's section the 9th. I found him one of the more amiable of men, and one of the more superior minds I have ever met with. He put it through the Board speedily but unfortunately they were about having a Concert. We made in the section 55 dollars, the most of which I gave them towards that [houxxx]. A complimentary notice of the Lecture came out in the Bulletin on Tuesday night. If nothing happens, I shall lecture in the Assembly room of the 15th section and will send you a programme if I can get one. The Lecture is for the benefit of their library. Susan Black and her two daughters were at one of the Lectures. Week after next I expect to Lecture in the 20th, a very large section in which I expect to do well. I spoke to Brownie Wylie about not bringing your friend around but that is the way with Boys. I have had a fearful cold for 5 weeks which put me back considerable. Corrie Irwin has had a very painful operation performed and is sick. Lizzie is also ailing. We hear that Lizzie Fields husband was abusing her. Remember me kindly to Anderson and family. Write whenever you can and believe me ever

Your affectionate

Corrie I done paid Mr. Vallette another visit and got one of his papers. He seems more cheerful. Ma is going to send you the paper containing an account of Father John's funeral.

P.S. I am so much obliged for the piece you sent on--Saturn's Rings—it is very useful to me and if you see any other pieces in any paper will you please send them.

Corrie

[The following in Caroline, Sr.'s hand] Dear Lizzie,

I have had so much to attend to lately that I fear you will think I have forgotten you, but that has not been the case. David had a delay of nearly a week on the road. There was no conveyance to take him to Beech Woods. Let this be between ourselves, he wrote me last week to send him the means to return to me which I did immediately. So we are expecting to see him either Monday or Tuesday next, perhaps before. What has taken place I cannot say, whether they found out he had no means I cannot say. Please be extremely cautious when you write Emma. Repeat nothing I write you. Adelaide writes me Emma is happy and contented where she is and will remain until Fall. Her Daughter Annie leaves for the East some time next month, what brings her on she does not mention or whether she brings on her children. I presume the youngest she certainly must. Harriet wrote me last week that Mrs. McComb's health was very delicate and she was expecting her on in May to pay her a visit with her 2 children as Robert thought she required a change. We are all busy sewing and cutting out work. I say all, but Caroline is too much occupied with her confounded lectures to attend properly to any thing, and Kate will not be home before next week. So tis only Julia and I. Your work and mine must be postponed until a more convenient occasion. Is it not fortunate the weather keeps so cool? I shall rip and press your crepe dress and await further orders from you. I have not had time to give you an account of David's visit to West Chester. It was rich. He arrived at the conclusion old snip cheese was very close!! I am afraid David may be sick up there. Hope he will reach here safe. Dr. E- says he must stay with us. The Dr has been quite under the weather. I think Kate has a Hat or bonnet which may suit you. We will see. I am worried almost to death with the three servants in kitchen. Julia came on without a Servant, has one from an Intelligence Office who has given her notice she will not go with her to California so she is again on the lookout. I have likewise to change Bridget and Mary. Write me soon. I will get David to write you when he comes. We found the Deed among the Papers for the tract of Land in Hancock Co. Caroline saw Mr. Vallette the other day. Have you heard of Father John [Rendagot's?] death at West Chester? I will send you a paper next week containing an account of it.

Write soon to your Affectionate Sister

C. M. Egbert 1335 South Broad St. Philadelphia

Transcription: April 9th, Sunday Afternoon [1871]

My dear Elizabeth,

Last week I received a letter from the 3rd Assistant Post Master at Washington informing me there was a letter in the P.O. at W- directed to me and if I sent a 3 cent postage stamp he would forward it to me at Philadelphia, which I did immediately and so your last letter was sent me with one of the old red stamps on. So you must be particular and not put them on again. In that letter you wish me to send you the receipt of Dr. B's which I enclose. Kate called at Thinn's and got it. I sent you in my last some blue Vitriol with directions for using it. I enclose you $5 for fear you may need a little cash. David left here on Monday very much against my wish but as Mrs. T- urged it and Mrs. Wray had written for an Injection pipe he of course had to take it up. I received a letter from him on Tuesday dated Ridgway. His head was not feeling so well. He improved so much while here, had his teeth all fixed up and that appeared to help his head. But he promised me should he get worse to return to me again. Julia and her babe both took a bad cold from which they have not recovered yet. And the little one is cutting a tooth which makes him fretful. Kate has some idea of returning in June with Julia to Cal. in which event you must come on and live with me, or she will not consent to go. Recollect she has not positively agreed to go, only talks of it. But Lizzy if you are not happy there, let me know and I will send you the means to come home to me. Dr. E- is very miserable. He entertains a very high opinion of David and yourself and says his house is your home. Brown Wylie paid us a visit and dined with us to day. He had not heard from Bloomington for 3 weeks and thought they were neglecting him. I thought it best not to make any enquiries about Susan. My time has been so much occupied for 6 weeks past, I have not seen her, must try and get up there next week as I owe Hagner and must pay him. Caroline has been sick in bed with cold, is about again and expects to lecture on Wed. evening if able. She intends to write you a long letter after the Lecture. Had a long letter from Harriet last week. She was well, likewise Harriet Jun. Heard likewise from Cousin Cornelia, who expects to be on in June and locate in Doylestown. Brown Wylie seems to think Theodore will gain the cause. Have you heard any thing about it? Emma I presume will remain in Bloomington. Angus expects to be confined every day. They all have sore eyes up there. I fear David will catch them. Write me as soon as possible after you receive this. I shall feel uneasy about it. Julia will in about 3 weeks have the Dress maker (Miss Kerr) and then I will see the fashions and be able to alter your dress and see about a new one for you. Julia has purchased a Lace Sack, black for her shoulders. What would you like to have, or is it too early to think about it. Remember me to Mrs. Wylie and Mrs. Bell. Write soon to

Your ever Affectionate Sister

Caroline M. Egbert 1335 South Broad St. Philadelphia

P.S. Monday morning. Dr. Brinckle took tea and spent the evening with us (last evening). Dr. E- is very poorly this morning. Be sure you answer this as soon as possible.

Transcription: Rockdale Mills [Massachusetts] April 17th 1870 [should be 1871]

Dearest Sister, I received a letter from you enclosed in an envelope directed to sister G- it containing also one to her. I would wish for the future all letters intended for myself to be directed to me, as it avoids confusion, mistakes, &c. Mrs. Prince when I saw her was living with her son in law Mr. Ash, but I think she is not contented there, her voice is very feeble. As to the Garden seeds that Sister R. wishes to have, I suppose you're quest was to Sister G- as the first page of the letter is meant for myself the 2nd 3rd page for Sister G- and the last page for myself. It took us both some time to understand it, if we did not, I suppose you did. Therefore I shall let her speak on subjects written for herself. I am glad to hear the order arrived safe. Sister Caroline's time was greatly taken up as Julia's health and also her child's was very bad. In regard to the removal of our dear Mothers remains I always supposed that your only objections to the removal were First, on Dr. Egberts account, next, because Sister Caroline would not satisfy us as to her intentions or what disposition she would make of it. These objections being now removed, I can not see myself what further trouble can arise, without as Sister Caroline remarked (as you write) further excuses would be made. I suppose she meant exactions. For myself I am satisfied and wish to have the remains taken to Woodlands where Mother wished to rest, as I seen a letter from her to Sister Caroline to that effect. It is true that I would wish to have an interest pecuniary in the lot, but if it cannot be, I can cast aside all selfish wishes to carry out my mothers requests. I know no one can debar me from having an interest as regards my feelings. I can see a material difference between the proposition of Cornelia and that of Sister Caroline. In the one case the remains were in West Chester and the proposal was made with the supposition they were to remain there, in the other proposal they are to be removed according to Mother's wishes to Woodlands. I do not know to what paper you allude to that Elizabeth sent you to sign. As it has been sent you I suppose it will be sent to all so cannot speak of it at present. Mr. Trimble & wife have said and it is known to all that when a majority demanded the remains they would give them up. It remains to be seen whether their words are binding on them or whether there was deception on their part. I received a letter from Cornelia before I left Phil. She writes she cannot accede to Caroline's proposition and now falls back on the ground that all have an interest pecuniary in any lot in Phila It remains to be seen whether she will even adhere to that. She writes, I have lately received this expression in a letter, "I am opposed to their removal." That I suppose is from Georga and from another "a wish that I would go out to W. Chester to see her as if I did I would be better satisfied to have my mothers remains stay there. That I suppose is from yourself. No, never, never, as long as I live is necessary I will strive to have my mother's wishes carried out. If I cannot succeed in doing it, I will try means which may not be very agreeable to her but which I think I would be justified in doing (I do not mean the law). At present she writes things must rest. As if she was the arbiter in the case. As to going out to West Chester I paid one visit and that was sufficient to convince me I was not wanted there. If it was not her own words, in the letter she sent 25 Dollars to me were. I never saw the money as I had left Cal. before it arrived. John Madden returned it with the letter to her which she received and on my arrival in Phil. she sent the letter the money was enclosed in, she wrote me, "that in justice to herself & family she could not ask me to her house." Well I paid no attention to it but wrote her that I would call and see her, enquiring also whether she had received any other letters from Madden. She then replied excusing her language, "that she did not remember what she had written." It was necessary for me to write her. First I wished to know about your order, lastly I wished to see and speak to her on our dear mothers remains, so I overlooked her language. Well I went to W.C. A negro girl let me in the parlor. Mr. Trimble was lolling in a rocking chair. I introduced myself, nothing was said for a minute if not over. I was kept standing. I thought of leaving but as I had come to see C. I thought I would take matters in my own hands so just as I made a movement to sit down he asked me to take a seat. C. came down and invited me up stairs and immediately commenced excuses for him but how or in what way she knew of it puzzled me without it was a studied part of both. I took supper and then returned to the Hotel. I called early the next morning and bid her good bye as well as Annie, who is from what I could judge a very fair looking young person but I doubt if she is satisfied there from a little occurrence at the supper table. Well so much for so much she offered me money but I would not touch it. I owe her 5 Doles which I intend to pay as well as other favour received from others at the earliest moment. I have received no letter from Elizabeth or Rebecca since my arrival. I hope to receive one shortly from each. I should like to see Rebecca very much. I am afraid she has taken offence at an expression in a letter to her, but I meant no harm. In fact I was almost out of my mind at the time of writing it. My health is about the same as when I left P. I think if I could only obtain fresh beef or mutton I would rapidly regain my health but as things are I am fearful I will get weaker. If the mountain air does not help me I shall try it for a time longer and I find I am not benefited I will try what my home will do. This will puzzle you no doubt, but I have a home which I may retire to if I find things different from what I imagined. I have no idea of being dependent on any one. I did not leave C. for that purpose. When my health is reestablished I will seek some situation where I can do for myself as well I hope for others. Well Emma take good care of your health. I think you had better come here early in the fall as there is great need of some good housekeeper here it is a wonder to me how they keep their health on such badly cooked grub. It will tell in time as sure as the sun sets. Angus had a fine boy on the last of March. Wray is a fine boy. The people here are all very kind and sociable, plenty of very homely girls but do not speak of that or else I may be attacked myself. I must conclude for the present as I am feeling my head warning me. I have written Madden before I commenced this. Give my love to Theophilus, Rebecca and family and believe me your affectionate brother, D. C. Dennis  

Transcription: Philadelphia May 4th 1871

Dear Lou I received your letters. I've been to see Mrs. Roney about your shoes, she will not have them ready till next Wednesday, she has none that will fit you made, but will make them as soon as possible. They will cost you 58. Our school is out on the 24 of June or about that time. I asked Dr Faires this morning. I would be very glad to go to N. Y. to meet Mr. Boison. If I could be in N. Y when the ship arrives I think I could easily find him. If Prof. Boison could let me have a picture of him I think I could easily find him. I want to get home in time for commencement but I don't want to leave here so soon there are several places I want to go to one is the Academy of Natural science to Germantown Laural Hill Cemetery and Woodland cemetery. Last Sabbath was communion Sabbath and a great many joined the church. I got a letter from Mag last week. She said that she was coming on this summer. I wish Ma and she would come on and go to the sea shore. Uncle is very anxious for them to come, for Ma in particular. He thinks the sea air would do her so much good. A great many persons have asked me when she is coming on. I believe I answered your letter immediately and as I have nothing more to say I will stop. Love to all, write soon from your loving brother S. B. Wylie 1822 Wylie Philadelphia Pennsylvania

P.S. Mag sends her love to you. Please tell Dory that I will not send the pineapples now as they cost too much now, but they will be cheaper when I'm going home and I will bring them then. S. B. Wylie

Transcription: Friday Morning [May 12, 1871?]

Dear Lizzie,

For fear you may feel uneasy not hearing from me, I will steal time to write a few lines. Julia has been without a nurse until today and I without an upstairs Girl. The one she had, her sister objected to her going to Cal and the other one she engaged upon consulting her Priest, he told her she should not go to any place where there was neither Church or Clergy. So she has now a maiden lady who has bound herself to remain 2 years. I received a letter from David yesterday. He may be down on Monday next if W. Ross has time to take him to Rockwayville [PA], or he may have to remain a few days longer. He is staying at Angus's. George I think must be very queer. Now about your Bonnet or Hat. If you choose, purchase it in N.Y. David received your letter. Kate has plenty of stockings. I will send whatever you want so soon as Julia gets off, which will be Monday or Tuesday next [She actually departed on May 18, a Thursday]. She has just had her babe in the City to have his likeness taken. I am in rags for want of time to make my clothing. Next week I shall sponge your Crepe Dress and trim it differently. Write me what else you require. I intended, dear Liz, giving you a summer silk this Spring, but poor David has to be attended to. Do not mention this, not even to Emma. She has not written me the scrawl of her pen since she went to Bloomington. Addy wrote me word week before last, that Annie Cornell was coming East in May. I hope she will not bring her babe on with her for I am not partial to children, especially cross ones. Poor Chloe has been very sick. Last Saturday week she would scrub the pavement. So it rained and she got wet, has Pneumonia. I have just come from her house. I have some Ribbons which I will send you. Write what you want. If you have money for the bonnet purchase it there and I will send you more. Kate sends love. Caroline is out attending to her business. Dr. is somewhat better. Julia and babe well. She sends much love. Give love to Mrs. Wylie

Ever Your Affectionate Sister

Caroline M. Egbert 1335 South Broad

Transcription: May 19th 1871

My dear Elizabeth

Your last was received yesterday, likewise one from David stating his intention of not coming down at present. The weather there he says is very pleasant. He is staying with W. Ross and Angus, and is assisting them in putting the frame together for a Barn. I was very glad to hear he did not intend returning at present. I doubted if he could stand our hot weather in this more than detestable house. He says if can remain there until Fall his health will be re-established. Then we can get him some employment for the winter. Julia left us yesterday [May 18] for Baltimore and Washington, expects to remain 3 days at each place. Then take the cars for Barnsville, Ohio and remain a week with Mr. Dove's Mother and Sisters. She must be at Omaha by 31st or her ticket will run out. Three different Irish Catholics disappointed in going as nurses, she was obliged to take a Mulatto, who is a first rate woman but cannot at present leave her house to accompany her, has her house must be rented and carpets all taken up, shaken and put away!

I have dear Elizabeth had my hands full. I wrote you of Chloe's illness. She was taken Sunday night. Suffered all night with pain in her side, sent for me Monday morning. I directed Mary Simpson to stop at Dr. Brinckle's on her way home and ask him to go down and see her, which he did. Ordered 3 Blisters which never drew. She at first suffered much pain, with difficulty of breathing, fever and at times delirious. Much opposed to taking medicine. She grew weaker and was at times almost unmanageable. We all thought she had one or two convulsions. We wrote to Wilmington to a friend of hers who came up and remained with her constantly. Every thing was done to alleviate her suffering that possibly could be. I frequently enquired of her if she felt pain, answer was no. I then asked her if she thought she would get over her sickness? She always replied Oh yes. But once she said, I don't know. We then questioned her as to whether she was prepared to meet her God, she told us she was and would leave none to fret after her. Saturday morning Dr. B said she could not last over an hour. I went immediately down and remained until dark, then was obliged to leave as Julia had no nurse and I always took Wilbur at daylight from her. She breathed her last between 9 and 11 o'clock. Became very calm and composed, they sang a hymn and offered up a prayer, she closed her eyes and breathed her last. On Tuesday morning at 11 o'clock she was buried in Charlotte's lot where she had about six months ago purchased a grave. She was laid out in a fine white muslin shroud trimmed with gimp, a few Geranium leaves and a small bunch of white flowers in front of her dress under her chin, bare hands and a folded pocket handkerchief in her hand, hair plaited and a more natural corpse I never beheld. No distortion about it, but appeared to be in a sweet sleep. So that is the last of a good and faithful servant, one who always did her duty and acted uprightly. She has gone where she will meet her reward. The Lord is good to all and he took her in time to save her becoming a burden to anyone. We never could get her to designate any particular article of clothing for any one. She would avoid it. We found nearly $100 in her Bureau, which will go towards defraying her funeral expenses. From a rough calculation I made $125 or 150$ would cover it. She belonged to 2 societies. They are bound to allow 20$ each towards the burial. She had a very respectable funeral. Six carriages and a Hearse. I walked out to the cemetery and saw her buried and the grave closed. Now E, be careful what you write as Mrs. T will catch hold of any thing she can and magnify it. Lydia Jone's niece was there, she came up and spoke to me, said she had long wanted to hear something of the family and where they were. I judged there could not be much intimacy between Trimbles and the Darkies. I am very glad you have renewed your acquaintance with Miss Chapman and Mrs. Inis. Now Julia has gone I will go to work, haul over your crepe dress and send you a hat knowing your penchant for hats. Kate bought a Neapolitan black for Harry's wife trimmed it with a purple. I think such a one would suit you exactly and you would look very sweet in it. If we can make a sack out of the Crepe Mantua we will. If not I will hunt up something else for your shoulders. When Mrs. Wylie goes traveling you must come to me. Some time next week your things will be on. It may be the latter part. I will send stockings. If there is any thing else you want write me. I enclose your 50 cts for postage stamps. All unite in much love

Love, Your Affectionate Sister

Caroline M. Egbert 1335 South Broad  

Transcription: West Chester May 20th 1871

Dear Emma,

I have seated myself to write to you regarding the removal of Mother's body.

Mr. T and I have but one desire in the whole thing and that is to do what is right, but we expect from others at the same time a recognition of our rights. For the sake of a quiet and proper adjustment of the whole matter we are willing that Mr. Wylie hold the Deed for the lot wherever the majority of Mother's children desire her body to repose. That is, the deed is to be made out in Mr. Wylie's name for the benefit of Mother's children, or rather in trust for them and it is to be an untransferable Deed which he, or his Executors or Administrators are to hold. He is to superintend the removal of the body in person or his proxy is to be one that we approve of. Also every child is to feel an equal right and interest in the lot, and shall bear a proportionate share in whatever improvements or necessary repairs the lot may require. No alteration to be made at any time without every child being consulted. And he is not to delegate the yearly care of the lot to any particular child. In erecting a headstone or placing a railing around the lot every child is to have the privilege of contributing as far as they are able or desire to.

This seems to me reasonable and just. I do not wish to have Mother's body removed but if the majority of her children wish it, the proposition we have just made seems just. And if Mr. Wylie will consent to hold the Deed in his name, and agree to the above we are ready to cooperate with the others.

I hope your things reached you safely and that you were pleased with them. Richard and Annie were down attending Yearly Meeting and both of them came home sick, but Annie is better and is at a Picnic today. Charity Kersey has been staying with us, but left yesterday. Expects to return on 2nd day to attend her brother, Gerard Cope's funeral. Mrs. Huddleson and Mattie spent the day here yesterday.

Write soon. Richard and Annie send love

Affectionately Yours

Nellie I hope if I have made too many stipulations in the proposition this contains you will recollect how much has been said and done offensive to us. We have no desire to dictate or say anything unreasonable and you must explain our reasons for asking these things.

I enclose one of my petunias. They are very fine. Sam and Mary were here yesterday and went into ecstasies over my flowers. The yard is small but you would be surprised how much there is in it. Pierce H. and George Reed were here yesterday. The Mr. Ruth who was poisoned was a brother of Sallie R's husband and a particularly handsome man. His wife is suspected of complicity in the murder.

I will send you the shirt pattern in a few days. Mattie H. brought me up her pattern and it is beautiful. They stitch on bias pieces instead of putting tucks in the back and front. Dr. will not return to Kenney's. Annie is better. Save all the flower seed you can this summer. I have lots of news but will defer till my next. –Nellie

Transcription: Brooklyn May 22, 1871

My dear Emma,

You cannot imagine how glad I was to get your letter. It seemed like so long a time since I had heard from you. I was glad to hear you were all well again. I think B. is such a sickly place in Winter, Spring and Fall. I consider New York so far superior to it in every respect. I don't can't imagine how any one can endure the West after living East.

Mrs. Wylie and Anderson went to Philadelphia this afternoon, will remain until Saturday. They have gone to visit a friend of his, Rev R. C. Matlock. So I am housekeeper. They left me with Carrie and the baby. Henry is at his Grandpa's and Mamie with them. I expect I will have a great time tonight as Carrie and the baby have the whooping cough. I just hope they will sleep nicely. Mrs. W's health seems so miserable, she thought to be free from all care for a few days would benefit her. Mr. W. has a call from a Church in Long Island. He preached there yesterday, and came home delighted with the place and people. They have a very fine Parsonage. It has 17 rooms and very large, plenty of ground. They promised to have a person to attend to it for them. The salary is $1000. They promise to give them a great many things. A rich Bachelor or Widower living near has a fine pair of horses and carriage which will be at their service whenever wished. The house is right opposite the Church. I am afraid it is too near. Don't say anything about the salary. You know I don't know whether they would like me to tell. But Mrs. W and I think it too little. We would rather have $1500 and do without the perquisites. But A appears to be quite set up with it. They made a great deal of him. The house was crowded in the evening. He has also had a call from a Church in Franklin Indiana. They offer $1500. Anderson received a letter from Theodore Wylie saying he was going to Bellefont next Sabbath. Dr. Scudder's congregation have requested Anderson to supply the Dr's pulpit during his absence of two months, July and August. So we don't know what our future will be. God will direct whatever is best. Oh Emma, have you heard that our poor Chloe is dead, gone to her peaceful home. She was taken sick Sat. night, suffered all night with pain in her side, sent for Sister. Monday morn she sent Dr. Brinckley round. He ordered 3 blisters which never drew. Sister frequently asked her if she felt pain, she replied no. Sister asked if she thought she would get over this sickness. She always replied Oh yes, but once she said I don't know. She asked her if she was prepared to meet her God. She told us she was and would leave none to fret after her. On Sat morn Dr. B said she couldn't last over an hour. She breathed her last between 9 and 11 o'clock. She was buried in Charlotte's lot, where she had about 6 months ago purchased a grave. She was laid out in a fine white muslin shroud trimmed with gimp, a few Geranium leaves and a small bunch of white flowers in front of her dress, under her chin, bare hands, and a folded pocket handkerchief in her hand, hair plaited, a more natural corpse I never beheld, no distortion about it, but appeared to be in a sweet sleep. Sister writes she had a very respectable funeral. Sister walked to the Cemetery saw her buried and the grave closed. Lydia Jones's niece was there. Did you know Sydney was dead. Won't we miss Chloe when we go to the city? When I was there last she came out to Sister's to see me. She was so cheerful and tried so hard to cheer me up. She told me not to cast down. That she found when every thing seemed black around her then God always came to cheer her. She says I know you will have better days. Don't be cast down child. Look up to him, he will support you. I think she had great faith.

I must go to my whooping cough children. Give my love to all. Tell Mrs. Batterton I often think of her and Mrs. Hughes. I will write when we leave here which we will do immediately if we conclude to go.

Your affectionate Sister

Lizzie Dennis How is Mrs. Dodds?  

Transcription: Philadelphia May 22nd 1871

My dear Emma,

I wonder why you have not written to me since you went to Bloomington? I heard last week you were enjoying yourself which afforded me much pleasure, but I hope you have not forgotten me altogether. While David was staying with me I got him to write you of Mr. Johnson's offer, $700 and the purchase money not paid until June (next month). It was too little. Elizabeth very wisely (I thought) refused to comply. Not hearing from you, I concluded you would not come into his terms, so wrote him E was not willing to sell and I had not heard from you, which I hope meets your approbation. For he certainly should have offered 800$ or 1000$. I heard a day or two ago from Lizzie. She was complaining of her Eyes. I wrote her so soon as Mrs. W went traveling to pack up and come on to me. We are trying to persuade the Dr to go into the country for the Summer months. David has made up his mind to remain with Angus until the Fall I believe. At least he wrote me as much. He is much pleased with the fresh bracing air of the mountains (I only wish we could feel a little of it her today for the people are driving and the dust flying at a terrible rate). What a detestable hole this is after all. Our only hope is to move him from here this Summer. His health is very feeble, so much so that we had doubts of his being long with us about two months ago. Julia's coming on appeared to put new life into him. She and her babe were here about 2 months, left on Wed. last for Baltimore and Washington on a visit. She is now on her way to Barnsville, Ohio to spend a few days with her Husband's Mother. Must be at Omaha by 31st inst. where she takes the cars for Reno. Expects to meet Mr. Dove at Reno, who takes them on to the camp. God grant he may meet them in good health. He is a sweet little creature, bright eyed and rosy cheeked, though I greatly fear his Ma will spoil him. If I thought it would not be lost, I am almost tempted to send you his likeness. Julia is thin, but appears to be in good spirits. Harry's wife has followed Julia's example.

And now dear Emma, I must write you a melancholy piece of news. On Sat two weeks ago Chloe went out and scrubbed her steps and pavement. A hail storm came on together with rain. She remained out until she became very wet. The next day she went to Church (12 and Race). That night she suffered with pain in her side and breast. Mary Simpson the Dress Maker came up for me Monday morning. I told her to stop on her way down and tell Dr. B to please see her immediately and I would follow, which I did. Dr pronounced her very ill, and from her age had doubts of a recovery. We applied 3 Blisters, without much effect. Sometimes she experienced much pain, then again said she felt none, part of the time delirious, then rational. She was not able to articulate. I asked her several times if she thought she would recover. The answer was "Oh yes" excepting the last time when she said "I don't know." She came to me early in the Spring and said I have done something to please you Mrs. E. I have bought a grave in Charlotte's lot. I wish to be buried by her. She requested Charlotte's son to have the entire management of her funeral and to have her laid out as his Mother was. She was very appropriately interred, shroud fine white muslin trimmed with white gimp, a few Geranium leaves along the gimp, a small cluster of white flowers under her chin, where her shroud met, hands bare and a folded Pocket H in her hand, hair neatly plaited. She looked so calm, exactly as if she was asleep. A Hearse and six carriages attended. I walked out to the grave about 2 miles below our house, saw her put in the ground and covered over. She desired to be buried in the morning, which was complied with and at 11 a.m. they moved. Poor Chloe, how much I miss her. The last time she came up to our house was to see the baby and when she took him, he cried and she remarked, "he does not like my Black face." Every attention was paid her and all we could think of to tempt her to eat gotten for her, but all in vain. The last medicine given her threw her into a convulsion and I told him to give no more. Ice water and small pieces of ice put in her mouth she liked. Then I would squeeze Orange juice into her mouth. Dr. E sent her a bottle of whiskey and she told Kate she had put Cayenne pepper into it for it burnt her stomach so dreadfully. She has passed away before she became a burden to herself or anyone. 'Tis well it is so. We are now endeavoring to get poor old Mary into the colored asylum.

Write me soon, Give love to Rebecca and children. Will write you about Chloe's money affairs in my next.

Transcription: Wed. morning 7 o'clock [probably May 31st 1871]

My dear Elizabeth,

Your notice about your clothes was so very short and I felt certain you were in great want, that Kate and I turned to work and did what we could. There were several little articles forgotten such as cuffs and collars. The sleeve buttons were not forgotten but we had not the time to go out after them. I intend making you up a light suit with over skirt. I thought of making you a black Hernani Sack trimmed round with a fold so you could wear it with any Dress. How are your Lawn Dresses? You must not think or speak of returning money to me when you draw your ground rent or I shall feel hurt. I wrote Emma last week [on May 22nd, 1871] informing her of Chloe's death. She has never written me a line. I never said or wrote that David had sent Emma the Deed for Hancock Co. land, but that David had come across it in looking over some of the papers. It is in the box with other papers. I wonder what Emma would do with it? It would be pretty much as the Lot in – was managed, instead of employing the person who first gave me the information it was thrown away on Maguire. Week after week and month after month slipped away and time lost until I suppose nothing will ever be recovered. Rebecca's son has not been to see us for 5 or 6 weeks. Cannot say whether he has returned home or not. Have had no time to call and see Susan as Julia and her babe occupied all our time and attention. She reaches Reno today where she expects to find her husband waiting for her. She was unsuccessful in getting a Girl to go. I must send you his likeness if you promise to take good care of it and return it. She regretted not being able to see you but hoped the next time to find you with us. She was very anxious to have David with me likewise. I told her if he could possibly remain in the country until the Fall I thought it would benefit his health much more than to live in the City and perhaps by that time his health would enable him to get some employment. Now Elizabeth, I wish when you write me to state if there are any skirts, petticoats or any thing you wish out of your Trunk sent. Do not hurry yourself as I shall not have them ready before the 15th June. I have no one but old Margaret and she is grunting for dear life. Today I have hired a washerwoman and next Wed. I have engaged a Virginia Negroe to set in. She is from Loudon Co. That is the county Mr. Hammond stole the music from and album he presented Mrs. T- with!! Caroline rose this morning at half past 5 o'clock. I have given her a cup of Coffee and some Bread and Butter and she has traveled off to the cars to reach Dr. Gilliam's by 8 o'clock and have her Tooth attended to. We had a few friends round last night and gave them Ice Cream and Cake. I wish dear Lizzie you were a little nearer to us, but never mind. Keep a good heart. All will be right. Kate is in bed. I have such a set of sleepy heads to deal with. Yesterday was decoration day and our street smells of the darkies yet. Tom is flourishing, likewise Mrs. Brownie and her offspring. I will send you some Cash in the bundle or sooner if you require it. Write when you have time. Your Envelopes and paper were ready but I forgot to put them in. What color sleeve buttons do you wish? I regretted Anderson and wife made so short a stay, for we all wanted to see more of them. Hope next time will be different. Tis near 8 o'clock and I must see to Breakfast. Chloe had $208 in the Saving bank. You shall have some little memento.

God bless you dear Sister

C. M. Egbert 1335 South Broad Destroy this

Transcription: Rockdale Mills June 3rd, 1871

Dear Sister,

I received your last letter by due course of mail. My health has been improving since I have been living at W. Ross's where I have been for the last month. William and Angus have been exceedingly kind. Angus is a very good woman. She was and is my favourite niece. Her children are fine boys. The last one they talked of naming it David Angus but I do not think myself worthy to have a namesake. I hope they may alter their minds. I have been engaged helping William on the frame of a new barn, putting in corn and potatoes, etc. Has Georgianna signed the paper? I have not asked her and she has said nothing on the subject to me. She is in her element just now. The young minister is stopping at their house. His name is Filson. They took a vote on Wednesday, there was some difference of opinions as to the time. Some wished to take him for a year, but finally they agreed to take for good or evil. There is a very homely girl made an attack already. Some women say that the way to a man's heart is down his throat, or in other words by feeding him well, but she is trying it on his back, that is by making him a shirt. I am waiting to hear from Sister Caroline to get information about some lands that belonged to Grandfather Smith and Aunt Becky. I will try and see if any of them can be recovered before I leave here.

The weather is very warm and dry. The hay and oat crops will be short. Farmers will be obliged to sell off their surplus stock in anticipation of dry weather. Rebecca I believe is either in N. York or Philadelphia I suppose by this time. I received a letter from E about 12 days ago. She was well. There is one thing she says in her letter that I would wish all to understand. She says that she had no particular opposition to Dr E as an obstacle to the removal of Mother's remains but if she had it was on my account. Now as far as my individual feelings towards the Dr I had no hard feeling as he has always treated me well. It was his language towards my mother that made me object, nothing else. I did not know at first that there was an intention to inter him in Mother's lot and therefore wished sister to have control and so wrote Emma to that effect. Her answer was to the effect that the Dr's language about Father to Richard did not please her. She did not know I think at that time what he had called mother but she intimated that he would be interred in the lot and then arose my objections. I must close as William is waiting to go to Rockdale.

Your affectionate brother

D. C. Dennis Write soon.

Transcription: June 6th 1871

Dear Emma,

By today's Express I have sent you your dress, 12 yds, 1 ½ of crinoline for facing, two sleeve patterns (one flowing and one coat) and Mattie H's shirt pattern. Your Hymn book I could not find. I wanted to send you another dress but thought I would wait till Fall and then send it. I hope the package will reach you safely. Annie says it is the ugliest looking bundle she ever saw and it certainly is not a beautiful looking arrangement, but I was afraid of rumpling your dress if I compressed it any.

Last evening Lydia Jones and her niece Hetty Firman were here to give me the particulars of Chloe's sickness and death. Hetty living near Chloe and being an intimate friend was with her every day but one of her sickness. Chloe was taken sick the first Saturday of May, altho she had been very poorly for some time previous. About four in the afternoon she went out to clear the front of her house and a shower coming up she got quite wet. She came in and very soon was taken with a heavy chill and pain in her side. Mrs. Simpson rubbed her side gave her something warm to drink and she got better and went about her work again. Later in the afternoon, she went into the yard and commenced dabbling at something in a tub when Mrs. Simpson called to her and begged her to come in. That night she was taken very ill and Mrs. S. worked with her till morning when she went out after Dr. Brinckle. He came at once and pronounced her disease Pneumonia bordering on Typhoid. All Sunday she suffered fearfully and towards evening became flighty. On Monday morning Mrs. Simpson thought she would hunt Mrs. Egbert up and let her know of Chloe's sickness. When she returned found Chloe worse. Dr. Brinckle called again that morning and said he had but slight hope of her. She had some lucid moments but did not appear to be inclined to talk to any one. On Wednesday Mrs. Egbert came while Hetty was by her bedside and tried to get Chloe to say if she had a will or if there was any money in the house. To these questions she did not seem willing to answer and after Mrs. E left she turned to Hetty and told her to send for Charley Bass her Godson and tell him to come at once. He came and Chloe told him she did not expect to recover and wished him to promise her to see her put away just as his Mother was, that she wished no parade and show but every thing quiet and plain and she wished him to take control of everything. On Thursday Mrs. Simpson and Hetty sent for her clergyman but he was absent from the City. They then sent for a minister Chloe thought a great deal of by the name of Hernasol. Chloe knew him and talked beautifully to him, told him she felt happy and safe that there were no clouds in her way. On Friday her friend from Wilmington came but Chloe was fading fast. On Saturday she became unconscious and died Saturday night between 10 and 11. She was buried in the morning as she had requested and laid along side of Charlotte Bass. She belonged to the "Garnett Benevolent Society" and another, the name of which I have forgotten and they both handed $20 a piece towards her funeral expenses. In looking through her things before they were sent to the 2nd hand store they found $90 which will go toward burying her. Mrs. Simpson has rented the house. Miss Carpentier is trying to get old Mary in a "Home," but being over 100 years old I believe is a drawback. She cries and frets after Chloe just like a little babe would after its Mother and Hetty says every one was touched to see the poor old woman's helpless grief.

It makes me sad to think I will see Chloe no more on Earth, but it is comforting to know she is safely housed where troubles and sorrow will never enter.

Richard is not very well. He expects to go to Philadelphia next Thursday. Annie is spending the afternoon at Jeffie Davis' with Gertie.

With regard dear Emma to your going to housekeeping in Bloomington, you must be guided entirely by your judgment and wishes. I cannot see it right for you to do it, but I may be wrong. It is a risk and involves anxiety and hard work. You are happy where you are for a while and I think let the future take care of itself. I may be able to help you more. And I think your spirit of independence is wrong. If God sees proper to send you your food and raiment through one channel and mine through another I do not see the religion in your objecting. Take what you get with thankfulness and stop not to cavil with the messengers that bring your blessings.

I must now stop to see about supper. Henrietta goes to school and of course I am pretty busy. I want her to get all the education she can.

Do write soon

Affectionately yours

Nellie M. T I think I have the most beautiful pinks I ever saw. Have you a fine variety? Mine are of all kinds. I have some rich carmine colored and large clusters, other are bright crimson. Then white and brown variegated pink, pink and white and pink, brown and white. I would love dearly to have you see them.

But I must stop or Richard will get sick for his supper.

Transcription: Philadelphia June 15th 1871

My dear Elizabeth,

I have just returned from Hadington and had my dinner. Feel very tired, so while my darkie is scrubbing one of our Attics, the Dr. will not allow me to call them Garretts. Caroline gone down to see Julia Brooks from Pittsburg or Allegany City and Kate feeling fatigued having superintended cleaning out the Book case, has gone to lie down. I received a letter from David yesterday in which he informed me his health continued to improve. He was staying with Angus. He asked me whether Georgianna had signed the paper sent, which question I could not answer, but I could and did write him Rebecca did not. Tell me if I wrote you the contents of Rebecca's short note. She begs that both David and yourself will be discreet and thinks Ma's remains will be returned to us in the Fall!! This is all Emma's doing. Do you not see through it? I think it best to be prudent myself or Mrs. Trimble might have it disinterred the second time and taken away, for I am of opinion she is base enough for any bad act. I think if your Brown Silk is dyed black it would answer for an under skirt. Perhaps there would be sufficient for a Sack or Body. This is the day I promised to send your suit but Dear Lizzie, Kate has had a friend staying with us for a week and I have been with only one Servant, she no cook, so my time and Kate's has been pretty much occupied. I shall make it of light material with over skirt and sack. But I think you are not taking sufficient out door exercise and fear your health will suffer. You had better say to Mr. and Mrs. Wylie I would like you to come on and spend the balance of the Summer with me. We can either take an excursion in the cars to Germantown or many other places and walk when the weather is not too warm. Recollect you are not without a home, my house is your home where you are always welcome and we are glad to have you. So do not work too hard. Confide all your troubles in me and do not stay unless you feel perfectly satisfied and happy. Susan Black came down to see us last week. She too has her troubles, poor thing. Emma has not written her. By the bye she wrote me last week and said when she heard something about Dear Ma's body she would write me more fully on the subject. I went down to get you some little remembrance of Chloe's. Did not see the man yet. Have the corsets for you. Use what money you have and when I send your clothes will send you $5. Write soon

Please write me if I shall have the dress dyed and I will attend to it. Is there any thing in your trunk you want? If you come on soon, I will not send it with the suit but keep it until you come. Love to Mr. and Mrs. W. From last account Julia had joined her Husband at Reno and were traveling in their ambulance homeward. Harry's wife expects next month!

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. June 26, 1871

Miss Lou Wylie-- Dear friend, Do not wait for me. I feel so unwell that I do not think it prudent to go. Truly yours Herm. B. Boisen

Transcription: Bloomington July 17th 1871

Mr. Boisen Dear Sir

Your letter was received Saturday too late for the return mail. I will enclose ten dollars either by draft or P.O. order and send today. Am sorry to hear of your accident. We had quite a storm here yesterday, almost a tornado. I hear that a few miles east of town trees were uprooted and other damage done. The rain fell in torrents. The little stream between us and the college became like a small river, sweeping away fences and very nearly carrying off our bridge. The water rose to the bridge and [?] through the floor. By the rain gauge 4 inches fell in about as many hours. We are all well.

Very truly yours

T. A. Wylie I send the Catalogues also. P.S. Not being able to procure a P.O. order I now draft a N. Y. for $10 which the bank or any merchant will exchange for you when you endorse it.

T. A. W.

Transcription: Kokomo Ind. Aug. 9. 1871

Dear Friend, I send you enclosed answer from my sister; my parents write that your kind letter has given her a great deal of pleasure. My brother has now at last arrived, --is at present on his way from New York to Indianapolis. --I received the dispatch half an hour ago. I will meet him in Indianapolis on Saturday morning and hope to bring him to you most likely on Monday, if not then on Tuesday. Sabbath I intend to spend with my friend bully in Danville.--

The work of this week has been a most pleasant one, and I believe partly success. Your paper-work has excited a good deal of admiration.

My respects to all of you. --pardon my hurry.--I am dear friend Very truly yours, Herm. B. Boisen

Miss Louisa Wylie Bloomington Indiana

Transcription: Indianapolis, Sept 3, 71

My dear friend, A few lines only I enclose for you, --chiefly to thank you and your mother for your kindness towards my brother during my absence. He writes to me very happy about his living with you, and feels perfectly at home. Your kind reports too have been a great comfort for me—but I did not ask for them—only asked Dr. Maxwell to report either to you or to your mother. The more then I thank you—without your last letter I really would have felt very uneasy. I hope for better news with next letters, although the continued change of the weather hardly allows me to do so.

Tomorrow morning I shall start for [Ames?]--Here I had a very pleasant week; I learned to like Indianapolis; I learned many other things besides that: among the instructors were very eminent men, especially a Prof. Hewett from the Illinois State Normal School, a very excellent teacher. Where there was so much to be learned I, of course, did not undertake to teach much. About 200 teachers were present. This morning I was at Roberts chapel; we had a bright and pleasant Sabbath.--I heard Dr. Holloday's farewell sermon from his congregation.

Saturday week I shall if things go right, be with you again, and I do long for it, too. Till then, dear friend, keep in kind remembrance

Your very truly Herm. B. Boisen You would oblige me by sending four Catal. [catalogues] to [Ames?] H.B.B.

Excuse these ugly spots. H.

Transcription: [Sept 9, 1871?] 1335 S. Broad

My dear Lou,

Although I do not owe you a letter I thought I would waive ceremony this time to find out what has caused your long silence. I hope too much learning and too many honors has not caused it. What has caused Sister's and Maggie's delay in visiting our city? Will they be on this Fall? I think your Aunt Susan has returned. I have not been to see her yet. It has been rather warm and very, very dusty. Broad Street is a perfect cloud of dust. I like living here ever so much. We [have] some pleasant neighbors. Kate and I went last night to call on some young ladies by the name Nevin. Their Father is a German Reformed Minister. They appear to be a lovely family. They have two grown daughters and one son. They [had] several ladies visiting them. One was a Mrs. Torson or Tueson from Washington City. She was acquainted with Mrs. Judge Hughes and with Judge Wylie. She told me all about young McKee's marriage to Miss Dunn. And altogether we spent a very pleasant evening. Before starting we agreed if we didn't enjoy ourselves we would leave at nine and we staid until 10 ½. Lou, do you know where Renie Bell is now? How are the Bloomington people progressing. Don't you dred the winter coming? I should if I lived where you do. I am quite anxious you should make Emma stay over the winter. I want her to see the Hoosier mud. I wish you would ask her if she received my last letter with the ground rent order in it. I sent it about two weeks ago. I feel uneasy about it. And if she received it, she ought to be well scolded for not answering it immediately. For it was a business letter. I had asked her several questions I wished her to answer, and shall feel quite hurt if she neglects answering them immediately. I suppose she showed you the letter. I always feel that you take as much interest in our affairs as Sister C's children. Give my love to the boys. Is Brownie going to return to Phil. this winter? I should love to see them all. Tell Toph and Dorie to study real hard this session. Is Miss Hanneman still going to College? Is Judge Rhoads still attentive to her? Do write and give all the Bloomington gossip. I will write to the Alexander girls some day. I have not forgotten them. Tell Em if she did not get my letter to write immediately. And if she did, do the same. How is your Father's health? He was not well when I last heard. I wish you were all nearer. Kate and I have been much interested in a drunken man and woman who just passed along Reed St. He threw her down and quite a crowd collected around them. A man caught hold of her and pulled her out of the street. In a short time she recovered sufficiently to get on her feet and away they both went. I must stop as I expect the dinner bell to ring every moment and I wish to give this to the postman when he comes around at dinner time. Do write soon and make Em write and please give her a good scolding for neglecting me so long. She never did it before she went to B, but she has got into bad company. Love to all, there goes the bell.

Lizzie Dennis Phil. Sept 9

Transcription: Excuse paper. I have run out and wanted to write tonight. Bloomington Oct 3rd, 1871

My dear brother,

Your very welcome came safely to hand and I will follow your lead by answering questions first. With regard to my keeping Cornelia's letter so long before sending it, I stated, I thought distinctly my reasons for doing so Viz. The impossibility of anything being done during the warm season and the uselessness of keeping the matter always agitated when that was the case. This and this alone deterred me, perhaps I was wrong. If so I regret it. You wish me to state definitely what my wishes are. I thought I had done so, but will do it again for I hope the last time. You say you "respect the wishes and opinions of others when they come from the heart." I suppose you mean even when they differ from you. If so I most cordially agree with you and wish it could be carried out by all. Well there are several reasons why I should much prefer our dear Mother's remains continue to lie undisturbed, the family owning the lot. But I would not for a moment have my private feelings stand in the way of a peaceable adjustment of our difficulties. I think the calm, unbiased, judgment or wishes of the majority of Mother's children should rule this matter. If they are willing to accept Cornelia's proposition or Sister C's (which if I understand correctly is to make the lot over to the family, Sister Rebecca holding the Deed?) I will not object now to any other means that may be devised for a proper settlement of this sad business. But it must be peaceably settled. I will not go to law or do any thing to aggravate matters. I believe God in his own good time will guide us through this trouble. My prayer has always been not that my will but the right might prevail. Now is this sufficiently decided? No not quite I am afraid. How much I would like to be with you if only for an hour that I might explain what may seem contradictory in my letters, but I cannot undertake it with pen or rather pencil. But I will give you one reason the worst, for it is the most selfish one, that would cause me to wish Mother to remain in W. Chester. I would like to lie beside her when I die if it were possible, but I have a great reluctance to being buried in Woodlands. I have felt so ever since I was there attending Mrs. Wylie's funeral. I know it is foolish, but we cannot account for or rather control our fancies. It really does not matter where our poor perishing bodies shall lie I know, if only our spirits are at rest, but it is natural I think to wish to lie with those who have known and loved you and in all that great City of the Dead with the exception of Dr. Wylie's family all are strangers. Nor do I suppose in all the City of Philadelphia there half a doz families outside our own would feel sufficient interest to read the inscription on our tombstones if we had one. Of course though strong I would not allow my feeling to influence you, but I tell you to give you an insight into my heart I have never given any one else. There are those who may feel inclined to attribute my reluctance to Cornelia's influence, let them do it. My weakness is for you only. So please destroy this when you have read it sufficiently. And now for more agreeable topics. I am glad your health is restored and wish much I could get a situation for you but there is nothing here that we know of. Toph has gone to Muncie [remainder of letter missing]

Transcription: Chicago Nov 13, 1871

My dear Lou,

Your very kind and welcome letter was received more than a week since and would have been answered before this but for the very unsettled condition in which it found us. There are very few families in the city even among those that were not burnt out but what have made great changes in their household arrangements. So we have rented out half or rather more than half of our house for a wholesale jewelers store, and of course all of last week was taken up in moving our things from one part of the house to another and disposing of unnecessary furniture. We have retained six rooms but do not take our meals at home. We eat at Charles house, which is in the same yard and thereby I am relieved of all care. But the principle reason why you were not answered sooner was something of very different nature. "Our baby" was taken sick about a week after the fire. She had been sick several times before, when she got each of her teeth (she was raised by hand) but seeming to have recovered so nicely each time and being so strong and bright we still hoped she might recover from this attack, but on Monday a week ago to day, she very quietly and sweetly left us to join her uncle and cousin who left us just one year ago. It is a great trial to The and Mary and to all of us. We so much miss her. I think I never knew a child that was so bright, sweet and playful. No one could be about the house and not love her. She was just eleven months old. How fast are we being called away. We have laid away six dear ones out at Graceland in two years and a half. I think it will surely be my turn soon. I am very sorry indeed to hear that your father is not well. You did not say what was the matter or whether he was unable to attend to his duties in College. We will be deeply interested in hearing of his welfare and of that of all the family. We have heard very little from Bloomington for the last year. I do thank you for the expressions of kindness and sympathy in your letter, but such overflowing of sympathy and assistance as given all over the world was never heard of before and is the most touching part of it all. There never was such kindness shown. So there never was such a fire. Never such ruins seen and we pray God there never may be again in the world. It was well worth your making a journey from Bloomington to see the magnificent ruins, greater than the world ever saw before. Thousands have visited them from a distance. Of course I don't pretend to tell you any thing about the calamity, or of the incident connected with it. 'Tis more fearfully distressing than you can possibly conceive and you can have no idea of its extent unless you had been here before and since the fire. The destitution will be dreadful all winter. I received an immense box last week from the first Pres. Church of Philadelphia together with a sweet letter from Mrs. Perkins. The box contains almost every thing you could imagine. They wished me to distribute at my discretion, says it will be followed by others. They are sent from every place where the name of Jesus is named. It makes us think better of humanity to see such kindness. Love to all from your friend

E. S. Hammill We are always glad to hear from any of you. I think so often of the kindness shown by you all to me and the dear one who was with me. Remember us kindly to all our friends in B.

Transcription: Bloomington, Feb. 8th, 1872

Dear Mrs. McFerson,

As Louisa is writing to Parke I thought I would send a few lines to you. I really am ashamed of not having answered your kind letter and also not acknowledging the receipt of the flesh brush. I am very much obliged to you for your trouble and ought to have sent the money before this. We have had a great deal of sickness this fall. Young Mr. Boisen is very low. I do not think he will survive the Spring. If he does, will return to Germany. Mrs. Ballantine is quite sick again. Mrs. Morton Hunter has another daughter, she has been quite ill for nearly a month, only able to sit up a little. Mrs. Redick Wylie has a daughter. Mrs. McCalla has moved in her new house but thinks it too large for her family. Mrs. Fee is also in hers and appears to enjoy it very much. Mrs. Hughes has gone to Washington with the Judge. Bock is in an insane asylum. Ann Shaffer died very suddenly at Mr. Howe's. I suppose you heard we had a new prof, Mr. Gay from Vincennes. He is working hard to build up an Episcopalian Church here. Has seven members I think & has bought Bill Browning's house & intends to move the house & build a church on the corner. We hear Sallie Morrison has turned Christian and been elected to a chair in the N. W. W. in Indianapolis. Give my love to Parke, the children and all

Yours, etc.

R. D. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington Feb 25th 1872

Dear Reb. Mr. Boisen yesterday gave Emma a draft for $100, he said he would get the rest to day, but I think that he would likely have to borrow, & perhaps will not find that so easy, unless at a heavy discount. The note was drawn to himself, & would of course require his endorsement, & this if it should be lost, it could not be received. It was too, too late when we got it yesterday, to attend to it. I will go to the P.O. & see if I can get two P.O. orders, & send them with this, making arrangements so that if you do not receive them in Muncie, they will be returned & payable here. I fear they will not reach you in time. Anton is rapidly sinking & he grows weaker & weaker every day. Suffers continually. I do not think that he has long to live. It seems to me that almost any moment, we may look for his departure. He cannot now unassisted walk across the floor. His appetite is pretty good, the only encouraging thing in his case. -- I wish very much you were home, & hope to see you early next week.-- Lou has had an attack of laryngitis. She could hardly speak. Is better to day. Emma has had a very bad cold & cough. The boys are well, Dory crazy about the pigeons. He shot one yesterday.-- Love to Maggie & all the rest. Tell Arthur that I hope he will be a senator or representative next winter, we need for the university all that its friends can do. In haste Your affectionate husband T.A. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington, Feb. 27th, 1872

Dear Sister,

I have just come down from rubbing Anton [Boisen], & thought I would scribble you a few lines. We received your letter yesterday & this morning I handed your bill to the Professor. [probably Hermann Boisen] He said it was all right, he had told you if you wanted it he would send it to you. After dinner he saw me writing & called me out asking me if Mrs. Wylie wished the whole amount. I said "$2.00 would do." He said, "I asked Mrs. W. if she wanted anything & she said she did not. Here are $1.25. Tomorrow I could let you have the rest." I said that would do, as I would not write you until tomorrow, at least send the letter until tomorrow. I think then in all probability he will give it to me & if so I will get Mr. Wylie to put it in a money order or check & send you. If I understood him, Mr. Wylie, correctly, he wishes to retain some of it here, but I was coughing & did not hear distinctly what he said. And now perhaps I should tell you that I think it has taken or will take the greater part of his, the Professor's, available funds & if any thing should happen to Anton I don't see what he is to do. Anton is failing fast. On Sabbath last he was very bad and we did not think he would live many days but, today he has been better. This evening his pain has returned. He is very weak and has to be dressed and attended to pretty closely. I do feel so very sorry for him. We are getting along very well. The boys have done first rate. Brown has just returned from Mr. Blair's (with [undecipherable word]) Dory was just about to start when Fanny came in to spend the evening as her Father and Mother were out. Dory changed his mind very suddenly & did the agreeable to Miss Fanny the rest of the evening. Col. Thompson is to move next month. I believe Trileys are going to return there. I am sorry. I like to have Fanny & her Mother drop in as they do. Mrs. Ballantine was here today & desired to be remembered to you. This morning Julia Hunter's body was brought from Princeton for burial. Lou and I have both had colds but hope to be over them before you return. Take good care of yourself so that your trip may be of service to you. Give much love to Maggie from me. I wish you could see the Professor. Poor man he is sound asleep over his papers. He is obliged now to lose so much rest with his brother, he cannot I am afraid stand such a strain much longer. Such endless exercises to correct. Please excuse my carelessness but my paper was thin and I turned over the sheets before I knew it. Tell Toph we will be delighted to have him back again. Mr. Wylie has just come in to cover the fire, so I will conclude for tonight.

Feb. 29 The Professor handed me $1.00 and said in a few days you could have the rest. ½ a loaf is better than no bread. Mr. W. says you need not bring back the last Barare (March 9) as he bought it. Ask the boys if you can not bring little Arthur here with you. I should love to see him. In haste, ever your loving sister, Emma Anton is much better today. Was very bad last evening.

Transcription: 1335 S. Broad Street Philadelphia, April 12, 1872

Mr. Mellette, Dear Sir,

When I was in Bloomington if you recollect, we were talking about my Father's property in Savannah, Georgia. And you very kindly offered your services if there was any thing you could do. I told you when I came here I would look over the papers and send you a copy. I have neglected doing so until a few days ago, so concluded to write to you on the subject today. You I thought could examine and give your opinion of it if you thought you could recover anything for the family. If you should of course we will remunerate you for all the trouble and expense you would be at. There seems to be considerable land that I should think would be very valuable if we could only secure it. (This John Williamson spoken of in the paper said my Father owed his Father some $1300 but Mother never could get any account from him. His excuse always was that his books were in New York. I think he ought to be written to and made to give an account or list of my Father's indebtedness. For I don't believe he owed him a cent. For he told my Mother just before his death that he didn't owe Mr. W. a cent. And we have accounts where he has paid Mr. W. at different times. And Ma always wanted to get John W's accounts as she could compare them. But he never sent them, but went and sold the property without letting Mother know and took out his $1300 which he said Pa owed his father. And there were $300 or 400 over which he has held ever since. And then you see he holds a deed to a tract of land in the upper part of Georgia. This was held in Pa's own name. I can't imagine why he withheld that from us. I would like to know whether he sold those two houses and the small building used as a store and the lot those houses stood on. And in fact, what property he did sell. You see we are in perfect ignorance. He had every thing his own way. They say land in Savanna now brings as much or more than in New York City. Likely if you would write to him he would not take any notice of your letter, but you might try. If you know of any one there that could speak with him it would be more satisfactory. I think if we could get hold of Col. D's letters to Fistlens. But you will know best what course to pursue. How are Maggie and the children? I was much in hopes she would have paid us a visit. Give my love to her

Very respectfully

Lizzie S. Dennis 1335 S. Broad PS I should like to hear from you if you think you can unravel the mysterious. I have other letters I can copy.

Transcription: Philadelphia April 12, 1872 1335 S. Broad

My dear Em,

Your kind letter was duly received. Was glad to hear you had improved in health. I always dislike to hear of your having such heavy colds. I have enjoyed excellent health all winter. Everyone says I look so fat. I have taken a great amount of exercise. I love city life. I went out to W. C. [West Chester] with Miss C., staid all night and returned the next day as I found the Everharts all sick. I could not be persuaded to stay longer. I enjoyed the visit very much. Saw Mrs. & Mr. Moore. They have concluded to go to Columbus. I was quite astonished to find so many express their pleasure at his going. They appear to be very tired of him. Some one said if Mrs. M. had another baby in W. C. they verily believed Mr. M. would be mobbed on the street, the indignation would be so great against him. I was real sorry to hear them talk so. I told them I thought they were very ungrateful people. I just scolded them like a good one. I suppose if they had been like the B. people they would have been very angry with me. For as you say even the Esquirmans [?] like their country and their actions well spoken of. But I am not the one to do it if I don't feel it. Mr. Apple & Mr. D. Mields were buried while I was there. Mrs. & Mr. Speakman Mary Lee had just returned from Florida. She had been all winter. Dr. Egbert is not [at] all well. I never saw him in such a condition. Poor Sister is most worn out with him. I don't think he can last long in this condition. He is so prostrated. Kate returned on Monday. We were quite uneasy about the California people, fearing they were emolled [sic] up in the earthquake. But their lives were mercifully spared. Julia wrote they were toppled out of their beds into the middle of the room. She had Wilbur in her arms. She had the greatest difficulty in finding the door. At last they all got out, some out of the windows, all huddled together in their night clothes without shoes or stockings on the grass plot (she was unwell). Nellie's baby got mortar in his eyes. Their house was cracked from top to bottom. It is good for nothing. When I was in Bloomington Mr. Mellette kindly offered to examine into the Savannah business. I explained it to him as well as I could but told him I would send him a copy of some of the papers. I have neglected doing so until a few days ago. I got looking over the papers and thought I would do so. I send them on to you and if it meets with your approbation you could send them to him. So many years have elapsed that perhaps John Williamson can be persuaded to give the $300 he holds and the deed to the land as Minns [?] is willing to give up what he holds when he wouldn't several years ago to Mother. That Cherokee land I don't know whether it would be valuable now, whether the statute of limitation would prevent us. About those houses and the lot on which they stand I know not whether J. W. had them sold. Then there is a lot near a hospital we know nothing about them. J. W. is becoming an old man and one ought to call him to an account. Indeed it would be a satisfaction to know what had been done. I hate to trouble Mr. Mellette, but he offered to attend to it and if he should be successful why of course Sister would get her share. They would benefit from it as well as ourselves. When Sister H. was here she said those houses would now rent for over a $1000. But Sister C. thinks they are sold. She don't think he sold the land. If Mr. M. thinks he can do anything if he writes to me I will copy some more letters that may throw more light on the subject. I suppose Lou is busy gardening. I wish you would send me some seed, especially phlox and verbena. Please send them soon, as we will make garden before long, as the weather is so warm. I have not seen any of the Wylies. Now Emma let me know whether you think it best to send those letters to Mr. M. and if so don't put off doing so. What have you done about the Louisville property? Does Maguire think do anything or is he a rogue too. I came across the deed to the Hancock land. How would it do to offer it to Mr. Hardin for $100. See if he would take it. It would be no harm to try. Or what he would give for it? If you don't like to do it, I would just as leave write and ask him. Give them my respects. I often think I will write to some of my old friends there but put off. Indeed I have been engaged in so many different kinds of business I have but little time.

David has at last succeeded in getting a place on a farm in New Jersey. I do so hope he will like it and get along nicely. We miss him very much but he seemed so low spirited in not having any thing to do, that I was very glad we heard of this place for him. David is like me for I do hate to be dependent on anyone and next week I am going to try to be independent. Give my love to all who care for it. I would love to see the boys. Where is Toph? Take care of yourself. Lizzie Dennis

Transcription: Bloomington, May 16 /72

Dear Lou, I thought I would not write until the flowers had come but I have sent up to the office ever since I received your letter and they have not yet come. Tomorrow I will go to Berry and see if they have been sent to him as he is Heinl's agent, so he says. Before I received your letter Anna B. & myself sent each for a half a dozen verbena's but they have not yet arrived that I have heard of. We are trying to have the place fixed up. all the peach trees in the garden are dead excepting the young ones by the Hackberry bushes. The old grape vines also are killed down to the roots. but those on the wood house are putting out nicely. Aunt Emma says she wrote you a long letter by return of mail & not only sent you her advice but also sent Dr Maxwell's prescription for a liniment for Neuralgia. But I suppose you have got it by this time. You have heard from your Pa's letter about Prof B. leaving. I had a letter from him yesterday saying he was going to Harvard and willing to me dear Anton's rocking chair and requesting me to see to Anton's grave and plant some Lily of the Valley there. Poor man I am afraid he will regret the step he has taken. Pa begged him as a personal favor to him to stay until Monday, but all in vain.

Your birds are very loving but as yet no egg has been laid although the nest has been made and pulled to pieces several times. The one I bought for you sings beautifully. We are very busy cleaning house I would like so much to new furnish your room for you against you come home but we are trying to pay all our debts off and I hope by the next pay time we can do it. We have paid Col. Thompson all but one hundred dollars & also Lucas. The increase of salary does not commence until August or next College year.

Dr. Owen has returned. There is some talk of Henry Ballantine's taking Prof B classes. he is expected very soon. He was coming on to look after a place in the Perdue University. Poor old Phoebe Malory is very low with cancer in the breast. Lib Dodds went home yesterday. She begins to be quite conspicuous. is coming down to be confined as they have broken up housekeeping. Anne is still here. Julius most of the time at Redick's. You were talking of getting a new dress. I paid Mrs. McCalla twenty two dollars for a silver gray poplin, twenty yards. It is very pretty but I am afraid too light for me (it is like Em Dodds' wedding dress) How would you like it? I would prefer for myself a black Alpaca. Mrs. Thompson says she could not get it (mine) for less than 150 a yd in Cin.

Monday night I did not finish my letter Saturday night so I concluded to wait until to night as I was sure the flowers would come to day but they did not. I rode round for Anna to day and took her to Berry's for our verbena's. She also bought a Scarlet sage & I got five verbenas, a white crape myrtle, a Bouquet & double pink Geranium Heliotrope Calceolaria Begonia & two foliage plants. We have a great many seeds up. only one double Datura is up as yet. Plenty of Scarlet sage, Fountain Plant, Nolana Canna. I have not planted the German Pansies yet I thought I would wait until August as the catalogue directs. Pa had a letter from Prof Bell. He says he thinks Prof Boisen would come back next session if the Trustees would not accept his resignation. He has gone to Harvard & seems to regret his conduct. We did not get to hear about the box as the letter came the Monday after he left. It is after eleven o'clock & I must stop. Your aff. Mother R. D. Wylie I am afraid Heinl has sent the flowers to B. Ill. instead of here. We had a letter from Toph to day he was well. Is boarding at Uncle The's but has to take his dinner with him & gets his breakfast before the family. I wish he could get good boarding near his place of work. Mr. Small & Hunter are forming a coal company in Green County. They want Pa to take shares I do not know what is best. I am so glad you will be home soon. Six weeks will soon pass although I suppose they will be hard weeks on you. Good night dear Lou

Transcription: St. Louis, Mo. July 21, 1871 [believe it should be 1872]

Prof Wylie,

I am making correspondence from St. Louis on my way to Madison Wisconsin and then to N. Y. and Boston where letters would meet me care of President Nat. Teachers Assoc. August 5, 6th and 7th.

The girls, that is Bertha and Ada, are to be down from Columbia this evening and go on to Madison with me, returning by themselves.

I cannot but think that the very best thing for Louisa would be to take a place in our institution. I had made the effort to have our Com. together and to present her name in June. But they will in this matter I am sure, confirm my [xxxx] and adopt my advice. I want Louisa to take the place of Mary. The time is from 16th of Sept to Commencement with vacation at Holidays, work of 36 or 37 weeks. Of course we want good and effective work and earnest and constant endeavor; and had I not confidence in her industry and effort, I should certainly not desire or recommend her. It is for her a great opportunity, if she looks at improvement to herself only.

Mary received $750. I should offer the same to Louisa, paid quarterly. The usual price of boarding is some $5. If she chooses to stay with us, it will be $4.

I cannot exactly define the hours, but they will not be beyond a fair proportion (say) 21 hours. We may have a small class in French. The Books may be of Louisa's own choosing—easy books. [Teleuague, Paul and Waginia, Voltaire's Life of Christ?]. The German will require two classes, one more advanced and one beginning, but all the very highest are gone. She will have no difficulty. I have forgotten text books, but will write. There may be another class for her in something she can do. Mary had sometime too much to do and more than her proportion. I should guard any one else as I could not her. Everything in this life requires some nerve. This is all good for us. She will make near $500 which is better than I do since I receive over $3000 and spend some hundreds over $4000 as my bank books show somewhat to my grief.

Write me to Boston if you please. I am with the very kindest regards to Mrs. Wylie and Louisa, very truly

Your Friend

Daniel Read There will be no trouble in getting over to Columbia. If you cannot come over, I will come to St. Louis.

Transcription: Williamstown, Mass. July 22, 1872

Dear Cousin Lou,

I received your letter night before last and I was very glad to get it. We can not tell whether we shall be at home at the time you mention or not. Papa says if he is at home he will be glad to see Prof. Boisen. Mama says to tell you that she will be at home, and will do all she can to entertain him, and show him Williamstown. We have been talking of going down to Haverstraw to visit some friends and going from there to New York. If we go I do not know when we shall start, or when we shall get back. We are not studying now and Jennie and I have been quite busy sewing for the last two or three weeks. We do not go to school. Jennie and I are nearly through Arithmetic. In Latin Alice and Jennie and I are reading Caesar, and Jennie and I are reading Cicero besides. We all have been studying French since last February. We have a Frenchman for a teacher. He comes here every day and stays about an hour. We got a croquet set this summer and we have played croquet a good deal. We have more than a dozen kinds of flowers in bloom and a good many that are not in bloom. Some of the people of the village have gone upon Bald mountain to camp out. They are divided into two parties. They have been up there two weeks and one party is coming down today. The other party is going to stay up a week longer. We went up last Wednesday and stayed over night and all the next day till about five o'clock. At night they had a bonfire and some of them sang around it. We went to the brook to wash our faces and comb our hair. The camp is in a grove where there are a good many spruce trees, so that it makes it very cool and shady there. I think it is very nice. I suppose Wylie has forgotten us by this time. Jennie wishes to be remembered to all. You must answer this letter sooner than you did the other one. Love to all

Your aft [affectionate] friend,

Agnes [the following is in a different hand] P.S. I am sorry that the prospect of Prof Boisen's being entertained here is so poor. If I am here I shall be glad to see him, and to have him see what we can show him. I am glad to hear of your invitation to Missouri. How long do you expect to remain? Please tell your Father I hope to write to him soon. Regards to your Mother and all Yours truly C.M.D.

Transcription: July 28, 1872 1335 S. Broad.

My dear Lou,

As Emma leaves tomorrow for your beautiful home, and at present she is up stairs talking to David, I thought I would scribble you off a few lines although it is Sabbath day and I am not in the habit of writing letters on this day. For I think when we have six days for writing, we ought to employ a Holy day differently. but hope I will be pardoned for this deviation. I am glad Em seems so well satisfied at your house, that you all understand her and she you. For unfortunately that was not my case. But I try to have faith and believe what seems hard to bear at the time will eventually work together for my good. I think this world is just a state of trial for all of us. And now I have brough myself to be perfectly resigned to whatever happens to me. Not to allow myself to be surprised at the unkindness of anyone. What kind of a summer have you spent? We have had it very very warm. I have been in the city most all summer. But you know I am devoted to a city life. So do not consider it any hardship. I often transport myself to your garden sitting under those large trees admiring the beauties of nature around me. I have no doubt, but what I enjoy them as much as you do, who are bodily present. I think there are but few who rightly value the blessings they have. You are. This is Sunday and I am kind of sermonizing. If I had been born a man I should certainly have been a minister for I am excellent at preaching--poor at practicing. Perhaps you would say a Dominy [?] should be good at both. I say also should be. But one thing: I think very few practice what they preach. Indeed I am beginning to have a very poor opinion of human nature. For I am the most unfortunate of beings. For just as sure as I love a person & begin to think well, you are just as near perfection as a human being can be, I make a discovery that they are the most deceitful of all creatures. So I verily believe now that I can trust but one. And if I should find him to be untrue, I think I shall take it under consideration of drowning myself. For where is the use in living if you are compelled to believe every person is a rogue. How are the boys? they are so silent that if they don't take care I shall forget I have any nephews. Dory I hope will some day distinguish himself as a good man. Tell him I tried to get him a Greely fan, but was unsuccessful. As I take it for granted he is a Greelyite. Lou, did you ever read Froude's history of England? It is deeply interesting. Do you read as much as formerly? I am interested in studying French. I am translating the French into English. You know I am very fond of study and have the time. When are you coming on this way? I hope before very long. I wish some of the B. people would come to see me when they come this way. I must stop. Give my love to all the family and believe me to be your ever attached Lizzie Dennis

Transcription: Princeton, Ind. July 31, 1872

Dear Friend Lou,

I thank you for your early attention to my letter and for the trouble you took to make inquiries for me. I hardly think it worth while for the present at least, to try to obtain pupils in Bloomington. I would not think it possible for the town to support another teacher, and there might be those persons who would think me intruding were I to make an effort to obtain a class with so many already in the field. But if at any time there should be a vacancy in the teachers list, I would be very much obliged if you would let me know. Once more let me thank you for the trouble you have already taken.

There has been a lady from Indianapolis teaching in Princeton during the past year. She is away on a visit at present, but expects to return in the fall. She had not much of a class when she left. I don't know how she will succeed on her return. A great many persons are dissatisfied with her. There is very little attention paid to music here. The people seem to care nothing for it. I have a class of seven at Patoka, a town five miles north of Princeton. I go out twice a week.

Yes, Isabel graduated and what was better, had the valedictory. To do her justice, I must say she did nicely and read so distinctly that she was heard in all parts of the room. There were two in the class besides her. She wishes me to thank you for your congratulations and give you her very best love. There will be a much larger class next year. The schools are giving general satisfaction under the Superintendence of Mr. Hunter.

Janie Warnock was very badly bitten by a dog one day last week. There will be a scar in her face for life. The wounds are doing well as could be expected. A great deal better than was thought at the time she was hurt. She goes back to Indianapolis in September. Her Mother intends to have her complete the course in the Institution.

I am very sorry I cannot go back to Indianapolis next fall. I was very much pleased with my year away from home. I had such a splendid teacher. He was a German and you know that class have the name of being good teachers. I practiced eight and ten hours a day. The school was broken up though on account of not having a sufficient number of scholars.

I have seen your brother once or twice at Church. I think he stays on the farm rather closely. Too much so for pleasure, I should think in this kind of weather.

I should like to hear from you when you find it convenient to write. Be assured you are not forgotten by any of us. Ma sends her kindest regards.

Believe me to be as ever

Your friend

Nellie Blair

Transcription: August 1872

My Dear Louisa:

I wrote your father in regard to you because I thought you would do well in the place proposed. I spoke to members of our Education Com. and no objection was made to the arrangement. Of course, I alone knew of you, and I had the statement of Prof. Ballantine and Mrs. McFerson in your behalf. What I knew of you personally was of course but little. This I knew of your family, that more faithful, conscientious and excellent people it has never been my lot to know, and that your Father is a model teacher, and him you have had before you all your life as an example. Besides, I had heard of your own success at Princeton as a teacher. I also knew that you had graduated first in your class.

I have no doubt or misgivings in regard to you. I know you will do your duty faithfully and earnestly. It is an opportunity for yourself. I do not wish you to feel that it will not require work and courage on your part. I confess that to this day I so feel in regard to all I do. I expect you just as I proposed. We shall have a class for you in French (a small one) perhaps reading Telamaque or Charles with such exercises as you think best. A larger class in German, and perhaps a beginning class in German. Some other class in Latin or in Mathematics will fall to your lot. We are not so perfectly organized that we can exactly tell our classes. I am but just home. The girls (Ada and Bertha) are not yet home. They went with me to Madison some five weeks since. Mrs. Read expects them this week. Mary has arrived at her present destination in Prussia, is at a small city where pure German is spoken and not a word of English is heard. Does this require courage and will? She is alone in a strange land and where she hears no word familiar to her ears. She will after a little reside at Berlin. Give my kindest regards to your father and mother.

I will write you all about coming here and myself or girls will meet you.

I go to St. Louis in a day or two. Our Bd. meets at Rolla where our mining school is located in order to choose Professors etc. on 27th next.

Very truly and sincerely yours

Daniel Read

Transcription: Indianapolis Aug 2, 1872

Dear Friend

Your kind letter has been received and it was a great pleasure to me to read a letter from Bloomington and from a dear friend and sister.

Doubtless you will be surprised when I tell you how I have spent the greatest portion of the summer. I took a trip to Knightstown about two weeks after my return from B and remained only a few days. And a day or two after I came home our colored family left. We succeeded in getting another man but not a woman. Ma and I then had all the work to do but she completely over worked herself in a short time and consequently was taken sick, having a very hard chill. Then I had to "be up and doing." I had the pleasure of doing all the cooking, baking, working butter, sweeping, dish washing, etc. and besides Ma had to be taken care of. I spent a week in this manner. Finally we got another girl, but unfortunately she scalded her feet a few days before she came to live with us and took cold in them and had to leave, so I am in the kitchen again. I have laid aside my laurels and rolled up my sleeves. There has been a sudden and great transformation since I left B, but I really believe I am getting fat on work. I made biscuit this evening for tea, the first I ever made. I have also made my first pie this summer and have cooked a great many things I never did before.

Ma is looking very badly at present and we are trying to induce her to go away from here for awhile, but she does not seem to want to.

You spoke in your letter of going to Missouri to teach. I think it sometimes is a great benefit to persons to go from home for awhile. It teaches them to be independent and they learn the way and customs of other people. If you go I hope you will have a pleasant time.

I have not given up my European trip yet. I have planned to start the first of October but if Ma is not any better by that time I will not go, or if cholera breaks out I will not run into any danger. I am very anxious to go this Fall.

Mr. Raymond has spent two evenings with me since I came home. The last time he brought Will McCord with him. You have no idea how I enjoyed being with them and talking of B people.

I have not received my Theta paper yet, but presume the girls will send it with my Autograph which I left. I think the paper is beautiful, don't you think. I have lost my Theta pin and I feel so badly about it.

My Gladiolas are in bloom and they are so handsome. All our flowers are looking nicely. I suppose you will miss Mrs. Thompson very much now. She was such a pleasant neighbor for you. Write me soon every bit of news. You do not know how much I appreciate a letter from B. I am keeping every letter that comes from B.

Give my love to all the family and remember me to friends.

Lovingly and Sisterly

Minnie E. Hannaman

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. Aug. 14, 1872

My dear Friend:

Very many thanks for your kind letter which was received on Saturday. How it happened to be so long on the road I do not know, but you may be sure it was heartily welcome when it did come.

No letter from home has come for you yet. It seems very strange for I think it is already more than three weeks since you received the last. I am very sorry indeed, for I know how very much disappointed you are. If any should come now, I think I shall not forward them, for according to what you wrote, you will most probably be home the end of this week, and if I send them to Portland they would have to make the journey there and back, and so you would not get them till the end of next week, or what is worse, they might be lost and I feel that they are too valuable to run such a risk. Habe ich nicht Recht? [Aren't I right?] A letter came for you last Friday which I shall not forward either. I cannot make out the post mark, but it looks somehow as if from a student, perhaps for a Catalogue. I don't suppose it is very important, so it can wait. Of course I don't know, but if it is important it is safest here. I don't suppose you will get this, but I write because I am not quite sure whether you will leave Portland this week and so, for fear you will look and wait for letters which have not come, I write. If I receive another letter from you still telling me to send the letters I shall do so of course, if any come. And I think some will certainly come from Germany this week. I forgot to say that I have forwarded two to you. One postmarked Young America, Minn., the other from Steiger.

What a splendid trip you have had. I know you feel like using only adjectives of the superlative degree. If you did laugh at Anna's free use of the adjectives in her last letter, I expect she will find just as many in yours, but I know you have had occasion to use them. This traveling on the water is so delightful. The only wonder is that you accomplished so much. I am sorry that you missed any of the Association and sorry that you could not visit N.Y. and Philadelphia, but you can make that trip another time, perhaps next summer.

You will find quite a change in our town when you come back. A fourth of the square near the Depot was burned to the ground last Thursday night. Four drinking saloons, a meat shop, a grocery store, Bollenbacker's shoe store, the Post Office and Mr. Howe's store were burned. That corner looks quite desolate. Mr. Howe is fully insured and he saved most of his goods. Joe McPheeters saved most of his things and sad to say, so did the saloon keepers.

I have one piece of good news. One of my birds is back. It flew up to Mr. George Buskirk's and they caught it. It had been out almost a week.

Dr. Owen has received the appointment of President of the Purdue University. Salary $5000! I don't know whether he takes the place immediately or not, but we'll have to get a new Prof. I hope a good one. To say that I am glad to go to Missouri would not be the truth. I suppose the election takes place tomorrow. Perhaps… but I'll say no more, especially as you will probably know all that I have written long before you get the letter. I miss you very much, but I'm glad you have enjoyed yourself so much.

As ever yours

Lou Wylie The Dispatch said Farmouth Hotel!

Transcription: Tuesday 27th [August] 1872

My dear Elizabeth,

I was very glad to receive your letter informing us of your safe arrival and pleasant trip to Buck Woods. Georgianna I feel confident, will improve, as you I know will make yourself useful and she will appreciate your kindness. I miss you very much yet I am reconciled to your absence, feeling confident you will be happier where you are than with me. There were many things not congenial to your feelings, but I trust it will not continue so long. The Dr. and Kate left here last Thursday morning 7 o'clock A.M. for Mercersburg, Penn., which place they reached in the evening, where they were met by Nelly, who had a carriage waiting and conveyed them to the farm house about 3 or 4 miles. Received a letter from Kate, reports the Dr will be home on Thursday next. He ought to remain 4 weeks at least if he expects to benefit any. She is pleased and will not leave until I write it is cool weather in Phila. and they may with safety bring the baby. Her Mother (Mrs. Young) left yesterday for Wash. Kate writes that Nelly appears very well though thin, has a fine color. Lawrence is a very pretty, delicate looking boy. I suppose he appears delicate without actually being so, owing to his complexion, as was the case with Harry. How did you make out with your Lunch Basket? Let me tell you about theirs. They refused to eat tongue, ham or smoked sausage so about 9 o'clock Wednesday night, while I went out for the purpose of buying some cake, Dr. started to Williamson's and ordered a spring chicken killed and picked. When I returned near 10 o'clock I found the fowl had arrived. It proved too large and old to be broiled, so I went to work, made a good fine stuffed , roasted it by half past 11 o'clock. Caroline had insisted upon making them some Derby Cakes according to the cook book. After they were made they resembled somewhat your Love Cakes. Kate refused to take them, very wisely. So Caroline that evening enjoyed them very much at ten and has been under the weather ever since, bowel disordered and not able to go out since, until today she has ventured. The Festival is expected to come off in 2 weeks. Mrs. Biles and herself two invalids. I answered Emma's letter she wrote me, enclosed in yours, yesterday and requested her to write the receipt for the Ground rent, sign it and forward to you. Mrs. Johnston is at Germantown. When she returns to Phila I will draw it and do with it as you request me. Miss White has sent you $1.44 which is awaiting your orders. This is an awfully hot day. The Comet must have some influence on the weather, we have suffered much since you left us. And the pests of mosquitoes have nearly devoured us. No buildings as yet over the way. An Agent, brought a Mr. Ridgway to look at the house, with an intention of purchasing. After I had extolled the advantages of the domicile, I ventured to inquire how he was pleased with it. "Why, Madame," said he, "it reminds me of the Dutchman's Wagon." So I concluded his mind was made up not to own Dr. E's splendid residence. A letter has just been handed me from Julia. She has neuralgia. Wilbur and Mr. Dove well. She hesitates about coming on this fall on Wilbur's a/c. He is used to playing out in the open air which, poor child, he cannot do here. I think she had better have her teeth attended to somewhere. I have not been to the City since 1 or 2nd of August. Rachel thinks it hard you did not mention her in your letter. She went last Sabbath to Camp Meeting at Chester. She has an old Hod Carrier coming home with her at night. Next thing I presume, there will be a wedding. Shall I send you a newspaper? Sunday Despatch or American? Tell G I hope she continues a good Democrat. Mrs. Guerard paid us a flying visit last week. She has gone to Lambertville to see Cousin and then to pay Mrs. McCoom a visit in Sept. She and Mr. Augustus Guerard. Tell David whenever he feels inclined, to write me. I hope his health has improved. Write me soon as you hear from Emma and you have time. Your letters are not seen, but read and destroyed. Love to all. Moss is still in the land of the living.

Ever your aft. Sister

C. M. E. 1335 South Broad

Transcription: Indianapolis, Ind., Aug 28" 1872

Emma S. Dennis,

Bloomington Ind.

Dr. Madam, Your favor recd, and in reply we will say that we will push the matter as fast as possible.

Please inform us what you wish done in regard to the Hancock County land- Very truly

McDonald, Butler, and M.W.

Transcription: Sept. 10, 1872

Miss Louisa Wylie

Mrs. Read had started to St. Louis before your letter came, but as we are so frequently there, it is a matter of no moment.

I regret the sickness very much. I thought it better that you should be on the grounds[?] a day or two, that is for your own comfort; and for that reason I proposed Wednesday as the day for you to come up.

You have the Rail Road times correctly. I think you had better take omnibus directly for North Mo. R. R. Depot. If you stop at all, the Planter is the proper place. Maj. Rollins will be there. Send him your card, but you will have little time there. I may write Mr. Kelsey to take care of you, see that you have breakfast, and hurry you off to Depot in time. Mr. K. is the Proprietor of Planter and an intimate friend of ours of many years standing.

I regret Mrs. R. went down Saturday to come up would have suited her better, but she couldn't stay so long. Bird or Ada may meet you at Centralia, the junction of our Road with N. W. (or as they are trying to get it called St. Louis & Kansas City).

Mary is at Marburg (Proving Hossen [?]) where she hears not a single word of English (her object being to educate her ear). She says she is not home sick in the least, that time passes or rather flies too rapidly. So soon as she trains her tongue and ear which will take but little time, she will go to Leipzig, Dresden and Berlin, and by early spring to Geneva.

If any circumstances hinder your coming telegraph, but we want you.

My regards to your father and mother

Yours truly Daniel Read

Transcription: Columbia, Mo. Sept. 22, 1872

My dearest Father: I did not go to church this morning on account of the rain. I have no thick shoes or overshoes yet and did not like to venture out in such a rain. I do not think it will be wrong to write to you and tell you, just as I should if I were at home all about myself. Dr. Read has been very kind but I have been very much disappointed about having [?] work. he says he has to utilize his forces & there was nothing, or not enough for Prof. Schweitzer to do, so he gave him the German classes. I have taken instead an Algebra & an Arithmetic class. the Algebra class is in equations of the first degree. In Arithmetic they are just commencing the study. One reason I could not write to you yesterday was because I was nearly all day studying Algebra. and at 12 o'clk last night I had not finished. It will give me so very much more study & even with all the study, I shall not feel satisfied with my work. for you know I do not like Mathematics. I shall have, I suppose, five full hours of teaching to do during the day. perhaps will not finish my days work till 4 o'clock. I don't care though how much work I do if I can only do it to suit me somewhat. But I shall never be satisfied with teaching Mathematics I think. I'll do the best I can this session. If I had only known that I would have an Algebra class, I would have studied it this vacation, or else not have come at all, but you know although I tried my best to find out what I should have to teach, I could not learn certainly. Dr. R. said in one letter Latin or Algebra & I thought if I had choice of course I would choose Latin. But enough of this. I have a very pleasant school room and the students seem well disposed. There is a great deal of raw material. With the Profs I am but little acquainted. The Prof of Latin--Twining came yesterday. He seems a pleasant man. & I hope I shall be able to work my classes to suit him. Prof. Ripley is very kind. Mrs. Ripley is sick. She usually takes the Mathematics but this session is not able to teach. I have a very pleasant room in the front of Dr Read's house, next to the road, second story, the front window of which you see in the picture in the catalogue. Mrs. Read has her flower garden on the other side of the house between the house & the College. She has a great many flowers but they are not blooming very well now. They have no fruit. We have had some peaches, & yesterday I tasted Missouri grapes for the first time. Mrs. Read is not very well today, and Dr. Read has not been well though going about all the time. He says "there is no harder worked" man about than he. & he don't ask me to work as hard as he does. I don't care about the amount of the work if I can only do it well. Ida is very kind and Bertha is a nice, pretty looking girl. I like them both very much. They hear frequently from Mary who describes her German life very minutely, she is much pleased with Germany & don't seem homesick. Alice Read's little girl, Daisy, is here. She is a very nice child, six years old. Al now has a baby, a boy about three months old. Mrs. Read is intending to go to Keokuk in a week or two. Edward died about a year ago. Dr. Brice too is dead. Died of apoplexy a year ago. His wife was here when I came, she has now gone to Boonville. She is in poor health. She desired to be remembered to you when I wrote.

I never saw so many colored people in one place before. They form about a third of the population here. They have been holding a fair this week & the streets have been swarming with them of all sizes & ages & colors.

Maj. Rollins called to see me on Friday & was very polite & kind. His wife and Miss Mary are at Denver City with his second daughter, Sallie, who has some disease of the lungs. Chronic Pneumonia he says the doctors call it. He says he has had several letters from Indiana urging him to come there & make campaign speeches, but he don't think he will do it.

But I find I am not writing much of a Sabbath letter. I know though that I cannot find time tomorrow to write & perhaps not till the end of the week though if I hear from any of you I know I shall be strongly tempted to write. I do hope you are feeling better. Please do write to me all about yourself. Ma I suppose is so busy that with peaches & the house that she won't have much time for a little while, & Aunt Emma the same. I know it is almost in vain to expect to hear from the boys, but I shall write to them when I have time. I hope Prof. Boisen is still with you. I know that he will be company for you and that he will do all he can for you for he feels that our house is his American home, & I believe will feel quite badly to be obliged to leave it. Has Dory entered College? And is he studying hard? I do hope he will be a good and thorough student.

Tonight I went to church & heard a very good sermon. The preacher is an Irishman named Campbell & he is considered an excellent preacher. I think he preaches in something like Dr. Hight.

I wanted to write a great deal more but I shall not have time it is so late now & tomorrow I shall have more than I can do. I wish Pa, that if you have time you would write very often to me. I should be very homesick if I didn't fight against it. & even as it is, I have touches of it.

I saw Gordy Lathrop tonight, he is on his way to Cambridge to Law school. His mother is East. Lessie is in Kansas City visiting Fanny. Mrs. Smith, not Mrs. Dudley Smith--But I will say good night now & try to add a little tomorrow. Love to all the dear ones. Your loving daughter Lou.

Monday morn. Dear Pa: I wish if you have time & feel well enough that you would work some equations for me & send them or if you have not time to work, that you would send the statements. I don't like to have to ask the Prof of Math. Here, & yet I have not been over these since I left school at Glendale I believe. Beginning on Page 109, Loomis's Algebra, "Problems involving Equations of the First Degree with several unknown quantities." 1. Find two numbers such that if the 1st be added to 4 times the 2nd the sum is 29. &c. Pages 109, 110, 111, 112. Perhaps I can do many of them without any help, but I don't know & it keeps me busy to prepare each day's lesson as it comes so that I cannot work ahead. I should like, too, to have some of the preceding equations worked, beginning on Page 108 at ex. 10 perhaps. I am ashamed to ask this, but it sometimes takes me so long to work one example--I will make some foolish little mistake, & can't see what it is till I work an hour or two. It is miserable that I have to teach Algebra--for I don't like it. I forgot the hair stuff. If you will send me the formula, I can get some here if I need it. I do not like much to send this letter but I shall not have time to write again & I will try next week to get my writing done on Saturday. Best love to all. Tell all to write. I do wish I could see you--If you can I wish you could send me a few of those questions on Thursday so I can get them by Saturday --for Monday. Dear Pa, goodbye

Lou

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind Sept 24, 1872

Mr. Davis and McLeod, My friends,

I cannot help thinking that there must have been a thorough misunderstanding in our conversation this morning, and I wish to address to you a few earnest words which you will please consider. As you are room-mates they may do for both of you.

The whole affair between us was placed in an entirely new light by the explanation of Mr. Davis, that you had first both together worked out the exercise on a piece of paper and then each of you copied from the same original. Up to that time I could not explain the entire similarity between your exercises in any other way, but that one of you must have done the work and the other copied verbatim; but I was just as glad to receive Mr. Davis' explanation as I had been slow in believing of you the contrary.

And at the same time I felt full well, that I had done you very wrong, in expressing before the class my conviction that one exercise must have been copied from the other, and this I have as one man owes it to another, frankly acknowledged to you and told you that I would consider it my duty, as certainly I must, to redeem you from this charge before your fellow students. I have even told you, that although your language this morning was not altogether becoming, yet I would not resent this but readily pardon it for I have been a student myself, and can sympathize with the feelings of a student who cares for his honor and who is charged in the presence of his class with a thing of which he does not feel himself guilty.

This, my friends, is what I told you, or if I should not have expressed it the same way, these were my feelings about the matter—and I cannot help thinking that it must either have been from misunderstanding or from thoughtlessness and under the influence of anger that you have thus rudely repulsed the hand which I frankly and freely offered to you and added a new and perhaps severer difficulty to the former one. I address this letter to you for giving you another opportunity for calm reflection. All that I demand from you is that you heartily and sincerely accept the hand of peace which is offered to you and promise henceforth to submit to those rules which I consider necessary for the best of my classes, and the enforcement of which is my right, as teacher in our University.

It is with utter reluctance that I think of standing before the faculty as accuser of those whom I have hitherto considered as among the very best of my students, and whom I do personally respect. While I, as a teacher, have no patience with the lazy and indolent, my fullest sympathy goes with the earnest and manly workers and among these I have always numbered you. It is my fervent desire that my relation to such should be based upon mutual esteem and should be that of friends to friends.

These things, my friends, I offer once more to you for your calm consideration and expect to hear from you before our class commences tomorrow morning.

Yours

Hermann B. Boisen

Transcription: Bloomington, Friday Sept 28th 1872

Dear Lou Your letter of the 23rd was received yesterday about 4 o'c. I had not a Loomis' Algebra, & had to go look for one. It was late when I got home, & I have had time to solve only two or three of the list of problems, & I fear I cannot do much at this week, as I have to lecture, Sabbath & am very busy with my classes. I feel very sorry that you have been disappointed in your expectations. I do not wonder that you find difficulty in taking up the algebra, which I suppose you have not looked at for a long time. I will undertake to send you the solutions next week. I cannot possibly do it sooner. If you find the work too hard, or such as you did not expect, if it cannot be changed to suit you, you need not remain. But I feel sure that Dr Read will do all he can to make your Latin suit. -- Prof. Boisen is still with us. We have Bunnel & John Morrison as boarders in addition. All things going on smoothly, at present. College opens pretty well. We have hardly the usual number of new students, a number of applicants were rejected.

We are all well. Wish if you have time you would write to the boys. Dory seems to be doing pretty well at college.

Your affectionate father T. A. Wylie Miss E. L. M. Wylie Have not time to send the few questions I have solved.

Transcription: Bloomington Oct 2d 1872

Dear Lou

I can't tell you how I have been interrupted in preparing these problems for you. I was busy last week with preparing a lecture for Chapel. Monday just as I had sat down to work a dispatch came from Mr. Mellette wishing some investigation of the records of the Phil. Soc. This took up all Monday till night. Then [undecipherable word] the night was taken up. Yesterday faculty meeting till 6. Last night I prepared these few questions which I will send now and send the rest as soon as I can prepare them. You should not be ashamed to ask the help of the Mathe Prof if he knows your circumstances and he is a gentleman, he will help and sympathize with you. I fear these sent are too late to do you any good. You must not let the work interfere with your health. If it is too hard, and can't be made easier so as to suit Dr. Read, I am sure, will not throw any obstacles in the way of your return home. But I feel confident he will arrange things so as to suit you.

We are all as usual, Ma busy with fruit. The boys have gone today down to Mitchell to hear Ben Butler. We have quite exciting times now in the political world. Write as soon as you can

Your most affectionate father

T. A. Wylie Miss E. L. M. Wylie Columbia Mo. P.S. I forgot that hair recipe. I will go home and get it. [There follows four pages of algebra problems]

Transcription: Columbia, Mo. Oct 18, 1872

My dear Dory,

At last your time has come. I don't know whether you are very anxious to hear from me. I'm afraid not, for I think you would not have waited for me to write first if you had cared very much for a letter from me. To go away from home for a while is a good way to find out how much--or how little--our friends think of us. I have had two letters from Pa, quite short ones, but very welcome, one note from Ma--but I know how busy she is—and two good long letters from Aunt Emma. And no other word have I had from home, not even a message from one of my brothers. If it is because you are studying so hard that you have no time to write, I shall have to excuse you, for I am anxious for you to do your very best in College. But if you have any time at all to spare in writing to your far-off sister, please let me have as long a letter as possible from you. Tell me all about College. What classes you are in, and how you like your studies, and who are your teachers. I have not had any College news, except Pa wrote that there were not so many students as usual. So write me all the College news—how many girls there are, and what new girls there are. Do you recite to the new Professor, and who helps Pa in the Library. Every little thing is of interest to me.

I have already written home so much about my life here that I scarcely know what I have not written, and you will have to excuse me if I sometimes tell the same things over. The college buildings look very much as they appear in the pictures in the Catalogue. I have not been in the Scientific building so I don't know what it is like inside, but the main University building is quite different in every respect from ours. The Chapel is a semi-circular room, with a gallery, and the girls and a few boys are seated in the gallery during prayers. The students are very punctual at prayers and so are the Professors also. Dr. Read does not believe in the Professors being absent, any more than the students. No roll is called, but there is a monitor for every tier of seats. The devotional exercises are very short and then students pass out in order to the different recitation rooms. It is about as far as from our house down to Whitaker's corner to the Normal building. My room there is furnished with desks and I have a nice desk on a platform. The University, as well as Dr. Read's house, face the north which (the north) appears to be in the same place here as at home, and you know that is not always the case when you are away from home.

But it is so late tonight that I will not write any more, but wait until tomorrow, for I don't know but that I am getting my sentences somewhat mixed up. I have had a bad headache all day, so that I don't believe I talk straight anyhow. Gute Nacht, mein lieber Bruder [Good night, my dear brother]. I remember how you liked to have me say that to you.

Deine Schwester [Your sister]

Lou

Saturday noon— My dear Dory, I have just been home from Faculty meeting a short time. I had intended trying to get this letter off this morning, but the mail has gone now. This is a beautiful Indian Summer day, but such days always make me feel homesick. If I could only fly home and spend the Sabbath with you! I have had a very pleasant week. My classes are generally doing well and seem to be interested, but of course I never feel entirely satisfied with the work I do. There is no College work on Saturday but the Faculty meeting, and there are no religious exercises in Chapel on Sabbath. But the Profs work hard enough the rest of the week, for I think each Prof hears four recitations a day and the hours range from 9 to 4. The students are required to have their studies unless by permission of the President. They have two, sometimes they have four, but not often I think. I like all the Faculty very well, as far as I am acquainted but I believe I like Profs Schweitzer and Hosmer the best, and Prof Ficklin. Dr. Read of course I like best of all. He has been very kind to me. I do not believe that I have told you about the two female Colleges here. There are two, one Baptist, and the other Campbellite. There seem to be quite a number of students at each. At the "Christian College" as it is called, the girls are required to wear sunbonnets and it seems quite strange to see a long row of girls, each wearing a pink dress and a white sunbonnet. They are obliged to dress so, even for church.

But I have written you a long letter, although I find that there is very little to write about which can interest you. I can only tell you about the college, for I know but little about the town and its inhabitants. And College life is pretty much the same thing one week after another. There is enough variety to keep it from being monotonous to me, but unless something remarkable occurs, it won't be very interesting for you to hear about it any further.

Please Dory, write me very soon. Don't commence a letter and never finish it, but sit down and write a good long letter if possible. If not, write a short one and tell me about everything and everybody. I haven't heard about the elections yet, except that Hendricks was elected. And Hunter goes to Congress. Nearly all the papers I see are for Greeley and from them I would judge that he will be the next President. How is my bird? And who takes care of it? Have you gathered the applies yet? Remember me to any who may inquire after me. Write very soon, a long letter to your loving sister—Lou

Transcription: Bloomington Oct 18th 1872

Dear Lou-- What has become of you--We have been looking for letters for a week past & but none came--Hope you are not sick. Hope you have not become so absorbed in study, that you cannot find time to drop us a line. I know well our own delinquencies but I know also your readiness with the pen--& you ought to write if it were for nothing else but to give us a piece of your mind & censure us for neglect. Brown has been shaking again. So has Prof Boisen. Prof had to stay home from college yesterday but is well to day. All other things move on about as usual. Our boarders, Mr. Morrison & Bunnel give no trouble. Dory is doing tolerable well at college. Yesterday, we were made sad by hearing of the death of our old friend and associate, Prof G. F. Frazer. He died last Saturday of heart disease, in the college just as he was unlocking the doors to show his room to some visitors. Excepting the notice in a Philada paper we know none of the particulars.

Anderson Wylie is here. He will remain to tie the knot for Libby Dodds next week. Ma has been busy helping to [--?]. College goes on as usual. Students somewhat incited over elections in the societies. As much as citizens are in the presidential election. Dr. Read I suppose will not be pleased with the present aspect of things, though I am sure he will see through the dodge of the Baltimore convention in its attempt to get the Democratic party in power again.

We heard from Maggie yesterday. She has a sore foot, & seems not well. She talks of coming home, when Arthur goes to the legislature.

Do not forget to write. You know what kind of people we are--don't get into any of our bad habits. Present our kind regards to Pres. & Mrs. Read, & the young ladies. Your affectionate father T. A. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. Oct. 28th 1872

My dear Louise:

You don't know how glad I was to get your letter. I had given up in despair of hearing from you and had not seen any of your people for so long I had resolved to go over on purpose to hear from you when your good letter came. I do miss you so much, Lou. You don't know how much, but I think the town seemed more lonely to me the very next day after you went away. But if I am going to tell you all the news in this letter I must do work for you do not know how much astir this burgh has been. Neither do I, for that matter, but I will tell you all I know, beginning from today and going backward. This lovely mild day I began by directing my steps to Dr. Lucas' office, that most delightsome place. Not finding him at home, I started down street and met him. He told me he would go in and fire up and sweep and then would be ready for me. So I walked about till the time came, went in, found the Dr. had "fired up" but could not perceive any traces of broom work. I sat in the chair with the Dr. gouging me for nearly two hours. Then came home, got dinner (the girl was washing). She is such a good scholar, it is no trouble to teach her. I'm going to teach her to sing by note. She and I may read William Tell before the winter is over. I am only afraid I know too little German to make it pleasant for her. Now if you were here, we would enjoy it. This P.M. old Mr. Seward was buried from our church. Pa preached the discourse. Your father and Mr. Moore prayed. Poor old man. I know it was a happy release to him, but it is a sorrow to think that among all his sons who sat there today, not one was following his godly example. Ina went out today to the funeral and yesterday to church. This is the first of her going out. She seems to be gaining strength, but she cannot eat any better than she did, don't even dare to take a piece of bread, but lives on mush and milk. We have been in our new house a month now and we fully appreciate and enjoy its conveniences and ample room. This room of Ma's is such a pretty one. It has a new bright carpet on it and is so warm and cozy. And I am in mine right over head and I do enjoy it. Last week Pa paid Mr. Nichols all that was due him for the house and it is now our very own. We cannot be too thankful that our loss has been so speedily made up to us. I'll be so glad when I can take you all over it and show you everything.

I must tell you now about the Sunday Schools. The colored one is getting on nicely. The Prof is bringing up the numbers again. We lady teachers have had meetings two Tuesday evenings to teach the scholars some new pieces from their new book. They seem to enjoy them very much and learn fast. Yesterday the Prof brought in Judge Rhoades and he gave them a good drilling and promised to be there next Tues. if possible. Mrs. Turner has entered with all her heart into the work and her class is full. I gave them your message yesterday and they sent their love and wanted you to know that they were learning some new songs. We had Mary French to stay two weeks with us since we have been here and she was such good efficient help I enjoyed my rest. Now we have one of the greenest white girls you ever saw. I have to be in the kitchen a good deal as I don't give up the care of things to Ma at all. She does help some but is too weak to take the responsibility of things yet. Mr. Henry Rice took your class in the Pres. S. S. but he has gone away and actually I don't know who has it now. You know the Rices are going to move away soon. Mrs. Moore's sister and her husband have been here visiting more than a week. They seem to be real pleasant people. He preached yesterday both times and in the Chapel and he gave us real good sermons. Mr. Anderson Wylie preached the Sunday before and Pa the Sunday before, so Mr. Moore has had a good rest—and so have we. We observed the 20 and 21st as days of prayer for Sunday Schools by a union meeting in the Methodist church Sunday night and in our church Monday night. Prof Parrott and Mr. A. Wylie spoke in the Methodist church to a big crown and your father and mine in our church to a smaller audience. But the meeting was much more solemn and in accordance with the spirit of the call to prayer. The lady teachers of our school had a prayer meeting that same day and it was such a good meeting I felt as if I should always love Mrs. Moore better after that day. We shall miss Lib from the S.S. and choir. And now I must tell you about the wedding. It was quite small, not much larger than Em's and quite informal. Your Mother managed things in her efficient way. Lib looked pale, was dressed very handsomely in brown. Miss Quick looked real nicely but cried all the time, till people began to think she was old enough to exercise some self control. Mr. Wylie married them with the Episcopal ceremony. We had a nice dinner and Lib seemed to look forward with pleasure to taking tea in her own home. I wore my brown silk which Mrs. Hunter finished off for me that morning. It makes a real nice dress. Mrs. Thompson said it looked "stylish" but you know how easy it is for her to say pleasant things about everything.

Yes, you may be sure we enjoy our foreign letters. Will's from Germany and Brother's from England. Will went to Berlin to a grand review of the Prussian army and there saw the three Emperors, Bismarck, Moltke and ever so many more. In his last letter he had been in an expedition into the Hartz Mts. Sister Lizzie has been seriously sick and so all their plans of travel in Scotland were broken up, but she had recovered and they had been some time in London and were about to start for the continent when we last heard. They expected to see Will in about a week. Will has a pretty tough time learning German. Says he can scarcely speak at all yet. He has a delightful home at Herr Pastor Denkert's.

You asked about the Mission Circle. When I was confined so closely at home with Ma the meetings stopped and they have not been begun again. We mean soon however to get up an oyster supper and so make some money. Nothing of the kind has taken place in town for a good while. Louise, you must not let them work you too hard out there, and I wouldn't be around copying so much for Dr. Read. You are too accommodating and some people don't know how to be reasonable in their demands. I am glad you find things so pleasant and I don't believe you will be sorry to have gone. I believe all your people are well. They have been very busy and are kept so with their boarders. I forgot before to tell you that Mrs. Turner wanted me to give you her love when I wrote and old Mrs. Hunter enquired after you very particularly and thinks a great deal of you. Pa and Ma send love. Don't make me wait so long for a letter but I presume you don't need mine as your other correspondents can tell you all.

Please give my love to Ada. I would like to be with you there. With much love Your friend Anna I heard through Mrs. Foster that Kate Rob. Was married, have heard nothing myself.

Transcription: Columbia Mo Oct 29, 1872

My dear Father: You wanted to know in your last why I didn't write if only to scold you for not writing to me. You didn't deserve a scolding, but some of the rest do and I wish you would undertake to stir them up for me. I expected a letter yesterday & it didn't come. I thought I was sure of one today, but was again disappointed. You at home don't realize how hard it is to be without letters, or I know you would have compassion upon me. You don't know how I imagine all kinds of things when I don't hear from you. For that matter my thoughts always turn homeward when I'm not too busy & I think I know just what each one is doing. But I don't often fancy that you are thinking or talking of me.

I told Dr. Read yesterday that I was going to recommend his example to you when I wrote, & I must do so. I think he never lets a week pass without writing once certainly & often two or three times to Mary, & besides that he lets the girls have no peace till they write too. I don't expect you to do quite so much yourself, as I am not so far away, but if I could only hear from one of you at least once a week I think I could be contented. I know though that my letters must be very uninteresting to you all for I have nothing to write about but the College & myself, & both subjects are soon exhausted. Of course there are some changes & variations in College. As now for instance, I am working about six hours a day. But it is my own choice and don't count for so much that is. I have a class of about seven or eight Latin scholars who have fallen behind their class on account of sickness & want of books &c. I hear them apart from their class, which makes an hour. Then I hear the young lady who is teaching with me to recite in French & German by herself. This takes another hour. She will recite in French three times & in German twice a week. By doing this, she can take all the mathematics except one Arithmetic which I have & an Algebra which Prof. Riply has. She has two Algebra & two Arithmetic classes. The highest Algebra class in Normal only goes to Equations of the second degree. But she likes Mathematics & wants to teach it & I don't. Especially do I not want to teach it here for it gives me too much work, in addition to other classes outside of teaching. Besides I don't like the book they use here. But the great thing is I don't feel confidence enough in myself to teach it successfully I think.

I do not know that I have very much more to write tonight. I got through with my lessons earlier than usual & thought I would write & perhaps will send it tomorrow although it don't contain much. I think perhaps I had best keep it another day in hopes of hearing, so good night, with love to all Lou

Thursday morning My dear Pa: I have a little time this morning & I will try to finish this letter so as to send it today. I did not get a letter yesterday & I cannot tell you how exceedingly disappointed I was. I hardly have the heart to do anything. It almost makes me sick for I can't help worrying about it for fear some of you are sick. I do hope that if any of you should be severely sick you would not hesitate to send for me. I sometimes feel as if it wouldn't take much to make me go home. I have felt so worried & disappointed about different things. I believe I'm writing what I didn't intend to. Don't think I feel this way all the time. The bell has rung & I must go. Please do write or have some of the rest do so. Can't you make the boys write? I wish when you do write that you would mention what letters you have rec'd from me. I have written so many. We are having beautiful weather. Love to all. Affectionately Lou Lib was married a week ago today & I haven't heard a word about it.

Transcription: Bloomington Oct 30th 1872

Dear Lou,

Aunt Emma received a letter from you this evening and I determined to answer it immediately. We have all our canning and pickling done so I am in hopes that I will have more leisure to write. Anna B. told me at Lib's wedding she would sit down immediately and write you an account of it, but I suppose she was prevented from doing so. I suppose you would like me to tell you about it. The week before she went to Indianapolis and had Mrs. Allen to make her wedding dress and cut out and fit two others, one a blue poplin and the other a black gros grain. Her Aunt Lizzie made her a present of the blue. It was very handsomely trimmed with blue lace. The wedding dress was light brown poplin trimmed with a darker shade of velvet made in a Polonaise. It fitted her beautifully and was quite stylish. She only paid $23 for making her dress and cutting out the others. And her bonnet was black velvet, trimmed with pink cut velvet and jet ornaments. I went over on Saturday and made the fruit cake and on Thursday morning early was on hand to arrange the table. As it would cost Mr. Q. [?] about $100 to get the cards, they wisely concluded they would be married at home and save that much money, so they had written invitations and only invited the members of the choir which consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Myors, Miss M. Maxwell, Mr. Maxwell, Bun Dunn, Annie Ballantine, Fred Howe, Tiny Maxwell, Prof B., and Mrs. P. and Eunice, Mr. and Mrs. C. Dodds, Mr. and Mrs. R. Wylie, Mr. and Mrs. McCalla and Mollie and Laura Woodburn and Miss Quick, and all of our family with John Morrison. The bride looked very pretty and not at all embarrassed. Maggie was bridesmaid. Mr. Lockhart of Spencer was groom's man. Every thing went off well excepting Miss Q. cried all the time. They were married by the Episcopalian ceremony much to Mrs. D's indignation, who told her her brother was not being buried.

We had to hurry a great deal to get her trunk packed up and off in time. Lib is a nice girl and I hope will do well. Mrs. Thompson was down yesterday. She says to make your Alpaca body like your summer ones only instead of bias strips put wide velvet ribbon. I have not commenced them yet. I am making Dory and pair of pants. Aunt E. says Pa is making quite progress in speaking German. We have it for breakfast, dinner and supper. The Prof is casting sheep eyes on Lizzie Bryant. The other day he came riding along on Miss L. B's horse and in great tribulation inquired if we would lend her our girth as she had broken hers. We lent it but have not seen it yet. Today he came home in a great flurry. Miss L. B. was over at College and he wanted Dory to carry over an umbrella as it was raining hard. I told him I was afraid Mr. Ramsey would send him a challenge if he did not stop. He is just as foolish in spending his money as ever. I wish he would pay me some. I like Morrison and Bunnel very much. They pay every month regularly and I take it for table expenses. Little birdie is doing well, tries to sing. I am having my pit enlarged and bricked up. We have taken nearly all the flowers up. They look very well. Brown sends love. He has the chills and looks badly. Mrs. Ballantine is much better, she went to church last Sabbath. Mrs. Turner has your class in C. S. S. Mr. Wright is very low with Typhoid Fever. Prof B. sat up with him last night. We had company on Monday night, Mr. and Mrs. Moore. Mr. and Mrs. Goodman, Mr. A. Wylie, Mr. and Mrs. McCalla, and Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were invited but did not come. I have not got a new carpet for the dining room yet. B. promised $100. If he pays it, this week or next I want to get a new one for the parlor, take that one for the front room, change round generally. I bought a very pretty rag one for the boys room. We have not got the stoves yet. Pa got some of his money. I think I must stop as my eyes pain me and besides Dory wants to write. Good night dear Lou,

Your loving mother

R. D. Wylie Give my love to Mrs. R. and the girls

[the following in Dory's hand] Dear Lou, have not time to write more. All well but Brown.

Transcription: Indianapolis, Ind., Nov. 8 1872

Professor Wylie, Bloomington Ind.

Dear Sir, The Dungan matter has been settled. Dungan gave a note payable to the order of McDonald Butler & McDonald for five hundred and thirty two dollars and thirty cents ($532.30) which will be due on the 23rd of this month. He is perfectly good and the note will undoubtedly be taken up when due, the money will then be forward to Miss Dennis, less our fee. Mr. Bixly says he wrote Miss Dennis at the time of the settlement. I suppose the letter has miscarried. The other matter is at a stand still as all of the papers have not been forwarded to us. Very truly yours, F.B. McDonald

Transcription: Bloomington Nov. 13th 1872

Dear Lou, I thank you very much for your letter, though sorry to find it in one place a little bluish indication. I would be sorry that you would not love home, but it is of no use to make oneself unhappy by gloomy anticipations. With the exception of Brown, who has had the chills, off & on for a week or two past, we are & have been all well & are getting along well. We have a good deal of talk at table. Marisa & Bunnel try to talk German with Prof. Boisen, the Prof sometimes gives a narrative in German which helps us to the use of words.

Yesterday we attended the funeral of Rev. Mr. Wright. He had been sick for a long time. About ten days ago Old Ni Gervan[?] was buried & thus we are dropping off. We heard lately of the arrival of Samuel & his stepmother, both in good health & finding The & all well --though The in his last letter complained of not being as well as usual. I believe I wrote you about the death of Prof. Frazer.

We have got over the election excitement pretty much. We all rejoicing. I suppose there is not so much joy where you are. I feel as if the country had been saved from a great calamity.

Last night we were considerably alarmed about 11 o'c by the burning of some of the back buildings of the college. Indeed the college itself was in considerable danger. We are put into that ugly state of feeling of which we had so much last year by the wicked folly of some two or three miscreants. Write fully, with regard to yourself & work. We like to hear all the particulars. I think you have rather too much labor during the day. But if you find yourself able to bear it without becoming dispirited, it will do you no harm. But if you find it makes you nervous, & so that you cannot rest well, you had better try & get relieved from some of the work. I have no doubt but that Dr Read will be very considerate, but he may not find out your wants if you do not inform him.

Brown through ill health has got again behind in the few studies he had. As he has no capital to draw upon, the result will be that he will have to begin again in the Freshman & sub Freshman class. Dory learns with much more ease, but falls very far short of what he ought to do. I do wish I could find the proper place for our dull boys! All send their love. Remember us all & always to Dr. & Mrs. R. & family Write soon Your affectionate father, T. A. Wylie

Miss E. L. M. Wylie Columbia, Mo.

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. Nov. 18th '72

Dear Lou I know that it is a great shame that I have not written to you before. I have been sick most of the time since you left, but that is hardly an excuse for not writing before. I guess laziness is the great trouble with me.

I am not getting along very well at college now, I have been absent so much that I got behind the class. I have but three studies this term, Rhetoric the first hour, Trigonometry the second and Physical Geography the third. Dr Owen has gone to Indianapolis this week to attend the meeting of the Odd Fellowes [sic] Grand lodge, so that we will have no geography this week. We came near having a great fire last Tuesday night. Pa was explaining my Trigonometry to me when we heard the fire bells ringing we looked up in town, but could see no fire but on looking towards the college, it looked as if the whole building was on fire. We all got a bucket of water and started over as hard as we could go (Prof Boisen hunted for the axe but could not find it) and when we got there we found it was that it was that long brown building back of the college the small brick building just in front of it was soon on fire too but the wood shed was saved. The wind was from the south and the sparks went over the college. It was set on fire by some rascally student, I suppose, no one has any idea who did it.

We also had a fire at home it was the kitchen chimney, it made a great fuss and put supper back about half an hour but it really did more good than harm, by cleaning the chimney.

Will Carlton is to lecture to the [Delta Tau Delta] on thanksgiving day. The two societies Philos and Athenians have resolved them selves into a lectures association and expect to have Gough and Phillips and some more good lectures here this winter.

I have become quite a telegraph operator since you left. John Morrison and Prof Boisen both have telegraph instruments and we have a line from Morrison's to my room. I have Prof's machine. I have learned to read and write on it first rate. Morrison is a tolerable good operator he learned last summer vacation. When the Prof saw Morrison's machine he had to send off right away and get one for himself (it only cost him $16). He hardly ever uses it now. It is getting late now and I will have to stop for the night. If I am not too lazy I will write more tomorrow. Good Night

Tuesday 19th 1872 A.D. 12.30 o'clock I just got home from college a little while ago, been helping Pa with the Galvanic battery this morning. The Presbyterians had an oyster supper last Thursday night. They did not clear more than $30. There is to be Union service at the college chapel on thanksgiving morning. Prof Parrot is to Preach. Parrot is not liked very well by the students they say they would rather have Gay back. Now Prof Hoss is coming back to B. to live. Kansas don't agree with him.

It is nearly train time and I haven't much more room so that I guess I had better stop excuse bad writing, bad spelling and everything else that needs excusing. from your aff. brother S. B. Wylie Bloomington, Indiana, Monroe Co. Perry Township

Transcription: Muncie Nov 20th 1872

Dear Lou: I have thought of you every day for a long time and have wanted to write but have had so much sewing to do--

Arthur left us last week for Ind. gets home Saturday nights and sometimes will be home Fridays He wants me to go down with him but I can't afford to stay long--will go for a week or so.

I went to see about that hair of yours--find I can have a switch made for two dollars out of it. She says persons that have them say they "tangle" a little at first but after they are worn a while they are no worse than those made of strait hair. she says the cost of sending here will only be 4 or 5 ct--send by mail, best put up in a box (small) they sell them after they make them for half the price of strait. I would have it done if I were you. send if you want it done as one of the girls is married & the other may be soon. she said she would do it within the month. I told Ma when I wrote to send it but you had better write too. the boys are all well. Charlie will wear his Fathers vest because men wear them. Wylie went up to his Grandpa's a week ago. Will try and get time to write you a long letter soon. I sew all the time nearly & then can't get through. Remember me to Mrs. R. Write to me soon Maggie Will you get home Christmas? I don't often hear from home. Lizzie Browning is married to Taylor & Mary Young to Evans. Pa wrote to Arthur about college matters. Arthur is Chairman of education. John Foster & Do were in Ind last week. Arthur says they left Friday or Tuesday I mean

Transcription: Bloomington Nov. 30th 1872

Dear Lou I can't find anything but this half sheet of legal cap to write a letter on. I received your very welcome letter yesterday, & will send by express the books today. You may pay the express on them, & take the money you get for them for a Christmas gift. The retail price here is $1.00, I get them a little less. Prof. Boisen says they are all ordered by McPheeters from E. Steiger 22 & 24 Frankfort St. New York. Your mother is afraid you will undertake too much. You must always of course consider "quad valiant humeri" & feel that the more you do the more valuable you are, even though the reward does not come immediately. --We had our thanksgiving Turkey all to ourselves. The Methodists had a feast that day, of fat things, for the purpose of laying the foundation of a new Church to be erected at some future time. Prof Boisen & Mr. Bunnel dined there, Mr. Morrison went home to dinner. Last night & the night before we had quite a treat in the way of a Lecture & recitations from Mr. W. M. Carlton, the author of "Betsy & I are out." He recited this piece Over the hills to the poor house, & it's sequel, never yet printed, & many other very excellent pieces, to a rather small but appreciative & delighted audience. His lecture on "Every man a port," was nothing very great, but in general his recitations were admirable. It is something to hear both the poet & his poems. Mr. C. is quite a young man, I would not take to be over 25 or 26, quite pleasant in his manners, & seems to have great respect for religious things. He has certainly the ring of the true poet bout him.

Am glad to hear of your getting on so pleasantly. It is strange that you did not give the name of the classmates of Anton's you said you have met. Prof. B says he thinks he knows all his classmates, & feels sure that none of them has come to this country.--We are not making much progress in German. Prof B talks a good deal in German with the boys, & I begin to be able to follow some of his narrations. His classes are all doing well. --The great crack[?] in my [?] seems to be over our boys. Brown has been chilling all the fall, having no capital to draw on he will have to fall back into the Freshman class or high school Dory has no application, he will neglect his studies for any thing that may turn up. Has nothing of the proper spirit of a student about him. I feel myself utterly disappointed in them all.

The weather has been for two days very cold. Yesterday A.M. 7.0 o'c Thermom. -3o. This A.M +2o It is a little milder today. I am glad to hear that you have been cheered by a visit from Mrs. Mc F. & Theodore. Red joins me in sending regards to them & all Dr. Read's family, counting of course Dr R. as No. 1 in the number. Am writing in the library, with a cold hand & warm heart. Your affectionate father T. A. Wylie Miss E. L. M. Wylie Columbia Mo. P.S. Ma wanted to send some stockings with the books, but can find none to suit. 2 P.S. Stockings go a [?]

Transcription: Evansville, Highland Park

Dearest Lou,

Our folks returned safely from Columbia last Saturday and as they report my owing you a letter, I will write forthwith. I really did not know it. All I know is that we have missed your interesting letters and if writing on my part will bring them I will commence again. But it seems to me I have so much to do. I do not write regularly to any one now. I have no regular correspondents yet I write a good deal in different ways. I wrote for John very often this summer and then to ma and that was all I found time for with all my visiting. I did have such a nice time this summer at Indianapolis. So many of our old school mates are there. Em White, Eleanor Mc D, Clara Carter, the Morrisons. Then Mrs. Baker's family and the Kumlers were there and John having so many friends there I found a great many new acquaintances.

Our horse was taken sick the day before ma arrived. It is not at all dangerous, but we are not using it, so the children are not in school. I teach them three hours in the morning and we are both so delighted with the arrangement that I am not going to send them to school any more. They like their "mamma" for a teacher.

John is now in Washington City. We had a special invitation to go on in a special car with Senator and Mrs. Morton and John wanted me to go now, but we are going on in March and I do not care to go twice in one winter.

Eleanor seems better since her trip. She has a great deal to tell me about her "cousins." She will not say much about Read because her uncle teases her about him so much. We are having most lovely weather, good roads, etc., but so many are wanting rain for the [wir? mir?] and cisterns.

How do you like your new place Lou? I was very agreeably disappointed in Columbia. Give much love to Ada and Bird. I would like to see you all. I wrote to Anna B. to come down and see us, and to have you come down this way with her when you go back to C. You can get here in one day and stop to see us for a little while. Won't you? I do want to see you so much. Eleanor has been saying every day she was going to print Cousin Lou a letter. It will come sometime. Love to your folks when you write home. We are all quite well. [Thirdri?] is as usual, a great tease. With love to all I am as ever, your ever true affectionate friend, Parke Foster John and I are studying German and French this winter. That is, he the German and I the French. We have real nice times. We enjoy our home so much. Mary Gwyn has been here. She asked about you. You will come and see us before they banish us to Persia or Europe, won't you? There is no danger of our going to South America, but I don't know what we may do if the temptation comes in the other direction!

Transcription: Columbia Mo. Dec. 9, 1872

My dear Father: Your kind and very welcome letter ought to have been answered sooner and the books should have been acknowledged but I had no time until Friday night, and then I felt so tired & half sick that I could not bring myself to do anything. Saturday morning, Mrs. Read wanted me to ride into the country with her, and as it was a beautiful mild day, and hoping that the ride would make me feel better, I went. I did feel much better for awhile, the scenery along the road was very picturesque even at this time of year. high hills with rugged, rocky sides, great masses of rock standing almost alone, and some of the hills covered with trees even down to the water's edge. Then all along the banks of the stream the sycamores stood stretching out their ghostly arms. And such a hill at the end of our journey! The aim of our trip was prosaic and practical enough--we went after eggs, and we got them. If I only had the pen of a ready writer, I might make you feel how interested I was in what I saw at the end of my journey. First two log houses, As we drew near and just as we were stepping over the fence a large dog commenced barking and would have done more if his chain had permitted & if an old negro woman hadn't made her appearance in time to prevent all further demonstrations. Then we went into not a very clean room, but the old woman who was wonderfully active apologized by saying they had been killing hogs. & the gals had gone to town & she hadn't got cleaned up yet. There were several children about her grandchildren, a baby, quite small, was very bright & pretty. I got some of her history She had been a slave, working hard & waiting on her master & when he died, he left her all his property. 112 acres of land, & now they have horses & cows and pigs, chickens & geese in abundance, and really seem to be making money. but, if you could only see & hear the negro of these slave states, you would wonder as I do every day, how slavery ever endured as long as it did. or how among civilized & religious people there could possibly be so much degradation, so much religion which has no morality in it. The romance of the ride home was sadly interfered with by the basket of eggs which I held on my lap. I didn't intend to be so long in telling of my ride. When I came home I had to make out my reports for the month, & also a report for the Curators who meet this week. & that kept me busy till night & then I had to go to Faculty meeting, which is changed till Saturday night. I took some medicine yesterday & I feel pretty well today.

I received the books last Wednesday & have got my class fairly started. am much obliged to you for getting them & also for your nice Christmas present. Thank Ma too for her beautiful present. I hoped I should hear from her & Aunt Emma soon. Tell her I have sent to Mrs. McFersen to get me a black silk. she has a good opportunity of getting it very reasonably & as I don't want to go to St. Louis to shop & I don't know whether Mrs Read or the girls will be there, I thought I might as well accept her kind offer to get it. Tell Brown I shall try to answer his letter next week. I don't suppose that I shall have time to write any before Saturday as the Board meets & there will be lectures I believe the rest of the week. Tomorrow night Dr. Read gives them an oyster supper I think. There is not generally much going on here, but we are kept so busy all day that we don't have much time for going out at night as that is the only time I have for study. I am now teaching six hours a day. but Ma needn't be afraid. I guess it won't hurt me. I wish tho' so much that I could have heard Will Carleton. I can well understand that it was a treat. I intended to write you a full description of our Professors, but I shan't have time to write much. Dr Read you know. Next to him comes Dr. Norwood, Prof of Chemistry. He is older or nearly as old as Dr. Read, rather fine looking, but seems kind of gruff & cross. I never see him except in FAculty meeting. he lives quite a distance from the College. I have never seen his wife. Then Prof. Ficklin the Prof of Math. you have seen at Ind. he is a very unpretending modest man, but is a very good teacher & thorough scholar in his dept. at least. Prof. Riply the head of the Normal is a Yankee. I won't undertake to describe him now. His wife who has been in Phil. at a private insane asylum is rapidly recovering. The poor man has suffered much in their affliction & seems perfectly delighted in telling any one of her recovery.

Prof Swallow, chief of the Agricultural Dept is a very fine looking man. he is originally from Maine, but was so much of a secessionist during the war that he was imprisoned, he lives quite near. has a wife & one daughter a very pretty woman married to a gentleman of Montana. I don't know what kind of a teacher he is. Dr. Seward the Prof of Greek is a M. E. minister. I believer he is rather stiff in his manner, has been in Germany for several years. They don't allow any of the Profs here to preach, so Prof. Homer who is next on the list & who is a Unitarian minister never preaches. I like him very much. He too was in Germany, but only for about six months I believe. He has a wife & two children. He is Prof of Eng. Lit. Prof. Twining Prof of Latin is one of the gayest of the Profs. He reminds me in appearance somewhat of John Foster, but is an older man. Dr. Read thinks less of him I believe than of any of the new Profs. He has a wife & two little girls. Prof. Schweitzer seems not to be so well liked as I think he ought to be for he seems so earnest to have his scholars learn. He is not a very large man. with light hair & whiskers, has a tremendous nose & wears spectacles. Has an English wife, quite a fine looking woman. The last & least of the Profs is the military Prof. He is quite a small man, so that it almost looks ridiculous to see him in his big coat & hat ordering the young men around. He seems to succeed so well in bringing the military dept up to the mark that I have some respect for him on that account. But when he says as he did the other day to me & Miss Ware, that when he was teaching for a short time one of the classes, "he found himself so busy looking at the girls pretty faces & pretty feet that he could hardly hear them recite." I am forced to withdraw much of the respect I would otherwise have. One of the girls to whom he is somewhat devoted goes to College. She has a pretty face. But I suspect you must be tired. It is late and I must stop. I don't suppose I shall have time to write more tomorrow. I'm afraid that I write so hurriedly always that you can hardly read or if you do, you can only find something to laugh at either in the matter or in my manner of expressing it.

Has our horse got the "Epizootie" yet? or does Dory take such good care of it that there is no danger. I am sorry Dory studies but poorly. Can't you forbid him absolutely going out of the house till he gets his lessons. If he knew that he certainly could go nowhere until his lessons were learned I believe he would learn them.

It won't be very long till Christmas, but I suppose it is yet too far away to be bidding you a merry Christmas. You don't tell me what you are going to do. But I must say good night. In haste, with much love to all. And with a large portion for yourself. As ever Affectionately yours Lou I'm out of envelopes as you see but will lay in a supply soon. Please send me this week's "Progress." I haven't time to write more this morning. I had a nice long letter from Anna Boisen last week. But hastily-- Goodby Lou

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. Dec. 1872

Dear Louise:

"The best laid plans" etc—Your Aunt Emma came home to dinner with us Sunday in order to attend Mr. McCord's funeral in the P.M. and I asked her about your coming home. When I found though, that your people did not know it, I charged her not to tell any one. It is too bad, but Rene told me she believed they suspected it because you didn't wish a package sent to you for Christmas from home. After all, we shall be just as glad to see you. It was right strange that Parke should write to me just then. I have been intending to answer your other letter, but I have been having a regular siege of the tooth ache. This is the end of the third day and second night of its torment and I feel in no condition to write tonight. It has not troubled me quite so much today and I hope is wearing away. I think of having the nerve killed and the tooth filled and then having toothache in it! I have ever so many things I want to tell you but now I feel as if I should see you so soon, it is hardly worth while to write.

I intended writing you about our Mission circle oyster supper. The girls took a great deal of interest in it and we counted on a good amount of money. But the first storm of the season came on just at the time and the people didn't come. We cleared only $35.00 which we sent with $25.00 from the Ladies Society to help "buy Woodstock." I felt so discouraged about our circle I hardly thought we should undertake anything next year, but there seems to be more interest on the part of some since the Festival, and we are to meet next Sat. to consider what to do. I had a delightful 8 day visit at Inds at the Missionary Convention. I stayed with the Raymonds, was at Miss Morrison's one day and took tea with Lib. Lib had her first company in her new house. She has a real snug little home, a very convenient house and she did the honors quite naturally. I bought a set of furniture for my room and furs for Ma and myself while at Inds. Mine are very pretty I think. Parke wrote and asked me to come and see them, but I guess I can't go this winter. I have spent all my money in the first place and I want to go and see Sister in the Spring. You don't know how much better Ma is getting. She seems almost as well as ever now and can eat a good many things. It has seemed strange for her to wait upon me as she has been doing these few days since I've had the toothache. I must close now as I can't write any more. This is a mean letter but I'll make it up in talk when I see you. All send much love to you and the Reads

Your old friend,

Anna

Transcription: Bloomington, Dec 12/72

Dear Lou, While I am waiting for the boys to finish their breakfast I thought I would write a few lines to you. I am anxious for you to hear once a week & we have written to you at least that often Pa wrote to you last week. & sent the books & I sent the stockings & a little shawl. The shawls are very fashionable here. some wear them with the point before & some behind. I could not get knit stockings so I concluded to send the best I could. I had a letter from Maggy to day. She has been to Indianapolis to see Lib but I suppose she has written you all about it. Next Tuesday Mrs. Sue Bailey is coming to help me make your dresses. & I will send them as soon as finished as I think you must want the silk one. Night before last we had the mite (U.P.) here. The house was crowded. I suppose the must have been at least 100 persons here and only about six married ones. They appeared to enjoy themselves & staid until nearly 12 o'clock. Whose wedding do you think we were at yesterday? No other persons than Sade Cummings & Mr. Dunean. I was surprised at receiving an invitation and had nearly missed going, for in putting things away for the nite the card was mislaid and I thought it was to be on Thursday, but somebody said it was on the 11th so I sent over to Mrs. Tuley's and she was dressing to go. You may imagine I had to hurry. I sent Toph over to tell Pa as it was half past ten and the invitation was for eleven, however Dr Nutt had told him. We got there about eleven & were ushered into a room full of persons, taken up and introduced to Mrs. Cummings & Mr. & Mrs. Newlin &c. The bride was dressed in an invisible green traveling dress a white hat trimmed with the same color. In fact, the room was so dark that I thought she was dressed in black but Mrs. Nutt assured me it was green & beautiful at that. Sade did not look as handsome as I have seen her look. She was very much affected & so was her mother it must be hard for them to part. Mrs. C told me S had devoted the last three years of her life to her she had not gone out any but staid at home and nursed her. Last week we had three deaths in town two in our immediate neighborhood. Mr. Call & Mr. Burton Mr. Burton was only sick a week. Mr. McCord died on Wednesday and Mr. Call & Mr. McCord were both buried on Sabbath. I mad a cross for Mr. McCord & Aunt Emma a wreath the cross was buried with him but they preserved the wreath with paraffine. Clara came home sick about two weeks ago. I was there yesterday. Morgan was sick in bed. Some think he has Consumption but he says it is only a bad cold. The horses are all sick and the hearse can not be used so men have to carry the corpse to the grave yard. Sam is well as yet but we do not like to take him up town Yesterday I went to see Mrs. Atwater she stays at home looks very interesting I do not know when she expects. I must stop as it is late & I must do the morning work. I wish if Mrs. MF is there you would pay her for that brush & I will repay you. Love to Mrs. R & the girls, respects to the Dr. Mrs. Hardin asked me if you had met any of her friends Your aft. mother R. D. Wylie

Transcription: Evansville Dec. 12, 1872

Dear Lou,

Both the pieces of silk you sent were the three dollar pieces. I took the whole of both pieces to the dress maker and had her decide as to the merits. She said to get twenty yds and if you had a yd left it would be well for altering etc. I have just had mine made and had to match it (which gave me some trouble) and get three yds more, which made my twenty yds. Also two yds of satin for piping. This will make yours complete, without any other trimming, beautifully. The selling price was $3.50.

I had it cut off and wrapped up to await your orders. I told Miller to put it aside yesterday and he told me today that some lady from a distance after looking all over the city took all but a remnant of this piece. I hope it may prove a good piece, though I think silk buying rather a lottery these days.

I sent Ada today the last two Metropolitans. I see by St. Louis papers you entertained the Board and Faculty. Tell Ada we are going to have the Christmas tree out at our house. I wish you would all come along. Don't trouble about money, send whenever convenient.

I am writing at the office in haste

Yours as ever

E. G. McFerson

Transcription: Columbia, Mo. Dec. 14, 1872

My dear Brown: Your really good and very welcome letter was received some time ago, but as you were in no hurry to answer mine and as I knew you would not be in a hurry to have another one to answer, I have taken my time about answering it. Now it is quite late. 11 o'clk. P.M. but I will at least commence a letter, so as to finish it and send it off on Monday or Tuesday. You do not know how glad I was to hear from you. And I know how much you dislike to write letters, so I believe I expected a letter from you less than from the other boys. For Toph generally seems to like to write letters, and Dory dashes one off without any trouble some times. But I am glad you wrote & I shall not forget that I have one brother who cares enough for me to write at least one letter in three months. I am kept very busy now and don't have much spare time, but perhaps it is all the better as I don't have time to become homesick. But sometimes I am so tired when I get through with my days work that I don't feel like going to work right away to prepare the next day's lessons as I ought. We don't get up very early & against I dress & eat my breakfast and make my bed it is College time, so from half past eight till four o'clk I have scarcely a spare minute, sometimes I sit up very late. But it will not be long till vacation now, and I suppose I'll rest some then. I am glad to hear that you are going to College again. I hope you are entirely over the chills, and that you are working earnestly. Dory perhaps is so busy that he cannot write. Vacation is coming though, & then perhaps he can steal some time. Christmas is coming too, Brown, & I want to give you something, for you nearly always think of me. I wish I had Fortunatus's purse about this time. Not quite either. There is a great deal of pleasure in feeling that you have honestly earned your money, as I hope you will some day discover for yourself. I cannot, of course give you anything very expensive, not near as nice as I should like. But the reason I speak of it is that I thought perhaps you would rather have the money & buy for yourself. Perhaps there is something which you have been wanting which I can give you. Or you may have already some money saved which added to the little I can give you, will get you something really nice. Take a day or two to think about it, and then, if you feel like it sit down and write to me. I think it will probably be pretty dull here Christmas, though as a great many students will remain, they may get up something. We have a very nice set of students here. I don't get half so much discouraged over them as I do over myself. You did not tell me what you were studying and I don't know what Dory is studying either.

Has the horse got the "Epizootic" yet? I think Dr. Read's has it. Very many in the town and County have it, and in St. Louis they say they have hardly any well horses. Oxen take the places of the horses.

I believe I shall not write any more tonight as I have something else to do. We did not get the mail tonight, and I feel quite anxious to know whether there is a letter for me. I surely ought to have one. But we don't always get that which we ought to have. Best love to all. It is hardly worth while to ask any of you to write soon, for you won't do it. With much love your sister Lou

A man was stabbed & killed on the main street today. Such things are not so very rare here, as I believe I have told you before. I rec'd Ma's letter yesterday. Tell her I shall try to write to her this evening. I wanted to write more in this but can't. Tell Ma that Mrs. McFerson has got my silk dress for me & will send it to me this week. My money is not due till Jan 1 so I borrowed to pay for it. Vacation commences next week. I'll have to tell you another time about Dr. Read & the boys. Love to all Bertha & Read & I are all alone tonight except a negro man away off down stairs.

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. Dec. 21. 72

Dear Lou I received your letter yesterday and will answer it soon I don't consider this as an answer. All the rest are writing to you so I thought I would have to write too. I don't know what has happened in town lately as I haven't been up there for a month it seems but I guess it's only a week. I have been learning to paint some this week and I like it first rate. Toph is waiting for this letter so I will have to close. Toph has written to you but has lost his letter and can't find it and Dory has not quite finished his and never will I am afraid. I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy new year from your aff. brother S. B. Wylie

[in same envelope, the following from Aunt Emma] Bloomington Dec 21st My dear Lou Will you receive a pencil letter? See me seated on the lounge, Lizzie flying around setting the table Toph at the little table at work on a letter to you & Dory running around hunting up implements to join us in writing a Christmas greeting to our dear absent one. Brown is seated beside me painting. He has taken up the Grecian painting & is succeeding admirably. He has left what appears to be a perfectly fascinating employment however to assist me in making a wall pocket for your father designed to hold his mail which is as difficult for him to collect as ever, it is time for him to return home now, so all tell tale materials have been put aside & the frame for painting taken up. he says he will write you tomorrow that I suppose means soon. Mr Morrison is to return home to day for the holidays. I fancied until we got your letter last evening that you were thinking of giving us the best kind of a Christmas present (A visit for the holidays) but supposed you intended or wished to take us by surprise. It was only a notion. "The wish was father to the thought" I imagine. Still it had taken sufficient hold of my imagination for me to feel considerable disappointment at your concluding not to favor us with your company. Dinner is coming in so I have scarcely time to apologize for my carelessness in commencing my letter but I must tell you to write just what you please never fear, all is right & you must have misunderstood my letter for all goes as you could desire. I think we will enlarge our family before we decrease it for I suppose Hantin will come soon now. Prof B. says Mr Hantin told him Dory was the best in his Greek class. Happy Christmas & Merry New Year Your loving Aunt Emma Toph has lost his letter very mysteriously & Dory has not quite finished so I will not wait. in haste ever yours

Your chintz dress look beautiful

We will try & let you have your box by New Year Your Mother sends love Father ditto

Transcription: Mitchell, Jan. 6, 1872 [probably should read 1873] My dear Friend:

When I left home I did not expect to write to you so soon, but I have found here a pen which I hope will suit Anna and I will have it sent to you tomorrow. I have done something else too, though with fear and trembling. I have run off with your Bible, you know, and with many more of your books. Please do not be displeased with me for sending you one, not alone for that reason, but much more, in memory of the times that are gone, especially in remembrance of these past two weeks. Do not thank me for it, only forgive me when I misunderstand you, and believe me that I have never willingly hurt your feelings in any way. I knew as soon as you were gone that I did hurt you today by almost my very last words, and it has hurt me so ever since, that I must speak of it here. I had so little time to say anything that I, of course, said just what I had not intended to. Pa said something about my German correspondence and in endeavoring to tell you how it had come about I referred to the past, which I had not intended to do again. In bidding Mr. Bunnel goodbye, I said to him "You can send me a message in German occasionally," not thinking very much about what I was saying, and he immediately said he would like to correspond in German with me if I was willing and had time. I told him I thought I could write sometimes, as I am not always kept so busy. I tell you how it happened so that you will not think that I am too desirous to enter into correspondence with every one. I do not know that it will ever amount to anything, for it will not be easy to write in German, for me at least. But I think if I only write a half page it will be a benefit to me.

I have written too much. We arrived here in good time, and before many hours I shall be on my way toward St. Louis and supper. I hope I shall reach Columbia in safety tomorrow, about the time you will receive this. I will write home as soon as possible

As every your friend

Louisa Another thing. I believe you thought today that I did not see that there was any occasion for you sending money to the sufferers in Germany. You went away as we were speaking and I could not tell you how I had thought, when I first heard of the distress there, that I should like to send something myself. But I did not think that the little I have now left would be anything by the time it would reach Germany, so I said nothing as I do not again draw any money till April, and then I suppose the necessity will be over. Mr. Jefferson has just come in. He goes to B. tomorrow, so Mr. Anderson has asked him to take this bundle to you. I close in haste.

L.

Transcription: Columbia, Mo. Jan 11, 1872 [probably should be 1873]

My dear Father: On Wednesday I sent a letter to Ma, telling of my safe arrival here. I suppose you received that letter yesterday so that if you were uneasy about me, you are so no longer. I have great reason to be thankful for such a safe journey, for accidents & detentions seem to be the rule, and not the exception, now. I am very glad too, that I waited until Monday as Prof. Hosmer had a very unpleasant trip. The snow here is much deeper, I think, than at home. This is a beautiful bright day, much like last Monday, only warmer. I found all well, and glad to see me back again. Maj. Rollins met the girls and asked after me, and said that he and his wife had been talking about me and feeling very uneasy about my getting back safely. I went to work immediately on Wednesday, and have not felt so tired as I thought I should. I really felt sick the day I left home, and felt so badly at Mitchell that I didn't know but that I should have to turn back. But I feel quite well now. I still have my six classes, but may make some arrangement at Faculty meeting this evening, so that I shall take the German class and get rid of my Arithmetic class. That will give me one free hour, but perhaps more work, as the class will be large & I shall have exercises to correct. But I shall like the work better. Dr. Read is still in Washington, and I don't know when he will be back. He is not very well, has rheumatism. I wish that bill if passed, would benefit Indiana University, but I believe it is only for the benefit of Agric. Colleges I am not at all sorry that I went home but it was very hard for me to come back again, and I feel dismally homesick sometimes. But I know there is no use in feeling so. Six months will pass quickly when I am busy. That is one reason why I have been willing to do more work than I was obliged to. It seems to me now that I did not say half that I wanted to when I was at home, so many things I have thought of since. Especially did I intend to try to impress upon your minds that you--some of you--ought to write to me regularly once a week or oftener. I always like to get letters Fridays or Saturdays. Write to me whether you have received the "Aldine" yet & whether the Chromos are of any account. I am afraid the one which Aunt Emma should get with the "Agriculturist" will not prove to be much. Write to me all that happens at home. Everything is of interest to me. I will not write more just now, but finish another time. I find so little here to write about. The snow is melting rapidly. The weather is exceedingly warm and springlike, for this time of year, but we have three long months of cold before us yet. How much I wish I had just such work & such scholars at home as I have here! It seems so far away, though it really isn't so very far. And I have so many things to be thankful for that I often feel that I am the most ungrateful of beings when I feel disposed to complain because there are some things which are not as I want them. Prof. Twining has rearranged the Latin classes and has given me a splendid class of young men who understand how to study. I only feel so very unequal to the work of teaching them as I want to. I love to teach, or rather I would love to teach if I felt that my ability was equal to my willingness, but I find myself often very deficient indeed. I do hope that Brown is better, and that Ma, & Aunt Emma are feeling better than when I left. I long exceedingly for letters from home, though I can't say that I have any great expectations till towards the end of the week, tho' if you answered my last, or first, letter immediately, I ought to get an answer Tues.

Give my love to all & tell all of them to write if they want to do some good to a poor homesick individual. Tell Liz the lunch was first-rate. I haven't finished the cakes yet. My trunk looks somewhat the worse for the trip, but it held together. As for you all, I can never thank you enough for your love & kindness to me. I wish I were more worthy of it. Love to all Your daughter Lou

Transcription: Indianapolis, Ind. Jan. 11" 1873

Emma S. Dennis Bloomington Ind.

Dear Madam,

By some oversight we omitted to enclose McGuire's letter. Please find it herewith. The papers mentioned came to hand in yesterday. We will give the matter attention.

Very Truly, McDonald and Butler

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. January 13th, 1873

Dear Lou, We never received your letter until Saturday evening and you may imagine we were uneasy about you, however, when the letter came we felt satisfied. Every thing is going on as usual, Aunt E., Brown, Prof. B & myself still keep up the coughing & blowing but as the weather has changed now, I hope we will improve. It was so mild to day we took the poor flowers out of the cellar and put them in the pit but they look forlorn, almost dead. I am out of heart about them and feel as if I could not pay any more attention to them. Anna Ballantine is quite sick, some disease of the kidneys she passes bloody urine. I wanted to go and see her to day but it was so muddy that Toph did not like to take the carriage out, so I thought I would wait until tomorrow. I do hope she is better. We have been very busy since you left. We killed four hogs on Tuesday and you know it is no slight job to put all up. Prof B I am afraid has got into a little difficulty with his class. He have them 15 lines of Caesar to translate from Latin into German besides their regular German lesson. They protested. When they came to class this morning only two of the class had done it. He was quite put out, marked them zero and gave them the lesson over for tomorrow. Told them he would have them up before the Faculty, only he was afraid the Faculty would take their part. He seemed to feel very badly at dinner time. He got a very nice photograph from Germany of his village church to night. Brown has told you about the Aldine & pictures. I must have them framed against you come home. Aunt Emma has not got her Chromo yet. Perhaps I could give you more news if I delayed writing until tomorrow but I think I had better not wait as you will feel anxious to hear. We have not heard from Maggie yet, I want to send her box off. It was so cold at Christmas that I was afraid to send it. We opened such delicious pears last night I was wishing you had some. It wants 20 minutes of eleven so I think it is almost time to stop for to night, but I am afraid to trust myself to finish tomorrow. I had a hundred things to tell you but I cannot think of them now, so I believe I will stop. Remember me to all Your loving Mother R.D. Wylie

[at bottom of page] Dear Lou Ma has left place for a P.S. My very pretty new year's gift with the Chromos was received last Saturday--The Aldine is certainly a magnificent periodical--plates & printing almost perfection. Have hardly had time to judge of its literary merits. The chromos are very pretty & are much admired. We were all rejoiced to hear of your safe arrival. We looked for a letter Thursday, but received none till Saturday. Am glad you got on so well. Mr. Jefferson [Jepperson?] told me about meeting you at Mitchell. You said nothing about Mr. Simpson. Give our respects to Dr. & Mrs. Read & all the rest. We are all in usual health. Your affectionate father T.A.W. Miss E. L. M. Wylie Columbia Mo.

Transcription: Bloomington Ind Jan 13th 1872

Dear Lou As Ma is writing to you and I have nothing to do I thought I would follow her example. We got your letter last Saturday and were all glad to hear that you had got along so well. I think you must have had a lovely time crossing the river. I wish that I had been there to go across with you. I have not started to college yet but expect to start tomorrow and go only until I can find some work to do, then I will stop and go to work. If you know of any work out in your region let me know and I will come out and see you. Prof Gay said he would get Harry to try and get me a place. Maybe he'll get me a place. Pa and Aunt Emma both got their papers last Saturday. Pa's Chromos came, they are splendid pictures. I wish you could see them. The Aldine is the finest printed paper I ever saw it has some splendid engravings in it. Aunt Emma's chromo has not come yet. It has to be mounted before it is sent out. Prof Boisen has not got his chromo yet and don't know when he will get them either. He has written on about them since you left. Prof had a nice time with his German class this morning but I believe Ma is going to tell you about it. I am afraid he will not do much better tomorrow, for he has given them the same lesson over again and they are all very mad about it. There are several new students from town entered this term. Belle Snodgrass is one of them she has entered Col Thompson's Algebra class and I bet she will have a sweet time of it. Prof Parrot does the examining now instead of Prof Boisen, and any body that wants to can enter now. Dory and I received invitations for a party at Bolenbacher on Saturday evening. Dory went but I was not able to go. I guess they had a good time but the boys don't say much about it. It is getting late and I have written about twice as much as I intended to when I commenced. I believe you owe me a letter anyhow, so that you can write as soon as you wish and I won't complain. It's getting late and Ma has stopped and I guess I will have to. Excuse the last part of this letter its getting late and I am tired. From your aff. brother S. B. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind Jan 13th, 1873

Miss Wylie,

I write for the purpose of requesting you to speak to one of your best students (that is not a Greek) and ask him to open a correspondence with me for the purpose of establishing a chapter at your College of the Delta fraternity. For the purpose of showing how many chapters we have and our standing, I enclose an invitation to our last Convention with the names of delegates from the different Colleges. Those that are left blank did not send in their names in time for publication. Our "Quarto Centennial Anniversary" and Convention will be held in New York City on the first day of next May. Hoping that you will do as requested, I remain yours truly M. Craig Hunger P. S. Ma and Lizzie wish to be remembered

Transcription: Bloomington Jan 28, 1873

Dear Lou, I know you are fussing & worrying about not hearing from home and I really think it is too bad, but Brown wrote last week and neglected to send the letter, so I determined I would sit down and write. Aunt Emma waited until you would send the letter you promised and besides she is very busy sewing. She received a letter from Aunt Addie offering her a situation in the blind Asylum and she consented to go on condition she got the situation of assistant-Matron she is expecting a letter every day. I would wish her to stay very much, but I do not want to insist on her staying if is for her interest to go. She thinks she could make something to add to her little income. Pa & Dory have just come from a German Catholic Concert and they are discussing the merits of it with Prof. B. Brown is sick again, a very bad cough. Lizzy has been quite sick. I had a woman to day to do the washing as I was afraid to let her undertake it. It is very cold here now to night, 4º below zero. Mrs. Cale [Call?] is very sick. I hardly think she will live till morning. That poor little boy will have no one to take care of him. Did I tell you that Mike Helton died last week and also poor Jennie Glun. Pres Harbison says that although she had plenty of money she died of cold & starvation. Joe Mc was married last week and as the Dr. was preparing for their reception wiping the ceiling above the chandelier the step ladder on which he was standing broke, and his arm was caught by a sharp hook or projection in the chandelier and dreadfully torn. He was very bad for several days but is now, I believe out of danger. Oh I had almost forgotten to tell you we have had an addition to the faculty in the shape of a little boy at Prof Atwater's. Twenty minutes past eleven, time to stop & go to bed because we have to be up early as College commences at eight o'clock. We have got Barriers burnt away. Shall we send it to you? Prof B. got letters from Germany to day. They had received Anton's things. Aunt Emma sends love says she had intended writing to night but will now wait until she gets that letter from you. We had a letter from Uncle The. He wants us to let Brown go on there & then after Maggie graduates in July he will send her on here to study Latin, Greek, French, & German. I tell B. if he studies till then, I will consent to his going. Good night dear Lou, write soon. You loving Mother R. D. Wylie

You left your thimble & breast pin and I have got you a pair of yarn stockings which I will send if you want them.

Transcription: Bloomington, Feb 10 1873

Dearest Lou I have been tam aeger quam equus--or--ut equi aegratant sic ego [I have been as sick as a horse, or, as the horses are sick, so am I]--The week before last I caught the Rhinorhea, had to keep in the house four days. Am not well yet. Can't get enough of pocket handkerchiefs. Can now feelingly sympathize with the horses. The committee of the Legislature are now here inspecting. Arthur is chairman of the com. of the house. He made a speech to the students this morning. Those of the com. present seem well pleased with their reception & express themselves very favorably disposed towards us. They say there is no doubt about the passing of the bill giving us $15,000 per an. but, many a slip &c. I don't believe till the thing is done. If the bill passes our salaries go up, & then we will prosper. If it don't all will be the other way. Maggie is here, with her three boys all in good health & lively as ever. The youngest, Arthur, is like the others, is beginning to walk, & I think is attempting to utter some words. I am not sure whether she will remain after Calvin goes or not. We have a house full & move all about as usual. Aunt Emma has not received any word from Kansas. She thinks that perhaps Adelaide is huffed at her not immediately accepting. We all hope she will not go. The Aldine still comes. The chromos are very pretty. We have not got them framed yet. A good number of the students have got the measles--some of them dangerously. One of the committee, A McButz was afraid to venture down this morning for fear he would take it & corrupt the legislature. Mrs. Quick came down with Maggie Friday last. Mrs. Thompson is still here. Have not seen her yet. Present our kindest regards to Dr & Mrs. Read & the young ladies

Yours affectionately T. A. Wylie P.S. Don't get vexed at our not writing, you know what manner of people we are. If you don't receive letters always regard it as a good sign.

Transcription: Evansville, Feb. 14, 1873

Dear Cousin Lou,

I wish you were here. Mamma and I had our teeth fixed today. This is valentine day. I got one this morning. Tell Read that he must write to me. I got your letter. I thought it nice. It rained and snowed and then froze over and we had a sled ride. Uncle Theodore does not tease me now. Mamma and Papa are going to Washington soon. I am just learning to write. This is the first letter I ever wrote, and I thought I would write you and let you see if I could write as well as Read can. Your little friend Eleanor Foster

Transcription: Bloomington Indiana Feb. 17, 1873

Dear Sister, I received your letter last Friday night. I was very glad to hear from you first. I intended to write then but something else turned up and I did not get time to do any writing at all. Last Thursday night I was invited out to Mr. Blair's. I suppose they gave it for the girls (Nellie & Bell). We had a very pleasant time did not get home till near 12 o'clock. They are going to stay two or three weeks longer. Did you ever get a letter from Craig Hunter? He told me he wrote to you some time ago. I don't suppose you got it. He told me afterwards that he believed he directed it wrong. He wants to know something about the secret societies, if there is a lodge of [Phi Gamma Delta]. He wants you to write to him about these things. I guess you will get a letter from him if you have not all ready. A new society came out among the girls, the [drawing of a key]s I believe is the name by which it is known I do not know what are the letters. Every person makes fun of it. There is also another that I know of but it has not come out yet. But I know that you would rather hear more about home than these things. Mag & Calvin & the boys went away to day they have been here little over a week. We wanted her to stay longer but she said that she could not as she had left no one at home but the girl, and she was most afraid to stay longer. Wylie is just as mischievous as ever. He got into all kinds of badness. He breaks every thing he gets his hands on. Charlie is more quiet than Wylie but Peter is the best of all. He will come to me & Pa any time before he will to any person else. Dory has been acting so foolishly that he has driven every thing out of my head and I am afraid I will have to stop for tonight and if I do not get time to write any more I will send it any way. I have not time to write any more as I intended to last night. I have been helping Ma put down a Carpet and had to write another letter besides.

Your Aff Brother Toph

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind Feb 20th 1873

Miss Lou:

Your letter was received a few days since and very glad indeed was I to hear from you! You are right in refusing to meddle with fraternity affairs, yet, I would thank you very much if you would send me a Catalogue with one or two names marked indicating that they are good students, freshmen or sophomores preferred.

Excuse haste and everything else that you may notice, as I am examined in Mechanics tomorrow morning and consequently must study all my spare time.

Yours truly

M. Craig Hunter

Transcription: Columbia, Missouri Wednesday Feb. 26, 1873

My dear Father: I received your letter week before last. I need not tell you it was most welcome. I wanted to write last Saturday, but it was such a busy day that I could not. The Committee of Education from the Legislature were here and as it was Washington's birthday. We had a great military review, and three orations by students of the senior class. Our soldiers make quite a fine appearance in their uniforms and on that day they were out in full array--white gloves, guns, sabers, drums, & two cannons were planted in front of the University. First about daylight we were awakened by the firing of the cannon. We had at that time a salute of thirteen guns. Then at 9 o'clock, the soldiers all assembled & marched up in town and drilled until 10 o'clock when the speaking began. We had three very good orations. Then Dr. Read read a letter from Major Rollins in relation to the Agricultural Bill. After the speaking was over, the Artillery gave us a salute of 38 guns. And then a photographer attempted to take a picture of the whole crowd in front of the College. But it was a bitter cold and windy day & the picture was not a success. It was indeed one of the coldest days we have had, it seemed to me. One poor boy had his fingers frozen. There seems to be a good deal of dissatisfaction about the military, though the boys do remarkably well. In the evening there was a concert. As Dr Read was going to have the Committee here to eat oysters, I did not go. They seemed to be a well educated, gentlemanly set of men. A Mr. Allen & Mr. Brockmeyer of St. Louis, a German man very pleasant & entertaining. I must not forget to tell you of the "good joke" we have upon one of them. When we went over to the speaking in the morning, Bertha happened to sit next to one of them & was introduced to him--but he did not understand her name, for when her father got up to read Maj. Rollins's letter, he turned to her & said quite confidentially, "Dr. Read seems to have a passion for boring people." Bertha did not know what to say. She was very much amused, & told us about it as soon as she could. He found out the mistake he had made, & told the joke on himself, & I guess he was bored. He did not want to come here in the evening, but I suppose his friends persuaded him to, for he was here. We are having the most dreadful winds that I ever felt. I can hardly stand. I dislike such high winds so much, but I suppose I'll get used to them as they are very prevalent here. I was vaccinated yesterday as the Dr. seemed to think it was best to be on the safe side, for the small pox has broken out in another family. It is late & I have written hurriedly, as I need all the rest I can have. I think I shall not send this tomorrow but try to write more. Tho' I'm afraid I won't have time. Goodnight dear Pa. Lou It is just one year ago today since Anton commenced his last letter home. Next Sabbath night the anniversary of his death.

Dr. Read very kindly offered this morning (Saturday) to read over Sallust with me but he says it is harder than Caesar. It is snowing hard this morning.

[in same envelope, the following] Friday evening

My dear Pa: Another week has gone rapidly by--and I have a breathing spell. I have a good deal to do, but I don't as yet feel any worse for it. I believe I have more classes than any one in the college. I don't care for the work though, for then I don't have time to be homesick. But sometimes I feel that I have not sufficient time for preparing my lessons properly. In Latin and French I need to study, & German too will soon require more study. Latin especially, takes much time, for I have to study every word in the lesson and then I am not altogether satisfied. My classes are composed of young men who think, and they want reasons for things, which I am not always prepared to give as I ought. I feel that it is better for me to have classes of this kind than only classes of beginners, but sometimes I think I ought to give up these classes to some one more competent. If Prof. Twining was considered a first class teacher, I don't know but I would consider it my duty to do so for the sake of the class. But as it is, perhaps they will learn some things from me, which he would not drill them upon & the rest can be deferred till later. I have never heard that they were dissatisfied with me, yet, nor have I ever seen the least sign of dissatisfaction. But they are not very far advanced yet, and I am dreading the time when we shall have to take up Sallust--as Prof. Twining told me today he had sent for the books, and I don't know a thing about the book. I am ashamed to confess my ignorance, but I am ignorant. Then the Latin prose. Composition is becoming harder & you know I have had but very little exercise in that. Especially does the Subjunctive mood trouble me. Not as far as I am concerned in translation but to explain it to the class properly. I have thought that I would write off some of the exercises in the Compositions & send to you for correction for I don't like to run to the Professor every time. Besides I don't have much time or opportunity to do so. But I expect you are tired of all this. Dr. Read I think feels quite disappointed about the Agricultural Bill. At least he don't seem to think it will pass now. I was very glad to hear through a letter from Aunt Emma, received yesterday, that your Appropriation had been made. I hope that although our College has not got the Agricultural College, and may never be the largest as regards the number of students, and the greatest in wealth, yet the reputation for good scholarship will be such that it will be the pride of Indiana. I think the grade of scholarship is improving with every year. --I wish you would tell me when you think I had better get Dr. Read to write a letter of recommendation for me. I suppose not until shortly before the meeting of the board. He has told me a great many times that he is going to do it and without my asking him to do so.

I had a letter from Toph last week, but he didn't give me much news, and if I hadn't heard from Aunt Emma yesterday I would have felt starved for news. But I was very glad to have a letter from Toph & will write to him as soon as I can. I believe Dory is going to treat me just as shabbily as ever. I think a person cares very little for another if they cannot spare a few moments to write a letter which will give so much pleasure. But I must say good night for I'm afraid you will never have patience to read this. Tell Brown I wish he would continue his good work of sending me papers every week. I would send him money for the postage, but I am somewhat short of funds at present & will be so for another month. I know very well that you, dear Pa, are quite willing to pay the postage, but if I should send the money then he would feel obliged to do it perhaps. But good night again. I will write a little note to Ma Love to all Lou

[and on another sheet labeled, "Mother", the following]

My dear Mother: I believe I do not owe you a letter, but I suppose you will not object to receiving a short one from me. I got a nice long letter from Aunt Emma yesterday for which thank her most heartily. I am so glad she is not going to Kansas. I dislike very much to think of her leaving. She seems to belong to us now. I am very glad indeed to hear that you have gotten a new carpet at last, don't let it be spoiled during the next four months. I want to see it in its beauty. Miss Ware expects to be married just after Commencement. She expects to go to Chillicothe, Missouri and be married in the Catholic Church there. She wants me to go to the wedding. If I should go, it would keep me a week longer as I would have to stay over Sabbath. I do not want you to get frames for your Chromos. I will send you money for frames when I get some. I wish you would price them, so that I could have some idea of the cost. Dr. Read read a dispatch last night saying that the livery stable of the National House at B. was burned. I never knew any little place to have so many fires as Bloomington. I have had good letters from Anna & from Rene Fee. I want to answer them tomorrow if possible. But it is very late and I must say good night With best love to all Lovingly, Lou It is one year ago tonight since Anton tried the hop pillow to make him sleep. And while the Professor was up town, he became so very weak that I was afraid he would not live till his brother got back, but then he rallied and seemed so well on Saturday the last day of his life.

Transcription: Bloomington March 6th '73

My dear Lou, I enclose the exercises. I have made but few & those unimportant corrections. There was but one word absolutely wrong & that only a slip. Les. IX 6, gloria for glorice. The personal pronouns are generally omitted unless some emphasis is laid on them. I finished out Lesson X--perhaps you will find some errors in my work. --I don't think you have any need to want confidence in yourself, & by no means by too many humble & unnecessary admissions let others, particularly pupils, lose confidence in you. In this age & part of the world, where every one is disposed to blow loudly his own trumpet & give himself more credit than he deserves--a modest admission of error is sometimes regarded as an indication of some very great fault. I had just got thus far when a gentleman came in Dr Wiley of Indianapolis, and staid till this time, nearly 12 1/2 P.M. so that I will hardly be able to get my letter filled as I had desired to. I suppose you have heard of the great fire, the National House & Cookerley's Stable--& of our appropriation, & the perspective view of salaries increased. There is now a bill pending for a building, which we hope may pass. Mr. James Carter was buried this A.M. I had not heard of his illness We got our ice house filled yesterday, with pretty good ice--just think of it, good ice the 4th & 5th March. Family as usual. Dr. Heckman of S. Hanover, (Prest of Col) preached last Sab. in Chapel. Must stop Your affectionate father T. A. Wylie

Miss E. L. Wylie Columbia, Mo.

[in same envelope as above letter from T. A. W. , the following from Emma Dennis]

Bloomington, Ind March 6th 1873

Dear Lou I am so sorry for your aches & pains. I have no doubt they are rheumatic & if so bad enough. Spinal Meningitis prostrates a person very soon so it cannot be that. Your Mother has just recovered from an attack similar to yours as you describe it. She rubbed it with camphor & hartshorn & wore her little shoulder shawl all night around her till it left. Should this not benefit you & the pain be very severe you had better put on a mustard plaster on it, but do not let it blister. It makes one so sore. If you mix one teaspoon of flour to two of mustard it will not be so apt to draw a blister. It is very annoying for you to be troubled in this way & be obliged to teach. But keep a good heart. Indeed I hope by the time this reaches you, you will have gotten over it. Tho your mother was several days afflicted, her pain has now gone to her side, she thinks her liver. We or rather your mother is beginning to get Toph ready to go East. His Aunt Cornelia has written for him to go on & stay with her till he gets something to do. She could have secured a good place for him, but he had no knowledge of bookkeeping so she had to let it go. Only to think Lou we have our ice house filled !!! The men finished last evening. We had given up all idea of having ice of our own this season. I have been up & made all my beds & while waiting for the broom which your mother was using & warming my feet at the same time concluded to write a few lines to you as your father is going to write today & will enclose my note in his letter. I am afraid I should have let one leaf do, but it is so nice to have a talk with Lou even if I have nothing really to say that my pencil has rambled on. Take care of yourself & let us hear soon how you are getting. Ever you loving Emma

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind March 10 /73

Dear Lou We have had a big excitement up in town to day. A man was kill by John Sutherland the Marshall. He shot the man twice, first time in the breast but it hit a rib and did not go in him, then he shot again and hit him in the temple of course killing him. His name was James. I suppose you have heard of Luke James. It was his son Lon. He shot him in the Esquire office. I was going up in town but I got there about ten minutes too late, but I saw him right after it was done. The man knocked John down three times and came very near killing him, and no one would take him off so he had to shoot him. I saw him five or six times after he was dead. It looked very bad. He lives opposite Mitchell. They took him down in Dunn's wagon. I have got in a mess over at college. They had some bogus over at college and I found them and put them in my pocket and was going down stairs and Spicer found it out. He thought I was going to give them up to the boys and he made me put them back. I offered to give them up to him but he would not take them. He thought I was going to play some trick off on him, so I put them back and the boys found them and so they had me before the faculty to see if they could find out anything about them. Blind Tom [see TAW diaries for description of his performance on piano] is going to be here on the 14th at the college. Students half pay. The legislature gave us 15.000$ annually to day they give 10.000 for the 73 and 10.000 for year 74 for a new building. The boys stamped. Now I think this is a good long letter and I hope you will ans. it as soon as possible. I think it was rather dilute for you to write German in my letter. Of course I had to get Prof to read it but if you do so any more I will get Bunnel to read it. Your aff. brother Dory Wylie I send you bogus 22 Feb

Transcription: Columbia, March 11, 1873

My dear Father: Your letter, no note rather, with exercises reached me on Saturday. I wanted to write immediately, but had my Semester report to make out & was kept so busy the entire day & evening that I could not write. Besides I want to send some more exercises & I haven't had time yet to write them. I doubt if I shall be able to write send this tomorrow on that account but if I send a letter Thursday you will get it Saturday & by sending an answer the following Monday I shall get it in time. I have not finished my lessons now for tomorrow & it is rather dangerous for me to begin this letter for my head aches & I shall have to try to go to bed early. I haven't felt very well lately but I am not sick & my appetite is pretty good which I take to be an encouraging sign.

I wrote you about the visit of the Committee of the Legislature. But that was not the end. They went back to Jefferson City & made a most unjust & unfair--lying report--I don't see how any men could act so unjustly & unkindly. The report is altogether against Dr. Read. It has been a severe blow to him. For I believe if ever a President has had the true interest of a College at heart, he has, & he has worked day & night for it, & has made it what it is. I suppose no two men have ever done so much for it as he & Maj. Rollins and Maj. Rollins could never have accomplished as much as he did had it not been for Dr. Read who furnished statutes & told him what was needed & just what should be done to make this a leading institution. & now that he has got a fair start & is just beginning to feel that things are getting into order & shape here comes this report. I wish I had a copy to send you. But in it they condemn him utterly, say he has not looked after the students or sympathized with them which is utterly false for I know of his visiting the clubs time & again. that they do not need a man of ponderous learning, but one of administrative ability, who will bring order out of chaos & who is affable & gentlemanly--& just all such stuff.--And this morning we had the results of the report written in different places in the campus--such as "The board of Curators meets in June. Good bye Docky" &c. Of course such a report can only demoralize the students who have hitherto been remarkably well behaved. But now the bad ones will feel free to do their mischief, being encouraged by the noble legislators. They turned Dr. Todd out of his office as Secretary solely upon the ground that he supported Dr. Read. What makes it so especially mean is that the President here is elected for four years & must be given one years notice that he has to leave. Dr. Read's time expires next year & instead of quietly informing him that he is not desired another year, they proceed to make it so unpleasant that I don't suppose he will want to stay. It has hurt him very much. He was very much troubled for some days, though I have never heard him say a word about it. It is altogether political they say & I believe it, for although Dr R. has his peculiarities, yet even his enemies must feel that he has been the making of this University. He was put in during the radical mile & now the southern Democrats have the majority & they want to undo all that the Republicans did. Dr. Read has taken but little interest

[new sheet, may or may not go with the above. Perhaps it does, for in April, her mother wrote that she had gotten her a canary] Tell Ma that I hope to hear from her soon. I hope too that she will soon be able to get a bird, tell her to pay $2.00 if necessary. You think I had better wait here till after Commencement, do you, even if I should miss it all at home? I had thought of trying to get away from here directly after examinations, but I think it is very doubtful whether Dr. Read would be willing to have me go. And then if you think I had better stay, I shall do so. If I wait Prof. Hosmer has again offered me his company, but I do not feel afraid now to make the trip alone. The weeks go very fast. Not too fast though when I think of going home, but if I were there it would be too fast. Aunt Emma wrote that Mag would probably go home for a while. I am very sorry indeed to hear that she is not well. I am sorry though for Ma's sake that she goes home just at this time, for I know just how busy Ma is kept now, & how much more it will giver her to do. Then if it was in the summer, I would be there so that I could help a little about the children. But I know how good it is to be at home when one is sick & I do not wonder that she wants to be near Ma. I hope that Ma & Aunt Emma will soon feel quite well again.

How is College prospering? I wish you would write me College news. Brown has not sent me a catalogue yet nor a "Student" or Progress for a long time. Col. Foster starts to Mexico the first or second week of May. Miss McFerson goes with them. Theodore goes as far as N. Orleans, & will probably visit them in the Fall. Dr. Read thought he would let Bertha go & she was quite rejoiced, but he found it was very expensive to go, costing as much as/more than to go to Europe, & then they are not going to keep house. Boarding would be very expensive & he concluded it would be best not to send her now. I must stop. I hope by this time you have had long letters from Toph, & I do hope the poor boy will get to work. I am afraid my letters are as hard to read as Uncle Theodore's, but I write in especially great haste now as Ada wants to go down town & I want to carry this down at the same time & she is in haste. Love to all. Write soon & tell the rest to write As ever you loving daughter Lou I have no time to look over the exercises & fear you will find many mistakes. I often write two different cases or tenses because the students write so differently & sometimes I am not sure that both ways may not be right. Isn't there another way of writing the 2nd in Lesson XX? I want these exercises by Monday week.

I enclose some double Datura seed for Ma & Aunt Emma. There are two different varieties. I will write again as soon as I can.

Transcription: Bloomington March 18 1873

Dear Lou,

Much obliged to you for your letter, received yesterday. Don't be afraid of making it too long. I return your exercises. In Lesson XII 7.8.9 I marked the pos. pronouns. It is better to omit them when there is no special emphasis, as it is always understood that the noun belongs to the subject of the verb. Studies [Latin word?], we enjoy our studies not somebody else's.

We had Blind Tom here last Friday night. He performed in the college chapel. The chapel was jam full. I heard that $325 were taken. Much as I had heard of Tom, his performance exceeded all expectations. I hate to hear any one call him an idiot. He is certainly a genius of the first order –inspired. No one could play with such emphasis as he does and be a mere idiotic machine. He played Yankee Doodle with one hand, Fisher's hornpipe with the other, and sang "Tramp tramp etc." at the same time, blending all three into perfect harmony. He had a piece of his own composition, the Battle of Manassas, not only musical but graphic. Miss Maxwell played a piece, a scotch air, I forget its name, with variations by Mr. Marquis, which Tom had never heard before and when she left the piano Tom repeated it nearly exactly. I could perceive some little discrepancies, and others with better ears I suppose could perceive more. She also sounded several chords singly and together, in some cases as many as ten notes, and as soon as she was done Tom named in order all the keys touched. It is likely some of the rest will give you better accounts than I of his wonderful performance. Perhaps the soul of Mozart or Handel or Haydn has found its way into poor Tom's brain. It is likely however in native talent that he excels them all. All the family was there except Lizzie.

We all keep well. Mrs. Reid, Rev. H. Reid's little boy has been lying at the point of death for more than a week. I have not heard today whether the child is living or not. Judge Eccles the law Prof was taken with pneumonia a week ago and is at present very low. We have passed through a very sickly winter. More students sick than I ever knew before. A law student from Arkansas, I forget his name, (O'Neal it was), died about 10 days ago.

Am very sorry to hear of the treatment of Dr. Read by the Committee. Your legislators like legislators all over are influenced by party and personal considerations, not by the right or wrong, the good or the bad of the case. I am sure that no one has done more than D. R. for the good of the University, and that its present prosperity is almost solely if not altogether owing to his exertions, and then to find after all, himself treated in this way is hard to bear. Dr. Read has had so much experience however that he will I am sure, suffer his equanimity to be permanently disturbed by such an occurrence.

Our legislature has given $15,000 in addition to what we have and just at the last moment, having once thrown out of the spec. appropriation bill an appropriation of 30,000 for a building, they managed to get an appropriation through for $20,000 for a building. It is to be hoped after this 20,000 is used, that the legislature will be ready to grant another $20,000 to complete the building.

We are all well. Aunt Emma had a little attack of cramp colic Sabbath, but with that exception, we are all right side up. Mr. Bunnel is beginning to talk German like a native. He says he will write you a German letter in the holidays. He is a first rate student. Mr. Morrison good too, but takes more interest in telegraphs and stuffing birds. Brown and he have stuffed some very prettily. Remember us kindly and affectionately to Dr. and Mrs. Read. Hope he will soon be able to discomfit all his opponents.

Your affectionate father

(in great haste)

T. A. Wylie Miss E. L. M. Wylie Columbia, Mo.

Transcription: Bloomington Mar. 29th 1873

Dear Lou-- Your letter received the day before yesterday, I could not answer immediately for want of time. I had all my examination papers to read, & rolls to make up. I have been working every spare moment & now to day I was detained over at college till near one O'C & this letter will have to lie over till Monday I fear. We have had a very sickly winter--Four funerals yesterday--Old Mr. Perdue, Mrs. Louisa Rogers- daughter of James Cookerley, Same Gordon's wife & a little girl at Redick Wylie's place of spotted fever.--That terrible disease seems to be disappearing if the disagreeable weather do not bring it back. Mrs. Ballantine is very sick. Yesterday we thought would have been her last one. Ma staid with her a night before last & she has gone to stay with her today. Aunt Emma is quite sick to day with the cold. --I believe you heard of the death of George Dunn, a bright boy, brother of Ella Dunn's--So we go. --

Phandy went away Thursday to Philada & West Chester. Poor boy, I hope he will find some place he can fill. Brown & Dory I fear will not do much better than he in the way of learning & I am all distress & anxiety about them.-- I have no time to write more. Your exercises are very good, some errors of carelessness. --I find the expression Hoc vertia maxime interest - as from Cicero--humanum et errar--even distinguished men blunder sometimes - a gratifying circumstance to the lowly-- All the rest well. As always--yours T. A. Wylie

Miss E. L. Wylie Columbia Mo. P.S. I have corrected the exercises in such a hurry that I fear I have made some mistakes & overlooked some errors.

Transcription: Bloomington Ap 3d 1873

Dear Lou I received your letter yesterday & looked over the exercises last evening. In my day we did not give so much attention to the ora. obl. & dis. & the sub. mood, as is done in the later grammars, & though I had paid some attention to the subject when teaching languages, it does not come as familiarly as the things learned when a boy. I feel a little doubtful about plac[ ? rest indecipherable] in the last sentence, but think that there is a rule somewhere. I cannot find it now, that the past tense "interrogari" would require a pluperfect. You might notice that the imperfect tense is used when a habit is expressed, or when it is left indeterminate whether the action is finished or not, & the perfect when the action is finished. You make some mistakes with the interrogatives when the words themselves such as quatis, quot, quis &c are interrog. there is no need of n, a none.--see rules. You last letter I could not for want of time send till Saturday last & then it was sent in a hurry. I hope you have got by this time. Weather has been cold, to day is pleasant. Brown & Dory have again matched[?] me by their low standing. I do not know what to do with them. We have not heard of Phandy since he left. We feel anxious about him. I expect nothing else, if no accident befell him, then to see him back before long. Hope that my fears about his success may be disappointed. Mrs. Ballantine is still very low. She was some better yesterday--rather easier. Prof. B. seems to have given up all hopes of her recovery. They have been sitting up with her for more than a week past. Ma goes to night. We have not heard from her to day, expect to hear of her departure at any time. I believe they are looking for Mrs. Brown. Last night one year ago their house was burnt down. Aunt Emma has been sick for a few days. She is up & about today. Ma & she are beginning to look after flower seeds.--Every thing about the place seems going to ruin--myself along with it. You see I can sympathize with you when you get the blues.

I have no translation of Selburt. Have been enquiring but can find none. Will look for one & send it if I am successful. There is a translation in Bolin's library, but I doubt whether this could be procured this side New York.--You might ask Dr Read for a translation. I can't think that he would disapprove of your using it. The only wrong in the use of translations is that made by lazy boys in the prepa of their lessons. Ma got the letter from you with the $1.00 in it. She has been inquiring for a bird but has not yet found one. I have made a ghastly laugh over that letter--did its author ever come? It savors a little to me of a hoax. Next term will soon run off--hope you will be home in time for commencement. & if your commencement takes place at the same time as ours, it would be better for you to stay till yours is over so that you can make comparisons & suggest improvements to us.

We are all in usual health. Our kind regards to Dr & Mrs. Read & family Your affectionate father T. A. Wylie

Miss E. L. Wylie Columbia Mo. P.S. Aunt Emma says she was going to write to day but as I have written she will wait till next week. Ma has been so busy that she has had no time to write.

Transcription: Muncie April 7th 1873

Dear Lou: I have thought of writing many times but have not been well for some time and have not even written home. I have only heard from home twice since I was there. A gentleman from here met one of the boys, Toph or Brown, on the cars going to Philadelphia - to Com. Col. I expect it must be Toph. They talked of sending him here but I guess they thought he ought to make more than his board and Arthur can get as many boys as he wants for 2.50 a week and not board them and the best boy he has in the office works for nothing- or thinks he is though Arthur says he intends paying him- these boys I speak of have worked 6 months or more and can do more than Toph could. We did what we could for him when he was with us before and I feel we could not afford to do more just now. You are right in thinking Arthur did for the College though B say it was Mr [Teredly?] only I wish it was to do over again and I would do all in my power to have the college moved. They don't deserve it any way. I guess it would have been done if Pa had not owned property there. Would you be much surprised to see me walking in some day--I could go if I wanted. Arthur would take me to see you. You say you have not written to Lib. I would not care much. I would like to talk to you about them some. I was down and staid another night with her and I won't go soon again. She is no housekeeper. Quick[?] does most all the work--she is not very well--Em. Maxwell is so different in every way--I admire her energy I liked Mr. Bunnel very much. Prof. B. was just as kind as ever--took so much interest in the children. Arthur too was very much pleased with him and if it were not for the faults that you can see as plainly as any one else. I think but few would be superior to him. But its to late in life for him to correct them now. The children are all well. The Dr. says I must wean the baby as I am getting so weak & thin. I am most as thin as you. I got some nice flowers from Dick, 3 gladiolas and seeds. Am going to live out of doors this spring. Mary McC. is still in the post office. Is Parke going with Col. Foster to Mexico? Do you write to them yet? Remember me to Mrs. & Prof Read--you have never told me whether Ada is married. Write of her the next time. I will try and write better but today it's this or nothing Maggie Wylie says tell you he is well. & Charlie says tell you he is sick. He don't care any more for his books. Wylie is most 6 and can go to school soon.

Transcription: Bloomington April 15th 1873

Dear Lou, Yours of 12th was recd yesterday. I read over part of the exs last night & the remainder in col. today very hastily. I don't think you need be so fearful of errors. Most of your errors are oversights, & it is often impossible to decide between two expressions which is the better of the two. We are all about as usual. Ma much better than she was last week, & Aunt Emma is getting over her neuralgia. Mr. Bunnel last Saty went to C. to bring his sister Mrs. Hardy to B. He returned yesterday. As we had not any room she went to Mrs. McQuiston's. She has three children, the youngest about 3 wks old. Phandy arrived safely in Philad. He is now at W. Chester. We had a letter from him yesterday but no news in it. Our boys seem incapable of learning. It distresses me to think of it. My notion about your staying for commencement was on the supposition that ours & yours occur at the same time… ours comes the 3d July…. & that you would have an opportunity to compare yours with our way of managing affairs. Of course we want you home as soon as you can come. The board of Trustees had a meeting at Indianapolis & the first & best thing they did was to raise the salaries of the 10 year old professors to $2000. They intend to put two Profs in Dr Owens chair. They are making arrangement for the new building. I have been unable to get a ballust[?] All send their love. With kind regards for Dr. Read & family, I remain as always your affect father T. A. Wylie

Miss E. L. M. Wylie at Dr Reads Columbia Mo

Transcription: Bloomington, April 16 /73

Dear Lou, It has been quite a long time since I have written to you but you know how much engaged I have been, and the last week or two I have been real sick, stiff neck & sore throat. I am much better to day. Went up town this morning. You can't tell how much I miss Toph about marketing. I find if I want things from town I must go myself. We have commenced our garden work. Received the vegetable seeds from Dreer yesterday, cost quite four dollars. Got 2 yds peas & 1 evergreen corn so if we are successful in raising them you won't starve when you come home. We have a man engaged by the month, pay him twenty dollars a month & give him his dinner. He is clearing up & hauling manure to day. As soon as the ground is in order we will have it ploughed. I made out a list to send to Heinl but I believe I won't send it, it takes too much money. Your monetia is entirely dead. I am very sorry as I liked it so much. Maggie sent us a great many seeds from Fick's. Your pansies are really beautiful. One is the King of the blacks another white & blue another yellow & blue. The heliotropes are all dead, some of the Freesias. Your Lilium Aratum is up all over the pot--that is, a great many young ones but two very vigorous ones. But I think I have told you enough about the flowers. Now about Mr. Bunnel. His sister has come from Utah with her three children and he has taken board for her at Mrs. McCluiston's [?] She is lonesome among strangers and it is so far away that we all think he ought to be with her, so I suppose he will go next week. I have not seen Anna B. since the funeral. You know I have been sick & could not go out. I feel so sorry for her. The Prof bears it with a great deal of composure. Indeed, you would feel sorry for them all. It is indeed a broken up household. I commenced this letter last week, dear Lou, but have not been able to finish it before. But I thought you would rather have me keep it a little longer and write more. I have at last got a nice canary bird for you, pretty much like your old one. They say he is a good singer but he has been so busy courting that he has not had time to sing since we have had him. The other one seems to like him very much & I think they will mate. I had to pay 1.50 for him. Mrs. Dodds was over this afternoon. Lib has broken up housekeeping & gone to boarding. She is coming on. Maggie went to pay her a visit during the holidays and took the measles. She is going to college now, but is not at all well. Annie & her family are at her Father's. She & the children still have the chills. Mr. Taylor (Sally's Father) shot himself on Friday. Some say he had been out of his mind for a good while. He was accused of setting fire to Jim Cookerley's stable, and of stealing. The Odd Fellows gave him a great funeral. We had a letter from W. C. to day. Toph had gone to Phil. He had an offer there and thought he would accept it. Mr. Small is going to open coal mines in Brown County. There is a great quantity of coal & iron there & he says he will give both Toph & Brown places if they want them. At any rate it will not hurt Toph to learn something about working iron. As long as he will not work with his brain, he must with his hand. Uncle The seems to be very much pleased with his looks, says he is real fine looking. We, or Pa, have been setting out peach & apple trees this afternoon & I have set out a strawberry bed where the onion bed was last year. We're going to have tan bark put between and raise them in clumps. I have not planted any onion yet but today I sowed spinach & radish seed. We had Rhubarb pie last Saturday, but the asparagus is not up yet. I want to write to Toph to night so I must stop. Good night, dear Lou. Your aff. Mother R. D. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. April 22nd, 1873

My dear Louise,

You wrote me such a sweet good letter, of just such sympathy as I wanted and I thank you for it. I sent it on to Sister for I felt it would do her good. I sometimes feel more sorry for her than I do for myself, for sorrow is hard to bear when you see it coming gradually and are with it from day to day, but more hard when it comes with a blow when you are absent from those who bear it with you. I don't know how to tell you what it is to live through such scenes as have been in our house the past month and to still live on. But you, who have been with us so much and know so well what my Mother was to Pa and to her children, may imagine somewhat how much of the home life is gone forever. There is no more home. You may see Pa working about the yard and the little flowers springing up ready for the care of the loving and skillful hand, but I know, dear Lou, that you will feel more perhaps than any other outside our family the lost presence. I don't know any one whom Ma truly loved better than you, and so your words have given me comfort.

Dear Ma was taken sick so much as in former days, we felt no anxiety. She suffered a great deal for several weeks before she was taken down, but we sat and sewed and read together at the intervals of pain. And when she felt too sick to get up, I sat by and rubbed her and felt no anxiety. But the disease grew in violence. She was sick in bed only 13 days and suffered so much from pain and vomiting and cramps that the doctors gave opium to quiet her, then she slept. And after that, to the end, she knew only her pain and wants. She was too sick to have connected thought. We could not keep her attention but a moment at a time, so she went away with no loving words of farewell, with no messages to those who loved her so dearly, with no assurance from her lips of her hope and faith. But though it seems so sad, we need them not to give us full assurance that she is asleep in Jesus and that she loved us to the end. I love to think of her tender motherly nursing of me when I was sick in Jan. and now I am glad I was sick then, for I have never been so touched with the perfect unselfishness of a mother's love. It is such a comfort to me to have been able to minister to her too, to have had her call for me and take satisfaction in my being near her. I was much worn by fatigue and want of sleep and don't believe I have yet fully recovered. We can never be grateful enough for the help which was so freely and fully given by our friends here. You know what a good tender nurse your dear Ma is and she said she just wanted to take me for her own child. Then there was Mrs. Foster, who would come regularly every morning and stay till noon. I cannot name them all but I know them every one in my heart and how I needed their help and I know Christ will reward them. Dear Lou, I wish you could have been here. I wish you were here now. I want to talk to you, but I cannot write. It will not be many weeks now before you come. Pa and I want to go to see Sister in the Summer. Brother and his wife expect to be with us in June. Will has gone inland from Beyrout and I don't know when the sad news will reach him. His letters are written so unconscious of all that awaits him, it is sad to read them. I cannot write more now but I will write again. You must write to me soon. Give my love to Mrs. Read and Ada and thanks for their kind messages.

Dear Lou, I have not written what I wanted to but you must excuse me. I will tell you all when you come. With best love from Your true friend, Anna Sister said in her last letter, I've thought how much Lou would have stayed with and helped you if she had been at home. I have wished for you often.

Transcription: Evansville, April 1873 [postmarked April 24] Highland Park

My dear Lou,

I have been thinking of you and your kind letter and intended to write you before we left. We have about finished our sewing and cannot do much more packing until John returns from Washington, so I am having some resting time. But our friends keep most of our time occupied by invitations to dine, to take tea, spend the day, etc. This morning however, I determined to write some letters, and after my husband's your's comes next on my list.

Eleanor was very much pleased to receive two letters the other day, one from Aunt Alice and yours. We told her she had more than her share. She can read her own letters now and she is very proud to get them. The children are both in school now for a few weeks. I was so busy at home I could not devote much time to them, and they wanted to see their schoolmates before they left. The weather is so pleasant they enjoy going. We had quite a cold day yesterday, but we have had no snow lately, and our fruit trees are beautiful, so full of blossoms. I never saw anything so pretty as they are. None of it is killed yet. I do wish Aunt Alice could come over here when our cherries are ripe. I never ate any that were so delicious as ours—so large and sweet. We picked fifty bushels last year and will have many more this year. Our pears, quinces, apples, plums and every kind of fruit were never so full. It makes me sad to leave our home when everything is looking so beautifully. We could sell very readily for $12,000 or $15,000, but I will not part with our home. They are improving our roads so much and the city is growing so rapidly. I know it will increase in value. I send you one of my pictures, Lou, that I had taken in N. Y. It is a little different from Aunt Alice's. Some of my friends like it better. I have given away all of John's, but have sent for more, and will send you one of his when they come. I intend to have some of the children's pictures taken before we leave.

We were all so shocked to hear of Mrs. Ballantine's death. Poor Anna will be so lonesome.

John will return from Washington the first day of May and we now expect to leave here on the 5th or 6th. We will stop in New Orleans a week. I had such a delightful visit East in March, but I always have a nice time when I travel with John. We hope to have a pleasant trip.

My husband made me a present of an elegant set of stone cameo jewelry, costing $250. They are set with small diamonds and are beautiful. It was quite a surprise to me. I wish you could see one of my [undecipherable word] silks I had made at Stewarts in New York. It is turquoise blue and tea rose combined and so elegantly made and trimmed. I left my measure there and they are to make and send me whatever I need. It is hard to tell what we will want. I bought Edith and Eleanor some very beautiful suits [out] East. I hope we won't have to think of anything to wear for some time South. Do write me, dear Lou, after we get to Mexico. Letters will be most welcome to us. I am so sorry you were never able to visit us in our home here. How much we would love to see you before we go. Love to all—Ma had a letter from your ma a few days since. Eleanor is going to write soon. She will soon be seven—how time does fly You loving friend Parke

Transcription: 1822 Wylie Street Philadelphia, April 28, 1873

Dear Sister I received your letter some time since, but have not been able to answer it. I have been here about four week, and have seen most of the places I cared about, and also have got to work, where I think I will stay two or three years, if nothing happens. I have not had any hard work so far, but it is very uncertain how long that will last. I am staying Uncles now but I do not know how long I will stay there as I want to get nearer my work. But I do not believe you will know if I would tell you the place. But it makes no difference, it is on 16th and Hamilton streets. I may be able to tell you something more about it some other time, but as I have three more letters to answer I must soon close. I was at church yesterday, it was communion Sabbath. I think I heard Uncle say that there were 430 communicants, a few more than last time. They are all well here. I must stop now as I will not have time to write any more. I would have written this with a pen but did not have one. [is written in pencil] From Your Loving Brother Toph Miss Lou Wylie Columbia, Mo.

Transcription: Bloomington, May 2d 1873

My dear Lou, I might have sent this letter today, but I put yours in my book & forgot it. There are however but few & those unimportant errors in the paper returned. We have had nothing but disagreeable weather up to this time. Yesterday for a part of the day it was sunshiny & pleasant, today cloudy & chilly. We have been able to sit with out fire but one or two evenings since last November. We got the garden ploughed to day though it is rather wet. The beech trees hardly show a sign of a leaf. We have had a rhubarb pie, but no asparagus yet. Ma & Aunt Emma are busy looking after seeds & flowers & chickens. We have heard nothing very lately from Phandy. Last accounts were that he was about to enter some establishc where he could learn to make machines.

The boys B & D are as usual, perhaps studying a little better. You have heard I suppose of the suicide of Sally Taylor's father & the proprietor of the Nat. Hotel, which was burned down some weeks ago. With this exception I do not know that there is any thing new to write about since the last letter.

The girls have become somewhat fidgety in their room, making too much noise. Dr Nutt has had to talk to them. They will have perhaps to get a superintendent. If so perhaps a place might open up to you here if you would desire it. I should like much that you were at home again. I have no doubt however but that your year in Missouri has been spent very profitably to yourself & that all the little trouble & drudgery you have had is not worth speaking of compared with the advantage.

Dr Owen had to take Mrs. Owen home. She had become so bad. Prof. Kirkwood had a letter from Dr O saying that she had arrived safely & was some better. It is doubtful whether Dr O will be able to get back this term. Her disease seems to be the result of melancholy & grief for the death of her grand child.

They had a contest exhibition yesterday evenc. It was like all such shows. Willie Small was one of the speakers. He did very well. All are well & send their love Your affectc father T. A. Wylie

Miss E. L. Wylie Columbia, Missouri

Transcription: Columbia, Missouri May 6, 1873. Tuesday

My dear Ma: Your letter was received week before last and I tried to answer it last week. I wrote four pages, but they didn't suit me and then I concluded to wait until I heard from home again. I was much disappointed in not hearing last Saturday, and again yesterday, but this morning I found at dinner time, a letter from Pa under my plate. I was very glad to hear for I was becoming uneasy. He is generally so very prompt in returning my exercises. I hope to make an end of them next time. I wrote a long letter to you and Aunt Emma week before last, but haven't received a word in reply, nor have I even heard whether she received the letter. I thought Aunt Emma would write soon, as I told her I was not feeling well. I have been better till tonight, my head is aching again. I am trying the chalybeate water now. Ada and I went down to the spring before breakfast this morning and we want to do so every morning and evening, but it rained so this evening that we did not go. It is about as far as from our house to the corner of the campus. Just near the entrance to the campus here.

We have had a very cold spring and so Pa writes you have too. But we have had plenty of rhubarb and one mess of asparagus. Peas are up & stuck & strawberries are in bloom-just beginning to bloom. But the maple trees are just beginning to show their leaves and some trees are not even that far advanced. I went out in the woods May 1st, and got some very pretty wild flowers some of those violets that Mrs. Murphy once brought us from Mo. I found a walking fern too but unfortunately did not get a root. Most of the flowers are just like ours. Anemones. Spring beauties. Forget-me-nots. Sweet Williams &c. There are plenty of wild verbenas, very much like our hardy purple.

I had a letter from Toph last week, well written but miserably short, telling me hardly anything, saying he had got to work but not telling what the work was. But I was glad to hear from him. He seemed to like his work. I had a letter from Mag too. She spoke as if she might make me a visit. I wrote for her to come. They have written for Al to come home, as she is not well. But I don't know whether she will or not. Mrs. Read is very busy in the garden now. She lost very many of her plants. But she has bought more. She has her garden laid out very prettily and takes a great deal of pains in digging & fixing it but she don't like to have her flowers pulled. Even I believe when the garden is full.

I suppose Col. Foster left today for Mexico. I had a letter from Parke and she sent me her picture which I shall send home as they have one here. She promised to send me one of John & one of the children.

I have three trunks now. My new one is quite large & nice. Don't you think I had better take my old one home? I don't suppose I can use it for traveling any more. But it will be good for packing things away in. I am thinking of sending it by express. I inquired & I think it will cost me about $4.00 to send it by express. If I take it with me I shall have to pay extra & I believe it will cost me nearly, if not quite as much. Besides the trouble of looking after it and the danger of its breaking open. If I give it in charge of the Express Company they become responsible for it. I don't know though, whether the poor old thing is worth that much. But I've had it so long and it has traveled with me wherever I have gone so that it seems like giving up an old friend to leave it behind. Write me what you think about it.

I got me a new calico but I haven't it made yet. Since the spring has been so cold I am sorry I got it as I could have done without very well. But I expected to wear it nearly all of June. Provided I get it made. I wrote you that I got a new bonnet & a lace shawl. Extravagant I'm afraid. But it don't seem to me that I have bought very much, though money melts away. I want to get some kind of a summer dress for it will hardly do for me to go home without any kind of a new summer dress but a calico. But I don't know what to get. I am thinking of a linen lawn. It will be serviceable & cool. I would like to get something better. But it requires so much for a dress now and the cost of making is so high that I can hardly get anything else under $40 or $50. & I don't want to give so much as my silk cost so much. I am provoked every time I put on that silk. It is so badly made. That trimming all wrong on the shoulder vexes me. & then the hemming is so badly done. I was so particular to tell Mrs. Hunter that I wanted it nicely done and it is such nice goods. If you know any pretty new way of making dresses let me know. Ada just finished a silk for Bird. It was $400 paid but it took the whole of 25 yds I thought at first of getting one. But it would cost me about $40 to get it & have it made.

I haven't but four classes now and none of them very large. My German is the largest & it has over 20 in it. By hearing it before prayers I get through by 1 o'clk I wish very much that there was a place for me at home. I can't say that I would like particularly to have charge of the girls I can get along better with the boys I believe. But nobody knows what they can do till they try. I was very sorry to hear of Mrs. Owen's sad state of health. Pa spoke as if he thought I knew about it. But I had not heard before. Is it insanity? Mrs. Ripley is home again. She goes about everywhere & seems to be pretty well. Prof. R. says she is getting better every day. Mrs. Lathrop is well & just as she used to be. Tess I have never spoken to & don't expect to. She recognizes almost nobody. I believe Ada & Bird have not spoken to her since I've been here. It is getting late & I must close and go to bed. I want to send to Heinl to send you some flowers. If I can only make up my mind what to send for. I only wish that I could be at home to see them when they come. I wanted to get some roses for the cemetery but his roses have never done well for us & I hesitate to get them. If there are a good many white verbenas you will understand that they are for there. But I'm afraid the earth is not rich enough excepting that on Anton's grave. I shall try to make out my list & send it tomorrow so look out at the Express office for them. But probably I shall keep this and add more. Give my dearest love to Anna if you see her. I shall try to write to her soon. Love to Pa. Aunt E. the boys & all Write as soon as you can dear Ma. Time goes fast but it is still a good while till July. Goodnight with love from your daughter Lou

I did not get your letter off today—Thursday—as I intended. I can't get the flowers fixed to my satisfaction but I shall try not to be later than Sat. in sending & will send you a list of them when I write again.

I have a great deal of footing for my neck but it has become dirty & I never have trim to do it up & don't want to put it in the wash. If I send it home will you do it up for me. If I could get the plain footing I would get a bolt. But they don't appear to bring it in any more & the readymade ruffling cost so much

[in same envelope as above] Heliotrope, Gen. Valhubert Fuchsia double purple & red Ditto ditto white & red Primrose Kermesina splendens Smilax Clercodendron Balfourii Bouvardia, best red Begonia, best red flowering Cape Jessamine Basella Rubra Variegata 2 Roses. White tea & Stella Verbenas 1 ½ doz Mannettia if they have it—it not whatever they choose

Dear Ma, I send you the list of flowers which I have ordered from Heinl for you & Aunt Emma. I will send a letter to him at the same time that I send this so that I think you may look for the flowers on Wednesday or Thursday. As it has been so cold I suppose it will not be too late, tho' I have tried my best to get this letter off sooner. I sent Pa a hasty note with exercises this morning. I also sent Parke's picture. It was very hard to tell what flowers to send for. I may have sent for some which you have purchases. You will see that I have sent for two Roses. I wanted them for the Cemetery for the two larger graves but if they are too small & delicate you had better not put them there perhaps you have some that will do better. And then the half dozen white verbenas you can arrange as you like. I think it likely that you have already had things planted and I may change the order & not send for so many verbenas. I have tried in vain to think of something more suitable.

Last night we had a Society Exhibition. It was about the same as at home except that as I wrote Pa the [bogus?] programmes were distributed just as the others. They were not very costly. Had a fling at Dr. Read. The students say they are gotten up by persons in town. I would send you one if I had one. I shall try to remember to put in the rest of the money for my bird. Tell me about them when you write and write as soon as you can. & tell me about the flowers. Tell me too whether Aunt E. got my letter. I don't know anything about you all. Weather still continues cool. But dear Ma, Good night, with love to all Lou

[in same envelope as above two] Monday morn I enclose 50 cts for the bird. Please write me whether you think it best to have that white skirt fixed which I wrote about in Aunt E.'s letter. Also about the hair. Mrs. McFerson sent word to me to tell you that she had rec'd your letter but had not had time to answer & you will probably hear from her in Mexico. They have started & tomorrow, I suppose they will leave N. D. tomorrow. Yesterday was about our first spring day & today is beautiful too. Such weather makes me dreadfully homesick. But I'll have to get over it. Give my love to all who enquire after me. If any one ever does. I hope you will receive the flowers all right. Are not Brown & Dory ever going to write to me again? Dr. Read says the board have appointed him to go to Indianapolis the 28th of this month to attend some Agric. Convention. How much I would like to go. But it is nearly school time & I must stop Love to all. Goodbye Write soon Lou

Transcription: A petition being signed by students en mass, request your immediate return to duty. J. B. Newby Jas. W. Jefferson

Transcription: Indianapolis, May 12th, 1873

Dear Mrs. Wylie,

These few lines shall chiefly be a hearty handshake, and my apology for leaving the pleasant home that I had found in your house without bidding you even a word of farewell. Why I did not do so you will well understand, for I knew too well your way of arguing, and I believe I feared your laughing more than the reasoning and persuading of all the professors. However wise or unwise you may consider my action, you know at least that the motive is pure, and now that it is done I hope it will not lessen me in your esteem. Maybe that it is all wrong but different people look at such things differently, and especially these crazy Dutchmen have sometimes notions of their own.

And now, that I am gone, I may as well tell you that it was not very much harder for me to leave Bloomington altogether than it would have been to leave your house. I thought that I should have to do it, but well I knew that never again would I find such a home, or kindness, such as yours. Permit me now, dear Mrs. Wylie, in these my words of farewell to express to you once more my sincere gratitude for all that you have done for me, and ten thousand times more for that unspeakable love with which you, and all of you, cheered up the last days of that sweet boy whose remains lie now side be side with those of your sons. I was out there the hour before I left but had not time to plant anything. Won't you let someone look after it and plant upon the grave a flower or two? I am very sorry that I did not plant the lilies of the valley in time, but when they have done blooming and one of your boys will plant the roots they will be all in bloom next spring. As soon as I can I will provide for stone and fence.

The arm chair that I left I wish you would keep a little sacred in memory of Anton. Please remember me to Prof. Wylie and Miss Dennis and boys and boarders. I write this from Indianapolis but shall leave as soon as I have my trunks and mail from Bloomington. The remainder of the term I think to spend in Harvard, letters will find me there. The bill enclosed has to go half and half between Prof. Wylie and you for a week's board and five dollars of unpaid loan.

I know how anxious Prof. Wylie in his kindness felt for my health, but as for this there is no need of fear. It was only a moment of overexcitement that almost broke me down when leaving Bloomington on Saturday, but today I am in excellent health and of good cheer. Do not trouble yourself concerning me but remember kindly Your grateful and affectionate Hermann B. Boisen

Transcription: Bloomington May 13th 1873

Dear Lou, Your letter was received yesterday. I had the exercises corrected almost in time for the mail today but I had to go off to Faculty meeting. I have the catalogue a hands & nearly all my spare time is taken up.

We have had a great time with Prof. Boisen. Dr Owen had to go to N. Harmony with Mrs. O who is quite ill. Prof B. took his botany class. All went well till last Thursday, when a fellow by name of Taylor refused to write an exercise in the manner Prof. B. required, & when told to leave the room refused to go. A Faculty meeting was called. Taylor was suspended for three days & ordered to bring the exercise as required. Some meddlesome fellows got up a petition & by representing Taylor's [?] as indefinite suspension they got over a hundred names to it--This petition simply asked for a mitigation of the punishment of Taylor & mentioned the injustice of such a punishment for the offense. We thought nothing of the petition, it found no fault with Prof B. but only with the action of the Faculty. No attention was paid to it & it was simply laid on the table. Prof B. looked at it & on seeing some names of his best students on it, his countenance fell. He said nothing at the time, & I had no idea that he was so much affected by it. At ten he was dreamy & abstracted. He went up town & got a big trunk. After he came home, I had a long talk with him, when he told me how much his feelings were hurt by that petition & that he could never stand before his classes again. I tried to convince him of the wrong view he took of it, but without success. Next morning (Sat) he was more cheerful. Houghton told me at college that he said he intended to leave B. that day & never come back. I told him that I thought Prof B. was in a better humor but asked him to go & see him. He did so & about 11 o'c he told me that he had all packed up. I tried to persuade him again of the folly of his course. Several of the professors did the same. McPhetridge pled that he would be violating his contract with the board, I begged that as a personal favor he would remain till Monday --all of no avail. He got on the cars at the last moment, leaving his baggage behind & went off. The students were very much excited when they found the result of their interference. They telegraphed to Gosport informing that they were getting up a petition for him to come back. Prof. received the telegram & in reply sent a letter to Dr. Nutt, to be read to the students, as a farewell. It was a kind & well written letter, referring to the deep wound he had received from the actions of these he loved so much & stating that his usefulness here was at an end--Houghton got a dispatch this afternoon asking him to direct his baggage to Harvard, Cambridge. He has acted in the whole of this matter very foolishly, the only apology is his undue nervous excitability, increased perhaps by this botany class, which he undertook with all the enthusiasm of his nature. He was up early & late & working all the time during the few days he had it. Poor fellow, I feel deeply for him & wish him well wherever he may be. I never expect to see him here again. With such a disposition as he has he never will be long in any place. They have laid off the foundation for the new building & will soon begin work. We are all in usual health. Write soon. Don't let your sympathy for poor Boisen affect you too much. With many excellent qualities he had many faults. Your loving father T. A. Wylie

Miss E. L. M. Wylie Columbia, Mo.

Transcription: Philadelphia May 15, 1873

Dear Brown, I have been thinking about writing to you for some time but seems like I allway [sic] had something else to do. I do not know whether I will have time to finish this as it is nearly time to go to work. I had a letter from Lou and another from Mag last week. It has been nearly four weeks since I begun work. I first went in as a laborer now I run the elevator and I think it won't be long before I will have a machine. The work I am doing is very easy nothing to do but ride up a down all day. I must stop now as June has got my breakfast ready, and will try and finish it down at the shop.

[the following in pencil] I have not left yet Mag is busy studying her lessons, Sam is as lazy as ever. He wakes up every morning when I do but don't get up till worship. Uncle has gone to Pittsburgh he will stay away about two weeks. I think I will go to West Chester Saturday as I have to get a few things and I would rather get them there than here. It is dinner time now and I have just got done eating my lunch some of the men go home to dinner but it is to far up to Uncles as you know. I believe Maggie graduates the last June but I do not know what day if you are coming on you had better come about the 20th or 24 so as to be here in time. Tell Ma that I hardly know the number of teeth as some of them he filled over again. You must not expect me to write all the time as I do not have much time to do anything. I am getting $8.40 a week enough to pay my board and a little over. From your aff. Brother T. A. Wylie [Jr.]

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. May 21, 1873

Prof. H. B. Boisen Dear Friend

When I sent your baggage to Indianapolis, I wrote you a letter. Expecting an answer to that, I have not written since; but seeing that no answer comes I conclude that you did not get the letter. In that letter I stated the reason why I did not prepay express charges on your trunks etc. and answered some inquiries which I thought you might make and which you did make in a letter written a few minutes after you dispatched. No sooner did I return from the wood yard than your creditors grew uneasy. The next day was Sunday and even then one came to me to talk about an account he had against you. The next Monday just as I was going to direct the goods, one of the Trustees came and told me not to send the goods off till tomorrow because unless some satisfaction were given to the creditors the goods would be garnished. Thereupon, I waited one day. When I got your dispatch I went and asked Foster how much money you had in the Bank. He responded: "The wages of this month, about ten days." Without saying anything I forwarded the baggage. The following claims have been presented:

G. Howe presents $21.00 Dr. Maxwell presents $25.00 McPheeters presents $21.00 McGee presents 45.00 Dr. Holtzman presents 3.50 Minor accounts united, about 10.00 Total $125.50

I will not pay McGee till you say so. If his claim be taken out the remainder is about $80.00 which is some more than can be raised of your means at this place. I owe you $45.00 and that in connection with what the rousters [?] owe you will hardly make out $80.00. You see now within two or three dollars of how things are. I spoke to McPheeters about the account at the Post Office. That is all right. What must I do with the other accounts? McGee says that he sold the goods to you. Is it so? With these accounts I shall do nothing till I hear from you.

A day does not pass but I am asked time and again: "Have you heard from Prof. Boisen?" "Do you think he will come back?" "Can't you do anything to make him come back?" Spicer went with me to your room this morning and I asked him what he did with your room, "O" he says, "I always keep it locked up tight." Looking at the wall and charts I said "These pictures are characteristic of Prof. Boisen?" "O yes" he [remainder missing]

Transcription: Terre Haute, May 27, 1873

Miss L. Wylie Columbia Mo.

Your kind orders and favors were duly received, but the last two mail orders were delayed a few days on account of press of work. The plants were sent to Prof Wylie with advise a few days after receipt of order, and today the two mail orders go forward. I hope you will pardon the delay, and advise if plants come through all right.

I am getting ready to leave for Vienna and Europe generally for a 3 ½ month absence, which throws more work on me at this time.

Very Respectfully

John G. Heinl Excuse haste

Transcription: Smith & Hannaman, Large Loans Indianapolis, June 5, 1873

Prof Hermann B. Boisen Bloomington, Ind

Dear Sir

Permit me to compliment you most sincerely on your return to the Indiana University. It is certainly very gratifying to myself as also to your large circle of friends. We are all liable to occasional mistakes—to correct them as soon as possible is highly honorable. Your friends will continue as heretofore to entertain the highest regard for you.

You will receive with this your letter to me dated Dansville, Ind. May 10th 1873 as I have no further use for it.

With kindest regards, I am most

Respectfully yours

Wm. Hannaman

Transcription: Columbia, Mo. June 7, 1873

My dear Pa: I have had no letter from home this week, and I don't feel very well satisfied about it. I wrote a long letter to Ma two week or more ago and sent one to Aunt Emma on Tuesday of this week. but of course I have not had time for an answer to that. But I wrote to you three weeks ago, and I have been wanting an answer to that, for I asked your advice about coming back here and I want to know what you think about it. I wish you & Ma would not write for me to do as I please, but would tell me what you would like. You have never said whether you would like for me to have a place at home, and I don't know but that you think I would do better away. In some respects it might be somewhat harder for me at home. They have never yet had a female teacher in the University, and there might be some opposition. Then I don't believe the students there are under as strict control quite as Dr. Read holds them here. though the difference may be in the students themselves. for most here are working their way and are excellent & well disposed young men. But there are advantages too in living at home. Chiefly because I am at home. I do not like to be so far away from you and Ma now. In case of sickness it would be bad. And in winter it is not always easy or safe to get here or home. Then there have been so many things that I have needed help upon and could get more from books, little things often, yet troublesome, and I have thought if only I was near Pa, I could learn this once for all. But I have never liked to ask Dr. Read, though he has been very kind to me. I don't like to go to strangers though I have sometimes asked Prof. Triming. There are often things which I don't feel quite sure about and I like to ask some one wiser than myself, so that I shall not stumble in the class. Then although I may not be paid so much at home, yet having no traveling expenses and no board to speak of a smaller salary there would be as much or more than what I get here. As for any trouble with the students I should not fear that till it came. Now Dr. Read said today that he thought they would want me here at $800. no much of an increase but as much as I would expect or he says if not here he things there will be a place at Rolla in the School of Mines. He says if there is no place for me at home that he will provide a place for me. I don't know just at what time the election here takes place, I forgot to ask him. But in case it takes place at Commencement I ought to know about whether to be a Candidate or not. So I thought I would write to you again about it in order to give you a little time to think about it. If you and Ma think I had better come--if I can--I will do it. tho' I need not tell you I should much prefer a place at home. I like my work here, & have found the scholars pleasant & respectful but still, it is so far. As for the people here, I know but little about them. I am acquainted with a few, and like them as far as I know them, but many I think rather look down on teachers. They are of the F.F.V's--you know. A great deal of attention is paid to dress and appearance. There are many more wealthy persons here than at home. I wish you would write as soon as you can for I may need time to think over your letter. I suppose either Mary Read will be back to take the first position or they will get some one of more experience than I have.

I have enjoyed very much hearing four lectures this week by C. V. Riley State Entomologist. You know I like all natural science. He is quite an enthusiast and I suppose is really one of the best Entomologists in the Country. I suppose he is 36 or 37 years of age, unmarried and is an Englishman. We are having strawberries now, but the vines are not bearing very well though we have plenty as Mrs. Read has so many beds.

Dr. Read returned on Monday from Indianapolis. He was quite sick while there. He says he saw Dr. Nutt who was attending some Masonic affair. Do you know what men they are thinking of for Prof in Dr. Owen's place? I do hope they will get good men. I don't think enough care is taken. How is Prof. Parrott succeeding now, and has Prof. Boisen got back. I heard he was expected, but have heard nothing since. I think it would be the best thing for him to come back. I suppose you have had the senior party or rather Dr. Nutt has, and that your seniors are enjoying vacation now. The seniors here are not free till the end of this week. You have not written me whether I shall stay here until after Commencement or not. I guess I'll just do as I feel like doing when I get through with my work, and I haven't now any idea how that will be. Perhaps Theodore McFerson will be here Commencement and if he is I may wait for his company part of the way with me though I think not as he can't be away from his work. But I shall stop for the present.

I wish too that you would either send me a newspaper or else write me the time of trains. I want to see which way I can best make connection. I shall probably have to make the trip alone from St. Louis at least as Prof. Hosmer I think will not leave for several days after Commencement and I don't think I shall wait for him. Also please tell me whether Harry Gay has returned to St. Louis to the employ of the O & M Road so that I can write to him if I wanted to find out about the trains in case I conclude to go that way. It is said that Miss Mary Rollins is to be married soon to a Mr. Overall. Maj. Rollins is well and always desires me to remember him to you when I write.

Are you really going to let the three girls graduate? Here they go over each name at the time the honors are decided, and also decide whether each member of the class shall be considered a candidate for graduation & if any are below the mark, they are notified. All passed this year, but last year one was not allowed to graduate so he tried again this year & succeeded. I suppose Miss Morrison will be on hands of course. I have not heard from Mag for a long while. How is she? Or do you hear? And Toph too has not written for some time. Dory & Brown have written to me once during these five months. I wrote asking Ma about taking home my old trunk, but have not heard from her on the subject. I think it has been good for me that you had to send me back my exercises every week or two or I should really have suffered from not hearing from home. I know you are kept busy now. I suppose it will not be a great while before your examinations. I shall dread ours, but I have still time to think of them. I must close. Give my love to all & please write as soon as you have time. Your loving daughter Lou It seems to me that this is a complaining kind of a letter, but I have felt badly at not hearing from home. If I had time I would re-write but I have not, so this must go. Asking you to excuse all that seems wrong.

Transcription: Bloomington June 12th 1873

Dear Lou I feel very much to blame for not attending to your letter sooner. When you sent exercises to correct, there was a pressing necessity for answering immediately. Your last not requiring an immediate answer & I being very busy, neglected it. I hardly know what to say about your making arrangements for next year. I do not want you so far away from home, would much rather have you nearer us. It is not necessary for you, beyond your own inclination to take any situation. As long as I have a home, you have one. If you prefer doing something, which while it may be improving to yourself, gives you more means than I can afford I of course have no objection. --We can say nothing about vacancies in college here, or in the High School. Dr. Maxwell rather gave me to understand that if you were a candidate for any situation here he would favor you. May I apply for a situation in the High School for you? My objection is that it is too much work & too little pay. I do not at all like the thought of your going out to Rolla. What do they want with lady teachers at the school of mines? It is too far away. It seems to me that your best plan would be not to engage yourself for another year. If any one is appointed in your place, well & good--if not, & they want you where you are, you can communicate with them by letter. I hope that something may turn up here, but I fear there will not. We, I mean the Faculty, are not much consulted about matters & things. Some of the members of the board have undertaken to run matters their own way. Dr. Nutt announced in Chapel this A.M. that the corner stone would be laid, with great ceremony. Gov Hendricks is to be here & make a speech. All the authorities are invited. All Pendants & Preppers of colleges &c. & many other things. The Masons are to lay the corner stone & Knights of Pythias & Odd Fellows, are to be present in all their glory. Who is responsible for this outrage I don't know. What the state university has to do with Masons & Odd fellows I don't know, but so it is. It is very doubtful if Dr. Owen goes at all, he is at any rate to be here next year. He left here a few weeks ago to accompany Mrs. Owen to Danville (N.Y.) Water cure. He will be back at commenct

Prof Boisen came back about ten days ago. He left his beard & mustache at Harvard (Cambridge). It makes such an alteration in his appearance that I hardly knew him. He boards now at Orchard's. He did not ask, & I do not think he wanted to come back to our house. He goes about as usual. He has taken Dr. Owen's Botany class. He is now an enthusiastic Botanist. His room looks like a conservatory. He goes out in the P.M. & gathers a basket full of plants, not flowers simply, but root & branch & takes a great deal of trouble to make the subject interesting. Morrison & Wilson board with us. Mr. Bunnel's sister, children, & brother-in-law Mr. Hardy are to dine with us to day. Mr. Hardy is a play actor by profession, a fine looking & very gentlemanly man. We have heard nothing very lately from Mag, or Phandy. All well at last accts Your affectionate father T. A. Wylie

Miss E. L. M. Wylie Columbia Mo.

P.S. I can say nothing about your remaining till after commencement in Col. Do as you think best. Our comt takes place 3d July. Whenever you come we will be glad to see you. Miss Morrison was announced this A.M. for the Alumni speech. You ought to be here to hear it. Write. Hope to see you soon.

Transcription: Columbia, Missouri June 21, 1873

My dear Father: After two weeks waiting I received your letter last week, & then a note from Ma. I shall write but a short letter now as I hope to see you so soon. I hope to be with you next Tuesday. I could not get though with my examination papers & reports this week and then Al Read is coming this morning & I wanted to see her. Theodore McFerson comes next week but I shall miss him. On some accounts I should like to stay. But the house here will be full of company, and I should have to give up my room & probably put them to inconvenience to find a place for me. Al & her three children Prof. & Mrs. Williams of Rolla, Dr. Read of Terre Haute, & Theodore McFerson are expected. Then I shall be through my work & I should like to be at home & rest a little before Commencement there. So upon the whole I think it will be best to go, though I may possibly stay & if I do not come on Tuesday you need not look for me I think until Friday. I wrote to Harry Gay & got information about the trains. I asked you to send me a paper or tell me about them, but I suppose you forgot. I hope I shall get along safely. I expect to go by the O & M R.R., though I can get a through ticket by the Vandalia line. But the junction is even worse than Mitchell, & I shall have a long wait at either place. The weather here has been extremely warm. Dr. Read still talks of wanting me here or at Rolla. Rolla is not quite so far from home as this place but it is a small place & not so pleasant as this. We had a Shakespearian Exhibition last night which was very good.

But with love to all, Good by I hope to see you all soon. I suppose you will get this Monday & I hope to see you Tuesday if nothing happens. I may be detained though. Goodby dear Pa In haste your loving daughter Louisa Wylie Ada is trying to get me to stay until Thursday & I don't know but I will be prevailed upon.

Transcription: 15th 1873 Friend Bell,

You receive herewith the first part of my essay, about one half I think. The second part will be in your possession in due time for the next issue. I am sorry that I could not keep my promise to you to take Botany at the Franklin Institute, but a few days after you left we changed our plans altogether and are now preparing for a trip to Europe.

Transcription: Point of Rocks, Md. Friday, July 18, 1873

My dear Folks,

Hermann wrote to you last night and told you of our journey up to that time, and also of our plans. We concluded today to stop at this place tonight instead of going on to Washington, as we can easily reach W. in two hours tomorrow morning and then have several hours for seeing the City before leaving for Philadelphia, which we hope to reach tomorrow night. We were sorry that we had not stopped at Harper's Ferry which is a beautiful place, and which besides is so connected with history, but this too is a pretty little place and we shall do very well here.

We left Athens so early this morning that we did not see much of the place. The University is a dilapidated looking place. One of the Insane Asylums of the state is there and it is a large and imposing building. Our journey today has been a continual delight to me, and I am very glad to come this way. Indeed our whole trip so far has been delightful, though during part of the day yesterday and day before it was very warm. But today we had the mountain breeze and I have not had occasion to use my fan all day. But the dust has been terrible. We could hardly be distinguished from "colored individuals" when we arrived here. Indeed one man in our car was so highly colored that I think that you would have been puzzled to have told whether his original color was black or white.

But enough of these things. I wish I could worthily describe the grand and magnificent scenery which I have seen today, but I hope that Aunt Emma will tell of it, for I cannot write of the grandeur and beauty which I have seen today in fitting terms. I would like to tell you of all that I have seen and enjoyed, but I will not attempt it, as I am too tired and sleepy so that I do not think I can make it interesting to you.

I hope you have written and told me who sent me those beautiful roses so that I may write my thanks to the giver. We had no time in Ind. or I would have gone round to Mrs. Coffee's. We left there at 4 ½ a.m.

I find I am so very tired, and my eyes are so full of cinders that I cannot write more. I hope Mag is still with you, and the dear children. I do wish I could have seen more of them. I know I can never thank you all enough for your kindness to me, and all my friends were so good. Please thank them for me and remember us kindly to all. I shall not, as is the custom of many, go into ecstasies over my happiness, but I will say that I am very happy and that I cannot tell you half how good and kind Hermann is to me. But I must say good night to all of you dear ones. We shall write again from Philadelphia I suppose as well as from N. Y. And we hope to hear from you in both places. Good night.

Lovingly

Lou

Transcription: Bloomington, Sat. 18th 1873

My dear Lou,

We found yesterday, too late however for yesterday's mail, that the letter Prof B. had sent to his parents in Germany either had not been mailed or had been returned for want of postage stamps. I have directed it to be mailed today and may probably cross the ocean with you. If this is the only letter sent you will probably take them all unawares. I sent a letter to Prof B. informing him of my having sent the forgotten valise to Philadelphia care of Brother The. This I hope you have received. Your marriage was published in the Indianapolis Journal on Thursday morning stating that you would leave that A.M. for Germany. So I supposed that you would not be in Philadelphia quite as soon as I telegraphed. This morning we received a dispatch from Wylie McLeod saying that your passage had been taken in the Italia for next Wednesday and could be changed for Saturday if desired.

We are very anxious to hear from you. Write as soon as you can. Aunt Emma says you left a bundle of photographs which she supposed you intended to take with you. What disposal shall we make of them? Keep them? Or send them? Write and tell every thing you want freely. You can't tell how we feel parting with you, but we hope that you will be well cared for wherever you may be. I hope Prof B. will not forget you any where. Perhaps the only danger is that thinking so much about you he will forget every thing else.

I can hardly write this A.M. I have been working hard handling rough sticks and my hands don't work freely. Arthur Mellette thought he could get a pass for me to visit Missouri and Kansas next week. Unless I go dead-headed it is not probable that I will leave home this vacation.

I received a paper from Mexico, giving an account of Minister Foster's reception in the City. No allusion to the family.

Ma tells me to say that Miss L. Hunter put your handkerchief in the trunk. I suppose you will understand all about it. Love to Prof B., in sending which to you and him we all unite.

If you receive this in N. Y. please give our kindest love and regards to Dr. McLeod, Sister Wylie and all the rest and all other friends who have been kind to you.

Your affectionate father,

T. A. Wylie No news. All friends are well.

Mrs. E. L. M. W. Boisen New York

Transcription: Bloomington July 19th '73

Dear Lou, Dory who told me about that letter which he said Prof B. had forgotten to stamp, has just returned & says that it was a mistake that it was some letter he saw in the bin, that he thought had been returned. I write this in a great hurry to send by this day's train, to correct the error. Yours as always T. A. Wylie

P.S. The letter referred to was one to Germany. Have just received a letter all in deep black from Maj. Rollins in which he mentions the death of the babe Sallie Rollins, daughter of Mr. Hackaday. He has many kind regards & high commendation of you. It would be gratifying to him to receive a letter from you from Germany.

Transcription: Point of Rocks July 19th 1873

Dear Folks at Bloomington,

Whenever there is something of physical interest in the Indianapolis Journal be pleased one of you to wrap it up and send it to Germany that we may keep the run of affairs in Indiana. Will Dory make that his business? If he does we will bring him his plays from France, England and Germany and a Danish one too. We ought to be in Washington now, according to which I wrote from Athens yesterday, but Lou is practicing economy—she thinks the capital of the nation will not be a fit place to stop for people like us. So we have been over night in this little village, about 40 miles from Washington, on the Potomac, 9 miles below Harper's Ferry. A pleasant morning ride of 2 hours along the banks of the Potomac will bring us from here to Washington. We start at 7 and arrive there at a quarter before 9, just in due time for sight seeing. It is raining now, but we hope it will clear up by the time that we have had our breakfast and arrive at Washington. We have a very pleasant stopping place. [remainder of sheet is empty as though he did not have time to finish]

Transcription: Post Office Evansville, Ind. July 21, 1873

Dear Mrs. Wylie,

It was my intention to have been with you on 16th but was prevented by sickness. I was taken on Tuesday with an attack of something like cholera and this is the first day I have been able to do any work in the office since. I regret very much that I was not able to be at the wedding. I am afraid Lou will think I treated her badly and will ask you to please explain to her when you write to her. I would have written to her myself before she left had I been able. Hope to see her soon after she returns. I get long letters from the folks in Mexico. They are perfectly delighted with climate and country. I am afraid they will never be contented to live in this country again. Suppose of course Lou will have a pleasant trip.

Yours Very Truly

T. R. McFerson

Transcription: New York July 23, 1873

My dear Pa,

We arrived here yesterday evening after having spent three delightful days in Philadelphia. Uncle The was not at home, for which I was very sorry, but Aunt Jessie and the girls were exceedingly kind. I don't think one often comes across three nicer girls than Jennie, Maggie and Susie. Lulu was in the country and Samuel with his father, so we did not see them. Aunt Susan too was very kind, had us in there to tea, and asked us to stay there on our return if we stopped in P. Toph is looking well and doing well from all I heard. He goes in to Aunt Susan's very much. I am afraid he goes there too much for it to be pleasant for him to stay at Uncle The's they seem kind to him, only they say he is so reserved and so you know, in that way he may keep them from being as kind as they would. Aunt Susan is very kind to him and always saves him something nice to eat. And then he goes with her to church sometimes and of course by doing this way he separates himself from Uncle The's family.

Uncle McLeod's family are all out of town and we are very sorry not to see them. Wylie and his family are boarding but they have turned themselves out of their rooms to accommodate us. They are just as kind as they can be. We sail today in the ship Italia, Anchor Line, and so I suppose this will be the last letter which you will receive for a while. I received your two letters last evening and was very glad indeed to get them. We have written to you twice on our journey and I hope you have received both letters. Altogether we have had a splendid trip.

I will close now, as breakfast is about ready and after that we shall start very soon for the ship which sails at 12 M.

Hermann is not here or I think he would add a few lines. After breakfast he will not have time. I suppose that Mag and the children are still with you. I hope so as I think they will keep you all wide awake. I do hope you will be able to make a trip this vacation. It seems too bad that I should be making a trip to Europe and you should stay at home. Give my love to Ma and Aunt Emma and Mag and the boys. I have not felt homesick yet, but when I get sea sick, I expect I shall wish myself ashore and long for Ma. Please write me who sent those roses. Don't forget.

In a few hours we shall be on the ocean sailing. Do not forget us. Write as often as you can. We shall want to hear from you in Germany.

With love to all from us both. As every and always

Your loving daughter

Louisa

Transcription: Bloomington, July 30th 1873

My dear Children,

We heard of your sailing from New York by a letter from Mr. Agnew who expressed much regret at not having seen you having expected that you would make time staying in New York. We also received your letter from N. Y. stating that you were about to sail. We have nothing but dullness here, just now nothing interesting, nothing new. Yesterday a letter came for Lou from Mr. Bunnel. I could only read the inquiry toward the end of it wo ist Herr B.? - [where is Mr. B.?]. Another letter of congratulation came from Mr. T. McFerson and written from Rob. I. Morrison. The pretty roses, which you thought came from Indianapolis came a present from Miss Anna Ballantine from Chicago. She wrote to Aunt Emma making inquiry as to whether they had arrived safely. Dr. Nutt returned last Friday and he and Houghton have been busy making out the supplemental report. Houghton had not a single inquiry to make respecting either of you which I thought strange. I have been busy gathering up the periodicals in the Library for binding, but will not get them off for a week or two. Today Ma and Maggie and Wylie and myself intend to start for a trip west, perhaps as far as Kansas. We will be absent probably two weeks if nothing untoward change or prevent our [purposes ?]. I always feel anxious on setting out on a journey, anxious about those I leave and about my own safe return. Of course we feel anxious about you, hoping a kind Providence will direct all things happily for you in your going, sojourning and returning. I have not made out the order for books or rather for money to find to buy books in Germany and fear I will not be able to do it till my return. I have found the catalogue of the Philadelphia Institute maker or vender, who has the Holz Electrical machine. It is Leppin and Masche, makers. Berlin, Brüder Strasse 13. The largest size, for 100 Th. Which would be about $78 gold, single plate. A Machine mit doppeltem Schreiben[paar?] nach[?] Hobtz[?] – producirt eine[?] Funkenlänge als mehr als die Hälfte der Durchmasche der rotirenden Scheibe [symbol?]. For 80 Th. [A Machine with doubled writing – produces a Funkenlänge of more than half the Durchmasche of the rotating disk. For 80 Thaler.] If we could afford it I would like a good Thermo electric file and Galvanometer, some [Grigler?] tubes. Enquiry might be made with reference to all apparatus, so that we could order directly from Germany provided we could [?] a cheaper than in this country.

I had a letter from Dr. Owen yesterday, in which he sends congratulations. Mrs. Owen was much better, but he speaks as [if] she were not now improving. Dr. says he must be in Lafayette 26th August.

Aunt Emma has not been very well. She will attend to affairs at home during Ma's absence. Aunt Emma had intended to write with this, but she is so busy just now that she will not write today. The same with Ma. I will send this by today hoping that it will leave N. Y. Saturday.

Present our kindest regards to Judge and Mrs. Boisen and family and believe me Yours most affectionately T. A. Wylie

Prof H. B. Boisen and Wife Nordburghe of Alsen Schleswig Holstein Germany

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. July 30th 1873

My dear Lou,

I have been wanting to have a little talk with you ever since you left and I fully intended having a letter to greet you on your arrival in Germany and should have done so had not our time been so very much occupied. Mr. Mellette proposed to your father taking a trip Westward if he would manage matters, and your father not objecting, the result was he caused to be sent a pass to both your mother and father. The former was more in need of rest than anything else, but I knew she would not get it at home while the children were with us so persuaded her to go, hoping change of scene etc. would be as great a benefit to her as to your father. Neither Maggie or your mother had thought of going and of course were unprepared but they pressed Miss Hight into service and Mrs. Murphy volunteered as usual so they actually reached the cars in time (today) but it was a rushing time for a week, almost equal to the wedding. Maggie and your mother have made Rectingales[?] like yours. Sister also had a very pretty black alpaca made up and several other things. So with three little ones to attend to, to say nothing of the larger ones, you may believe we have not had much spare time. And now they are off and Charley's little curly head quiet on my pillow with baby Arthur sleeping sweetly beside him and the two boys in their room. You cannot tell how very much I miss you all. It is so very, very quiet. Wylie went with his mother. He had not been well. I am in hopes the trip will be of service to him likewise. They started from here for Greencastle expected to meet Calvin there and go on to St. Louis. And then I believe to Kansas but they did not know exactly the route until they saw Calvin. Now I think of it, your father wrote you today and has told you, I imagine, more than I can do, so I will proceed to other subjects.

I received a nice little letter from Annie Ballantine written on the 15th. She said they had been talking and thinking of you all day and regretted so much she could not have been with you. It was she who sent you the roses. She got them in Chicago. I presume the person she bought them of had an opportunity of sending them to Indianapolis as they were expressed from that place. She was having a very pleasant visit.

We were so sorry we did not get your letter. We received one from Hermann from Athens and one from you from N. Y. speaking of your visit in Philadelphia. That is all. Do write as often as possible. We are so anxious to know how you stood the voyage. One thing is certain, you had a good nurse near you. (If not incapacitated from acting.)

I told Charley I was going to write you and asked what I should say for him. "Oh," said he, "give her two kisses for me." And what to Uncle Hermann? He opened his eyes to their widest extent and exclaimed "What, you are not going to write to him too," Then after thinking a moment said "I think I will write him myself." Dear little darling! He is so good, I have had no trouble with him at all. I feel the responsibility of keeping baby much more for he is not well, has just cut six teeth and I think is cutting more.

Before this reaches you, you will have met your new relatives. I think I should have felt your going much more had I felt you were going among strangers but such never seems the case. I have become so familiar with all the family through their letters and photographs I think I should greet them as old friends if I met them on the Alps. Give my kind regards to them all. With much love to Hermann and yourself, I remain Your loving Aunt Emma Don't please let any one see my scrawls. They would certainly form a very unfavorable opinion of your aunt.

Transcription: Steam Ship Italia August 3, 1873

My dear Pa:

We are now in sight of land—Iceland, they say, but for my part I can't see it, though I think my eyes are about as good as most persons. But I suppose sailors know just when and how to look better than we "land-lubbers." I ought to have written a letter home every day but I have been lazy ever since I have been on the ship and have done little but eat and sleep and work a little at German. I have not been sea sick but at first I felt very dull and my head was dizzy. Our voyage has been very pleasant and there has not been a very great deal of sea-sickness, although two ladies have been sick nearly all the time. For two or three days we had a heavy fog and that was a dangerous and anxious time, for the captain says he would rather have a storm than a fog. I am now sitting up on the quarter deck and just now I see land, but so faint and dim it is that I can hardly believe it is land. But it is and now for the first time I see the "Emerald Isle," Erin, the home of my ancestors. I do not know whether we shall stop at the port of Londonderry or not. As the coast is dangerous the Captain does not wish to stop unless he can do so in daytime. We hope to see the Giant's Causeway at the distance of half a mile. And either tomorrow morning or tomorrow night we hope to be in Glasgow. From there we want to visit Loch Lomond, Loch Katrine and the Trossachs. And then from Leith we sail for Hamburg. Nearly all persons are in shock now looking at the land and the ships which are now in sight. I staid up until I saw the land and then I cam down to write a little so that I may mail this from Glasgow tomorrow, for I know you will be anxious to hear of our safe arrival and I hope that we shall be able to make the rest of the voyage in safety.

Nothing remarkable has occurred during the voyage. We have passed but few ships. I have not even seen a shark. I believe I saw a porpoise. Some of the days it has been too damp to be on deck much. The other days, it has been very pleasant and I have enjoyed walking back and forth the length of the ship very much. And then it is always a pleasure to watch the ever changing ocean. I can sit looking at it and thinking for an hour at a time. How much I wish you were along Pa. We have had such a nice voyage. I think you would have enjoyed it very much. I would not care if we were a week longer on the sea if it would be as pleasant weather as we have had. The company on board too seems pleasant. We have quite a number of Catholics on board, a Catholic priest among them. He is a German but is going to Italy. Then we have an Italian lady, a French lady, plenty of Scotch and Irish, and English and one gentleman from Finland. A very fine looking and intelligent man, who has been in America seven months visiting the schools, having been sent by his government. He is a Professor in a Gymnasium.

We are now, at 10 P.M. just leaving Moville, the port of Londonderry. We have been following the beautiful rocky shore of Ireland all P.M. It is so dark though, that we shall miss seeing the Giant's Causeway, which we regret very much and we shall have to wait for the tide at 9 P.M. tomorrow in order to enter Glasgow and so we shall probably be on the vessel another night. But I must hurry to bed as lights are out in a moment. If Hermann wasn't so good and kind I would be homesick, but as it is I never was less so away from home. [new sheet, but it looks like there may be yet another sheet missing] And we have a pleasant family from N.Y., a Mr. LeMon, wife, three daughters, two sons, Aunt and Grandchild. One of the daughters is married and has a dear little child with her. They seem very intelligent and pleasant. They are going to Germany to educate their children. Yesterday in company with Mrs. LeMon I went through the ship and saw how the sailors live and how they do our cooking. We have four meals a day and the children have four separate meals and besides they have porridge in the morning and gruel in the evening for whoever may wish it.

I am sorry to say that they have no services on board the ship on Sabbath and so it does not seem like Sabbath. As I am writing under difficulty I will not write more. I think of you all very often and wonder what you are doing and wish I could see you. I felt very anxious about you, Pa for a few days. I do not know why, but I was afraid you were sick. I wrote to you from N. Y. and told you something of our journey up to that time. I do not know now that I shall have opportunity to write again until we reach Nordburg and I do not suppose that will be until the end of this week or first of next, that is about Aug. 9th or 12th. Some of you write every week if possible, we shall be anxious to hear. And give love to all of our good, kind friends for us. Hermann said he would add some to this letter so he will speak for himself much better than I can for him. He enjoys the voyage much and has found in the Finlander, Mr. Heikel, quite a pleasant acquaintance and with him and with the Catholic priest he has many battles at chess. He has been very patient in hearing me recite German but I have been very stupid and dull about it, for as I said before, for four or five days at first my head felt very badly. But I feel much better now and have a ravenous appetite. But I must stop. Give love to Ma, Aunt Emma, and the boys and Mag if she is still with you. I shall try to write to all friends as soon as I get settled. You know how I love you all and I know you love and think of me often.

Your loving daughter

Lou

On Board of the Italia Monday Aug 4, 1873 Greenock, Scotland

My dear Pa:

On account of delay at Moville last evening, we did not arrive here until too late for the tide, so we have been obliged to cast anchor here and wait for this evening's tide. The shore of Scotland is even more beautiful than that of Ireland, and the towns we have passed are not near as poor looking as those we saw in Ireland. This city appears very thriving. But everything appears foreign to me. I left this page for Hermann to fill out, but he had several other letters to finish and was afraid he would not have time for this, so he says to tell you he will write to you from home, as soon as possible. Some of our passengers went over to Greenock today but Hermann did not leave me. Supper is now ready and I must close once more. Remember me to all friends and for all of you dear ones a double portion of love. Your Lou

Transcription: City of Mexico August 5th, 1873

My very dear Lucy,

Your kind answer to my letter was received just before we left our home, and I have not by any means forgotten it. We have had a great many letters to write home since we came and I don't know when I have written so many letters as since I came here. I suppose you heard of our travels and safe arrival here before you left Columbia, as Ma wrote Aunt Alice long letters soon after our arrival here. We had a most delightful journey and enjoyed it exceedingly (all but the sea sickness). After we reached Mexico we especially enjoyed it as the country and every thing was so new and interesting. The trees, flowers and fruits were all different as well as the cities, towns and people. I never saw such charming scenery as there is between Vera Cruz and the City of Mexico. I doubt if there is any grander in the world. Such great mountains and volcanoes constantly in sight, with their snow covered heads far above the clouds. And then the rich and fertile valleys, charm the eye all along the route. We have now been two months in Mexico, and begin to feel very much at home. Everything was very odd and strange at first—the houses, ways of living, manners, etc. But we are getting accustomed to them now and are enjoying the country, climate and people very much. We have been received most kindly and have already some very dear friends here. There are many pleasant English families living here, and that makes it agreeable for us. The Mexicans are very polite indeed. The ladies often kiss me when we first meet and not only once, but on both cheeks, at the same time embracing me. It was rather embarrassing at first as it was unexpected, but now I am prepared for anything! They shake hands when they meet you and when they leave you and bow a half dozen times before a final separation. The parting is often painful because so prolonged. Then they always come to place all they have at my disposal and want to aid me in some way. They are exceedingly kind and have very charming manners. The better class are very beautiful, Spanish style, and dress most extravagantly. This is a great country for jewels and the ladies often appear with thousands of dollars worth of diamonds and gems on their persons.

We are keeping house in the same place Mr. Nelson (the former Minister) occupied and we find it very pleasant. My servants are all Spanish. One of them can speak French however. But not one of them a word of English. It is good practice for me and I get along finely. I think we will soon all speak Spanish. The children are in school, and recite all their lessons in Spanish. It is a very pretty language and the pronunciation not near so difficult as the French. When I master the Spanish I am going to commence the French again. It is not uncommon to meet persons here speaking four languages and most all the better class speak the French as well as Spanish. It is a great accomplishment to be able to converse in so many different tongues and I wish now I had given it more attention in years past.

We of course have been invited to many breakfasts and grand dinners since we came. We go to a breakfast at one o'clock and to a dinner at 7 o'clock and they are served in fine style, I assure you. They consist of twelve or fifteen courses. Then coffee served in the parlor. Then before you go home, tea is served. These dinners often last three and four hours so that the whole evening is spent in eating and drinking. The flowers and fruits are most abundant and beautiful here and decorate a table very handsomely. Everything is passed by waiters and there is nothing on the table but ornaments. We have had ever since we have been here strawberries, pears, peaches, cherries, bananas, oranges, lemons, figs, apples, mangoes, plums, blackberries and other fruits that you have never seen. The native fruits we do not love much yet, but we can eat them. We have all the vegetables, tomatoes, extra fine, corn, beans, squash, sweet and Irish potatoes, peas, beets, cabbage etc., so we do not suffer for anything to eat.

The climate is most charming. Not one hot day have we had, and we cannot realize that we are in August. The days are bright and beautiful and you are never too warm or too cold. You can wear silk and alpaca here the year round and be comfortable. We do not use our thin clothing at all and wish we had brought none. It is now the rainy season but it always rains in the evening or night and the mornings are clear and beautiful. We always ride or walk after breakfast for exercise and we enjoy it very much as the air is so pure and lovely. When I think of you all in the midst of a hot summer I pity you. We are always so comfortable here. We always sleep under blankets. I think this a glorious place to escape from the heat of summer, as well as the cold of winter. There is not a fire place in the City of Mexico as we never need any heat. You could not imagine a more delightful climate. We are up so high above the sea that it affects your breathing at first. You have to go up and down stairs slowly, but you soon become accustomed to it. They say it is an excellent climate for weak lungs as the pressure of the air is not so great upon them.

The houses here are very different from ours and I think in some respects are more pleasant. They all have courts and these are filled with flowers, fountains, and birds and are very beautiful. The houses in this city are very well built and are all fine. You see no poor ones. They say it is one of the best built cities in the world. The roofs are flat and are used for promenades. Our roof is 150 feet long and 65 feet wide and the children have fine plays there. You would be charmed with the flowers here Lou. The roses, hydrangeas, lantanas etc. are perfect trees here, higher than a man's head with a thick trunk. I never saw such beautiful varieties of flowers and they make the most lovely bouquets you ever saw. I have had some magnificent ones sent me. You can get one here for 37 ½ or 50 cents that would sell for $10.00 in New York I know.

We visited two country seats of the millionaires of Mexico last week about three miles from the city. They were the most magnificent grounds and houses I ever saw. The expense each year of each place for keeping the grounds alone is $15,000. They are filled with lakes, fountains, forests, grottoes, caves, summer houses, and everything lovely. It reminded me of Central Park only more lovely on account of the great variety of trees and flowers—magnolias in full bloom, orange and fig trees loaded with fruit. I could but think of the "Garden of Eden" and wonder if it was more beautiful. There are pleasure boats for riding on the lakes. These lakes are filled with swans. Their nests are built out in the center of the lakes and there they hatch out their young. Then they have Tenpin alleys, billiard rooms, and every kind of games for out and in doors. The houses are perfect palaces in size and elegance. I never saw such fine collections of paintings and statuary in any public place or in any of our cities. Both these families have traveled often in Europe and have filled their homes with treasures in Art. The houses and grounds are all lighted with gas and here they give magnificent entertainments.

We have been making excursions lately around the city to different points of interest. One of the most charming places is the Castle of Chapultetec where the President of Mexico is now residing. This was the home of Maximillian and Carlotta and is perfectly lovely. The grove that surrounds it is filled with trees more than 1000 years old. They are called Montezuma's Cypress and are evergreen and filled with Spanish moss. You could imagine yourself in fairyland in this grove. The statuary, fountains, lakes and flowers are abundant. Every place near here has a historic interest and much of romance connected with it. We are enjoying our stay here thus far very much. John gave a magnificent dinner to the Americans here on the 4th of July. I think we have sent you papers with a full account. John has received a great many compliments since his arrival for the energy with which he takes hold of his business. He is very much pleased with the work he has to do and I know he will succeed.

Edith and Eleanor are growing fast and I am afraid will be young ladies too soon! Ma is taken for the minister's wife here! They do not think it possible for me to be the mother of two such big girls! Do write me soon dear Lou, giving me all the Bloomington news. Give a great deal of love to all your own family and to the Ballantines especially. I want to hear how Anna is getting along, and any news they have from Mary do write me. I know nothing of your town except what we get from the Indianapolis Journal and that is not much. John and Ma send you much love. Eleanor says tell you she would write to you but she has to write two other letters this mail. She says send you a kiss. She wants me to make a picture of it, so you can see it!

Give love to any friends who inquire after us. I wish you were all down here out of the heat of summer. The thermometer in the house last year did not change more than two degrees the whole year! Is that not remarkable? Goodbye my dear friend. Write to us often. We appreciate letters here I assure you. Your loving friend Parke

Transcription: Norburg, August 15, 1873

My dear Mother and All,

Here we are at last. I commenced a letter to you in Edinburgh, but had time to write only a few lines and now I have mislaid it so I must begin again. I wrote to you when we were lying at Greenock. From there through the whole of Scotland the journey was a continual delight. I had not thought that Scotland was so beautiful. Glasgow is a thriving business city, and is not considered near so beautiful as Edinburgh, but the stores are very handsome, and the one sight that we did see there repaid us fully for the day we spent there. The cathedral we were so unfortunate as to miss being as we did not know that it was closed so early, but we went to the Queen's Park and were fully repaid for our visit. I never saw such flowerbeds in my life. They were ribbon beds and such long rows of beautiful large pansies in full bloom, alternated with calceolanas and leaf plants and many other kinds of flower you cannot imagine. And beautiful beds of all kinds of geraniums and two beds of sedums which I particularly admired. But I won't attempt a further description now. When I come home I can tell you much better. Instead of going direct to Edinburgh we went through the Highlands. The weather was most propitious. We went by rail to Balloch and there we took the boat and had a beautiful ride over Loch Lomond. The mountains rose high above the water and scattered along the shores were beautiful, splendid houses, some castles, and beautiful little villages. We landed at Inversnaid, and there for the first time I saw the fuchsia which stays out of doors all winter in Scotland and the Monkshood. The flowers in Scotland were beautiful. I think I never saw finer flowers anywhere, although they are very beautiful in Germany, and it is the exception here when you see a house which has not at least one or two windows full of flowers. At Inversnaid we took stages with outside seats and so we rode to the west end of the beautiful Loch Katrine. You remember these lakes are all a part of the "Lady of the Lake." There we took steamer again and sailed into Fairyland. I will not attempt to describe the beauty of Loch Katrine and the Trossachs. So romantic and picturesque a spot I have never before seen, and Hermann and I enjoyed it fully. Hermann thought it best to stay over night in the Trossachs. They have a splendid hotel there. It looks like a castle. As I must hasten I will not try to describe everything but leave something to be told when I come home.

Saturday—Yesterday I stopped for supper and after supper company came in so I could not finish my letter. I was so tired and sleepy this morning that I did not try to write but this afternoon I shall try to finish or at least try to get ready for Monday's mail. While at the Trossachs, we walked back to Loch Katrine, gathering wild flowers on the way—beautiful foxglove, heather, harebells, forget-me-not. After another beautiful ride, we took the cars and were in Edinburg at 4 P.M. Thursday, Aug. 8. In Edinburg we staid till Saturday noon. It is a beautiful and interesting city. We visited the castle and there saw Mary Stuart's crown, scepter and other things which were for many years hidden in an old chest and finally were discovered by Sir Walter Scott. We visited also the Art Gallery and Nelson's Monument and Holyrood Palace where we saw Queen Mary's rooms still containing the furniture which she used. Edinburg is a quaint old town and well worth a visit.

On Saturday we sailed for Hamburg on the steamer Cumberland, and this was the most unpleasant part of all our trip, though not so very bad as the weather was good and I was not seasick, though the North Sea is much more boisterous than the Atlantic, I think. But the boat was small and inconvenient and I was very glad when we landed in Hamburg Monday afternoon. But it is so dark that I must stop and go down to tea and keep the rest till tomorrow when I will certainly try to finish, for I hope you are longing for a letter from me.

Last evening I was made very glad by a letter from Aunt Emma, the first I have received since leaving N. Y. I was very glad to know that you dear Ma and Pa, were away on a trip. I hope you will both feel better for it. I suppose by this time you are home again, or at least have your faces turned homeward. But I must finish telling you something about the end of our trip and our arrival here. We spent a little more than a day in Hamburg and I was delighted with it. We visited the Zoological Garden and also the Botanical. With the Zoological I was especially delighted. It is laid off beautifully and adorned with trees and flowers, and animals of every kind are gathered there, beasts, birds, fishes, and reptiles. And their homes are made as nearly as possible like their native homes. Lions, bears, tigers, wolves, camelopards, zebras, elephants, the rhinoceros, hippopotamus, crocodile, beavers and otters. Every kind of bird almost: ostriches, swans, flamingos, pheasants, our jays and redbirds, etc. And in the terrariums lizards and snakes. In the aquariums, fishes, turtles, lobsters, crabs, corals and all the wonders of the deepest ocean. Then we went to the Merchants Exchange and saw there all the Merchants of H. In the P.M. we were invited to dine at one of the hotels with one of Hermann's friends, Herr Martens. After that and after drinking coffee at one of the coffee houses on the Alster Basiro we went to some of the stores and with the money that Mag and Arthur gave me I got a breast pin, quite a pretty one I think. If I only had a few hundred dollars to spend, I don't know where I could do so to better advantage than in Hamburg. Even if I had enough money to get the things I must have this winter it would be very good, but I don't know yet how we will get along, that is how much we shall have to spend. I do not think we have been extravagant, and Hermann has been very careful. I believe the keys of our trunks are the most we have lost. Fortunately I had two keys for my trunk. Well, Tuesday evening we took tea with another friend of Hermann's and met there young Kallsen, Anton's particular friend. We had a very pleasant time, though I could not talk much. I like the German way of living quite well. Early the next morning we left for Alsen. We had to stop in Hensburg three hours and there we saw Jung Clausen another of Anton's friends and Hermann's two cousins Andreas and Friederich Andersen. It rained so hard that I could not go out into the town. It was the first really rainy day that we had had since leaving home. That night about 10 o'clock we arrived here. They had given us up and the mother and Christian had gone to bed, but all were soon up and we were most heartily received. "Tante Eli" is here also, but she leaves tomorrow, to our sorrow. All the family are much as their letters and their photographs would lead you to expect. I have been received most kindly. My only and great trouble is that I cannot understand or speak German as well as I hoped to, but I understand much better and hope before I leave that I shall be able to speak quite well. But to hear so many around talking so fast and so much, I tell you it is no easy matter to distinguish the words. I have felt tired from the journey too, though not as much as I expected. I like my new relations very much. They are so, so kind and affectionate to each other and to me and I like the manner of living very well too. The town is quite quaint and picturesque looking. The houses are not at all like ours. Every house has flowers and beautiful ones too. I was much astonished in Scotland to find strawberries and cherries just ripe and magnificent fruit too. I think we have had just the pleasantest and nicest time for our visit. The weather has been so pleasant, if anything, too cool. And the whole country in its most beautiful dress. I forgot to say that strawberries, raspberries and cherries are over here, but currants and gooseberries are now in season. I have been sailing on the lake and this afternoon we expect to go bathing. We go to the sea shore. Yesterday we went to church and heard a German sermon. The Sabbath here is very different from at home. This morning I have been practicing on the piano some. Hermann wants me to learn some German songs from his mother, but I find my voice not in very good order. I have something of a cold. Then here it is not the custom for the people to call on strangers, but we shall be obliged to pay the first visit, so that has to be done yet. I must now draw my letter to a close, it is long, but not very coherent I fear, for I have been so often interrupted. I only wish that I could have gotten it off sooner. I am afraid you will feel anxious. I have received no letter from Pa. Aunt E. mentioned that Pa had written the day he left. And Hermann has not received any letter about the books for the college. If he does not have the books to buy, I suppose we will stay here all the time with the exception of a visit of a few days to Kiel. From there we shall go to Hamburg and then through Scotland home. But I dread this voyage more, as it will be rougher and slower. We tried to come on the Saturday steamer which is much swifter, but it cost so much more that we concluded we must go on Wednesday's boat. I will write to aunt E. next, I think next week, unless prevented. I hope some of you will write every week. I want to see you all, but I am not homesick. Give my love to Mrs. Murphy, Lizzie Hunter, Dodds, McCallas, and Anna if she is home again. I must write to Anna to thank her for the roses and I would like to write to Lizzie Hunter too, if I have time, and to Aunt Cornelia. I am ashamed not to have written to her.

We called on Mr. Grant, Aunt Jessie's brother in Glasgow. He has a very nice store and he was very kind and polite. His family were out of town, but he asked us to come and see him on our return.

But it is very hard writing when one is traveling and as you see by this letter it is still hard for me, for I am not yet rested. By the time you get this I suppose Mag will have gone home. I must write to her too. My very best and dearest love to all, every one of you. Hermann too would send love if he were here, but he has just gone down town. Perhaps he will write some but I don't know whether he will have time if we go to the sea shore this eve. And it may be that he will write next time. I was going to say if I did not, but I must write to Aunt Emma [no signature]

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind August 18th 1873

My very dear Lou,

So very long a time has passed and no letter from you and I am so anxious, so very anxious to hear how you got over that great ocean, whether Hermann had to nurse you all the time or you him, which latter would have been almost as bad, would it not? But they say no news is good news so I will try and imagine you safe at the end of your journey surrounded by kind, loving friends, but oh how strange must everything appear to you. You must try and free that little head of yours as Hermann did his box, treasuring up in it every little scrap of oddity you come across for the benefit of your home bound friends. There is the supper bell, (can you hear it?) I must go. Our family is so small now every one is missed.

Supper over and a letter from our dear absent one, read and reread. How thankful I am you had so pleasant a voyage and you are so happy in your new life. May God's blessing be with you throughout it. Your fear for your Father was groundless. His trip West I think was of service to him. He seemed to enjoy better health and spirits after his return. He and your Mother went to Kansas City and Wyandotte. Had a very pleasant visit at your Aunt Adelaide's. Mr. Cornell procured passes for them to Lawrence. Annie and her babe being of the party there they visited the State University, General Fraiser President. He took them over the building and showed them all that was worth seeing. The accommodations are far superior to what we have here but your father will tell you all about it himself better than I can do from their description. Your Mother went to the park at St. Louis and Shaw's garden with both of which she was delighted. Calvin was taken sick in St. Louis so he and Maggie went no further but returned to Muncie. The conductor refusing to give them a lay over ticket at Greencastle, and Maggie thinking Calvin too sick to leave, they concluded to go directly home and leave the children until your Father went to Muncie, as he had promised Calvin to lecture before the Institute at that place when he returned from Kansas. So I acted as mother to the two little ones until last Wednesday when your Father and Brown took them home, to my regret, for two better children than baby and Charley one does not often meet. Arthur was quite sick for a few days with his teeth but left in his usual good health. Charley said before he left, "I want some of you to come to Muncie." Here I replied you will have your wish for Grandpa and Brown are both going. "Well," said he, "but I want some of you women folks to come. Grandma and you and Lizzie when she can." I was at church yesterday. Saw Prof. Ballantine in the pulpit as I entered and anticipated a treat in consequence, but was doomed to disappointment as Mr. Moore gave us one of his discourses. Annie enquired after you as did many friends. But when Mrs. Turner came up in her quiet impressive way and inquired if we had heard from Mrs. Boisen, I had to think a moment before I replied to her as it was the first time I had heard you so called. Dory is getting along splendidly as a gardener at present, Levi having taken himself off. The weeds were too much for him I imagine, but Do has made such havoc among them the place begins to look natural. We have several fine stalks of gladiola in bloom just now. I wish you could see them. But the beautiful egg gourd that was to have covered the old pine has turned out to be a common squash. It almost covers it with green however, and will remain a little longer, and then give place to the rose again, which I think will cover it next season if the winter proves mild. Lizzie Quick was made the happy mother of a young son on last Sabbath week in the afternoon and her sister Emma of the same in the morning. Lizzie is at her mother's but would have no one but your mother with her. All doing well. Did you see your Aunt Cornelia or Caroline when in Philadelphia? I hope you did the latter. Lizzie is in Philadelphia. She thinks it very hard you did not tell her of your matrimonial intentions so I had to explain for you. Your Mother is calling me so I must stop. Ever your loving Aunt Emma

Transcription: Grundhof Sept 12, 1873

My dear Father: It is not worth while for me to attempt to apologize for my remissness in writing. I don't like to write letters very much you know and especially when I am in such an unsettled condition as at present.

We are now visiting Hermann's Uncle Pastor Anderson. We have been here a week and expect to leave tomorrow. Anna is with us. Hermann was away two days visiting former friends and returned yesterday much to my joy, although I got along very nicely without him. The Pastor and his daughter both speak English very well and everywhere I find everyone so kind to me. I believe I always do and I am not half grateful enough for it.

In America we know nothing of these beautiful pastorals which every pastor here has as part of his portion from the church. The houses are all comfortable & roomy and have beautiful gardens well cultivated & kept and these gardens are at the back of the house instead of the front. But I feel that I am a poor hand to write a description. Ever since we have been here it has rained every day. We have had regular April days, so that the farmers have been unable to get in the grain of which there seems to be great abundances. This is the Ancient Angleland and a beautiful land it is, when you see it spread out before you in all it loveliness of hill and dale, of forest & of plain.

Tomorrow we go to Homburg and stay there a few hours. It is the place where Anton went to school. Then we go to Norburg again & in a week or less we go to Kiel and spend one or two days there & from there to Berlin or Leipzig & then home. Home again. But I dread crossing the ocean, the storms are great now I believe.

Norburg 17 Sept.

Dearest Pa: I could not finish my letter in Grundhof, and it is now three days since our return here, but please do not think I am forgetting you. I love you all just as much as ever and hope that it will only be a short time till I see you all again. We have determined to go to Kiel next Saturday--there we shall remain only two or three days with "Tante Eli" from there we expect to go to Leipzig. Hermann rec'd the order for the money upon his return here. I hoped he would be able to write along with me this time, but we have so little time now & he has so much to talk about & see about in these last few days that I don't believe he can write.

You have no idea how cold it seems to me here. I have to wear a shawl around me nearly all the time. I am afraid I shall really suffer on board ship for it was very cold when we crossed in July & what will it be in Oct. But I will try & take warm enough clothing with me. It still continues to rain every day. Yesterday we could hardly go out of the house. Tomorrow we are invited out to tea & the next day we will have more friends here, & on the next morning we leave. Mimi goes with us to Kiel where she will attend school. I love them all here very much. They are just as kind to me as they can be. No daughter or sister could be more kindly received.

I mustn't forget to tell you that I ate eel for dinner today. It is very nice indeed. You know how much I like fish of any kind, but eels are an especial delicacy & are carried from here to all parts of the world so that it is an expensive dish & becoming rare here. I like the German eating very much. I have liked everything excepting the rose ((Butten) [hips] I don't know how to call it) soup & the black currant soup. These two I do not like much. With the language it goes slow much slower than I had thought it would & I feel very much disappointed in myself. You must not expect to find me speaking fluently. I can understand it pretty well, when I hear it.

Please thank Aunt Emma for her kindness in writing. I wish I had time to write to her, but I must send this letter tonight or it will not leave on Saturday's steamer. I wish I would hear from home again before I leave, but I have written so seldom myself that I can hardly hope to hear. I wanted to write to a good many people but I have only written home. I hope you will not forget to remember me to all inquiring friends. We hope now to sail either on Wednesday Oct. 1 or Saturday the 4th, most probably on the latter day, so that if no accident happens, we shall be home by the middle of October. Do not forget us when we are on the beautiful treacherous ocean. Oh I want to see you all so very, very much yet I am not homesick & I don't want you to think so. Hermann is quite well. He says he will try to add some to this letter. He has enjoyed seeing his friends exceedingly. My best & dearest love to all the dear ones Ma, Aunt Emma, the boys, & with much love dear Pa Your loving daughter Lou We will try to write to you as soon as we know the name of the vessel on which we are to sail. I suppose College commenced yesterday & you are now hard at work. I hope in another month we shall be safe at home.

Transcription: Hull October 4, 1873

My dear Prof Wylie

We have met with some little accident here. Intending to leave Glasgow by steamer Victoria this day, the fourth of Oct., we left Hamburg accordingly on the first, thinking it the cheapest and quickest to go via Hull. Thus we would have been at Bloomington at about the 13th or 16th of October. But after leaving Hamburg at Wednesday evening our pilot ran us ashore during the night on the shores of Elbe, where we have been detained, struggling to get clear for 12 hours. We have arrived at Hull just now, but the Victoria leaves Glasgow at 12 o'clock today and before 9 o'clock this evening we cannot be there. We will thus be compelled to remain in Glasgow three days and take the slow steamer on Wednesday which will bring us home about a week later than we intended. Be pleased to inform the President that this trespass on the time permitted to me is caused by accident and against my intentions.

With the exception of this disagreeable affair we have had a very pleasant trip so far, though both of us have been a little sea sick on the North Sea. I hope you will be very much pleased with our purchases in Leipzig and Berlin, both books and instruments.

This letter reaches you over Liverpool, a boat leaves from there at noon today. Wish we could go the same way but our return ticket compels us to take the route over Glasgow. Lou sends her love to all. In a few weeks more I hope now to bring her safely back to you. She has enjoyed our pleasant journey exceedingly. I believe she has felt very happy in Germany and has at least to a very high degree won the love of all my relations.

With love and respect to all

Yours affectionately

Herm. B. Boisen

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. Nov. 13th 1873

My dear Louise:

Glad was I indeed to receive your good letter at last. I thought you had almost forgotten your promise and did not intend to write at all. The idea of waiting for me to write first when you are boarding and I have household cares! How I wish that you and Mrs. Wilson lived here instead of in Terre Haute. I often feel very lonely this year. I miss Miss Morrison a great deal and last year I kept up a very brisk correspondence with Mrs. Larner. Now that she is married, she has plenty to engross her interest and I am left "a lone, lorn critter." For the last three weeks, I have interested myself in long visits, on alternate days, to the dentist, who has kept my nerves on the rack till I feel almost ready for a spell of sickness. Indeed I caught cold in my teeth just after he began work and had quite a serious time with my sore swelled face. I am happily almost through the work now and shall hope to pass the winter with an easy conscience as well as easy teeth. Don't your conscience hurt you if you neglect your teeth? It requires the patience of Job to sit under Dr. Allison's slow movements, but he seems to be a careful worker. This trouble with my teeth has kept me from two receptions, Craig Hunter's and Mr. Chas. Coffin's. Mrs. Banta on the Avenue gave a large reception last night to her nephew Mr. Coffin. The night was beautiful and the house full, but my face was too sore to risk any exposure and Pa went to Indianapolis yesterday, returning today, so that I had no company. I suppose all had a nice time and the dancing went on probably to the wee small hours. We were surprised to find that the rain had come this morning and it is now pouring down. My flowers have enjoyed it today. Pa has arranged my new pit very nicely and my flowers look well I think. If I don't go away next Summer, I think we shall have a pretty yard. Pa and I read together awhile almost every evening, but I have not begun to study yet. We are reading the Life and Letters of Sam Coleridge, rather deep and philosophical, so we do not take it in very large doses. Pa reads and I knit. Have just finished the third pair of stockings for the little feet in the Owen home. Will and his wife have made a visit to Sister recently and Sister likes Emma very much, says she is very quiet but so lady like and so sensible. They are going to have a Christmas tree this year at Sister's and Will and Emma are to be there. How I wish we could go, for really I dread the coming of the happy days when families are happy together. We feel our losses and our loneliness so much more keenly then.

The President and his family have gone to housekeeping this week in the small house Mrs. Lizzie Taylor lived in last Summer. They expect to do their own work, as there is no place for a girl. But I know they will be heartily sick of it before many weeks. Pa likes the President very much indeed and I like the ladies very well as far as I have become acquainted. Miss Mary Moss is as sedate as her Mother if not more so. She has begun Greek with Pa and I think I never saw any one write it so beautifully. How many privileges you enjoy in the way of concerts, lectures, etc. I envy you some of your opportunities but one cannot live in this lovely place and have every other blessing beside. I hope you will make a good long visit home at Christmas and that I will see something of you. Tell Mrs. W. that she is under promise of a visit to me and that I shall hold her to her word. Write me again soon, dear Lou. I was over at your house last Sat. and had a pleasant short visit. I suppose Prof. Boisen received Pa's letter. It must have crossed yours on the way. Goodbye dear Lou.

With much love

Your friend, Anna

Transcription: Evansville, Ind. Dec. 17th, 1873

Dear Lou

Your letter to me with letter enclosed to Parke was received a few days since and I forwarded the letter as requested. I hear from the folks quite often but it takes a letter so long to come from Mexico here that it seems as if they were a long ways off. The letters I received yesterday were written on the 22nd of November. Almost every mail they send me some curiosities and I am getting quite a collection which I know you would enjoy seeing. The Mexicans must be a very ingenious people. The feather pictures they make are very beautiful and their carving excels any thing I have ever seen. When I come to Bloomington I will try to bring some of them up with me. They are all perfectly delighted with Mexico and I believe Ma likes it better than any of them. Her health has been much better since she has been there and she writes me she is getting fat again. I had expected to spend this month in Mexico but the line of steamers they intended to start from New Orleans was not started on account of the panic. Parke wrote me on the 22nd of Nov. that they had strawberries and peaches for dinner that day and six other kinds of fruit. They have fruit and berries there all the year. I received a box from them yesterday which contained some very curious carved work, a match box and a cross made of silver worked in a way I have never seen it before and three elegant opals. I got home from Columbia a week ago today and had a very pleasant visit there. Mary's trip has impressed her a great deal and she is a very accomplished girl now. Uncle David is of course very proud of her and can't talk about much else. I was only there five days and regretted very much(?) that I did not have time to go and see Mary Rollins. They say she is to be married very soon so that it would not have done me much good to have gone. I am getting so old that it won't do for me to waste any time on girls who are engaged. I have spent much of my time East this Fall. I was in New York and other Eastern cities during most of August and September and also most of the month of November. I have got to go to Washington in January and may stay there a month. I enjoy being in Washington very much during the session of Congress. I suppose you have heard that Mrs. Cassie Foster is dead through [Gi…?] I regretted very much that I was not able to come to your wedding and would have written you if I had had time to have got a letter to you. The last letter I wrote Parke I told her I must try to get up and see you some time soon. Parke will enjoy getting a letter from you very much. The last two letters I have had from her she asked if I had heard any thing from you. I enjoyed your letter to Parke very much. You must have had a very pleasant trip. If I can ever get time I want to go to Europe but there is not much prospect of it now for several years. Mr. Kinnter and I are still rooming together. The folks left the house in the country all furnished and I think I will have to go out there and live next summer. It is a beautiful place. Please remember me to your good husband and all my friends in Bloomington. Hope to get to Bloomington before a great while.

Your friend

T. R. McFerson P.S. I forgot to give you Park's address. Direct any thing for any of them to John W. Foster, U. S. Minister to Mexico, Care State Department, Washington, D. C. The postage is 3c for half ounce. The State Department sends all his mail to him and it goes quicker than to send direct.

T. R. MF

[Enclosed with this letter is the following one]

I send you, dear Lou, a picture of Do and Fan. The latter is the copy of a poor picture taken just as Fannie left. I have no good picture. I am so sorry you did not come to us. Will you ever come?

I want you to thank your good father for his kind words of sympathy. I have felt so little like writing that I have scarcely acknowledged the kindness of any of my friends.

I should love to see your dear mother and all of you so much. Love to all.

As ever yours

E. G. McFerson

Transcription: Norburg 12/73

Dearest Lou!

Hermann's letters may not part today without be accompanied by some words to you, my dear sister. We are so glad of knowing your safe arrival at New York. Oh Lou, it was really disagreeable to know you were on the ocean during the hard weather which we had just at that time. Now, I hope, that you are again at home, and we are talking every day about all you will have to relate to your parents. Oh, dear Lou, how nice was this time we passed together, surely we never will forget it. I should like very much indeed to pass also some weeks at Bloomington and to see all your friends. But I think I never shall come there, because papa will not even permit me to go to Grundhof this winter, he does not like to be without a daughter. Dear Lou, it is so hard to bear for us all that Mama's eyes are so very bad. She cannot do anything, it is really dreadful. Sometimes she is quite melancholic. I really don't know how we shall come along the whole long, dark winter. It will be very nice to get often letters from you and Hermann. We are quite astonished how well your letters were written. I assure you, you have made great progress. I am nearly ashamed of this little bad letter, but I would only send you some words. I cannot write well today, because I have head-ache that I almost am dying. Therefore I beg your pardon for all my mistakes. I should like to have every day an English lesson with such a good teacher as Hermann is in your German ones, but here, I am nearly forgetting all I have learned. Indeed very timesome. A fortnight ago I received the first letter from Sophie Meobius, which she wrote to me from Leipzig. She is very glad there and likes her aunt very much. I got the picture of [Tan..?] Rieke some time ago, and am very glad of it. But I am obliged to close, dear Lou. I cannot write any more now on account of my head. Please write to me if you like. Please give the love of my parents and me to your friends and write soon again to your sister, Anna.

Transcription: Indianapolis, Ind Dec. 22, 1873

Mrs. Emma L. Dennis Bloomington, Ind. Madam

We enclose to you letter from W. C. Hooker of Carthage, Ill from which you see it will be necessary to expend $25.00 before we can learn any more, and we cannot doubt that Mr. Hooker's opinion would be adverse to your claim. We are inclined to think that your claim on the land is so very small, if it is a valid claim, that it w3ould hardly pay expenses of collections, but we can do no more at any rate until $25.00 is rec'd to find out Mr. H's opinion.

Very truly yours McDonald & Butler

Transcription: Terre Haute, Jan. 6, 1874

My dear Pa & All the rest-- We arrived last night safe & sound. Arthur did not meet us at the Junction but Hermann took Mag and the children to the other train & put them on & had the trunk checked. The baby was very good & sweet he behaved beautifully, wasn't "sick" as Brown calls it but once before we reached the Junction. Hermann concluded that it was better for us to wait for the passenger train as we would have to leave our baggage behind if we went on the freight. We had plenty of time to get on even after Hermann put Mag on the Ind. train but we went up in town instead. We went to Mr. Marquis's and spent the evening after first getting a dish of oysters & cup of coffee at a restaurant in order that we could tell them that we had had a warm supper, but Aunt Emma must not think her nice lunch was neglected on that account. We had a very pleasant time at Mr. M's. He & Hermann played chess and Mrs. M & I talked. About 9 o'c we came to the depot & at 9 1/2 left for Terre Haute where we arrived, I suppose, about 11 o'clk. Found our room all dark & cold. After lighting the gas Hermann kindled the fire but it was not easy to do as the stove was full of cinders. However he did make a good fire & we got warm before going to bed. Mrs. Smith said she had kindled a good fire before she went to bed, but it had burned out completely. Hermann got to work this morning. All the teachers were present & nearly all the scholars and thirty new scholars. Miss Woodard, the young lady that Hermann was telling Mr. McNary about the evening before we left is not back. She is better & thinks she will teach this session & that will be much better for her than to be here again.

I found my flowers not looking very well, but Mrs. Smith tried to take care of them & I think the mischief was done before Hermann left. He forgot to build the fire some days. But I do not know whether anything is really dead & perhaps they will be all right in a few weeks. It is very cold here. I think there is more snow here than in B. They are putting up beautiful ice 5 1/2 inches thick. I do hope you will be able to get your ice house filled. I did not find out till after we were at Greencastle that I had left my shawl strap behind. Fortunately I did not need any of the wraps. It is likely that you have sent it today. If not, will you please send it as Hermann needs the papers that are in it. If you have not sent it, will you please dear Ma, put in that book of Mrs. Bryers for I left it & also Dr. Clark's book--if it is sent never mind about them. They can be sent with the wrapper or some other time there is no especial hurry about them. I guess Dory forgot to put my letter in the train Monday for Nettie did not get it till today. I forgot to say that when our fire was kindled last night we felt hungry & so we attacked the lunch. It tasted splendidly, the meat & biscuit & pickles disappeared & we attacked the doughnuts too. I don't know when we have had a lunch that I have enjoyed more.

Now that I am back here, I think of many things that I wanted to say & do. The time went so fast and we enjoyed it so much. Indeed I think we all did. I feel anxious to hear how my dear little Anton [Anton Mellette] got over the separation, he seemed so distressed when we left. Give him a kiss--each one of you--for me. I felt glad he was not along last night when we got to our cold room. I am at the end of my sheet & will stop. The gas is so dim that I can scarcely see. Some of you write soon please. My home seems dearer than ever. Tell Anton to write to me. I will write to him some days. With dearest love to all from Hermann & myself as ever lovingly Lou I enclose $1.00--50 cts for the tidy which I got from Anna B. & which Pa said he would give to Prof. B. If Pa has not paid it yet it had better be paid to Anna as Prof. might forget to give it to her. The other 50 is for the drayage on our two trunks, we forgot to attend to it.

Transcription: Norburg Jan. 17, 1874

My dear Lou!

The best thanks for your dear, long letter, which I received about a week ago. I am really ashamed, dear sister, that I did not write you once since Christmas, and yet I know how both you and Hermann long so much for a letter from us, especially now, just after Christmas. But I really could not write earlier, because I had to answer a great number of letters and only little time. I do not know, dear Lou, if it is disagreeable to you, that I generally write English letters, but I wish to learn to express myself fluently in English, and I think I shall learn it soon, if I often write letters, especially if you sometimes will tell me of my faults. I like very much that you always send me English letters and am translating them to my parents.

How charming our Christmas evening would have passed, if Hermann and you had been here, with us. We could not help longing much for you as well as for our dear Anton. We thought and talked much from past years. This time only Mama, Papa, Christian and I were assembled round the Christmas tree. Mimi was in Kiel, but she had also a very merry Christmas. Perhaps you like if I tell you a little from it. We had a very beautiful tree, adorned with a great many wax candles, sweet meats, apples and other things. It stood on the midst of a great table in the ["Fnnl"?] and around it we had laid our presents. We got many nice things. Mama among others: a pretty sofa cushion from me, table clothes, a Marzipan from Berta Martens, a watering pot and so on. I got Sophie Detlef's poetries (very nice!), Anton's writing map, visiting cards, and other useful and agreeable things. Christian probably will tell you himself what he did get. He lighted the tree already at half past six o'clock, then we opened a little trunk that came from K. and which we would not open until Christmas eve. It contained a letter from Mimi and several little presents. Afterwards we were talking of passed years, of you both, and we regretted very much that we could not send you some things, but it is so dear that we thought it should not be well done to spend so much money. Oh, my dear Lou, what a pity it is that we are so distant from each other. Very often I wish to pass some weeks with you to see your nice room, all your friends how you know ours, but I surely never shall know them. God alone knows if we ever shall meet. How I wish it may be once.

The first Christmas day I went at church. Mama was not allowed to go because she was not well. In the afternoon we received and made some visits and afterwards we got Hermann's dear letter, which of course was exceedingly welcome to us. It was so nice that we got the letter just at the first holy day. We were afraid it would not arrive early enough. How disagreeable it must have been for you not to get your money. But tell Hermann not to be so sorry, that he would not send us something, we did not make it better. Perhaps the other year we shall both be able to send some little presents. I wished so very much to copy you some of our nicest songs, but I really could not find time before Christmas. Now I will begin to send some by and by, and I hope you will like them.

I have to tell you something of which I am so very, very sorry, dear Lou. Only think, though I always have been so cautious with my dear little bird, which you gave me, one of the cats yet has found ways to come into the room. One morning, when I came in, the cage was thrown from the window, laid on the floor and the bird was dead. Oh Lou, how I, how we all felt sorry! It was so nice to look at the bird, who was already quite tame and now it is dead. I think I will never have one again, because we have so many cats, but it is also so disagreeable to look at the empty window. I am glad that your birds are well. I should like to see them. Yesterday it was Christian's birthday. He had some little friends here, also Holm's children. Little Adelheid accompanied her brothers and I played with her the whole afternoon. She is indeed a sweet little girl, so gay and vivacious. Several times she told us she had now no mother, for she was gone to heaven. I wish very much to have a picture from you, dear Lou, why did you not get yourself photographed at New York? (Close on the last page of Mama's letter)

Transcription: West Chester, Pa. February 9th 1874

My Dear Lou,

Your kind and interesting letter readhed me in due course of mail, and it was exceedingly pleasant to see your once familiar writing. You cannot imagine how disappointed we all were not to see you in West Chester. So certainly did we expect you that on the Monday which Toph designated as the day when he thought you would possibly come, we did not kill the fatted calf, but we did order a fatted rock fish from the city, and in other ways laid plans for the delectation of the inner man. But you did not come and can never know what "might have been."

Toph is seated on one side of me writing home and Annie writing out most perplexing questions for her Lyceum. The gravity on both faces is rather comical to behold. Toph has already torn up two sheets of paper in disgust and has scratched his head until he has a dozen infantile chignons. If he succeeds in getting a letter to please him I will enclose it in this. "If Ma only knew how I hate to write letters I know, Aunt Nelly, she would excuse me," has just fallen from his lips. I begin to think it is very doubtful if the letter is to be finished.

We expect to break up housekeeping about the middle of March and will spend the summer at Lenni, Delaware Co., about 7 miles from here. The house is a large old-fashioned farm house, with an abundance of shade and that romantic stream Chester Creek, or Monopomata as the Indians called it, runs in front of the lawn. The W. C. railroad and the Wilmington & Baltimore pass within a quarter of a mile of the house. The lady of the house is a friend of mine. She was a Miss Sellers of Philadelphia, and is a very lovely woman. She has promised me as much garden as I want and an affectionate welcome for my dear cat and four canaries, which I consider very virtuous and charming in her. If you or your husband should visit Philadelphia this summer we will be very happy to see you at Lenni.

With kind regards to all

Affectionately yours

Aunt Nelly

Transcription: City of Mexico May 8th 1874

My dear friend Lou,

Your very kind letter was received some time since but as I write so much, I cannot answer all my letters by the return steamer. I don't think I have ever written so much as since I came to Mexico and I enjoy it very much--next to receiving answers from our friends at home. We look forward very anxiously to the coming of the steamers and then have a great treat reading our letters and papers. But we have only a day sometimes if we answer by the return mail, so we rarely attempt it. I am kept very busy entertaining company and visiting. It is just a year ago today since we left home, and the year has gone by very swiftly. We begin to feel very much at home in Mexico and shall enjoy our stay here very much.

We have had a great many pleasant traveling parties with us this winter, from the United State and Europe. This is a delightful climate to winter in and every year we shall have more visitors, if the country remains peaceful. And if we get our line of steamers on from New Orleans, the trip will be a short, pleasant one. We had Bishop and Mrs. Simpson with us for six weeks and were very much pleased with them. They have traveled all over Europe and are most agreeable and intelligent people. They were charmed with Mexico and I think will be tempted to come another winter. We had several picnics while they were here and it seemed strange to them to eat in a bower of roses in the middle of winter.

John and I have recently made a most interesting trip to [Popreatapell ?] I think I sent you a paper with some notice of it. The papers called me a "brava Senora" for having gone higher up the volcano than any lady had ever been known to go. It is a most difficult undertaking on account of the great elevation above the sea, and the deep snow and very few attempt the ascent. About one in every five fails, from bleeding at the nose, ears, lungs etc. We were very proud of our success as we stood it bravely. I never saw anything so grand as the view from the highest point we reached, with the valleys, cities, lakes and mountains at our feet. We felt indeed above the world. The cold was intense, but we were well protected and did not suffer a great deal. We each had two good guides who go up every day to bring down sulphur from the crater. We saw the smoke coming from the top as we ascended. The crater is three miles around, and yet from the foot of the volcano it appears as a very small opening. No one can ever realize the greatness and size of the volcano until they get near it. I never could have made the trip if I had not been able to ride well on horseback. As we had to climb steep mountains with only a mule path before we reached the foot of the volcano. John and I ride every day for two hours or more, and have visited every place within ten miles of the City in every direction. The volcanoes are sixty miles distant from the City of Mexico. And yet they appear so near you would think it but a very short distance. This valley is one of the most beautiful that could be imagined. We are nearly 8,000 ft. above the sea, and yet all surrounded by high mountains. I have collected a few Mexican stamps which have been used that I will send you for your brother-in-law. I trust they will answer his purpose. Two other little boys sent by the same mail to Mr. Foster for stamps also. He has just answered their letters sending them some and encouraging them in their taste for curiosities.

You would enjoy this country in many respects exceedingly, but I think it a poor country for our wide awake people to invest much money in. The people are so different, slow and inactive, that our people grow restless and often wish to get away. We have a great many Germans here now and they seem to have the business of the foreigners. We have some English and Americans, but not a great many. Yet we have enough to have a most pleasant and agreeable society among ourselves. How is Anna Ballantine now? Give her my best love. You must tell me all about their family when you write me as I have no other way of hearing from them. And how is your sister, Maggie? Has she any additions to her family? We have been much interested in the Temperance movement, and trust it may result in much good. Remember me most kindly to your Father, mother and husband. I hope you will write me very often dear Lou. Ma and Edith are going home next Fall to put Edith in school, and Ada Read is coming to Mexico to spend a year with me. Edith is now in a fine Spanish school, studying all her lessons in Spanish. We are all getting to speak very well. Goodbye—write me often and ever believe me

Your true friend Parke Foster

Transcription: Columbia, Mo. June 14, 1874

My very dear friend,

Your letter has been received and O! if words of sympathy could bring back our dear loved one we might dry our tears and cease to mourn. But our Mother is beyond our calling back. My dear friend you can have some idea how desolate our home is without her, knowing how we all relied upon and consulted with her about every little thing. It is so hard to realize that she will never come back to us. It does seem as if we must see her again in her room or garden, everything is so fresh from her hands, her hanging baskets which she had just arranged, her ferns which she had renewed and her garden partly planted. Everything speaks of her and tells us what a Mother we mourn. She was sick only one week having taken cold while in the garden which settled in her bowels causing inflammation. She suffered intensely when first taken and for about four hours before she died. We think she was conscious until the last though suffering so she could not speak to us. We did not know she was so dangerously sick and it was a terrible shock to us all. My poor Father is almost heart broken. They would soon have celebrated their golden wedding and it is indeed to him as if part of his life were taken from him.

Father and Mary, Ada not being able, went to Madison with all that remained of our Mother to lay her in that beautiful spot by the side of her three children. Alice was not here during Mother's sickness nor did she get here in time for the funeral, but reached here the day after and was with us three weeks with all the children. Read and Bertha are still with us. They cheer up the house very much and require a certain amount of care which keeps us from becoming too selfish in our grief. My dear Lou I wish I could see you this afternoon. I have so much I want to say to you. I think I have never told you how very happy I have been made by the conversion of my friend Bettie Todd. We are now true friends with all of our interests in common. She comes to see me very often and has been a real comfort to me, for she too has lost a mother.

During union meetings which have been held here a great number have been brought into the church, some of whom were Ida Lyon, Jimmie Ripley, Mr. Fagan, Mr. Early, the young man whom you heard recite his Latin alone, both of the Switzlar boys and others whom you do not know. It is such a privilege to have so many young Christian friends to be able to help each other and to work together for our Saviour. I do love this people, so many of them are so kind and sympathizing. I can bear less than ever the thought of leaving them, but we are constantly reminded how fleeting are all things earthly and were it not for our looking forward to the reunion in our Heavenly Home, I do not think we could endure it. Surely if affliction is so hard to bear with all the consolations of the Bible, what must it be to those who have no such consolation?

We have had a gentle rain all day. We greatly needed it. Has cleared off a little and I have been out in the garden where everything looks fresh and pure, especially some white lilies which hold up their heads all covered with drops of rain, more beautiful and fragrant than ever, and I think by considering them I have learned a lesson. But my dear friend I am afraid I am wearying you.

I suppose you are just now busy in some way about Commencement. We are here and I shall be so glad when it is all over for my own sake and especially for Mary's who needs rest. She does not look at all well, though does not complain of feeling badly. I hope however rest and plenty of exercise will be all the medicine she will need. Lulu Ripley has the valedictory this year. She has also taken the prize in Father's law class. I think if I were the young men I would feel a little ashamed to be so entirely beaten. Mr. Bun Switzlar cannot graduate. I cannot write more now as I am needed down stairs. I hope you will write to me very soon. I feel that it is rather presumptuous in me to ask you to write me but I do love to get your letters so much and it does not take much time to talk a little while with one does it? With kindest regards to your parents and husband I am your ever affectionate friend. Bertha Read July 2nd. From the date of this you will see it has been written some time. I put the letter in my portfolio and in the bustle and hurry of Commencement, neglected sending it, and as you have not heard from us I will add these few lines and send it. Yes, Commencement is over and everything is very quiet indeed. Mary and Bertha started to Keokuk on Tuesday for a little visit to Alice. They will not be gone more than two weeks. Father goes to St. Louis tomorrow and as we have just now no servants Ada, Read, and myself will be quite alone. It is so very warm, one does not feel like doing anything, but we can spend our time profitably and pleasantly reading.

Everything went off nicely about Commencement. Lulu Ripley carried off all the honors for which she was permitted to compete. Curt Rollins got the Stephens Medal. Mr. Voorhees delivered the address before the Societies which was excellent. Many persons from all parts of the state came to hear him. All the faculty from Rolla were here. Mr. Allen's health is so poor he has to resign his place as professor there and go to California. Poor fellow, he looks so very sick. I do hope California air may be what he needs and that he will soon be well and strong, but I am very much afraid he will not. Have I ever told you that Mr. Campbell has been talking about leaving us? He has had a call to Cleveland Ohio and has been there to preach for them. I do not suppose we will be able to keep him very much longer. As he is beginning to be better known he is wanted other places and I believe he thinks his field of labor here is rather small.

I must bid you goodbye.

Your affectionate

Bird Are you going to make a trip any place this summer?

Transcription: Bloomington Friday [July 25, 1874] My sweet Lou

I am ashamed of my carelessness. Yesterday no message for you could get off because your father and I had been working in college all morning and missed the time, and the day before I took a horseback ride to Lennard's Mill and returned too late. I had a glorious ride, wish you had been with me. The scenery is delightful and far more like the Alleghenies than a portion of the Hoosier state. I had forgotten all about the natives of those mountain regions coming to see us that same day and on my return found them here, four families with numberless children, all very clever people and I was really glad to make their acquaintance. They all send you their regards, especially a Mrs. Bungas from Indianapolis, who was quite sorry not to find you here. I had to promise that if possible before leaving for our new home we would go out and spend a day with them. The young ones behaved exceedingly well. Not a single flower of yours has suffered, but all earned admiration in abundance.

Your little paradise looks very pretty, everything is growing daily, especially the grass and the weeds. The young [Meuranding?] shoots have commenced a climbing race up the strings. Aunt Emma will look after the Abronias.

I have decided not to go to the springs (Gesundheitsquellen[health spa]). But Prof Hoss was here yesterday and tried to persuade your father and me to go with him to the meeting of the N.E.A. in Detroit, in session 6th, 7 & 8th of August. Fare for the round trip $9. We have the matter still under consideration and it is by no means impossible that we may decide to go.

Nothing in our box the last three days, except the Sentinel, which continues to report about that terrible Tilton Beech affair. That statement of Tilton's the day before yesterday at first almost overwhelmed me, but strangely this same document that to others appears almost sure proof of Beecher's quilt, has after mature reflection so thoroughly convinced me of the innocence of both Mr. Beecher and Mrs. T. that I read no further statement from either. Whatever people now may say, Dr. Bacon was right, when he pronounced Tilton a fiend and a dog and the great preacher the most magnanimous of men and this it surely will come out in the end. [Dr. Henry Ward Beecher was accused by his best friend Mr. Tilton of having an adulterous affair with his wife Elizabeth Tilton. It came to trial, Jan-July 1875 and the jury could not reach a verdict.]

I have no news for you, my sweet wife, besides my love for you and that is for you no new thing. The pleasantest incident in the last three days was a two hours talk with Aunt Emma on which occasion I heard more from her and received the deeper insight into her real life than in the past four years. She is a sweet and rare and noble woman altogether and is herewith proclaimed as the aunt—the aunt of aunts—the aunt Eli aunt—of our young household and our children. The sad death of Geo. Buskirk you will have learned through the papers. He was buried yesterday. Nobody will grieve much for him. But the enclosed feather you will please give to Do and try to comfort the poor youngster as best you can. Feathers is all that remains of his once so beautiful peacock. Cause of his death is unknown, but not long after you started the poor creature must have laid down beneath the large sugar maple and started out on the road that peacocks as well as all other creatures have to go. His beauty could not save him. Wylie found the dead body the next morning, and I have buried it but before I have saved for Do all the feathers.

And now, my sweet wife, my love to you all and its best portion for your own dear self. Give our boy Charlie 4 kisses from his uncle Hermann. Just take your time in Muncie. I don't feel lonely at all. I believe I could do without you for quite a while if I had this dear, sweet little chap to keep me company. He is determined to fill my wife's place and plays around me all day long. Seems too to feel here very happy. O my Lou—twelve of such—what happiness. Wylie too is alert and quite well behaving. Once more a kiss from your husband

H

Transcription: St. Louis, Mo. Aug. 21, 1874

My dear Sir,

I have received your letter concerning Dr. Adolph Donai and by leave to say in reply that if your State University can secure the services of Dr. Donai as Professor of Modern Languages, it will make as valuable an acquisition as any similar institution can boast of. I know Dr. Donai as one of the best informed, most enlightened, most experienced and most successful teachers in the country, and if I were asked to express my opinion of him in the shape of a recommendation for a place such as you are now leaving, I should not hesitate to give it just as I am giving it here. If you have any opportunity to do anything to open to Dr. Donai an appropriate field of action, I shall be sincerely happy to see you succeed, and I shall be ready to contribute to that end whenever my opinion is considered of any value. Very truly yours C. Schurz

Transcription: Columbia, Mo. Aug. 25th 1874

My dear Lou,

I certainly had not intended to let a week slip by without having written you of our safe journey home but, though the weeks usually fly, this one has gone at lightning speed and I find myself midway in another before I realize that the first has past.

We met Father in St. Louis as we expected. We also met on the train Mr. Mrs. and Mary Waugh who were just coming home, having been to Wisconsin spending three or four weeks to try and escape our very hot weather. They came home, I think, a little too soon. Everything in this part of the country is suffering terribly from drought. The grass is sear and even the leaves of the trees are falling as in Autumn. Cisterns are giving out obliging persons to haul water. The flowers are entirely dried up and we have no vegetables. I sigh for some of the nice corn we had at your house.

Since we have been at home Ada and myself have made her a calico dress and are now busy on some under clothing. Ada is trying to get ready to go away in the Fall. I don't know what we can do without her and yet I want her to go and think she ought to. What sort of a housekeeper I will make remains to be seen. I began yesterday by making some jelly over which I feel quite proud because it is much clearer and prettier looking than Ada's. If you were only going to housekeeping in Terre Haute we might enter into a sort of competition. During our absence Mr. Craig made a little visit to Ada on his way through the state on business and took Read home with him. Daisy is still with us however and we see much more of her when Read is not here to play outdoors all the time with her. I am very much obliged for the photographs you sent me of yourself and husband. They are very good indeed we think. You asked me for one of Mother. We have just gotten some struck off from the negative at Scholtens and I send you one. Much love to your Father, Mother and husband,

Very affectionately

Bertha Read There has been a great many young ladies visiting here this summer and has been a great deal of gaily among the young people. There is a party Friday night given by Anna Stephens and we hear constantly of little companies, horse back rides etc, etc. Prof Hosmer went to St. Louis to stay last Saturday. His goods having been sent before. Mrs. Hosmer went Monday. Twinings and Schweitzer's have not gotten home yet.

Transcription: Sherman House, Indianapolis Tuesday

My sweet Lou,

Enclosed Line Juhl's letter, the studying out of which will furnish you with a healthy exercise—You see I went directly to Indianapolis. I thought it better so and still more so after a long interview that I had this morning with Mr. Morrison. He takes up the idea almost with enthusiasm and commits himself further than I thought he would—feels, however very despondent about the prospects for the next legislature and does not think it impossible that even present appropriations may be withdrawn. Miss Morrison wanted to take me with her to Mr. Tinch's but I preferred the Hotel and spent the evening writing and studying. Passed a miserable night, disturbed alike by Locomotives, mosquitoes, my stomach, and my air castles.

In ten minutes I start for our new home to this evening take there my first supper. God be with you, my sweet wife while we are separated. Kiss the children—give my love to all and write diligently to

Your affectionate husband Please do not forget Allison. He met me at the depot yesterday, with the pictures in his pocket and made me feel ashamed. I told him to give the pictures to you.

Yours HBB

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind Sept 2, 1874

My dear Hermann, Thanks for the letter which came today. I am glad that the "spirit" moved you so soon. I was wishing very much to hear from you but hardly dared hope for a letter for fear of being disappointed. I expected that you would go to Indianapolis and so was not surprised at the postmark. I am glad that Mr. Morrison gave you so much encouragement. Pa says that someone of the Professor's [Station?] told him yesterday that Dr. Owen has a man for the place in view. A Greek I think he said, who is a French, German, Italian etc. scholar. This prodigy lives in Illinois at present. Pa said that perhaps you had better write to some of the other trustees. I cannot help wondering how you find it in Terre Haute, but of course you have not yet been there long enough to know where and what kind of place our future boarding place will be. I suppose today you have been meeting with the teachers. My thoughts are with you much of the time dear Hermann. After I left you Monday, I waited till the cars passed. You bowed to Prof Ballantine who was just next to me but you did not appear to see me. Then I went directly up to Allison's and paid him and got the rest of the pictures. I then undertook to wait for the mail, but it took so long that I drove up to Mr. Gay's and took Bessie out for a little ride, poor pale girl. Baby had our pictures in his hand and she asked for them so I gave them to her. We brought her back home and got the mail and then I stopped at Dodd's for the freezer as Willis had asked me to and I brought Lib, Maggie and the baby over to tea. So you see I had not much time to be lonely that day. Yesterday I transplanted some flowers in the morning and in the afternoon Lib came over in Redick's buggy and wanted me to go calling with her and Mag. So I made several calls with them. Did you get your trunk checked and did you attend to having the box sent? I heard you had some trouble about getting the trunk checked. I forgot to ask you too whether you paid Mrs. Geiger for your shirts, but I suppose not or you would have told me. I cannot find the key of your trunk. Did you take it with you? Or wasn't there one belonging to it?

I am much obliged to you for sending me Miss [Juhl's?] letter, but I don't think that I will be able to read it. Will have to wait for you.

A large letter came for you yesterday but as it had the "Return etc to [undecipherable]" I thought it was no regular correspondent, and perhaps only some circular, so I opened it and found in it some old letters and your pass on the R. R. which you had left at the Terre Haute House and this man had found them and sent them to you. One letter was from Mr. Shortridge, another was an unopened one from Shaffer and Koradi. Then there was a postal card of yours to your father and an exercise of Miss Morrison's. I will not send them to you as they all seem old but will take them when I go.

Pa was painting something for Baby today and he said he thought you must have taken his light green and white paint by mistake and you left one of your good brushes and took one of his, not so good. And I think you must have taken some of the instruments too for I can't find them all. I don't know just what pieces are wanting, but I'll find out and let you know so that you can see if you or I have put them in the trunk in our haste. Baby slept with me last night and again sleeps with me tonight. Dear child, he is so sweet. Pa seems better this afternoon, but this evening he feels and looks very badly. I feel anxious about him. We hope for the boys this week. But dear Hermann, it is very late and I am afraid I am writing you a sleepy letter and you will be out of patience. With warmest love and many kisses, good night Deine [Your] Lou

Tell me exactly how to direct your letters. Mein lieber, guter Hermann [My dear, good Hermann] When baby woke up this morning the first thing he said was "Where is Uncle H?" and then "Uncle H has gone and left poor dear Aunt Oo."

Transcription: Terre Haute House Sept 2 1874

My sweet wife,

Again in a hurry, and again with pencil, which you must pardon. I am in my room at the Hotel and there is no ink here and the great general writing room downstairs may be well enough for business letters, but it won't do for a love letter to my wife. I have good news for you, my Lou. First: I am greatly pleased and encouraged with prospects here in each and every respect and secondly: I have already found and engaged a boarding house. And this without previous consultation with my wife, but so sure was I of your consent that I felt empowered to make the bargain at once. It is not in a German family, but has charms in size and price, location and associations, that will make up for the German and on the whole we will be able with better judgment to select a German family after having been here some time and become acquainted.

The place is the same that Mr. Byers recommended and he boards there with his wife and 2 little girls. Mr. Byers and his wife are very amiable people, whom it will be easy for you to love. They are my old traveling companions of my Boston trip and I became quite intimate with them on the three days steamboat trip over the lakes. He has been teaching in Terre Haute formerly, but for the last two years has held the principalship of the young Ladies Seminary at Greencastle. That position he has now resigned and returned to his old place. He is principal of the third ward and his wife of the fifth.

The place which now, for three months at least, will be our home is quite near the Normal, in the heart of the city, and yet almost as rural as your father's house at home.

It is in that street which has the most tasteful homes.

It is a brick house.

The name of the owner is Mrs. Smith

Our room is first floor and has its own entrance from the porch.

It is very nicely, almost elegantly furnished.

It is quite as large as the room to which we have been accustomed. I wish you would take the measure and see if in this I am not right.

The price for room and board is for both of us 50 dollars a month.

The house stands back in a very large yard with shade trees and has the following shape [sketch; similar to Wylie House layout] It thus consists, as you see, of a long body with porch and two wings, accessible from the porch. The one of these twin wings is occupied by the Byers family, the other is: OURS!!!

Our room thus has three windows, one south, one east and one west. My sweet Lou, if flowers won't grow here they will grown nowhere, and flower raising in windows is a humbug. And all this for 50 dollars a month. I feel that once at least I have made a great bargain. And as for living in Terre H. in general, Mrs. Byers told me last night that after living in Greencastle 2 years, and in T.H. for 6, she found that she could live cheaper here than there.

The county institute is in session at present in the Normal and we had an excellent lecture from President Jones this morning. They have pressed me into service for tomorrow. Prof Ridpath from Greencastle has been here all day. This evening I took a walk out to Heinl and this morning I enjoyed at the Artesian well the most delightful bath that I had in my life, all my sea bathing not excepted. That is another advantage of Terre Haute that is not to be considered slightly, and I swear to make good use of it. Every bath costs 20 cents. The sulfur water rises in a very powerful stream and is first led into a large tank in order that the sulphuric gas that rises in great abundance may be caught. From this tank the gas is conducted by a long tube under a large boiler here the mouth of the tube is lighted and burning by night and day gives heat enough to run quite a factory.

I think I shall take possession of our new kingdom tomorrow. I was there this evening. It looks quite cheerful and homelike and would be perfect were it not for the absence of its queen. I trust then, my wife, that she won't keep it orphaned too long. Kiss the children, my Lou. Is Wylie's velocipede fixed? And does the babe go? Write often to me, my Lou, and when you can please write home to. Keep well, sweet wife u weil ich fern bin fahre du mit weisem Sinn [and as I am far away, continue on your wise course].

Ten thousand kisses from your husband H.

Transcription: Bloomington Sept. 4, 1874

My dear Hermann,

Our dear little Anton is standing by my side on my chair and talking and you can understand that I cannot well write, but I have been waiting a long time for him to go to sleep and he won't do it, and I'm afraid I'll soon be too sleepy if I don't write now. He keeps saying "Tay, A Oo, what ou doing?" "Come to bed A. Oo." I ask him, "what shall I tell Uncle Hermann for you?" He says, "dood boy," meaning he is a good boy I suppose and not that you are, though I think you are. "What else?" I ask him. "Papa is going to bring me baby" he says, and "I do love Uncle Hermann." Now I think his part of the letter is long enough though he is sweet enough to fill the whole.

Now I have put him in bed and will try to make my letter more intelligible, though he is continually calling, "Come here, A. Oo." I received your letter this afternoon, and was delighted to hear that you are so well pleased in every respect, especially that your work promises to be so agreeable and that you have found so good a boarding place for us. I suppose by this time you feel quite settled there. It makes me feel as if I wanted to be with you and yet I know I cannot go yet. I have only taken up the Bouvardias as yet and I do not want to take up the other things for at least a week as they are just putting out for their fall bloom. Then my sewing is coming on slowly. I am trying to hurry, but there is much to be done. You may be sure however, dear Hermann, that I long for you and long to be with you. You did not write me anything about the family with whom we are to board except that they belong to the great Smith tribe. Of how many members is this particular family composed? Please tell me something about them in your next. I like your description of the house and room very much. The only objection I have is that it is on the first floor, but that is a small thing if it suits in all other respects. I am glad that the house is brick and that we can have a flower window. I must now determine what flowers to take with me. I cannot decide about the Fuchsias. Two or three English Ivies. A red and pink begonia. Smilax and perhaps two Lycopodiums are the plants I have about decided to take. The others are to be determined.

Brown got home yesterday. He is looking well and says he has enjoyed his trip and feels better for it. Dory may be home tomorrow, but a letter from Mag today says he can be very useful to Arthur just now as some of the office hands are away. So he may stay till College begins. Ma has not gone yet and will not go unless Pa is better. He says he thinks she can go next Tuesday. He doesn't seem to gain strength and I dread to have her leave home. Prof and Mrs. Atwater came yesterday. I have not been over yet. Bessie Gay was here today. Dora is not home yet. Anna Ballantine sent me some splendid grapes yesterday. I wish you had some of them.

Pa fixed the velocipede the day you left and it runs very nicely now. The baby enjoyed it as much as Wylie at first, though now I think Wylie is allowed to have it in peace. He carries it around with him everywhere. Miss Morrison comes tomorrow.

Now my dear Hermann, you have another sleepy scrawl from me. I did not intend it should be so, but you must blame the baby for it. All would send love if they knew I was writing. Write as often as you can, [four German words?] Lou A pair of compasses and a drawing pen were the instruments wanting. Are they with yours? Prof Kirkwood is very sick. Inflammation of the stomach. This room is 18 ft. long and 16 or 18 ft. wide.

Saturday morning. My dear Hermann,

Pa was not so well last night and Ma sent for the Doctor this morning. He is better now and is up, but he is very weak. He has to lecture before the Institute next Monday night and I hope he will feel much better by that time. Last night in the middle of the night Baby woke up and after I had given him a drink he asked "Where is Uncle Hermann?" I forgot to tell you that Brown says that Maggie Wylie has a position in Wilson College Chambersburg. He calls it a professorship. Jennie teaches in one of the primary schools in Philadelphia and so does Maggie Black.

I have been transplanting again this morning. I took up Mad. Holte and Little Cem. They seemed to be growing so little. Every day I think I shall take up some though it is almost too early yet and those that are blooming nicely I think I shall leave until the last unless I want to take them with me. In that case I must have them started in pots before I go. Do you think it worth while for me to take any Geraniums? Are there inside shutters in the room? If so it won't be so easy to keep flowers at the window. Tell me too if there is a mantel piece. I suppose Heinl's flowers are looking beautifully now as I see he is going to take those to the Exposition. Our Tuberoses and asters are beautiful now and the hanging basket looks better each day.

But dear Hermann, my letter is already too long and rambling. I will try to write to Germany, but I find very little time for writing. It will keep me very busy to get ready for T. H. Yours Lou

Transcription: New York, Sept. 5, 1874 Prof. H. B. Boisen Dear Sir,

I understand that the Professorship of Modern Languages at the Indiana State University is still vacant, and I therefore beg leave to recommend as a most suitable candidate for it Dr. Adolf Donai, of Newark, N. J. I have known Dr. Donai for many years, and I do not hesitate to say that in my opinion he is one of best German scholars of this country, and that his appointment as Prof. of Modern Languages would secure to the State University the services of an excellent teacher. I remain yours very truly, A. J. Scheur

Transcription: Bloomington Sept. 6, 1874

It is very late my dear Hermann but I cannot let the evening pass without a few words to you. I have thought so much about you during the day, this first Sabbath in our new home. Where did you go to church? And have you missed me any all the day. I often fear that you do not long for me as I do for you. Oh my dear Hermann, but I know what you will say now. "Don't get sentimental," so I will stop, though I don't really believe that I am one of the "gushing" kind.

This morning I went to the U. P. Church and heard "Charlie" Strong preach. In one sense it was a "strong" sermon. I think he will make a pretty good preacher after a few years experience.

Baby is just as sweet as ever. I can hardly bear to think of his going away, but I think Ma will probably take him and Wylie too this week. Pa seems better today, though he did not go to church. But he seems more cheerful and like himself. It will seem quite lonesome after Ma and the children go. Dory, I suppose, will not come till next week and if Dick comes at all, he will come next week too, I think, and then I will probably be going.

Yesterday I held quite a reception. First Mr. Houghton came to see Pa but before he went [Olive?] Fellows and Laura Hinley came and soon after they left, Laura Woodburn and Mollie Browning came. Before they left, Mrs. Sanders drove up. Mrs. Murphy and little Jennie Kenny were here to tea and Mrs. Wilson came over about tea time. Mrs. W. admired Carl Holt exceedingly though it is not so pretty as it was before you left. One of the tuberoses had 40 buds and flowers on it besides the second stalk which has 24 buds on it.

Ella Fellows has a fine boy weighing 10 lbs. Lizzie Bryan is here now with her baby. I saw her at church. The baby is not very pretty but is bright looking. Mr. Ramsey has a school in Iberia Ohio.

But, my dear Husband, I will leave some of this letter for another day. I hope for a letter from you tomorrow. Pa got one yesterday. I have tried to read Fraulein Juhl's letter but did not succeed to my satisfaction. Now, dear Hermann, good night. May God keep you. Love Your little wife

Transcription: Terre Haute Sept 8 [1874] Tuesday

My sweet wife,

I cannot find any letter paper and take therefore this big sheet of [fere?] to thank you for that sweet letter of yours which I have read again and again with great delight. That one passage only, about your father's continued indisposition alarms me. I wrote to him the day after I wrote to you and have not yet received any answer. I trust he is not worse? This is the first evening that I spend in our new rooms. Up to this time, while the room was being arranged, I had only a sleeping place in the garret but this afternoon I moved my things down and feel now for the first time established. It is a grand place for a young couple, my Lou, and appears to me this evening the height of comfort. And I enjoy in advance greatly the moment when I shall lead my young wife into her kingdom. The very thing that you do not like, it being on the first floor, is for me a great charm, and I know you will soon come to like it too. I have made a purchase too this morning in the shape of a combined bookcase with glass doors and writing desk. I bought it for $30, payable at the end of this month or beginning of next. Something of the kind we needed, and it appeared to me the cheapest to buy at once something good. Byers, who were in this evening thought I had made a great purchase and so do I. It is quite an ornament to our room and very convenient with a multitude of drawers and shelves and pigeon holes for our papers and letters and things. Besides there is in our room a handsome wardrobe with a drawer beneath, an elegant walnut bureau with marble top, a large looking glass and three drawers—and a very elegant wash stand likewise with marble top, walnut, with three drawers all of which can be locked. For sitting down there is a small sofa, 2 rocking and 4 common chairs, all of the same pattern and upholstered with horse hair seat. The carpet is very pretty, much like the new one in the parlor. And besides these things, and a bed, which I forgot and a mantle piece, there is something else, or rather will be tomorrow, which is: [written upside down:] a forte piano for my wife. You know, my Lou, I do not like a home without music, nor do Byers, and there being no instrument in the house we agreed to rent one together. Byers made a bargain yesterday for $10 a quarter, which is $5 for each of us. Considering now that we shall derive from it for at least $20 pleasure every quarter, I trust my little wife will consider the bargain a good one and give her consent to this little luxury without grumbling. It is an upright piano. Byers, who is quite a judge, considers it to be a very good one. He wants it to stand in our room.

The reason why I did not say anything else about the lady of the house, besides her name being Smith, is simply that this is the only remarkable thing about her. She is by no means an educated woman but appears well meaning and kind hearted. Has one son and two daughters. Her husband travels as mail agent between here and Evansville and comes home every third day. Byers thinks that the table sometimes might be a little different, but this, affecting merely palate and stomach is a small matter for great souls and if ever you should feel the same, we will take an [extra?] look of our beautiful room, or you may take Mrs. Byers sweet little girls and kiss them over—or if you choose me, and which may do for desert—O, how I do wish that you could take one of our own boys with us!—I myself have never had any reason to complain about the food.

By the way, Byers keep horse and buggy! And another thing by the way: Old Mr. Gay is a fool indeed, and not even a good man either! Col Edwards met me yesterday and told me he had just received a long letter from the old man, complaining in the strongest terms about the University, the faculty, the students, enlarging on the Beecher-Tieton affair, and accusing his successor in office, Prof. Hoss, of being totally incompetent for his place and unable to read, spell or write. How is this?? You may make of this information whatever use you choose and especially may it be well for the faculty thus to learn the true character of the man.

Sabbath morning I went to the German-Lutheran Church, a small building but it was well filled. The looks of the congregation did not please me much. There were only a few intelligent faces among the audience, but I heard a good and scholarly sermon and felt greatly edified. In the evening I went with Byers to the Presbyterian Church and heard a sermon in Moorish style, which did not please me much.

But now, my sweet Lou, about my Normal and my work. I can hardly tell you how greatly encouraged I feel and how delighted I am with my new work. We have a faculty here of noble and exceptionally thorough, energetic and scholarly men. We have had two days of hard faculty work yesterday and today and I had quite an opportunity to become acquainted with my new brethren. There is an enthusiastic and earnest cooperation here—a beautiful relation between President and faculty, and a devotion to duty which is very delightful. There are only 2 ladies in the faculty, Miss Fonelle and Miss Bruce. The men with whom till now I have become most acquainted are Prof Hodgin, Dr. Scovill, and Prof Aiken. A new Prof by the name of Brown, who is to take the place of L. Jones, arrived today. Tomorrow we commence the work proper.

And now, my sweet little wife, pray, don't stay too long.—I felt somewhat fearful on my way here, not knowing what I should have to offer you for house, parents, friends and all, but I know now that you will like it and long for the time when we shall enjoy every day in common. One thing is sure, my Lou, that we ought to be very happy here and if we don't the fault does not lie in circumstances but in ourselves and our own folly. We will start our married life anew, my beloved wife, and foremost and firmest in my resolutions stands this, that day by day I will endeavour to become more worthy of the treasure that God has given me in you. Good night now, my sweet Lou. God be with you and bring you to me in safety and soon. With my love to children and all and most of all to yourself,

Your affectionate Husband H.

Transcription: Thursday, Sept 10, 1874

My dear Hermann,

What is the reason that I have not heard from you for so long? It will be a week tomorrow since your last letter. Are you sick, or are you so disgusted with my letters that you will not answer them? Please write oftener, dear Hermann, if you possibly can. You do not know how disappointed I have been every day this week that I have not heard from you. I waited Monday till Tuesday, feeling sure I would hear from you, but no letter came. Then I was so busy that I could not possibly get a letter off yesterday. Pa lectured night before last and yesterday Ma and the children left and I was ironing all morning. But you cannot imagine how great a disappointment it was yesterday that no letter came. I will not wait longer but send this today, though I do hope I may get a letter today.

Ma started yesterday and took both children. Baby didn't appear to care very much about going. He says he is coming back Saturday, but I expect it will be many long days before we see the dear little fellow again. Wylie was very anxious to go in order to start to school. Pa is again not so well, though he goes about, yet he suffers pain and does not gain strength. The weather is very hot and that may be one reason that he feels so weak. Prof. Kirkwood is better. I believe Col. Thompson comes today. Atwaters are here. Mrs. A says she has not been at all well until the last month, but seems to be gaining now. Henry Ballantine and wife are expected tomorrow. I don't know when Judge Rhoads will be here. But it will soon be mail time and I must hasten.

Please, dear Hermann, write to me oftener even if you have nothing more to say than "I am well." I am kept quite busy now. I want to begin packing, then I have been so much interrupted by visitors that I don't have very much time to myself. But I am always glad to see my friends and I have no doubt that I will get through in good time. When do you want me to come? I would go now if I was ready. But I cannot be ready before the middle of next week I think and I hardly think that I can get through before the end. You can not be more impatient to have me come than I am to go. Tell me what you think about the flowers, that is, what I had best take. I do not want to take too many for I only want to have pretty ones in the room. I suppose I had better take some things for a hanging basket, had I not? I will send the flowers by express I suppose. I must not forget to tell you that the horned frog has departed this life. I buried him this morning. The cause of his death is unknown. Grief at the loss of his companion perhaps. May he rest in peace.

No more letters have come for you than the one I mentioned containing yours. Some school journals have come and a German, "[German title]"

I suppose you are fairly at work now. What are the prospects for the year?

Really I am writing too long a letter. You will never have the patience to read it. Write me soon and often, dear Hermann. I love you and long to see you Lovingly yours Lou P.S. Aunt Emma has just come in the room and bids me send a message to you from her. She says she does not like to separate man and wife, but she don't intend to let me go until Pa gets better and stronger. But I sincerely hope that he will soon be better, though I feel very much discouraged about him. He has written to you. If you answer, do not speak as if I had written so discouragingly.

Transcription: Bloomington, Sept. 10, 1874

My own dear Hermann,

Here I am in our old room seated at the table in my [German word] writing to you. I cannot go to bed tonight without at least thanking you for the dear long letter which I received today. I sent you a letter today which I fear is rather of the complaining order, but I beg you to forgive all complaints for they were only from my great desire to hear from you as often as possible. Your description of our room makes me wish to see within it, but chief and first of all I want to see you. The room must be very large. I think it must be larger than this for I do not think this could contain so much furniture. The bookcase will be quite convenient and necessary. I am glad you got it. I had mentally resolved that the very first money that I could save should go for a bookcase but you have forestalled me. As for the piano, it will be quite an unexpected addition, and I do not think it very extravagant to pay $15 a year for the use of a piano. I only hope that I may make good use of it. You need not think, dear Hermann, that I shall ever grumble over the money judiciously expended. The only thing that really troubles me, is running in debt. I fear I am only too free in spending money. If only all our debts were paid you do not know how relieved I should feel. I am glad that we owe comparatively little now, but I am exceedingly anxious that that little should be paid and that thenceforward we should contract no debts. And to that end, I am willing to deny myself everything possible if it will accomplish the object. As to the bookcase, I hardly see how we could do without it for we must have a place for our books. And I hope the pleasure we derive from the piano will repay the small expense. But I know you are tired of this subject. I only do not want you to think me entirely unreasonable.

O. Houghton was here again day before yesterday and he asked me to ask you what Latin books you had taken with you. He said he would then know what you intended working upon and so could arrange his work. Perhaps it will be better for you to write directly to him though I can see him and give him any messages. His assistant this year is a Miss May from New Albany recommended by Dr. Nutt. She looks tolerably young. More I cannot say as she only came yesterday. Miss McCalla has resigned.

Aunt E. has come in to go to bed. She sleeps with me now and she is sitting by the table eating grapes. I think I shall have to stop shortly and eat some pears. They are delicious now. I only wish you were here to enjoy some.

Pa seems better tonight. He was better yesterday or Ma would not have gone. But this morning he was very poorly. But dearest Hermann I must say good night. I want to write more tomorrow night and send this Saturday. Lou

Saturday morning My dearest, This beautiful, bright, dusty day I must finish my letter to you and send it. I thought I would write last night, but I felt too tired. I was up town nearly all day trying to finish off my visiting so that I can begin to gather my things together put them in order and pack them. It will take me some time to get all the buttons and strings sewed on and the holes mended and I doubt if I accomplish all that I want to. I feel very anxious to go to you though of course I feel somewhat sad to leave home, and that feeling has been increased by Pa's sickness. But he is better now and I hope he will continue to improve.

You did not tell me whether our room has inside shutters or not. Please tell me in your next and please tell me about the flowers. I have been thinking that we can hardly keep our flowers in a room with such a nice carpet unless we have a table expressly for them. A table on rollers with a kind of tray wide enough for two rows of pots, lined with zinc would be the very thing I think, but it would probably be expensive and I would not like to get it unless we could pay for it when we get it. Perhaps it will be time enough to talk about it when I come. It will then not be far from pay day and we can talk it over and see whether we can afford it and then we can have the flowers sent to us when we are ready for them. There is no use taking them unless we do have a nice place for keeping them.

You have, I expect, been obliged to get some other things beside the bookcase, and then we must pay our board out of the next salary and I think we ought to try to pay at least $75 to the bank here. But dear Hermann, I am afraid I worry you. I think though it is better to look the matter straight in the face in order that we may strive to "owe no man anything but to love one another." And to that end we must calculate beforehand. [jain satis?]

I am not so very much surprised to hear about Mr. Gay's "latest." You know I have always said that I did not feel he was a noble minded man and that I could listen to his preaching better if I thought more of the man. I think it is especially mean of him to abuse Prof Hoss whose chief offence must be in being his successor. The other Profs with the exception of Prof Ballantine, Pa and you, he may not consider so good friends on account of their letter to the Board, though I thought he had forgotten and forgiven them perhaps since he has been quite friendly with Col. Thompson and Prof K. at least. Dr. N. was chief offender I thought as even the girls won't return Mrs. Nutt's greeting.

Dory writes that he will probably be back next Thursday. Dick [probably Dick Speck] writes that if he comes he won't be here the first day. He says the grasshoppers have made their appearance in Wyandotte, eating everything, "eating the peaches on the trees, leaving the stones and then they sit on the fence and call for hammers to crack the stones!"

John Morrison has come, I suppose, to get his room in order. Miss M. has had it nicely papered and I believe he is to have a roommate, so I think he will find it quite pleasant there. I saw in the Sentinel that the Normal had opened with 52 new names on the roll, and that prospects were very encouraging. I am glad you like it so well. It sounds to me too, dear Hermann, that we should be very happy and I hope that we may not be disappointed and that with every day our love for each other may increase. I often feel disheartened when I think in how many respects I fall short of being the wife I want to be. But I love you, of that you may be sure. And now goodbye. As soon as I can see my way to the end of getting ready I will write and let you know on what day I will go. If Mr. Small should go up the end of next week, I shall try to go with him. But I cannot yet fix the day. Write soon to your loving wife Lou

You did not say whether you had the key of the trunk or not. You left the clock key. What shall I do with the Aldine's? Take them to T. H? Lou

Transcription: Bloomington, Indiana Sept. 14, 1874

My dear Toph,

I know I have treated you right shabbily. I ought to have written to you long ago. I have thought of my badness toward you almost every day but the fact is I have neglected all my correspondents. I have written tolerably regularly to Mag and have written generally about every three or four weeks to Germany, but all my other correspondents can justly complain. I won't apologize but will only ask you to forgive me. I expect when I get to Terre Haute I shall be so anxious to get letters that I shall be willing to write more. You see I have not yet left home. Hermann went two weeks ago in order to get a boarding place for us and he now has a very pleasant place. Our room he writes is large, as large as this, is on the first floor (that I don't think I'll like, but he does), has bed, marble-topped bureau and wash stand, wardrobe, small sofa, six chairs, two being rocking chairs, book case and piano. Hermann is much delighted with his work there and with the place. I feel very anxious to go to him and yet I dislike to leave home. I expect I shall go the end of this week or beginning of next. Pa has not been well, and that is one reason that I have not liked to leave at this time. He was quite sick a week or two ago and I don't think feels quite well yet. Ma has gone to Muncie.

We had Wylie and the baby here for six weeks or more. Wylie is a smart boy, still a little mischievous, and needs constant watching. The baby, Arthur Anton, is one of the sweetest children that I ever have seen. He is very pretty, very fair, with regular features and light hair and beautiful blue-gray eyes. He is very smart too I think. He doesn't talk very plain, but I can understand almost everything. He can sing very nicely. Charlie is a manly little fellow, a great help to his mother. He only staid here four days. It is said that Si is to be married next month to Bun Dunn. Dory has not come home yet, is coming this week and I suppose Dick will be back too. Brown is at a party tonight at Lucy Howe's. He has just been home bringing Sedie Mitchell and Fanny Thompson with him to give them some cider and grapes and pears and peaches, I suppose. At least that's what he did.

We are having splendid pears this year, not very many peaches or grapes, but plenty of apples and cantaloupes. I wish you could have some of our nice fruit. Your last letter, Toph, was written so well. If you go on improving you will soon write a splendid hand. Be careful with your spelling too. I do hope that you will be greatly benefited by the Commercial College. The fair opens tomorrow. Graded schools opened today and College begins on Thursday. We are having such very dry weather that everything is parched up, wells are failing and if we do not soon have rain I'm afraid there will be suffering. But I see that Philadelphia is suffering too from drought. Excuse this scrawl. I was stung by a yellow jacket on my wrist today and my hand is very sore and much swollen. We were all glad, dear Toph, to hear that you were getting along so well and are so happy. Aunt Susan has been very kind to you and so has Aunt Cornelia. I think you probably made some mistakes at [can't make out the name] but they perhaps did not exactly understand you, you kept so close. It is always better to be as frank and open as possible, though not best to talk too much. But my dear brother, I must stop. Write soon and direct to Terre Haute, unless you write within two weeks. Pa and Aunt E. would send love if they knew I was writing. Love to Aunt Susan and Maggie and Aunt Cornelia when you see her.

Louise W. Boisen

Transcription: Terre Haute, Tuesday night [Sept. 15, 1874]

My sweet wife,

It is very late and I have been studying hard all evening, so all I have for you are a few hearty words of greeting. But I hope you won't get them, and will be on your way before this reaches Bloom. Your letter came yesterday morning but I felt somewhat disappointed that you did not write anything about the time of your coming. Byers and boarders were standing around while I read it, interrupting me all the while "Well, what does she write?" "When will she be here?" "Will she come tomorrow?" and I felt a little sheepish in telling them that among 8 pages of close writing the very thing I wanted to know was not to be found. But then I thought that maybe you had decided upon Maggie's plan of surprising and yesterday and today coming home, I opened my door very cautiously and with beating heart, thinking that maybe somebody whom I knew might be inside. O Lou, my wife, how long will you tarry! You cannot imagine how I long to have you with me and how I miss you a hundred times a day. But then, you must know best yourself, if you can be spared at home and if you think that on your father's account it is best that you should stay a while longer, you certainly are right in doing so and I will try to get along as best I can.

One reason why I do greatly deplore your long delay, is that you lose the first week in the Normal. The instruction there is of a very superior character and little ones shall not trouble you for yet a while, I think it would be greatly to your benefit to attend as much as possible. Mrs. Byers told me today that the greatest desire that she had was to drop her work and attend the Normal for at least a year. I myself attend daily to my greatest advantage the President's lessons in Intellectual science, which are conducted in a most masterly manner, and want you to attend with me. I have come to consider President Jones as by far the most superior and most philosophical teacher whom either in this country or in Germany I ever have met with. He comes up very nearly to my ideal of [Diesterway and Duiter?] and those other men that appeared to you in dreams. How great a delight it must be for me, and how it stirs up all my energy to have the privilege of daily working together with a man of that stamp you may well imagine. I cannot tell you, my sweet wife, how glad I am about the decision I took and how with every day I become more convinced that here indeed I have found my proper field of work.

Thank your father for his letter, my Lou, and also for his Latin note. And ask him for the title of the French edition of Classics in the College Library. I will write to Houghton directly. If you can afford it get the class picture of the last class and be sure to have the picture with the Faculty. I long for letters from home. All that you write about money and debts is right and good, my dear wife. If we have $2000 a year I don't think such things will trouble us much, and a flower stand we can afford too. There are shutters outside, and curtains inside and in general everything ship shape and just as it ought to be. Just come and see and come soon. The piano is here too, and waiting for my wife to come and use it. The sweet little Byers girls are playing on it every day. Good night now, my sweet wife. I shall not write you again I think. Give my love to all and by all means persuade your Mother to come and see us on her trip back. With all my love

Your husband

Transcription: Bloomington, Sept. 17, 1874

My dear Hermann,

You must have received Pa's postal this morning telling you of my accident, and I received your letter this morning which shows me how disappointed you will be at not seeing me this week. For I'm afraid it will be impossible to get off though I shall work as hard as possible and go Saturday if I get through. But you need not expect me till Monday or Tuesday. Monday I hope, for I am as impatient to see you as you are to see me, and feel quite as disappointed. If I can get off Sabbath I will send a telegram. You speak of feeling mortified that I said nothing of going—the reason I did not, was because I expected to write soon again and tell you exactly what day to expect me. But I have felt somewhat mortified too, dear Hermann, that I have not heard oftener from you. People ask me when I have heard from you and it seems a dreadful long time to say "a week ago." Are you laughing at my foolishness? But I really do feel like I wanted to hear every day. I hope soon there will be no need of even weekly epistles. But don't you want to know about this sting? Monday morning I thought I would finish taking up my flowers. Aunt Emma said if I would wait till next day she would help me and we would make a day of the work. So I said, "very well, I will get the earth ready." And I got a large basket and started to the orchard. I got inside of the stump in order to get it more easily and with the second trowel full I felt the yellow jacket sting me on my right wrist. I suppose there was a nest of them in the stump. I got out very soon you may well believe, and hearing another one buzzing about my head, I dropped everything and came to the house. I put ammonia and soda on the sting and did not use my hand much till after dinner. It was swollen but not very badly and after dinner, I thought I would do some light work and came up and commenced to look after my things which you know are scattered over the house. I emptied my trunk and assorted my clothes as I do not want to take all with me and got together my things in the front room. In the evening my hand was somewhat more swollen, but I wrote two letters. Next morning my whole hand was swollen and my arm to the elbow. It was rather painful too. And Pa insisted on me going to the doctor. I saw him and he said I had used my arm too much. So that day and the next it continued much swollen and I was afraid to use it for fear of making it worse. Today the swelling is almost gone, but my hand and wrist appear broken out in pimples and there is still some soreness. I have been working all day however trying to get the papers and letters in order. You don't know how much there is to do. I don't want to carry a quantity of trash with me for our beautiful new book case must be kept nice and we won't have room for useless papers. It has taken me longer than it would take you for I cannot always tell right away whether you will care for such and such papers or letters. I expect I am taking many worthless ones.

College opened today with good attendance I believe. Dr. N. went this P.M. to Conference I believe. Prof Ballantine was taken very ill in Faculty meeting yesterday. Fell down in a kind of sinking spell or faint. Pa came home and got some brandy and had John get the carriage. They took him home and Anna told me this eve that he had another sinking spell after going home. The attack Henry says was just like Cholera. Judge Rhoads is here without his wife. I believe she is to come in three or four weeks. I was at Miss Morrison's to dinner yesterday. She desires to be remembered to you. But now my dearest I must stop. I do long to see you and feel as if I cannot wait over Sabbath, but I must I suppose. My beloved, good night. Louise

My dear Husband, do you know that you have never given me the name of the street or number of the house? Suppose you should not meet me at the depot, if I should tell the hack driver or anybody else that I wanted to go to Mr. Smith's I suppose he would laugh at me, for that would be indefinite enough. Please do not neglect to write and tell me and write immediately. I have been hoping that Mr. Small would be going up for I dislike very much the thought of waiting alone at the junction until 10 o'clock and I cannot well go to Greencastle. In fact I don't care to unless some one was with me who knew about the place. And then there are my two big trunks that I suppose I cannot get checked through to T.H. And I shouldn't want to take them to G. as the depots they say are far apart. I shall try to find out tomorrow whether Mr. Small is going soon.

I am so glad, dear Hermann, that you are so delighted with Pres. Jones and the work and I shall not regret going. I am sure if you are happier there I think I shall like very much to see as much as possible of the workings of the Normal and to hear the President's lectures.

This morning I have been interrupted and have done no work. It is now nearly 12 M. I feel sure that I cannot get off tomorrow much as I want to. If the depot is not too far off please be there Monday night. But do not be too much disappointed if I should not come till Tuesday. I shall come Monday if possible, but I don't know why I feel afraid something will happen to prevent. Let us hope not. Prof. Ballantine was up and about last evening. Henry and wife are here. We look for Dory and Dick today or tomorrow.

Now dearest Hermann, be sure that I shall come as soon as I possibly can. I have been so excited about going for the last week or two that I can't half sleep and I am afraid I am getting thin over it. No letter from home has come yet which seems to me strange. With warmest love and many kisses, your wife Prof P was at College, Brown says. Pa seems much better.

Transcription: Bloomington, Sept 19, 1874

My dear Hermann:

My room is the greatest scene of confusion but by Monday p.m. I hope to have it reduced to order. I wrote to you yesterday and told you to look for me Monday night at 11 or 12 o'clock I suppose. Since I wrote Mr. Small has sent me word that he is going over to T. H. next week. He thinks either Monday or Tuesday, but he is uncertain yet whether he will go by rail or by carriage. If he goes by rail and does not go till Tuesday I may wait for him. This the more as I am afraid I shall hardly feel well enough to go Monday. I don't want to go to you all forlorn and sick, but I'm afraid I shall for I do not want to wait a moment after I am ready to go. My dear Hermann, I am afraid you will be out of all patience with my delay, but I could not help being stung by the yellow jacket, "you know." The swelling is almost gone and I use my arm freely now. I am very impatient to see you and hope I shall see you on Monday night, but if not I hope I certainly shall on Tuesday night. I have had to have a key made for our fine trunk as the key was not to be found. The man has promised it shall be done on Monday. If he fails, I suppose I shall have to wait till Tuesday even if I feel quite well.

I received a letter from Anna yesterday which I will enclose for fear I shall not see you Monday. She is so very happy to be in Kiel. I think it is strange we have not heard from Norburg. I asked her, too, when I last wrote to be sure and tell me whether they had ever received the last sending, but she says nothing about it. I suppose they have or she would surely have mentioned it.

You have never written me anything about your classes. I do not know what you are teaching or anything about the scholars, but I hope I shall soon see for myself. The Soph. class is making trouble about Miss Morrison. They do not want to be taught by a lady. I believe Hubbill, Brown, in fact all the boys but Dory and Warren Sherman signed a petition to the faculty this morning. The girls I believe did not sign, but I think that they were in favor of the action of the class. I am sorry. Dory got home yesterday. He has grown and seems more manly. Ma is not coming. She did think of coming with him as the event does not take place till the first of Oct, but she has concluded to make six or seven weeks of it. It is raining a little this morning. The weather has been exceedingly dry and warm and we long for rain. I have been taking up some of the flowers as I don't want to leave many for Aunt Emma, Ma not being here to help. You have never told me what you would like me to bring, so I will leave all until I go and see what I think will suit best and talk it over with you. Don't think $2000 is inexhaustible!

I am writing in such haste as it is not far from mail time and I am so hurried that I am afraid you can hardly read or make any sense if you do read. But you will excuse me I hope. I do not expect to write again. I hope that you have already written in order to give your exact address. If you have not, and if you should fail to meet me I shall feel very badly on reaching T. H. unless Mr. Small should be with me to take care of me.

In haste with best love

Your Lou

Transcription: My dear wife, Let everything in our little paradise be ship shape and look yourself your loveliest—I bring a very welcome guest!

Your H.

Transcription: 1822 Wylie Street Philadelphia Sept. 25, 1874

My dear Kinsman,

You telegram was received yesterday, when Jennie was from home. I send a reply to day, asking information in regard to branches she would be expected to teach and the compensation to be paid. While we would regret to be so far separated from her we think it might be beneficial both for soul and body and as she would be with kind relatives I think her health and spirits would not suffer. If the Telegraph [three words] a letter unnecessary we will be glad to hear from you. Maggie has been elected teacher of English branches in Wilson Female College at Chambersburg PA. This is a very excellent situation and her accommodations are very pleasant. We hope it will benefit her. Her absence makes us be [one word] that Jennie should go but for her good we would consent.

Please give my kindest love to Louisa in which [three words] With great regard Jane Long for T. W. J. Wylie

Prof. Boysen

I should not have forgotten to thank you for your kind interest.

Transcription: Bloomington, Sept 28th 1874

Dear Prof

Did you or Lou take with you by mistake the vol. of the proceedings of the Am. Ed. Ass. , which I bought in Detroit? Prof Hoss is very anxious to see it and I cannot find it either here at home or at the University. I am about to send for the other volumes as soon as I hear from you, if you have not got it, I will send for it also. We are all well. Have not heard since last Thursday from Muncie. Maggie was not then very well. Mr. Small said he had been to see you both in your new home. Please send any directions you wish attended to about the flowers. Yours affectionately, T. A. Wylie

Prof. H. B. Boisen Terre Haute

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind Oct 1st 1874

My very dear Lou,

Here I am in the dining room "All alone by myself" my stocking basket pushed aside that I may scribble a few lines to my dear niece and let her know the state of affairs at home. The clock as just struck eight but not loud enough to awaken the birdies on the wall. They are as still as mice this evening but have been well attended to I assure you. I have not forgotten them once and fancy they begin to know me. Most of the flowers are looking well since Saturday's rain with the exception of a couple of heliotropes and some of the last things you took up. Perhaps the plumbago and some others are not looking as well as I would like but I think will soon do well again. Your fancy geranium and Sunray are I think past recovery. If you remember both looked badly when you left and I am glad you sent for marginata for I fear it is going the same way. I took a small slip of it and hope with Heinl's care it may recover. Your other plants all look well but two ivies, one the long one that was in a pot in your slip box and a small one. I don't think they are any worse than when you left them however. I collected this afternoon all you wrote for. I may have made a mistake in the ivies for they were not marked and I do not know the different kinds. If so, you must excuse me and I will take good care of all that remain for you. I sent the two in the corner by the smilax that you told me to send when here. Lizzie sends you a slip of forget-me-not. She has been hard at work today preparing her kitchen for white washing tomorrow. We had this room cleaned yesterday. I want to get through all the fall work before your mother returns. The fruit is all put up but the quinces and melons and I intend to take my time with them. Apple butter boiling too is still in the future. Our melons have lost their flavor but we are still feasting on pears and corn. If I can I will store away a few pears in the box so look out for them. I know the Prof will enjoy them if they reach you. The rose pit is finished and is larger than I expected. It has a shelf which will answer nicely I think for verbenas or for seeds in the spring. I took up all your plants on Saturday between the showers but two roses and will attend to them soon. The Prof's hanging basket is still looking well. What shall I do with your tuberose roots when the bloom is over? My verbenas down the garden were so nearly dried out I fear I shall not be able to get any good slips from them. May send some of the Banner, Dazzle and the white which are different from his. If Willie Small comes I will send what you wish but he has been to Indianapolis and gone back to Terre Haute. There are many inquiries made for you. The day you left the Miss McCords called. They told Lizzie they had been here before but could not get in. Anna B. came soon after you left but did not come in. Mrs. Burger was here last week. She had been to the wedding of her husband's brother. He married a Miss Young. She goes to Mr. McNary's church. His brother is also married to some one away and yesterday they were both to return and have a reception at their father's. We have had two or three letters from your mother. Maggie has been quite sick with dysentery but was able to be up again. Your little pets from all accounts cannot be as attractive in their own home as with us, they are so much indulged. It is a pity for they are fine children. Si Mellette is to be married on Wednesday. Poor Miss Morrison must have a disagreeable time of it. She does not teach anything. Mrs. Murphy told me it was reported they had offered her a year's salary if she would resign, but she refused. Dory and Miss Mary Maxwell were I believe the only ones who would recite to her. The boys were worse even than the girls, said she was "not competent." If they had tried her as they did Father Gay there might have been some excuse but I think they did not like to recite to a lady. Do not repeat any of this as fact. I know nothing. I only give you rumor. John M. was here this afternoon. Write soon to your loving Aunt Emma Dennis Mr. Gay came up to the carriage and enquired for you both a few days since. He lamented your departure exceedingly as there was "a situation open now that you were just calculated to fill [but] could not. He "regretted it extremely." What it was I could not learn as just then we were interrupted. I have just made the discovery that both Sunray and the geranium are in very green dirty pots, the only dirty ones you have. I wonder if that would have affected them.

[The following is on a separate sheet. It may not belong with the above letter] I gave Miss Debin the hat and other things you left for her. She seemed quite pleased. There were so many things I wanted to talk to you about before you left but those peaches prevented. One was, you seemed to think it possible you might attend the Normal School. Now I did not get the chance to ask you what you meant. If to go occasionally to hear the Prof and become acquainted with his pupils, that is all very well, feeling the interest you do in his work. It is very natural you should wish to go, but if you meant to take part in the recitations, that your old Aunt most decidedly objects to, and if the Prof loves you as I believe he does, he will join me in forbidding any such attempt. You would break down in six months or before if you attempt it. You know when in Missouri how much you suffered from headache. Hard study and the confinement to the school room is the very worst thing for you. And if you did not study hard, and failed in coming to the mark, as the Prof would wish, he would be mortified and that would be the worst for head and heart. He is so full of health and strength it is or would be hard for him to understand what a draw back the want of physical strength is to intellectual growth. No my dear Lou, it is your duty now to take care of yourself for him and for those who may come after you and help him all you can. Interest yourself in his exercises if he has them still, as you used to do. Show all the interest you feel, but do not tie yourself to the school room. Ever your loving Aunt Emma S. Dennis

Transcription: Philadelphia, Oct. 5, 1874

Dear "Vettar Hermann"

I am very much obliged to you for the trouble you have taken and your kindness in offering me such a good position, but as I have only been teaching since last April, and in a primary school, I do not think I have sufficient experience to undertake such a work so I have written a letter to Mr. Jones declining the situation.

If however you are still in want of a teacher, I would like to recommend a cousin of ours, Miss Mary Wilson. Cousin Louisa will know who she is--Cousin Sadie's sister. She has had a good deal of experience in teaching and is, I believe, a very good teacher. Her address is 119 Sandusky St., Allegheny City, Pa.

We would all be very glad to hear from you and Cousin Lou at any time that you feel inclined to write. We often think with great pleasure of your visit to us. With much love to you both

Your affectionate cousin

Jennie C. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind Oct. 14th 1874

Dear Lou,

Your letter came to hand yesterday. I had given W. Small your veil and bottle thinking he would leave yesterday. So this morning I sent Prof's shirt and your waist [one short word] around to Mrs. Moore's. I called to see them this afternoon but found Willie and he will leave together tomorrow. Perhaps I can get your wrapper and send by them too. Mrs. M. got the calico for lining etc at Howe's but the buttons she was obliged she said to get elsewhere. I told her to do so and you would make all right. In the course of conversation soon after you left she told me the things she had done for you came to $2.50. I gave her your message yesterday on the subject. When she gets through with the wrapper I want her to make Mr. Wylie some shirts. Your father came home from college yesterday and this afternoon sick, held the same way he was before but was not so sick. Both Brown and Dick are threatened with "chilling" but I will try and keep them in health if possible. I have all the flowers in the pit but some stragglers and should have had them in but Prof Ballantine came to invite us there to tea tomorrow so I left off arranging them and drove to Mrs. Moore's and took old Mrs. Rogers a short ride. You ask about my "visits." Well I called on Miss Morrison, next on Mrs. Atwater and was going onto Mrs. Wilson's when she told me she was not at home and the baby seeming to want to get in the carriage I asked his mother to ride which she accepted gladly and we had a fine ride, but of course I could get no more visits paid that afternoon. But we are going together some time. I sent John to see if she would go today but she was not at home. I had the fuchsia in the carriage for Mrs. W. and was afraid it might get broken so Mrs. A. took it in her house and soon she will give it to Mrs. W. I intended going again to ask about your letter but have been prevented. Perhaps will go tomorrow. I have also called on Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Hoss who also took a ride with me. This is about the extent of my dissipating. Oh no! I must not forget the wedding. Well we were too late, owing to my watch. I had put out your father's things and my own and looking at my watch thought I would have plenty of time to take the trimming off my bonnet and do it over a little as in all probability bonnets would be worn and mine was decidedly shabby. I had it all pressed over and was beginning to trim it again when one of the boys came in and asked me if I knew the time. I said yes, I would be all ready, but I found my watch had gone astray and was nearly an hour behind time. I hurried all I could but the ceremony was just over when we arrived. She looked as all brides do, very interesting, and her table was pretty well covered with presents. Silver of course. His present from the society was one of the prettiest things I have seen for a long time, a sugar bowl surrounded by about a doz. teaspoons which hung around the bowl like the glasses of a chandelier. It was light, graceful and pretty in every way. The girls gave her a silver card receiver. They sent, I believer, to Cincinnati for it, but I could not distinguish it from some others as I was not near enough to read the inscription. It is 12 o'clock. Good night.

15 Oct. Your father is himself again. He says to tell you he will write shortly. I told Mr. Moore he must be sure and see you. He seemed as if he would like to see the school but said he was afraid he would not be able unless the synod were invited as a body, then he certainly would. The flowers are looking quite well. There were some I was obliged to leave out for want of time to get them up. My pink [sage?] was one of them. I am so worried about whether to take them in yet or no. We have some beautiful heads. The frost kept off and the weather was very fine till Monday night when every thing was scalded that was at all tender, and Tuesday finished what was left as we had ice. Previously it was so warm I did not like to pack the plants in the pit. Had only put in the most tender ones but I had to fly about and get them in. The ground is harder and dryer I believe than ever it was. I broke my largest rose pot getting it out notwithstanding my care. It was like cutting it out of stone.

No word from Muncie since receipt of telegram. I have got through all the preserving but the citron melon which can wait a while, as we are up to our eyes now pickling. We made quite a quantity of catsup, and today I am making chili sauce and preparing tomatoes, cucumbers for a kind of chow chow to be cooked, then all our cooking of such things will be over.

Dear Lou, on turning over my paper I found it all blotted and I have not time to write another as you may judge from the hurried manner I have written this, so please excuse as I flatter myself you would rather have it so than not at all. As it is I know I have forgotten much I wish to say for things of less importance. Your father is asleep on the lounge, Lizzie busy clearing off the table, and my sauce smells so nicely to warn me to attend to it. Could your father have had his way I believe he would have sent you something of everything I have made since you left "just to taste." "I'll buy a basket," he said. But I thought Mr. Moore might feel differently, so suggested you would be home on Christmas. Love to the Professor and my dear niece from your loving Aunt Emma

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind Oct. 14, 1874

My very dear Sister You cannot tell how badly I feel at the way in which you are situated. I had a kind of presentiment of it and during the summer & fall was constantly on the look out for a house & when sister would remonstrate my reply was "I am perfectly satisfied or contented here, but for several reasons I think I ought to take a house & one of the principal is that Lizzie may have a home to come to if she should require one. Somehow I feel she will." But no house offered & I had to give up my idea & I cannot tell what to advise you. I wish I could but your way seems hedged up & I can only pray God to guide you. May He comfort & direct you. Cornelia I know would do all in her power for you but even her hands are tied. A home I know, much as she might desire it, she could not give, unless things have altered very much. Times do look very kark for you my dear sister but "the darkest house is just before day" & our God is a prayer hearing and prayer answering God. Trust him still dear sister and all will come right. Better lives may be in store for you. That it may be so and right speedily is my earnest prayer.

What was the matter that sister told you to go? Had you any words together? or was she over worried &vented her feelings on you. If the worst comes to the worst you will have to take up part of the ground rent or your other money (you never told me how you had invested it) & find a cheap place to board until some thing turns up. It would be better than living where you are not wanted.

I saw by the paper Mr. Lutt had reopened his school. Could you get a situation there do you think? Now his daughter has left I suppose. I am glad you saw Cousin Harriet. She seems very near to us. I have been interrupted so often I am afraid you will receive a very incoherent letter. Sister is still in Muncie has been there since Sept 3rd She has been quite sick but is now I believe all right. We received a telegram on Monday from Calvin. Maggie has another boy. I hope sister will soon be home. now I get along splendidly as long as all keep well but Mr Wylie has had several pretty hard spells of cramp colic had to leave yesterday afternoon & this & come home & when he is sick, I am always willing sister should come home. Brown & Dick Speck are also complaining or as the people here say "chilling." It is just eleven o'clock & I want to write a few lines to Lou. Do write me soon. Ever your loving sister Emma Dennis I had become quite worried not hearing from anyone in Phila I hope Julia is safely over her trouble Give my love to her. I should like so much to hear from her. Shall I write to sister Caroline or would you rather me not? I ask for fear I might make things worse otherwise I would. Do write soon.

Additional Note: The Wylie House official transcription contains several more pages, but notes that they don't seem to follow logically from the content of the letter. I have omitted from this transcription for clarity. -GK 1/26/22

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. Oct. 19, 1874

My Dear Mrs. Boisen:

Your kind letter was received several days ago. Yes, more than two weeks since. I was in the schoolroom all last week and the week before I had a great deal of copying to do. This is the reason of my tardiness in replying. First, about the flowers. I have never had any of the double primroses and am afraid I couldn't manage them. Mother tried one and it did not do well in the room. If you will get me two single ones, when they bloom, I'll be very much obliged to you indeed. You may get me a white and a pink one. If there are no pink ones, get any shade that you think pretty. If they are not in bloom yet, and you think it will be too cold before they bloom, you might take one that looked as if it would be white and another that has darker leaves. I fear I am putting you to a great deal of trouble. Thank you very much for the fuchsia which you sent by your Aunt Emma. It is very thrifty and looks as if it might bloom this winter. My smilax still grows. The beans are very large and fine. I should like to see you in your new home. Your flowers must be beautiful. On last Saturday morning, Mr. Wilson and I went to Spencer in a buggy. It was a delightful ride. I believe I enjoy a ride in autumn as much as in any other time of the year. We got some beautiful ferns and grasses. The leaves do not seem to me as beautiful this year as they some times are. Some of the threes, though, out beyond your father's are beautiful. I suppose the home folks keep you informed of all that goes on in Bloomington. Miss M. seems real happy in her home. I have not seen much of her though. Has your Aunt Emma told you of our pleasant evening at Prof. Ballantine's? There were none there besides the Faculty excepting Mr. Wilson and myself. Miss Anna entertains admirably. I have never a more pleasant evening. Her fuchsias are beautiful now. She had a very pretty pink begonia in the center of her table. It seems to me that one of the greatest pleasures of housekeeping must be that one can have her friends meet together and enjoy her house and home. You didn't miss it before but I am afraid you will now. I often think I'd like to have [undecipherable word] today for dinner. Are you making many pleasant acquaintances in Terre Haute? I hope you may find your first year there as pleasant as my first year in Bloomington. It is late. Miss McCalla takes the room that I have been "looking after" next weekend. I am so glad. Mr. Wilson joins with me in sending kindest regards to yourself and Prof Boisen. I enclose 50 cts. You will have them expressed to our address by the florist I suppose. Please ask him not to send them when there is danger of their freezing. I should be very glad to hear from you soon again. Your friends S. Wilson The judge and his lady come tomorrow.

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. Oct. 22nd, 1874

My dear Louise:

I've been thinking about you a great deal today and thought I would not close the day without telling you that I miss you a great deal and long for you to come in to see me. This morning after my morning's work was done, I went over by the back way to see your aunt Emma and had such a long pleasant visit with her. It seemed strange for her to be alone there. She felt much disappointed in the delay in your mother's return. We went around and looked at all the plants in the pits: they look beautifully. She gave me the photographs you left for Sister and myself, for which I thank you very much. I have forgotten whether I gave you one of mine, but I intended to and if I have not, you must let me know. I will send your pictures to Sister in my next letter. This P.M. your aunt Emma came around in the carriage and took Ella Moore and myself out driving north of town. It was a lovely road, so wild and the forests were so rich and the air so balmy. On our return, we stopped at the cascade and clambered over the rocks and roots, gathering moss and ferns. We found a large quantity of the walking fern. I have seldom enjoyed an excursion so much. It seems a very short time since you went away though I suppose it seems much longer to you. You probably have to be alone a good deal. Have you made many pleasant acquaintances? I have been very busy as I always manage to be with my house keeping cares, sewing and going. I have been doing the latter a good deal as the weather has been so delightful. Miss Emma told me of your nutting excursion. It must have been a treat to you.

I congratulate you on the arrival of your new nephew. Won't Maggie have a hard time to find a name for another boy? I am proposing that she and Emma Maxwell Carter make an exchange in their babies, as Emma wanted a boy and she a girl. I hear from Sister and her little ones regularly. They are well. Willie talks very sweetly now. Sister wrote that the other morning at worship, Willie became impatient for his Papa to begin the hymn and struck up himself, "Jesus loves me, Bible so." May goes to school now and is learning very well. Will writes me very amusing letters of his experiences. He is exceedingly busy this term. Pa and I entertain ourselves in the evenings by reading together. We are enjoying much at present a book which Brother brought me, "Memorials of a Quiet Life," by Augustus Hare, an English book. Do you read and study much? I intend to study German again this winter and I have the piano in the sitting room now and shall practice more. I heard that Mrs. Judge Rhoads is quite a good performer. She has just arrived in our City and a good many are curious to see the Judge's wife. We will probably have a view Sunday and I shall call soon. Dear Lou, I was disappointed that day when I went over, immediately after dinner, to bid you goodby and found you gone. I hope to receive a letter from you very soon telling me of your new interests there and how Prof. B. enjoys his new work. With kind regards to him and much love to yourself. I am your true friend Anna L. B.

Transcription: Columbia, Missouri November 2nd, 1874

My dear Lou,

We have just said goodbye to Ada, who has started on her long, long journey and Mary and I came home to an indeed deserted house. How we can ever get along without Ada I am sure I don't know. She has for so long been the mainstay of the house. However, I am glad she is going for I feel that she deserves to have the pleasure and the rest I think will do her good. Father went with her as far as St. Louis where she will meet cousin Theodore tomorrow morning and in the evening they take the train for New Orleans and sail from New Orleans in the "City of Mexico" on the 7th. I do not know whether they will see Aunt Eliza at New Orleans or not, but do not think cousin Theo would want to go without first seeing her, however he has not spoken of that and I don't know. Theodore will be there during the holidays. He has a leave of absence for 60 days and I have no doubt they will do all in their power to make his stay pleasant and have him see all he can in the time. A few of the gossips of Columbia had a marriage all arranged between Cousin Theo and Ada to take place before they should leave this country, and perhaps were disappointed at not being invited to a wedding. Mary Rollins even went so far as to say that she did not think it proper for her to go with him if they were not to be married. I think she has rather peculiar notions of propriety don't you?

Ada made a little visit to Keokuk of three weeks last month. She got there just four hours after the arrival of a little stranger who is now just one month old and, they say, a fine large boy. We have more of the children with us now. I was greatly in hopes Bertha would come back with Ada but she was so delighted with the new baby she did not want to.

It has been so long since I wrote you last I had almost forgotten to tell you of a little trip which Father and I took soon after we got home in the summer, and which although we were only gone two weeks I enjoyed very much. We went first to St. Joe and were there a day and night. Judge Bliss drove with me all over the city showing me all the points of interest which I thought consisted principally in the immense banks cut down and buildings placed where the tops of them would be on a level with the uncut part of the hill. But I had not then seen Kansas City. From St. Joe we went to Atchison, Leavenworth, making short stops at each and from there to Lawrence, the seat of the Kansas University, and a very pretty town it is, for although it was entirely burnt down during the war it is now nearly rebuilt. Judge Usher and sons, formerly of Terre Haute, live there, and showed us about the place.

From Lawrence I went over to Kansas City alone and had a most enjoyable visit with Mrs. Smith (Fannie Lathrop). Mrs. Lathrop was there at the time so I enjoyed it all the more on that account. Fannie has the sweetest coziest little home that you can possibly imagine. It is furnished very nicely and with great taste and Fannie herself is a perfect sunbeam in it. Gordie and Charley Ripley both live with them. Tessie has been visiting there for about three months.

I believe there is nothing new or startling in the way of news here except that we are to have a wedding in two weeks, the parties are Miss Mollie Woodson and Mr. Elliott of Kirkwood. Do you remember him?

Have you any flowers in your room and how are they looking? I have put most of ours in the pit, some in Mary's room at the University, and some few in the sitting room. The Oleanders I intend putting in the cellar.

I had a letter from Lulu Ripley the other day. She is much pleased with her situation in St. Louis. She boards with Prof. Hosmer. The professors' families are all well. Mrs. Woolfolk is still here. She is expecting the Col. Every day now. He has never seen their little baby which is seven months old. Mrs. Swallow was saying yesterday that she thought they would go to Montana to live if Col. W. can't come here. She did not feel that she could live without Annie and her children.

I did not intend to let a month slip by without answering your letter, but we have been so busy getting Ada ready to start and making arrangements for winter that I really have not had time. And now my very dear Lou, won't you remember how very lonesome I shall be and think of me enough to write soon. Please do. We have just gotten a barrel of such splendid sweet cider. I wish you could come and take a drink with me, but if you won't I will drink to your health. Mary sends love with me to your husband and yourself. Your very affectionate Bertha Read

Transcription: Bloomington, Nov. 9, 1874 Dear Lou,

I have been deliberating all evening, which was the better, to write to you or sit down and finish an apron for Anton, and at last concluded to write to you and let the apron go unfinished. Your letter was received on Friday I think. I would have written before but I have been suffering from sore eyes ever since my return home and was afraid to use them more than I could help. I have only written once to Maggie and I know she is anxious to hear how Anton is getting along. He seems pretty well now, but he was so petted on me that he would go to no one else, would not sleep with Aunt Em or scarcely speak to her. But Pa was sick on last Saturday night, so we got him asleep and took him up stairs to bed. He stayed there very contentedly and I hope will continue to do so. He is a dear little fellow, talks about Aunt Lou and Uncle Herman, seems to forget he has any other name than Anton. Maggie was doing very well when I left but I am fearful she will exert herself too much and be taken sick. She had no girl but boarded at Mrs. Emerson's. But I believe you have heard from her since I have. She is very comfortably fixed and Calvin seems anxious to get her every thing she wants. He wanted me to go to the stores and buy her the handsomest dress I could get in Muncie, so I went and looked at the dresses but did not buy but selected a beautiful black American silk which I suppose she will get as soon as she is able to have it made. Si and Bun have gone to housekeeping on what you would consider a small scale. Calvin has built a very pretty little house (six rooms) which he intends to let Si have rent free, for two or three years. Then, if he wishes he can buy it. I am very much afraid Bun's prospects will not be very bright as he is better at promises than any thing else, but perhaps she has enough energy for both.

I think your Pa is much better today. On Saturday I gave him nine grains of quinine, which I think he very much needed. I have a great deal to tell you but my eyes are beginning to smart, so I suppose I must stop. We had a letter from Toph. He will stay until Feb. has commenced a new term. Susy Black has gone home but her health is very bad and they do not think she will live through the winter. Susie McLeod is to be married to Mr. Wylie, her Father's successor. Pa preached at the Pres. Church Sabbath evening. A very excellent sermon. Aunt E. says your flowers are doing well. Fuchsias are putting out beautifully. Ask Heinl how we must treat the Gloxinias, leave them in the pots or take them out and treat as roots. I think we will send to Hend. Or Bliss for hyacinths etc.

Am sorry I cannot write more. Love to Prof. Tell him I am sorry I did not go to Terre Haute. Yours in haste R. D. Wylie

Transcription: Nov. 14, 1874

My dear Lou,

The only special news I have to write is, that we have just found J. Stuart Mill. I looked over the Library, as I thought very carefully and could not find it. Today one of the students brought it to Brown wishing to take it out of the library. He knew that I had been looking for it and therefore did not let it go.

Bayard Taylor lectured here last night. The chapel was well filled. Lecture excellent. It was on Ancient Egypt. Not altogether sound as to the [one word, undecipherable] of Moors, but better in this respect than I had anticipated.

We float along about as usual. Students sometimes a little restless but on the whole doing very well. We hear some little of murmurings about our f??ness of numbers, and our want of prosperity. Wouldn't wonder if they would have us before the legislature this winter and we have no one competent to represent us there. The democratic candidate for Rep. was elected, Mr. Rossberry M.D--the M.D. here means however Mule Dealer-- who will do nothing for us. The Republican candidate would not have been much better.

Have been kept very busy with preparing experiments for the class. We will begin to review next week. Phandy will probably remain in Philadelphia till February, at the Cem. College. He don't want to come home unless he can get something to do. I fear that will be hard. He improves some in writing and thinks he understands something of bookkeeping.

Brown is of great assistance to me in preparing experiments. He has an instinctive knowledge of the use of tools and mechanical operations, but has no literary turn. Dory is as usual. Doing no good at mathematics and very little at any thing else. Aunt Emma will write next week. She sends your things today. Ma is kept very busy sewing for Anton who wishes me to tell you that he is a good boy. He talks a great deal, but seems to be lonely. Phemy Crabb (Blair) took tea with us Thursday Evening. She had her little girl with her. Anton seemed quite delighted with her.

With much love for yourself and the Prof. I remain your affectionate father, T. A. Wylie

Transcription: Terre Haute, Indiana Nov. 17, 1874

My dear brother Toph:

Your letter was received several weeks ago, and would have been answered sooner but for the reason that I could not find out whether you should be addressed in Philadelphia or at home. You did not say in your letter that you were coming home, but I inferred that you expected to come soon from what you said. Then Willie Small told me that they were expecting you home very soon, and I believe some of them wrote that you were coming, so that I thought I had better not write until I knew where you were. It was only last week that Ma wrote me that you were not coming home before Feb. I expect it will be better for you to take another course. I hope you will become quite a good book keeper. It will be useful to you, no matter what you do. And I hope you will try to master it completely. I don't know how you will like to be a clerk. I believe farming will suit you better than anything else. I wanted you to go on one of those fine farms near Philadelphia, in Chester Co. or wherever you could find a first rate place and hire yourself out for a year and learn farming as it is carried on by the best farmers. But it won't hurt you to learn book keeping even if you become a farmer in the end. Only don't be satisfied with half learning anything. Whatever you do, become a good and honest Christian man, and don't think too much of money. Try to do good and be of use in the world, and so "glorify God" that you may "enjoy Him forever." You know dear Toph how it would rejoice us all to know that you had given yourself to your Savior.

I have been hoping for a letter from Aunt Emma but it has not appeared yet. My last was from Pa and it was very short. He has been threatened with chills again. It seems very hard for him to shake them off. He says Brown is a great help to him. I do hope Brown will find a place where he can use his talents to good advantage, for I think he really has more decided talent than any of us. Pa don't seem to think that Dory is doing as much good as he ought. He is such a careless student. You know, I suppose, that dear little Anton is at home now. How I long to see him. He is a sweet, beautiful child. Mag seems to think the new baby will be even prettier. I hope to go home in three or four weeks. I wanted to go there weeks before Hermann, but he says he cannot spare me so long, so most likely I will not go until about two weeks before Christmas. Then Hermann has two weeks vacation which he will spend in B so that I shall have four weeks at home I hope. I get a little homesick sometimes. Hermann is away all day. He goes at 8 ½ in the morning, comes home at noon and swallows his dinner with all possible haste, and generally goes back before 1 o'clock and is scarcely ever home till after 4. Then he often takes a walk and in the evening has studying to do. He has excellent classes and is very enthusiastic about his work, as every good teacher ought to be. The school is really excellent. The President is a very superior man and the teachers are all earnest working teachers. The scholars are good. They are intending to be teachers and of course if they are in earnest about that, they will work accordingly. There may be some who are not very bright, but after they have tried for a session or two if it is thought that there is not the right material in them for teachers they are advised to leave the school. We are very pleasantly fixed here. We have a room on the first floor, have marble-topped bureau and washstand, bed, wardrobe, table, haircloth chairs, two rocking chairs and sociable. Then Hermann bought a right pretty bookcase and rented a piano for me. We furnished the carpet and curtains ourselves and after Christmas it is probable we shall furnish the whole room. The fare we have is pretty good, though sometimes I long for some of the home cooking. I have made some very pleasant acquaintances here. The town is rather pretty, though since we have been here it has been almost too dusty to see what it is like. That is one very disagreeable thing about the place. In a very short time after a rain the dust is flying again, so that it is almost impossible to keep the house, your clothes or even your own person clean. During the last two days we have had about the heaviest rain that we have had for months. You know the whole region here has been suffering for want of rain. You have heard how the best business portion of Greencastle was destroyed by fire, and they said that if fire should break out in B. that it would be almost impossible to stop it. The wells and cisterns were in many cases entirely dry. But I hope this rain has filled them.

Willie Small is here still. He has finished his course in the Commercial College and has been staying in the office for his father, but his father is talking of coming here himself, and if he does Willie will have to find another place. I saw him yesterday and told him that I intended writing to you, and he said that it wasn't worth while to give you any word from him for he had sent so many messages to you and you had never replied. And I believe he said that you had promised to write to him, but had never done so. George Hunter is here too, working in the Vandalia machine shops. I do not think this is a very good place for such a boy, but he could not do much worse than he was doing at home. Craig is in a lawyer's office, but I think he is chiefly a ladies man and dandy at present. Dick Maxwell is at home. James has gone to Cincinnati to Medical College and Ally is there too, so Dick is the only boy at home.

Ma wrote me that Lucy Black was coming home and also that her health was not good. I am sorry to hear that and hope that home nursing may restore her. I suppose Maggie is still teaching. How does she like it? You are at Aunt Susan's still I suppose and find her the same kind friend. Do you go out to W. Chester often? When you go, give my love to Aunt C and remember me to Mr. Trimble. Is Annie still in W.C. or has she gone to school anywhere? Do you ever see anything of Uncle Theodoris' family? If you do give them my love.

Now dear Toph, write soon, and don't write as if I knew everything. Tell me what you are doing and what you expect to do. I suppose you don't see any of Aunt Caroline's family now, but if you see Aunt Lizzie, give her my love. I wrote to her before I left B. but have received no answer. Did I send you our photographs? Give my love to Aunt Susan and Maggie. I don't know when we will ever see them again unless they come out here, for I feel that we are settled here for some time, unless something unforeseen should occur. Write soon, dear Toph, to your loving sister, Lou

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind Nov. 21st, 1874

Dear Lou,

We expected certainly to have had a letter from you today but were disappointed. Your Father is inclined to think the boys did not mail his letter to you when they ought to have done it. As he says, "Lou is always punctual." I told him to tell you I would write after the Festivals, but when the night came (Thursday) it proved too unpleasant for either your mother or myself to go out especially as your mother was suffering from quite a bad sore throat, from which she is just recovering. Your Father and the boys represented the family. The supper was gotten up to raise money for our home missionaries who have suffered even more than usual this season in the West owing to grasshoppers and other evils. Every think I understand went off well. The supper was excellent and cheap (25 cts), too cheap. Oysters and other things in proportion. Lizzie Hughes and John Morrison presided over an Old Folks table and were dressed as in the revolutionary time as near as possible with the attendants also in costume. The evening was so bad they only cleared $70. Your mother lent them her china for the table. This came off on Tuesday and on Wednesday your Father and Mother concluded to move up to your room to my great joy for you know I never liked them to winter in the room downstairs. Your Father talked much of going up before your Mother came home and I did not discourage him. When she got back she deferred it thinking perhaps Mag and the children would be over. But on Thursday Rachel Alexander was married to Robert Gamber and she not only wanted your Father to marry her, but she wanted to go in through your Mother's room through the folding door and stand where Maggie did when she was married. At least she and Sister planned it between them, so we concluded to move at once and will fit up the room I think as a second parlor. Rachel had quite a nice wedding. There were about as many here as were at your's. Unfortunately it was also a very bad night, rained hard and was cold, but soon after we had lighted up old Mr. and Mrs. A. arrived. Between you and I, I think they wanted to dispose of the former as the wedding party met there, then came over in carriages and after the ceremony went in the same way to the new house he has built for her. How long May kept up their festivities I do not know but they were married at ½ past 8 o'clock and it was 10 or near it before the last left here. All the family were over but Joe and his wife. She said she would invite them and they could come or not as they pleased. The bride wore a light brown dress with her hair flowing and decorated with Smilax and white chrysanthemums (your mother's treasures). Your mother did all she could to make things go off well, lighted up the spare room for the ladies and the boys room for the gentlemen. Rach came over and talked over matters several times with her and you know when once interested she will not stop at trifles, and she was really pleased with the way they had managed things. Of course it is not for the public but I suppose it is no breach of confidence to tell you, she told her they had been engaged several years but thought it best not to marry till they could see their way clear. She knew her parents could not help them and he had some of his relations to help, so they worked on till she had saved $1000 by teaching and he had built a house and got a start. And now they were not afraid of debt or want, they thought it time to marry. Mr. Allen made them a present of a very good cooking stove and I think raised his wages. Mary [Were?] was not able to be here she has been very sick with Quinsy.

John Morrison and Bunnel dined with us yesterday off of young pig and cranberries. It seemed strange to them not to see you and Prof here. We all wished for you. I gave Bunnel his book to his great delight as he said it was just what he was wanting to read up his German in, that he had lost another one he had (a small one).

This evening Mr. and Mrs. Wilson called and spent a couple of hours. She was more agreeable than ever before. She says her flowers are not out yet though in bud. Oh Lou I have sold my Japonica to Mrs. Fee and my Smilax, the one you had last winter, and the cowslip to Mrs. Judge Rhodes. I did it on the spur of the moment, asking them 75 cts for it (Smilax). He seemed delighted with it but after they were gone I was afraid I had asked too much. I told him he might have the second, size about like the one we sent you for 35 but he said no not if he could get the other. I wish you would inform yourself about the prices of such things so you can let me know when you come over. By the by, your Mother is rather looking for you every day, says she would not be surprised to see you drop in at any time. I think you might or will do so and stay till the Prof can come Christmas. It will soon be here and we have Anton now for an inducement, dear little fellow. He came this fall as he came last summer and your mother has not been able to stitch a stitch for herself or any one else since she got back. Nor has she finished with him yet. She brought some navy blue water proof for a cloak and will line it with lighter blue flannel. Don't you think that will be pretty? I must stop and go to him or I shall have trouble. He is to sleep with me tonight and he much prefers his grandma.

Monday noon

It is just dinner time but I got your mother to finish it up while I ran up stairs to enclose my letter to you. I do hope we will get a letter today as all are becoming uneasy. Your Father says to ask you if you got his letter. Why cannot you spend Thanksgiving at home? Toph will not return till spring and then I suppose Anna will come with him. Your Aunt Nellie was well but Mr. T. was very feeble. Your aunt Susan has had Susie home for a month. She is very frail. Toph things she cannot live long. I will tell you all the rest of the news when I see you. Much love to you and Prof. Your loving Aunt Em I have not said the half quarter of what I want to say so hurry home and hear the rest. Oh dear, my paper and envelope do not suit. What shall I do? Please excuse clumsiness

Dear Lou,

As Aunt Em is writing to you I thought I would not write as I had intended but just send $5 and ask you to buy me a pretty little hat for Anton. I could not get one I liked in Muncie and I find it is worse here. I would like a white or drab felt trimmed with blue as his over coat is navy blue waterproof lined with light blue and bound with black. I do not think it ought to be more than three dollars. If you want what is left, keep it for yourself, if not, get something, neck tie or any thing you think best for Aunt Em for Christmas present or else get me a cyclamen. If you are coming home shortly, you can bring the hat with you, if not, send it by express. Do write immediately as we are anxious about you. If you cannot get the kid of hat I want, do your best. The size is 19 inches. The number of his straw 6 ¼ Love to Prof Your affectionate mother R. D. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington, Dec. 1, 1874 Dear Lou,

Your letter and the cap were received this afternoon. I am sorry to say the cap does not fit Anton, is entirely too small, only perches on the top of his head. I am at a loss what to do, but I think it will be best to go up town tomorrow and see if Mrs. Beers has received her new stock, and if she has any thing that suits, perhaps she will exchange. I think the one you sent would be very pretty for a smaller child but he is nearly three years old. I wish you would get him a pattern for a white apron. There is one in Butterick's June No. No. 3350. I cut out a plaid dress for him today by a pattern I got from Mrs. McNary but do not exactly like it. There is too much work on it. Mrs. Finch and Mrs. Cashcart were down to spend Thanksgiving with Miss Morrison. Friday we had them over to dinner. We were wishing for you, very often. In the evening Brown took them up to Mrs. Hunters. On Saturday Pa, Aunt Em and myself were invited to Prof Kirkwood's. We met there Mr. and Mrs. Fee, Col Hunter and wife, Dr. and Mrs. Nutt, Judge Rhoads and bride. I must not forget Lizzie Hunter. The Col. left for Washington that day. Mrs. Nutt just got home from Josie's the day before. It was storming dreadfully when we went up, but I believe every person was there who was invited. On Sabbath Miss Morrison lectured in Chapel and after she finished, Maria gave them a lecture on Temperance. On Monday, Pa and myself were invited to Miss Morrison's to dinner where we found Mrs. and Dr. Dodds and Mrs. McCalla and Maggie Dodds. The sisters were to go on the train, but it was detained and they did not go till the next day. We had a very pleasant day. We are talking of having a Faculty party but we will wait until you and the Prof come home. I had forgotten to tell you on Thanksgiving Night the boys had a party of about 22 youngsters, so you see we were kept pretty busy and I did not get much time for sewing although I finished Anton's over coat and I think it is very pretty and the little fellow is very much pleased with it. He is a dear little, or as he says, big boy. Talks incessantly and is a great plaything for the boys. I do not know how we will give him up. Friday night it suddenly turned very cold, 8 below zero. Many persons lost their flowers. We were almost afraid to look into the pit, but today was so very warm we opened it and found all right. I have moved up in your room and like it so much better but it takes more time as I have quite a number of flowers there and they take attention. The Daphne Indica is in bloom and the Cape Jessamine the Prof gave me is in bud. The white Primrose is in flower but the red one looks badly, has drooped ever since I brought it from the pit. Bun is not coming home until after Christmas so she could not bring the children. Perhaps Maggie may come herself and bring them. I expected you on next Tuesday and told the girls you would be here. They are going to have an Exhibition for the benefit of Missions. Anna I believe is the leader. I feel quite disappointed that you will not be in time. My eyes begin to pain me so I think I ought to stop. Old Dan Spencer was buried last week also old Mr. Whittiker. Mr. Nat Brown is very sick with pneumonia, is better today. Thursday. Dear Lou, I have been up town to try and get a hat for Anton but cannot find any I like so I will send this back and send the size of his head. I think he would take 6 ½ or 6 ¾. I am afraid it is too late to send this letter today. Mary Brown has another child. I have not time to write more as it is train time. Mr. Mulky, Red Wylie and Mr. Small are going to Terre Haute on Saturday so you can have company home. Love to Prof. Your affectionate mother R. D. Wylie

Transcription: Philadelphia Dec. 6, 1874

My Dear Sister,

I have been intending to write to you for some time, but have not done so. It has been very warm here for this time of the year. There has not been any snow. I suppose from all I have heard, it is different in the west. I wrote to Will Small last week as he said I had promised and I always like to be as good as my word. I do not remember but that I answered your last letter, but I do not think it will hurt me to write another. I have not heard from Mag lately. The last I got she sent the children's photograph. I think it is very good. I have only one fault to find and that is the youngest was left out, as I would like to judge for myself whether he is pretty or not. Susie is still at home. She has not been very well but is better now. Aunt Lizzie has been here all week. She does not stay more than three or four days until she goes to Egbert's. I hardly know what to make of her. I do not think she ever will be satisfied in this world. I have not been to West Chester for some time. I intend to go Christmas and stay a week, as we have that much holiday. You want to know what Annie is doing, whether she is attending any regular school, but still she is preparing herself for College, where she expects soon to go. And I do not doubt but that she will come out at the head of her class, as she is very smart. I had forgotten to say, in my last, that I had received the photographs. I think they are very good. Tell Mother that I could not get any Catalogue, as she wanted, as the dealers do not furnish them. All I can do, will be to make up one myself. I went to several different stores but did not see any that I thought would suit, but will go tomorrow and write as soon as I have found one. If I do not find one I would suggest that she had better go to Indianapolis and get one there. But wait until I write, and then act afterward, for I will do the best I can. Perhaps this is not as well written as usual, but I have been trying to break my old habit of writing with my fingers and that is the reason. All is well. Your affectionate brother TAW 1818 Wylie Street

Note: I am suspicious that this letter does not exist. It is not represented in Wylie House transcriptions or physically present in November/December 1874 folder. -GK 1/26/22

Transcription: Terre Haute, Sunday evening [post marked Dec. 10]

My sweet Lou,

It is Sunday evening and late. I feel lonely and lost and really do believe that I am utterly spoiled for single life. I was very busy till I got my lecture off yesterday, but ever since then this way of living won't suit us. Besides people here have a way of sympathizing which is decidedly disagreeable. My lecture went off well. The room was crowded, a great many Normalites present and almost all the Faculty, and I got the [rough?] far better than I expected before I went. To day was a very dreary, dismal day, raining all the while. I went to church this morning to Mr. Howe, and heard a most excellent sermon. Then went to dinner with Aiken and after that, he with me to my room. It did not look lonely then for there were three housekeepers instead of one: little Gertie, busy as she could be fixing up my pamphlets and books, Nettie, dusting the table and things, and Belle watering the flowers. It was really a pleasant sight. Gertie and Nettie, sweet little things, feel it their duty to take care of me. They come in seven, eight times a day, asking, "Professor, I just would see, if you don't commence to feel lonely," as you would to a sick person asking if it was not time for him to take his pills. Aiken and I took a long walk in the afternoon, where I got better acquainted with him than in all our previous intercourse. He is really a noble fellow and has won all my heart. This evening, in spite of a heavy rain I went over to Mr. Howe's again, but found the church almost empty. Mr. Small and Willie met me at the door. Mr. Howe got very nervous when he saw the empty pews, and sent over to Mr. Henderson, inquiring if he would preach the sermon announced. Mr. Henderson sent back answer, he would, if he could have Mr. Howe's congregation in addition to his own. So the vote was taken and we decided to adjourn to the Baptist Church and went over in a body. Heard a very excellent discourse on theaters. When the church was out the rain had ceased and I accompanied Mr. Howe to his house, and we were almost back to mine and I again went a piece back with him in his direction. This, you see, is the reason that it has become so late.

Thanks for your sweet letter, my Lou, and no less Anton for his. Tell him that his Uncle Hermann has greatly enjoyed his letter and will write in return, one all for him alone. Give my love to all, and tell them that never in Germany have I enjoyed the thought of coming vacation more, and longed more for home than I do this time for Bloomington. Gertie looks forever with trembling excitement to the arrival of a letter from you. It was all her own idea to write to you and nobody here has seen what she wrote. To me alone she told what it was about. She is greatly alarmed concerning the whereabouts of her secret. Good night, now my sweet, beloved wife. Write to me if you can, every day, but ten thousand times more I would ask you to write a good long letter to our parents at home.

With all my love

Your husband The enclosed letter from Toph came yesterday. It is remarkably well written, but I think the young man might have sent some little message to his broth-in-law. I just found out that I have no stamps, and it is too late to buy any, so this alas will have to lie over tomorrow.

Transcription: Dec. 11th [in Hermann's hand is written "Bloomington, Ind. Nov. 23rd 1874"]

My dearest Hermann,

Here I am safe at home sitting in our old room writing to you. Anton is sitting at the table by my side writing to you too. I hope I shall have time to take down what he is writing for his is really making a very interesting letter. Col. Thompson was very kind and pleasant and we had a very nice trip with the exception of the three or four hours at the junction. It was quite cold and we could not draw the benches to the fire. Col. T. found employment in keeping the fire burning and in shutting the doors. Besides that he had bought a Sentinel containing Mr. Gay's reply to Dr. Nutt, and as that covered very nearly one whole page it took us some time to read it. I will send the paper to you. I think the reply is weak, though in some places he makes very good "points." We arrived at B. in good time, found Brown and the boys waiting for me with the carriage. Pa did not come up to meet me as they felt very uncertain about my coming. Found all well and glad to see me. At first Anton was a little shy, but he is now very friendly. He talks a great deal about you.

I haven't seen any of my friends yet. I do not feel very bright this morning as I did not get quite enough sleep last night. And this ink is so miserable that I can scarcely write with it. Please excuse the badness of the letter this time. I will see if I cannot do better when I write again. Ma said yesterday that she was thinking of sending for brackets so I think our present will be just the thing.

Uncle Theodore has gone to Europe. He sailed a week or two ago, taking Samuel with him. I don't know how long he intends staying. I think Pa said that he expected to go to Rome first. I thought very much of you last evening, dear Hermann, and wondered if you were missing me, as I missed you. But I know you will be kept so busy that you will have no time to miss me much. It will not be very long till you come. Give my love to Mrs. Byers and the children and regards to Mr. Byers. If I feel brighter tomorrow I will send you another letter, but I don't want to send another as stupid and bad as this. Write soon, mein [German word] With all my love Your Lou Please ask Mrs. Byers to get for Ma No. 576 of the Domestic patterns for Anton's dress. I enclose 20 cts for it. Don't forget to send it as soon as she gets it, please Your Lou

[on the back side, written in Lou's hand is the following letter from Anton] Dear Uncle Hermann,

Aunt Lou brought me a nice hat and candy gum drops and blue candy. I good boy. I glad Aunt Lou came home. "oo tum and tee war dear ittle Anton." Oo brought me that candy and cakes. Uncle Hermann loves me. I got a pretty belt. Make haste and come home. (A banana is lying on the table and he says tell Uncle Hermann we got nice potato and I told him it wasn't a potato it was a banana. Oh, I didn't know that, he said.) Tell Uncle Hermann a pretty rose is on the table. Grandma brought that pretty rose up. Well that all I say. No you tell Uncle Herman about this—holding up an ivy leaf—This letter is from your little Anton. I think both Anton and Aunt Lou will do better next time.

Transcription: Bloomington, Indiana Dec. 17, 1874 My dear Gertie,

Your nice little letter came yesterday and I was very glad to hear from you though I am sorry to learn that you cannot find your "secret." I did not bring it with me and I cannot remember when I saw it last. You know I told you I would put your things in one of the lower drawers of the bookcase. Look and see if you can find the secret there. If not, look in all the books on the table and if it is not in any of them ask Mr. Boisen to look in the large bible in the bookcase and in Kathrina and "Among the Hills." You may ask Mr. Boisen to look in the bureau and in the top drawer of the wash stand, but I do not think it is there. I shall be very sorry if you do not find it, but if you do not, perhaps Miss Nelson will show you how to work another.

I told little Anton that I was writing a letter to a little girl and he would not be satisfied until he had written you a letter too. I did not tell him what to say, but wrote down everything just as he said it. Perhaps I will send it to you just to let you see what funny letters he writes. He wants to go to Terre Haute very much and I would like to take him. It would be so pleasant for us all to have such a dear little fellow there, but my Mother does not think it will be best.

I hope you are taking good care of Mr. Boisen as you promised you would. Tell him that Anton talks about him every day. He talks a great deal about the Christmas tree too. It is only a week from tomorrow till Christmas. I expect you and Nettie are very anxious for the day to come. I hope you will have a merry time.

I intended writing you a longer letter but it is nearly mail time and I must close. The next time you write, I hope you will write more. Your letter was very well written. I did not know you could write so well. Give my love to Nettie and tell her I would like to have a letter from her too. I have written to your Mamma. Give my regards to your Papa, and my love to my husband. Your friend Louise W. Boisen

Transcription: Dec. 18th, 1874 My dear Hermann,

Your letter was received yesterday. You did just what I thought you would do, that is you wrote on Sabbath eve and then found out that you had no stamp. But then I must confess, I did not think that you would forget to send the letter for three days. [a question in German] I hope you have not been disappointed in not hearing from me this week. I wrote to you last Friday and again on Saturday, and then I expected a letter from you, somewhat on Monday, and certainly on Tuesday. Wednesday Gertie's letter came and I hardly knew what to think or say, that there was not even a message from you. But I hope you will not think that this is meant for a "scolding" for it is not meant so. I only want to tell you how anxious I am to hear from you and how it seems to me that never before have I longed so for you and never has it seemed harder to be separated from you. In the last letter, which you should have received Sabbath, I sent money, and asked you to ask Mrs. Byers to get a little dress pattern for Ma, as Mrs. B. had kindly said that she would get anything I wanted. I think you could not have received that letter as you do not mention it, and I asked you so particularly to send the pattern immediately and it has not yet come. I was not well for several days after I arrived, but I took good care of myself and now I feel all right again. [German sentence] Last night I attended the concert given by the Baptist Church. They have built a neat looking little church. Tonight we are invited to a party—Faculty party—at Thompson's. I do wish that you were here. I think I shall feel quite lost without you. Tomorrow night Olive Logan lectures and I want to hear her. Examinations commenced this morning. Pa examines the Horace. The term ends Wednesday noon. Judge and Mrs. Rhoads leave on that day and I suppose many of the students leave also, so you will meet them at the depot. If there is anything that you want prepared for Christmas or the Christmas tree, please write me immediately, as I am afraid I have forgotten what you told me you wanted. Aunt Emma is going to make some doughnuts and we'll have the supper as you wished, but you'll be here in time to tell about that. I have been trying to find out what would be nice for the boys and I think for Dick it would be nicer to get a nice inkstand or portfolio or writing desk if they would not cost too much. He keeps his things carefully and it would be better to give him something he could carry home and he could not carry the shoebox home. An inkstand would be nice for Dory too. Then they would each have one. Don't get him a pet of any kind. He does not take good care of his pets. I think the studs I spoke of would be nicest thing for Brown. You will find them at Trask's on Main Street. I think Mr. Aiken has some just like them. They are not large. They have a patent fastening and they cost $2.00 or $2.50 and you know we allowed about that sum for each boy. Dory has no knife. But I only suggest these things. If you think of anything better of course get it. I thought it might help you a little if I would make some suggestions.

Anton is sitting by my side writing to you too. He loves to write letters. He wrote to Gertie yesterday, but I could not send the letter. I think he composes right well for such a little fellow. He is so fond of looking at pictures he can entertain himself for hours in looking at Harper's Magazine. He is delighted at the thought of the Christmas tree. He talks of you a great deal and often says, "I love Uncle Hermann." I would love to take him back with me, but Ma thinks it would be too much for me to undertake.

I wrote to Gertie yesterday and to Mrs. Byers also. So you will hear of me today. I think I shall probably write once or twice more to you, but it depends somewhat on whether I hear from you again. I wrote to Mag again about letting the children come Christmas, but have not yet received an answer. I told her that perhaps it could be arranged so that you could meet them at the Junction. It seems a long while since I left you [two German words] but next Wednesday will soon be here. Do not disappoint me by waiting till Thursday. I fear though that if you do not get your money till Tuesday that you will be obliged to wait or you cannot get the boys' presents and pack and attend to everything in time to start Wednesday morning. You remember the bill for the carpet is in one of the lower drawers. And please don't forget to pay Mr. Kilbourne. I took several lessons from him.

I hope my flowers are flourishing. Ma's look very nice. The sun is shining so beautifully now that we are going into the pit to get some things for my hair tonight. Irene Fee has not yet been to see me, but perhaps she does not know I am here. Mrs. Miers told me last night that she had not known it until yesterday. I have not been out any where until I went to Miss Morrison's to dinner on Wednesday, meeting there Dr. and Mrs. Nutt and Mr. and Mrs. Wilson. Anna was to have been there but her Father forgot to give the invitation. And then I was out last night.

But dear Hermann, I am at the end of my second sheet and I will not weary you longer. Please write to me. I would send you a stamp if I didn't think that you would remember to get some before Sabbath. Love to Mrs. Byers and the children. Always and ever yours Lou

What did the little envelope on Gertie's letter mean? I never received any letter like that. I look for another letter from you today somewhat. Don't forget to bring your father's and Anna's photographs and my German song book. And please don't forget to put away the stereoscope and views and the photographs. I wish I could have heard your lecture.

Please, if you have time, look at chairs and see if you can find one that would suit Pa and send me the price. Ma wants to get one for Pa for Christmas present and she don't want to pay more than $30. One something like those of your parents, I think is the kind. Mrs. Byers and I saw one at Goetz's, a green reps that I believe would suit, but I'm not sure. But please send price Lou

Dear Uncle Hermann:

I good boy. I did write letter to little girl. I got little wagon. I got little new hat. I love to see pictures. Grandpa gave me pretty book, got Cock Robin in it. I got little bed, I sleep in at night. Poor Grant dead. Grandpa put he in a hole.

I said just now, "Well, you can't think of anything else to tell Uncle Herman," and he said "Poor Uncle Hermann, I feel sorry for Uncle Hermann."

Transcription: Terre Haute, Tuesday,

My sweet Lou,

I shall have to disappoint you, since I cannot possibly get off tomorrow. I have been kept in the Normal till supper and have to take tomorrow morning for finishing my papers and entering my grades. Besides I have not yet had time to buy the presents and have to do that tomorrow. The Christmas tree is all right and stands in our room. I found your dispatch this evening when I came home and went at once to buy the chair but found the store locked up.

We have been kept very, very busy, and have had terrible times with Mr. Brown. One of my dearest students through his folly has been brought to the very threshold of insanity. I will tell you about all that when I come home. Sabbath night Mr. Howe, Mr. Hodgin and I were in conference about it till past 10 o'clock and last night I worked till past 1 on a statement for the Committee of the Congregational Church and my application for membership which had to be handed in today. So you must pardon me, my sweet Lou, for having been so faithless with my letters. I feel very, very fatigued and worn out and long to be with you. The president was in my room all evening up to now commenting about the Brown affair.

Give my love to all, my sweet wife, and have things ready on Thursday. When I possibly can I come on the freight. With all my love

Your husband

Transcription: Bloomington, Jan 19, 1875 [Tuesday]

Dear Lou,

Your letter was received this afternoon and although I felt I did not deserve the lecture I determined I would write tonight if Anton was well enough to sleep. The poor little fellow took worse the night you went away. Since that, he has been pretty well in the day time but very restless at night. But today he has been very sick all day. We sent for Dr. Maxwell who says his bronchial tubes are affected and ordered medicine to reduce his pulse. He notices tonight and I hope is much better. We were all invited to Dr. Dodds' tonight, but I would not leave the child, and Aunt Emma would not go, not feeling very well. They were to have the Hoover fort and some others of the Faculty.

Now, I must tell you about my flowers. Anton was quite restless and coughed very much. In fact, I did not sleep any after three on Friday morning, so, I thought I would go to bed early. About ten, I came up stairs, arranged the flowers for the night, pulled the curtain half down thinking it was not very cold, and in a few minutes was asleep. About four was awakened by baby coughing, tried to waken Pa but as I could not succeed, got up and made the fire and then went to bed. The first salutation in the morning was "Mama, mama, get up and look at your flowers," and indeed they were a sight, all frozen stiff. The thermometer was seventeen degrees below zero and continued below for a week. My bridal myrtle, Cyclamen, small fish [yeramber?] life plant and Smilax were not injured. The primroses, single and double, had the leaves but not the blossoms injured. How do you account for that? The Begonias all killed but the Sandersonia [lantern lily]. The Bouvardias we cannot yet tell. The ivies look very well. The wax plant very much injured, but I think will recover. All the Geraniums killed but your fish. I was nearly sick for a day or two about them, but if I go to pay you a visit, I can replace them. We do not know about the pits but as far as we can see they look very well. Mrs. Tim Cookerly is to be buried tomorrow. She thought she heard some cattle in the yard that cold Friday night, got out of bed to look, took cold and had a chill. I think they sent immediately for a Dr. but she continued getting worse and died yesterday. Poor old Phoebe was buried last Sabbath. Bunn Dunn is here now. Si is expected this week. Corinne Dodds has a fine little boy. Your picture has not been sent. It has been so very cold and the streets so very icy that we thought it best to wait a while. Even now, I think, ladies cannot walk on the side walk but have to take the street. Mrs. Nutt fell down before Faris's butcher shop and it was thought had broken her thigh bone, but I believe it was not quite so bad. It was more than a week ago and she is not able to move herself in bed. We missed you all so much, felt quite lonesome, but I went to work to make the wrapper, and after I finished that, made Anton that blue flannel suit. I did not sew on the pieces for the cord and tassel as I did not know how long waisted to make it. I sent two buttons, so that if Hermann wanted it fastened at the collar, he could have it so. The pattern had none. If I were making another I would have the collar longer. You must tell me how Hermann likes it. We are going to have a turkey for dinner tomorrow. I wish you were both here to help us eat it. If our little pet is no better we will not enjoy it. Do not write Mag that he is sick as I hope he will be well tomorrow. If not, it will be time enough to distress her. (I wrote day before yesterday but did not get the letter sent.) Tomorrow we promised to open the pit and try to get some flowers for Lib Cookerly. She sent round tonight but it was dark and the sash was so frozen I could not get it up. I sent all the flowers of the Chinese Primrose and some Smilax. I will try and send your comb in this letter. I have some of the Empress cloth left from the wrapper. I thought of sending for more and making Anton a dress of it like that pattern you got me, braiding it with blue. If I send the comb in the letter I cannot send the money for it nor the sample. Love to Herman, tell him we have not planted the Christmas tree yet, the ground has been frozen ever since. Baby is stirring so I must stop. Your loving Mother, R. D. Wylie

Wed. Anton is better today

Transcription: Norburg, Jan. 25, 1875

My dear Lou!

Such a long time is passed since I last wrote to you that I really felt quite ashamed last week when I again received one of your kind letters, written on 28th of Dec. Do not be angry, dear sister, that I have not written to you so often the last month as I formerly used to do. If I am not mistaken, I wrote already in my last letter to Hermann, that our little, lonesome Norburg is quite changed this winter. Instead of the quiet life we use to lead, there are always so many parties beside our "[German word]" that we generally go out three or four times a week. You may think yourself, dear Lou, that all these things and the preparations which they demand, take very much time, and as I have a very expansive correspondence, it is almost impossible to me to satisfy all my friends though I should like to do it. But at first, take my best thanks for your last dear letter, we were all very glad to hear such an exact description of your Christmas. How nice it must have been. I wished indeed very much to have had a little look on all the happy faces around the Christmas tree, especially to see the children and amongst them dear little Anton. I am so sorry that I did not get his photograph, now I am well to give up every hope, ever to get that letter; what a pity it is! I like the little boy so very much, dear Lou, though I do not know him. How charming is it from your sister that he has got the name of our dear brother Anton. Now there are nearly past three years since he left us and yet the thought of him and the grief to have him lost remains in the soul ever and ever, our dear Anton. Last week we got a letter from Hermann, written on 4th of Jan. Papa is really a little sorry about that letter he wrote him once, but in that time he was always in bad humour and if he then writes angry he does not mean it so badly. It was also such a dreadful long time that we did not hear from you both, so at last we did not know at all what to make of it. I hope that such a long silence never shall come again, dear Lou. You do not know how dreadful it was with us. If I tried to defend you a little, Papa always got angry.

Mama is not so very well in this time. She has too much agitation. Generally she cannot sleep after a party and that makes her of course a little weak. Wednesday we are invited to dinner by Holms, the first party he gives after his second marriage. His wife is very nice, we love her already so much. He seems to be quite happy and for the children it is great fortune they have got such a dear new mother. She is very kind with them. Thursday we have our "[German word]" Last time we read "Maria Stuart." Mrs. Hedemann had Maria and I read queen Elisabeth. It was very interesting. Perhaps we shall dance next time, because it is the last time that the officers who have been members since December participate. They are to leave Norburg on Monday morning. We have really had a charming time here with them. Three times we have had a ball and have always amused ourselves wonderfully. I never thought before that I ever should find so much pleasure in dancing, etc. Oh, dear Lou, I cannot tell you how it was, sometimes I thought I was in a dream, it was too beautiful. All the pretty bouquets and presents I have got during the "Cotillion" I keep carefully, sweet remembrances for later times, when all is past. We have also had much music in this time. Lieutenant Burchhardt is a born musician, he plays wonderfully the violin and I have accompanied him on the piano. We have had many agreeable hours by that. It is too bad he is to leave us so soon, and perhaps we shall never see each other again, it is too strange. Mama is of course very glad that we shall get a quiet time. Sunday is the last great dinner, 20-30 persons with Bocks, then I think all the parties are finished. It is true they take too much time. I began the winter with so many good purposes, I would study very eagerly history, geography, etc. and now I do nothing of all. It is too bad, but I really cannot help it. How we spent Christmas I have already written to Hermann. It was too beautiful, the whole Christmas time. We have got so many beautiful presents, and then all the surprises of Hermann and you, it was too nice. The parents got together a dozen of dessert spoons, Christian a book and plays and I a beautiful photographic album, an eager wish since years and also a charming rose for my hair. I should use it to the Christmas ball. Besides I got a dress, a new silk scarf, a pair of dancing shoes, gloves, and more such trifles what a young lady uses.

Friday 29th of Jan. Dear Lou,

I could not finish my letter Monday. Excuse that you now will get it a whole week later. I was obliged to lag in bed Tuesday, because I had caught cold, the next day we were with Holms, a very pleasant party; yesterday we had a splendid evening. After having read [Mima's?] Boernhelm by Lessing, it was allowed to the young people to dance, the officers had got music and there we had a little ball till 2 o'clock, it was too nice. Tomorrow we are invited to take tea with Hedemanns. I am glad to it. Mrs. Hedemann is always very kind to me, she has indeed many good qualities, and in the whole we are glad that we are not more on bad terms with them, though we sometimes feel as well the joys as the ills of the intercourse with them. But that does not matter, there is no rose without thorns. You know well, that Frannel has got governess in Altona, in the school of Miss Suissen. She is there since Jan. 9, but I do not yet know if she feels happy there. Surely it was sad to her to leave Grundhof, her parents, Miss Holm and the others, and especially it has been very hard to her father to let Franciska go. He wrote rather sad about it. I must still tell you one disagreeable thing. Yesterday Lotte told us that she was obliged to leave us in May, her mother, who is old and weak, cannot be without her. The poor girl is very sad, she likes so much to be with us, and for ourselves it is really disagreeable, for where shall we get such a faithful and clever girl as she is?

Have I ever told you of Miss Tanisch, dear Lou? It is the governess with Bocks, I love her very much and am so glad that I now have got a friend here. Helene is 18 years, a year older than I am. You cannot imagine how she is merry, it is contagious for a whole company if she begins to laugh. She is really a smart pretty girl, and is always wanted to be the darling of all men, and the queen on every ball, in Hamburg as well as here. I should like very much to have Mariechen Hall here, she is charming and as much as I love Helene Tanisch, she can probably never be my friend as Mariechen is, my sweet little darling.

Dear Lou, my letter is dreadful to day, I know, but I must beg your pardon. I cannot write today as I wish to do, and I must finish it now, otherwise I shall not get time to do it. I long very much after having my dear little mother quite wholesome again, she is so weak and often a little melancholic, but I hope that will pass as soon as all these agitations are finished. It is too much for her, she cannot bear it.

I hope you are well, dear Lou! Write soon again to us, if you like. Please give my best love to my dear brother Hermann. It is too bad that the wide ocean separates us. I should like very much to see you both in your own comfortable room, it must be nice. But I must draw my letter to a close, dear Lou, it is late. Mama gives her best love to both her children, perhaps Papa writes also a little. Now farewell, my dear sister. Write soon again to your loving sister Anna

Transcription: Bloomington Jan. 26th 1875 [Tuesday]

Dear Lou,

What has become of you? We have not heard from you for a long time. I received your letter and it is true did not reply to it except by postal card, but you should not be so punctilious with us. Anton has been sick nearly all the time since you left, not very sick however till about a week or ten days ago. Your mother has been [constant?] in her attention to him, night and day. I suppose it was the whooping cough affecting him. He has not been out of the up stairs room for a week past. Saturday night last his cough became croup. It was worse in the following night. He seems now better but the croupiness has not yet altogether disappeared. Last night he rested pretty well. His father came last Saturday A.M. and went away yesterday. Of course Anton was cheered up some by his visit.

We have not heard whether you received the shawls etc. sent. The weather has been so cold and bad that we were scarcely able to venture out with the horse for two weeks. It was not safe to carry the picture to Sander's. Brown has been perhaps negligent, though there have been but very few days that he could have attended to it, and on this account we have not been urgent about it. It will be sent as soon as we can do it without running any risk of having it spoiled.

We have little or nothing new. All at home except Anton well. With much love for yourself and Hermann, I remain your affectionate father T. A. Wylie P.S. Ma tells me to say to you that she wrote you last week a long letter. She is anxious to hear about the wrapper, how it fits etc. etc. She is now threatened with chills. I don't wonder, she has had no rest for so long a time.

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind Feb. 2, 1875 [Tuesday]

Dear Lou,

You do not deserve to be favored with a sight of my hieroglyphics I know; nevertheless, it is so pleasant to have a talk with you I can not restrain, so we will put ceremony aside for this time.

Well what have you been doing with yourself since you left us? Has our cold weather cooled down the Prof's enthusiasm for his work at the Normal or is he as devoted as ever? It was intensely cold here and it remained cold so long, your mother lost quite a number of her flowers. But many that she thought had gone are coming out from the roots. Your two large geraniums on the large table were not injured. The smilax slightly touched, the ivy geranium ditto. The primroses she had put on the bureau and all the leaves were frozen but the flower stalks were not hurt and she gathered quite a number of flowers from them for Mrs. Cookerly. That and smilax was all she could send as it was impossible to open the pit. The bouvardias are bare stalks but are beginning to put out beautifully. The white and two red begonias are coming up from the root, but the one your mother brought from Muncie is gone, also the [?]. The fine pine green that you got I think from Mrs. Tuly is dead, also your [Monteban?], but we had several nice young ones if only one of them is alive I will be glad. But the greatest destruction in the pit is among the little pots. I could not bear to look at them when I went down last week. The larger things were better than I expected. The Fuchsias on the west side of the pit were all looking nice but Carl Holt if you remember was in the South East corner and was growing so luxuriantly you said to let it remain there. It is now almost leafless but the branches are alive. I think your mother could have saved all in her room had not Anton been quite sick the night before, causing her to loose her rest. She in consequence went to bed early and being very sleepy and not knowing of the great and sudden change in the weather she did not take her usual precautions and now regrets it. The Cyclamen is in bloom. It was not injured. I hope by the time you return your old window will look like itself again. I did not know your father had written until too late or I should have sent the seeds you wrote for. Your mother says to tell you she has been looking for an answer to your father's letter. I suppose by this time you have received the picture, I hope all right.

And now for our little pet Anton, poor little fellow, he was very sick for a while and is just getting himself again. I was very glad his father was here when he had croup as your mother felt her responsibility so much. She has not been able to sew but very little for she must do every thing for him and he is very exacting. I do not think he has played by himself more than a couple of days. He looks well though and at times is full of fun. Your mother was singing him to sleep last night. She was singing "Jesus tender shepherd lead us" and when she came to the line "Bless thy little lamb tonight" he looked up in her face and said "Am I little lamb?" "Yes" she replied. "No, no," he said, "I got no hind legs." This stopped the singing for a time. Yesterday too we had a laugh. He was standing by his Grandma and some of his toys he thought were in danger and he called out "Prenez guard. Prenez guard." At one time I used to say it to him but had not for some time and did not suppose he would know what it meant nor had he ever attempted it before. But he is a cute one. He is now wearing his blue flannel suit and it looks so much prettier than the red one. I wish you could see him in it. Si and Bunn were here at the same time as Calvin. Mrs. Maxwell had dinner company for them. Lizzie Hunter and Ella Moore stopped on their way home. Lizzie seemed so very sorry she did not get to see you. She said her Mother went on Friday (sooner than she had intended) and that she had to get her ready and see to the house and children for she had no girl, not even Laura who had gone on a visit promising to return before Mrs. Hunter left but did not.

Please excuse all mistakes. I have been talking to your mother and writing at the same time.

We had a letter from Toph today. His school term will close on the 10th. He wishes to go to New York before he comes home. I wish he had a certainty of something to do when he returns. Annie expects to come out the last of March. Cornelia was well, Richard complaining when I heard last, but he has not been really sick this winter. Your Aunt Lizzie is at Susan's. My suggestions intended for her good turned out the other way.

There is to be a festival at the UP Church on Thursday. Mr. McNary's father and mother are here.

There are to be meetings all this week at the Walnut Street Church. A Mr. Beach I think is the name of the gentleman from Indianapolis who is to assist Mr. Moore.

Mrs. Nutt is improving slowly. It is thought she will not be able to walk again without a crutch. There is no news stirring that I can think of, but I will not close until tomorrow. Good night. Write soon to your loving aunt Emma S. Dennis

Tell Prof, Anton has not forgotten him. No picture has greater charms for him than the one in which there is a Christmas tree. Is it not too bad we cannot plant ours. The ground has not thawed sufficiently to admit of it since you left, to the regret of all.

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind Feb 2nd, 1875 [Tuesday]

My dear Louise

The time has passed so swiftly I can scarcely realize that a whole month has passed without my writing to you. It has been a very cold month, with the exception of the last week. I have had cold nearly all the time which has kept me at home a good deal. One afternoon during the holidays, Miss Morrison and I went down to Mr. Redick Wylie's and I took a very severe cold and have not been able to get rid of it entirely. Pa has had a cough too. He attributes the colds in great measure to our new stove which almost burns us out at times and if his heart does not long after the old Franklin it certainly does after an open fire.

I have been sewing pretty busily for sometime, making some underclothes for myself in view of next Summer's visiting. Have been tucking and have some embroidering to do. A waste of time perhaps when plain garments would answer the purpose, but I try to do a little study and reading. I have completed the Otto's Grammar and am now reviewing. Pa and I are reading a very pretty little drama by Henrik Herz called King Rene's daughter. We don't read very much in an evening and not every evening, so we don't make very rapid progress. Yesterday evening I was at Mrs. Lizzie Taylor's with a good many others for the purpose of organizing a sort of musical club for our mutual entertainment and improvement. The string band are engaged in it and I hope we shall be able to spend some pleasant evenings in the study of music.

I have been thinking right seriously of going up to Sister's for several weeks, but have about concluded to wait a few weeks later. Sister has been in so closely and has so much trouble with the baby who cries nearly all the time that she has become nervous and is almost worn out. She wrote that if I could only come and stay awhile, everything would be all right. Pa is afraid to have me go at this time of year into those Northern regions and so I must put off my visit.

We have been having some extra meetings in our church since the week of prayer, but no manifestation of special interest. Mr. Moore seems very anxious and earnest in awakening the people, but he is liked so little that the very best he can do avails little. He expects one of the Indianapolis ministers down today to carry on meetings every day this week and we will have Communion on Sabbath. I hope we will get some good. The accounts of revivals in other places are wonderful, and wouldn't you like to be in Scotland or rather England now to se the work under Moody and Sankey? Mr. Chase wrote me a very kind letter telling of a revival in Leavenworth and of Fannie's uniting with the church. The young people of this town, church members and all, seem to care for nothing else but going to parties and dancing and having fun. I haven't seen any of your people for a long time. They have been more than usually confined with little Anton. I shall try and get over soon. Was down to see Miss Morrison and Mrs. Prof. Wilson yesterday. Mrs. W. has several pretty plants. Mr. Bunnell boards with Miss M. now, rooms with John. I suppose you know that Nellie H. had left her. She spent a week at home not long ago. Went to see Anna who was very sick. She is better now.

Write soon, dear Lou. I shall be glad to hear from you. Hope you have been well since you left. Remember me to Prof. B.

With much love Yours ever Anna T. B.

Transcription: Bloomington, Feb. 12th 1875 [Friday]

My dear Lou,

I thank you for your kind letter. I was expecting to have some news to communicate respecting our affairs at Indianapolis, but we have heard nothing from head quarters excepting that there is a bitter hostility on the part of some to the University. A man by the name of Harney I hear bases his hatred on the quarrel his father had with Dr. Wylie some 40 years ago. I believe too, that the sectarian colleges are working against us. Dr. Nutt, and others think that the bill will not pass, but I do not think the omens are favorable. If the committee comes next week, at its close, of course our contemplated visit to Terre Haute must be given up and even as it is when we are watched so closely, I think we must be extra careful with regard to our attention to duties.

There are to be three funerals today. Old Mrs. Smith, the shoemaker's wife, on Col. Avenue, Jesse Cox's wife—both died of pneumonia, and the wife of Jesse Adkins, of consumption I believe. The weather has been very cold and disagreeable for several weeks past and there is a good deal of sickness about. Aunt Emma has a bad cold. Anton seems quite well though a little croup at times. I got a long document from Pittsburgh with reference to the partition of Uncle R's estate. Don't understand it. It is endorsed Jane Magee versus all the rest of the heirs. It seems however to be a mere legal form. I will refer to Calvin and get him if possible to look after our interest there.

Love to Hermann. All send their love Your affectionate father T. A. Wylie

Mrs. E. L. M. W. Boisen Terre Haute

Transcription: Bloomington, Feb. 14, 1875 [Sunday] Dear Lou,

I do not often write on Sabbath but on this occasion I think it is about the best thing I can do. I have brought Anton up stairs to put him to bed and he seems as wide awake as he can be. He will not let me read so I concluded he would let me write, if it were only a few lines. He is very much spoilt, since he has been sick and we all have to yield to him. He went out today for the first time since you were here I think. I let Brown take him in the sleigh when he went for Pa after Sabbath School. I do hope he will not take fresh cold. The day was so delightful and the sleighing pretty good. I think he must be accustomed to being out as his father says he is coming to take him home. I had to stop to put him to sleep and have just put him in bed where I hope he is safe for the night.

I went to hear Miss Morrison lecture this afternoon. The first time I ever heard her lecture. The right of man to life, liberty and happiness was the subject. I think she has improved very much in her delivery or rather the tone in which she speaks. It seems some of the boys came to our boys and said some of the students had resolved not to go and hear her lecture and wanted our boys to promise to stay at home. They told them they would make no such promise, they certainly would go, and spoke very much against such a course, so I think the thing fell through as there were not very many absent. Anna (Mrs. Coffin) has been very ill with neuralgia of the womb. Has suffered dreadfully but is now better, out of danger I believe. I made a calculation from what you wrote Aunt Emma and bring the time the 25th of June. Any time from the 14th to the 25th I think. Some persons quicken at four months and others at four and a half. You will not be apt to be sick now I think. I feel very uneasy about Maggie. She has written me but once since she went home and we have not heard from Calvin since he left, although he promised to write immediately. Mag was not well he said and the baby had the whooping cough. I have not written lately but Pa wrote to C. and Aunt Emma to Maggie and no answer to either letter. There has been a great deal of sickness here. Our neighbor old Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Jesse Cox and Mrs. Adkins were all buried in one day. The Presbyterians have had preaching for two or three weeks, ministers from Indianapolis and New Albany. I have not been out to hear them as I cannot leave Anton. Indeed I have not been out all winter. I have been to see Mrs. Nutt but once and never even returned Mrs. Hoss's call since my return from Muncie. Aunt Emma has not been well, took one of her severe colds. Mrs. Hoss is sick and Mrs. Thompson has been confined to the house for two weeks, out today for the first time. Monday 15th. As you can see I did not get my letter off today and am glad of it, for we received a letter from Maggie. She says she has been suffering from the face ache, has had two teeth extracted and one broken off. The children went with her to the dentist's and Wylie was so frightened he fainted. Pa wrote you about going to Terre Haute I think. It is too cold to go any place. This morning the thermometer was 6º below zero which is too low to be pleasant. I am afraid for the flowers. All that I have left look well. Your geraniums (double white and Madame LaMoine) are putting out, so is your white Bouvardia. I was down in the rose pit the other day. The plants needed water very much. My cyclamen is white with pick eye. They must be much hardier than the primrose. The double one was not killed but both the others were. When is your session out? I think I had better wait until March to pay you my visit as it is too cold to take Anton home now. Then if Calvin can meet him at the Junction, very good, if not I can take him to Muncie and stay a day or two.

I thought I could finish this letter today but baby is so cross I cannot. Love to Hermann

Your aff. Mother

R. D. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington Feb. 17th 1875 [Wednesday]

My dear Lou,

It is not likely that your mother and I will be able to pay you our intended visit. First, Anton has been quite unwell for two days past. Yesterday and day before he had a croupy cough. Last night he moaned very much and had a restless night. This morning he seems much better. Ma had intended to take him with us expecting to meet Calvin at Greencastle to take him home, but this would not now be prudent to do. And secondly, the committee has not yet visited us. I heard this A.M. that they might be here today, but those who ought to know all about it have not heard that it is so. Wouldn't wonder if they wouldn't come at all. Things still look very gloomy to me. From all I hear, it seems that there is a determination on the part of some to ruin or cripple us. They speak fair to our men but there is no indication that they will give up their project. Every thing seems to me to be against us. We have no special friends, no one in the Legislature to raise his voice strongly in our behalf. We have never been altogether deserted, and we hope still in a kind Providence, and perhaps all the evil that is intended and that may be done will result in our advantage. Love to Hermann. All send their love, Yours affectionately T. A. Wylie P. S. Anton not quite so well as when I left in the morning for college. It would not do for me to be absent when the committee comes, although there were no other obstacles in the way. There are two Dreer's Catalogues sent to you. One we will send the other will be here for you when you come. Mrs. E. L. M. W. Boisen Terre Haute

Transcription: Norburg, March 7, 1875

My dear Lou!

I cannot let part my letter to Hermann without enclosing some few words to you, which may express my warmest thanks for your dear last letter. How I like your writing, my dear sister. All your letters as well as from my dear Hermann are like treasures to me. Often, very often, I read them over, rejoicing heartily at all those dear words, which amply to repay to you both I should like so very much. I cannot yet write as you do, but perhaps I shall learn it once and so I must ask you my letters to receive kindly, it is indeed my warmest wish to tell you by them how I love you, my own, dear sister. How I like to give you that name. Ah Lou, that we cannot be together as we wish to be, I should like to tell you so much. Writing always takes so much time and especially if I write in English, my pen cannot hurry, as my thoughts are flying across that wide, wide ocean, to those dear ones in the strange, distant country. Hermann told us of your progress in music, what a pity we cannot now hear you sing now. Since last week I have singing lessons with Mrs. Hedemann. She was so kind to offer it because I could not get here any opportunity to improve my voice. She is always very kind to me and indeed I like her sometimes much. She can be so exceedingly amiable, but often I wish she would be a little more true. It is so dreadful to think that we may not believe the half of all she tells. I have been invited there very much this winter and now I spend with her every Tuesday and Friday afternoon. First I sing, afterward, I accompany her and then we have a little hour for talking.

Last Wednesday I was at Sonderburg to visit Christian. I did not yet at all know Mr. and Mrs. Boerm with whom he is. They are very kind to the boys, who also very much like to be there. Christian is much more lively and merry than he is at home. Mrs. Boerm told me he is singing and sings all the day. He is also quite wholesome now. In the Christmas vacations he looked so very pale and weak that we were quite afraid he should be like Anton, whom he resembles very much. The evening we spent at the theatre there has been during some months a very good party from Schleswig. We saw "[German title]" by Scriver. It was indeed beautiful. It happened accidentally that we met there with Sels, and of course the astonishment on both parts was great to meet at the theatre of Sonderburg. They do not like so much to be at Augustenburg as they did in Norburg and long sometimes after all their friends here. Little Mary is growing quite fast and is a little nice girl. I am always quite enthusiastic with such little girls. My particular darlings are Adelheid Holm and Henny Bock. Boys do not attract me much. Adelheid is charming. She loves her new mother very much. Mrs. Holm is also very fond of all children. Mama loves her particularly and is very glad that [German for Mr.?] Holm has again a wife whom she likes better than all the other ladies here. They do not suit for Mama. She is so quiet otherwise than they all are. My dear little mother, she is so sweet. If I only could see her really happy. She cannot bear the thought to miss me once and yet I cannot be always here. If Mimi also comes home next year, though we wish so very much to be in the least a little time together. But where am I to go then? Papa wishes to see me go at Schleswig to Miss Stoerkloff. But oh, I cannot think of such a dreadful time without shuddering. Mrs. Holm has told me so much about it. She has had a relation there that Sat. last begged her not to make me more afraid than I already was. I should like much more to go to America. This thought occupied me some days ago so incessantly that I dreamt three nights of it, but when I told it to my parents, they got quite frightened. They will not know me there so far away. Sometimes Mama says, her heart shall break if I leave her and so of course I never speak about it and am glad as long as I may stay here with my dear parents. Surely I shall nowhere have it so beautiful as it is here. I am reading now such a pretty English book by Miss Aguilar. The first part is called Home Influence, the second A Mother's Recompense. Perhaps you know it. I have got it from Helene Tanisch. You cannot imagine how nice it is for me that she is here. I have always longed much after a girl of my age here to become my friend. I do not like Miss Wernich. She is so otherwise than my dear friends at Kiel, so dreadful superficial, I seldom know what to talk with her.

This winter has been a very hard one. Today it is suddenly raining for the first time. Till now it has always frozen. It was hardly to get the rooms comfortably warm. Several years we have not had such a strange winter. If we look out of the window there is nothing but ice everywhere. The whole lake is covered and all the meadows and our garden are but one ice plain. It goes till the house. We are a little afraid on account of our strawberries that they catch too much cold. Our [German word] is not so brilliant now as it was in the beginning, but all possible shall be done to keep it still. We are now a very small party, because there are lost many families and nearly all gentlemen: the officers, some other gentlemen who participated a little time. That is tiresome, but perhaps it shall become better.

But I must close, dear Lou, more time is wanting. Farewell, my own dear sister. After some weeks you shall get some little things from us we are going to make now. How diligently I will see. Dear Lou, what a great joy will it be if God has given you a dear little babe. I can well imagine how Hermann and you are glad. Fransiska is quite happy at Altona. She wrote to me some weeks ago. I got also a very amusing letter from Andreas, which I shall answer tomorrow. With warmest love your affectionate sister, Anna

Transcription: Evansville, March 15, 1875 [Monday]

My dear Louisa,

I did not think when I received your kind and welcome letter that it would have remained this long unanswered, but I have been behind in my correspondence. I have so many letters to write to Mexico that I am not punctual as I should be in answering others. I was writing to Mrs. St. John (Miss Poor) when I received yours and knowing she would like to hear directly from you I enclosed it. I made several very delightful acquaintances in Mexico, from the U. S. with whom I keep up an irregular correspondence. Mrs. Bishop Simpson of Philadelphia is one of them. I can't treat these new friends with quite the freedom of old ones, and when I write must be a little more particular, all of which takes time. I received a letter from my brother in Terre Haute before yours, which, I am ashamed to say, is still unanswered. You see, I presume upon the kindness of relatives and old friends. I have just had long letters from Parke. All are well and busy entertaining the parties of traveling Americans brought over by every steamer. There has just been a delegation of Episcopal ministers, with their wives and daughters, also a Bishop. And as soon as Congress adjourns there is a large delegation going over. Senator Morton and wife, with several other Senators with their wives, and I believe Mrs. Grant. They go to N.O. and there take a Naval vessel across. This will keep Parke and Ada busy for the next month. It is no little task to entertain so many strangers. I don't mean to say they keep them at their house, but they give dinners and parties and go about with them to show them the sights. Parke had received your letter before I left, but you would excuse her, I know, if you knew how busy she was. She still recites Spanish regularly and takes music lessons of a fine Prof. As soon as she feels that she has mastered the Spanish, she is going to take up the French again. John and Parke have just made a trip of one hundred and twenty miles over the country, on horseback, up and down mountains where there was only a mule path. Parke told me in her letter today that one of the ladies visiting in Mexico was a friend of Charlie Hamill's wife and that she said his health was poor and that they had been in Europe traveling two years; that they were in Italy this winter. I had not heard from any of them for a long time. I should like to see all my Bloomington friends. Give much love to your mother and family, and to all enquiring friends. Remember me to your husband, and receive much love for yourself from Yours sincerely, E. G. McFerson

Transcription: Terre Haute, Tuesday [March 30, 1875]

My sweet Lou,

Just a few words to you, and a good night before I go to my lonely bed. Here I am at our old place, but it does not seem to me the same place without you. It has been a most lovely, warm spring day, by far the finest day we have yet had, but the more I missed my wife. I had a slow miserable ride with the freight train, longed for a good supper, therefore did not stop at the Junction but go to Newcastle, which as I found out too late was by no means wisely done, for my return ticket was for Vandalia and the I & L conductor of course would not take it. I arrived here at half past ten and stopped at the Terre Haute house. Then for breakfast went to Mrs. Smith, and have temporarily established myself in the little room upstairs. Maybe I shall stay here. I do not like to leave these children. They greeted me with shouts of welcome. I told them afterwards I had two presents for them from you, the one visible, the other invisible. They guessed rightly the invisible present, a great deal of love from you. The other was the maple sugar. Mrs. Byers divided it among the four children, when afterwards I asked them how they liked it, they all said it was excellent, but Gertie came up to me and said, "Yes, Professor it was, but the invisible present was far nicer." I found Heinl in his green house in town this afternoon and gave him the Iris. He inquired at once for you, and said ever since he had heard from his wife what your Mother had told her he had felt very uneasy that the ride might have hurt you. The flowers must have come just when I left. He has had great affliction, and I suppose that is the reason that he did not send sooner. He has lost his father since we saw him last and taken him from his home in Mattoon and buried him here. He seemed very much oppressed, took me out on a long ride and spoke to me a great deal about his father, and what all he had done for his four boys. We had a busy day at the Normal. I was the only one not present yesterday. There have not yet many new students come in. I suppose the throng will come tomorrow. I had a great treat this morning through the contents of my G. D. box, one sweet letter I send you today, but that is not all. Others will come one by one. Maybe it is not good for you in your present condition to have too much pleasure at once. Good night now, my Lou. Take things philosophically, my sweet wife and take good care of yourself and the little life within you. My love to the whole house and tenfold to you. Affectionately Your husband

I went down just now to borrow an envelope from Mrs. Byers. She asks me to tell you that she knew she would miss you, but did not realize how much before you had gone. She too sends her love.

Transcription: My sweet wife, I would write you a long letter but have no place to do it. I write this in Mr. [Pipenbs?] store; at Mrs. Smith's all are to bed and I sleep in the hall. Rented this evening a very pretty room at Mr. Staat's and move there tomorrow morning. Rent $10 a month. Would like greatly to have you here. The room is just as pretty a place for you as you can desire but after thinking the matter over thoroughly think it wiser and safer for you not to come. We had a very busy day, examined 62 new students and at least 40 more are expected tomorrow. Received your sweet letter this evening at half past five, for which thousand thanks. Your H. Please send me as many Whitney's readers as you can get hold of. Good night, my sweet girl, Your H.

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind, April 1, 1875 [Thursday]

[greeting in German, 4 words]

Your dear letter came today and also the postal card and you know I was glad to hear from you. I was afraid to ask the boys whether they had a letter for me for fear I should be disappointed. It cheered me considerably to hear from you, especially to hear that you have found a nice room, so that you will be quite as comfortably fixed as when I was with you. I wish I could see you. I would love dearly to spend a week or two with you, but as I feel now, perhaps it is just as well for me to give up all hopes of going back at all. Certainly if I do go at all, it must be very soon, or it will be impossible. Just now I have a large fever blister on my check and I'm afraid it will make quite a sore. It is very red and inflamed now. So I don't think you would care to see me looking so disfigured. It may be well in a few days though. I suppose you intend eating at Mrs. Smith's still, or do you go to some other place?

Is it not nice that my letters can reach you so soon after they are sent? I sent my letter yesterday and at the same time gave Brown another to you telling him to give it to Houghton to carry to you. I thought by that means you would have one sooner than you could get it by mail, and then you would get one this morning too. But I suppose Houghton did not go. Brown said he could not find him and you got my letter yesterday instead of this morning.

I will go out tomorrow and see how many Whitney's Readers I can find. I suppose I can get Rene's and perhaps I can get [one] from Anna. Do you want me to borrow or buy? I suppose I must send them by express as they will make quite a bundle. I saw Miss Cornelia Cookerly and Miss Barber on the street yesterday but they did not see me, as I was in the carriage. The name of Mr. Moore's protégé is Agnes Anderson. I am glad to hear that the school is so full. I hope though that you will not undertake too much. Shall you have any new classes? And have Ozy and Green Alford entered?

I have been tolerably busy today, have got my brackets up, and the clock. It hangs over the wash stand just as it did in T. Haute only not so high. And the birds are on each side. Your picture and Anton's are over the mantel piece. I want to have a large picture framed for the center. Father's and Mother's are each side of the bureau, and Anna, Mimi, and Christian are by the door. I want a large picture each side of the bed, and I will arrange the others accordingly. Then Ma has been cutting out some work for me and I have begun, you see, to work on the little things.

You did not send back the postal order. Were you able to draw it? If not, send it down and Ma will send you another. If you do not need the rest that Ma owes you, I will keep it as I shall be obliged to get a few things. Postage stamps, paper and envelopes, sewing silk, etc. But if you do need it, let me know in your next letter and I can get what I need on credit or borrow from Pa if he has it, until you get your next pay. I am anxious however that out of the next money Mr. Kilbourne and Mr. Harvey shall be paid as far as possible. You may be sure that I shall try to avoid all extravagance, but I expect I shall be obliged to have some sewing done, as Ma says I cannot sew on the machine and I cannot expect her to do everything you know. Ma asks me to ask you if you will not go round by Goetz's and ask him to send his bill. She thinks Pa will get money soon and she wants to pay him immediately and she is not exactly certain about the price of the chairs.

I am glad to get such a nice letter from Anna, and I hope you will soon send me the other letters of which you spoke. I will write to Mimi as soon as I can. Certainly so it will reach her by her birthday. I have had the headache so badly today that I would not attempt to write. Now, dearest Hermann, I must stop writing not because I want to, but because I am afraid I cannot interest you. I believe I will enclose the letter which I was going to send by Houghton. Oh, my dear, dear Hermann, how often I think of the past three months. Shall we ever be as happy again or maybe happier? I miss you. I long for you. I can hardly live without you. A thousand kisses and love without measure from your loving wife Lou I intended writing more, but Brown is in a hurry to go to the office this morning so if possible I will write you again tomorrow. How I wish I could be with you on Sabbath. I suppose Mr. Wilson is with you this morning. Did you see the piece in the Sentinel from the Trustees and Faculty in relation to Mr. Gay? I have much more to say but have not time now. Dearest and best of husbands, I love you now and always. Anton is here talking as hard as he can. He sends love and says to tell you he has a parasol.

Transcription: Bloomington, April 1, 1875 [Thursday]

My dearest Hermann

I feel as if I must be writing to you all the time. I miss you so and long so for you and somehow these first spring days seem very sad and dreary. I believe I am getting melancholy. I did not know how hard it would be to live without you or I believe I never could have consented to come away. But it is done now and I must try to be as brave and cheerful as I can. And I will not distress you by telling you all my bad feelings. I don't want you to feel badly though I do want you to miss me and to long for me. But dear Hermann, if only I have your chief and best love then I can bear a great deal and I will be happy even if sometimes my spirits are depressed.

I have written you a long letter which I will send by mail today and which you will get tomorrow morning I hope. But I thought that if Mr. H. was going to day I would send this by him because you will get it a few hours sooner and I want you to feel that I think of you constantly and love you better than ever.

I know that you are very busy now but I feel very anxious to hear from you and I hope you will find time to write a little to me, and a good deal if possible. Tell me all about the school. I want to hear everything about you. Where are you? I feel very anxious that you should get a good place, don't talk about getting a cheap place. It will be cheaper in the end to have a good comfortable room. Besides in your position you must have a respectable place. My room is so nice, thanks to your love, that I shall feel badly if you are not nicely fixed too. I suppose that you will not stay much in your room however, but will be at the Normal or in the open air most of the time.

I will enclose Mr. Gay's notice of his speech. Brown and Dory were there. I didn't think he made very much by it.

The flowers came yesterday and are beautiful. They are all arranged in the table.

Mrs. Atwater came over this morning. They will soon move into one of these little houses just below us. They hope to have their new house done by the first of August.

Don't forget to destroy or keep my letters out of other hands. I send by Mrs. Wilson your night shirt and comb and brush. If you have already bought a brush you can send whichever one you choose back to me by Houghton. I hope and long for a letter today, but fear I shall be disappointed.

And now [4 German words] "Goodbye" [rest of sentence in German plus another short sentence]. Lou Goodbye—In a few hours you will receive this. With it goes my heart and love. Have you seen anything of that last picture I had taken and did I leave Father's and Anna's last pictures in the album? I will go up town after dinner and see about the Readers and send them as soon as I get four or five. I want to write tomorrow so that you will have a letter for Sabbath. I feel better today than yesterday and my face is better. This is a clear cool day. Write all about yourself and the school, dear Hermann. I want to know everything but I know you won't tell me all. I love you too much I fear.

My dear Hermann, This is another beautiful day. I think of you as busy in the school and wish, oh how much, that I could see you. But it will probably be long before I do for I don't suppose I could go to you unless I did so within a week or two. This morning a dispatch came and I thought perhaps you had sent for me to come up with Houghton or the Wilson's, but it was a dispatch saying that Arthur's father is very sick. Arthur has not come yet though. I suppose they did not know where to send a dispatch to find him. I would like to send a few lines by Houghton, if I was sure that he goes today just because you would get them a few hours sooner than if I send by mail and I think of you so constantly that I feel like writing all the time. I want to write to Mimi this week or the beginning of next week.

But now goodbye. Please [triple underlined] write me soon and often. I don't know how I can possibly do without you and letters too. [four German words] [German closing] Immer Lou

Transcription: Bloomington, April 2, 1875 [Friday]

My dear Hermann,

I sent you a letter today in which I told you that I would try to send you a letter tomorrow and in order to do so I must write tonight. I believe I have written to you almost every day since you left and indeed I feel like writing every day, but next week I think I shall be more moderate.

I went up town this afternoon and got one Whitney's Reader from Rene. I do not remember who were members of that class. At least I don't remember all. But I will inquire further tomorrow. Rene just got home from Indianapolis today. She has been there two weeks visiting Mayor Mitchell's wife.

I hope you are writing tonight to me so that I shall have a letter tomorrow. It will be too bad if I have to go over Sabbath without one. And then I hope you will write again Sabbath night. I hoped a little for a letter today, but I am very foolish to think that you can spend so much time writing to me. I know you are kept busy during the week. But then if on at least one of the evenings, Friday, Saturday and Sabbath, when you do have more leisure if you do not find time to write one good long letter you may be sure I shall be dreadfully jealous of something or somebody. It seems an age since you left and how I shall bear it thirteen weeks unless I hear from you often, I don't know. Oh, my dear, dear Hermann, you know how I love you. No you don't either, for I never can tell the half and I have a very poor way of showing my love. I have been thinking this evening how poorly I have always shown my love for you, in how many ways I have failed to express it, and often how unlovely I have appeared. I am too exacting I know. I know that I love you so entirely that I want to feel that you love me above all others, and I am so well aware of my own deficiencies compared with the excellencies of others whom you know and love that I feel quite cast down often. But dear Hermann, I did not intend to weary you with this stuff. This separation is so hard and sometimes I am afraid that you will get so used to being without me that you will not care for me again and then I think of the new bond which we hope will be between us when we are together again and I take courage.

Arthur has not yet come for Anton. I suppose he must have received news of his father's illness and hastened home. We have had no letter from there. We had a postal card from Toph today saying he would leave Philadelphia for B. March 30 and unless he stays some days in Muncie, I suppose he will be home tomorrow. Annie has not yet found out whether she enters the Prep or College. She is behind a little in Greek I believe, and considerably behind in Mathematics. Her Greek I believe she can soon bring up and it seems a great pity that she should fall behind a whole year on account of one study. She will have six months before the Fall in which to bring up Trigonometry and I believe she can easily do it. She and I are quite good friends—aren't you glad?

But my dearest Hermann, I will say good night. You will not want to hear from me often if I write such letters. Write me a description in full of your room. Tell me about the S.S. and the Services on Sabbath. How much I wish I could be with you. Do send me the other letters that you spoke of. Anna's is a sweet letter. I wish if all goes well that we could go to housekeeping and then that she could come over. Though I see it will be very hard for your Mother and Father to let her come.

Now I must soon go to bed. You don't know how lonesome it seems. Last night I slept pretty well, but the night before I woke up in the night and staid awake a long time and read awhile. But I remember what a "nuisance" I was. Now you are not bothered but perhaps you would be willing to have me with you sometimes, even if I am a nuisance. Wouldn't you? And now may you sleep well and dream of me. I won't always write such letters as this. My dearest Hermann good night. With love of your wife Lou

Sabbath night [April 4?] It is late dear Hermann, and I will only write a few lines tonight. I had my letter ready yesterday to send to you, but could not get it off. The mail goes out so soon and Brown was busy helping Ma. Dory and Dick were away. I made a mistake in thinking that they would certainly be at the depot to meet Toph whom we were expecting, but it proved that he was expected on the second train. I received your card and need not tell you that I was sorry not to get my letter, but I hope I shall not be again disappointed tomorrow. I hope you will lay in a supply of postage stamps so that I will not be obliged to wait for another letter. I will send you the letter I have written tomorrow. I don't believe it is any more cheerful than the last but I shall not have time to re-write. I shall try to do better in future, though sometimes a blue touch may creep in. But you may not feel badly on that account. I feel quite well now. I have written to Mimi and Aunt Eli. Four pages to Mimi and four to Aunt Eli. I wish you would tell me whether and when you have written home. Now I must say good night {German word} and must go to my lonely bed. Write just as often as you can. I was very thankful for the postal card yesterday. I have been thinking much about you today. I wonder whether you wished for me when you sat at the Communion table. How I wish I could have been there. Are you writing to me tonight? Or have you been walking and talking with some of your friends? Tell me all you do. Everything interests me. And now good night. Oh if I could only see you. Good night [three German words] Hermann. Lou

Monday morning Another bright day, though colder than yesterday. I forgot to say that Toph did not come on Saturday so we do not look for him before tomorrow. I have two Whitney's to send you and perhaps I can find a third. Do not look for a letter tomorrow as I may not write, unless your letter requires an answer. I hope you have written me a long letter. But now, goodbye my own dear Hermann. [two German words] Lou

Transcription: Terre Haute, Monday [April 3]

My sweet wife,

I wrote to you Friday and added to the letter last night, but cannot find it now. I suppose I must have left it in my desk at the Normal. Got your sweet letters this afternoon. I cannot tell you, my sweet Lou, how very much pleasure your letters give to me. I do not like this way of living at all, and I have to keep thinking of the cause of this separation for bearing it cheerfully. But for this I am very willing to bear it and you my sweet Lou should do so too and do it with good cheer, not have such strange thoughts that our separation might alienate us from each other. As for me it certainly can only unite us more, for every day I feel more what a treasure has been given to me in wife and how terribly lost a creature I would be without you. I trust and know my sweet wife that when this time is over I shall be to you a better and kinder husband. I am kept very busy. They have given me one of the institute classes, that keeps me going. Saturday I kept close in my room all day working at the record, except two hours in the afternoon when I went out to Heinl. He had just received 5 enormous boxes with plants from France. I bought from the stock 1 cut leaved birch, 1 Magnolia, 1 Maiden hair tree, and one other plant, I have now forgotten what it was. They will probably arrive together with this letter. Take good care of them. They are babes yet and strangers and need care. You want to know all about my room my Lou. I think it is very pretty. Not quite so large as our old one. Has three windows, one to the street and two west, the one to the south opens to the porch from the floor, and may be used as door, like the Grundhof Garden room. There is a beautiful carpet in the room and very pretty paper, somewhat like yours. Our book case stands in the one corner, our trunk in the other. In one of the back corners a very pretty sofa with a marble topped table before it, over it our picture and opposite a double bedstead, a perfect mockery in my present circumstances. A beautiful Madonna being in the room but Mrs. Masts did not think it suited well to the picture of the reformation opposite and took it away. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were in my room this evening and found it very pretty. They have landed at Mrs. Ash. I eat still at Mrs. Smith's. The room there upstairs is at present occupied by Mr. Alford and a graduate from Asbury, Mr. Morris. Both are very valuable additions to my Latin class, but it took me some fight to get them in. The president would not admit them under any other conditions but as members of the preparatory sections. They both take it very cheerfully and think that thus it is the best for them. [four words undecipherable] We have over 90 new students and no room to seat them. Mr. Howe went away today. He preached a very excellent sermon yesterday, but asked me as he went to keep the Bible class and I suppose I shall have to do so. I had a very good class yesterday, but the communion did not seem to me the right thing without you my sweet wife. Mrs. Byers sends her love. Her children this evening were very eagerly at work with letter writing but would not tell me to whom, maybe you will find it out before me. She told me this evening in German the story about the man that wanted to see a freemason and did it very well. Mr. Goetz did not give me his bill but told me it was $65. I wish your mother would send it to me since I have given him my note. I gave him Saturday $25. Your mother may give that to you, and send only $40. Paid Saturday Heinl's bill $5.90. Mr. Hendricks said this evening that $1 was due to him and I paid him. Enclosed $20 for incidentals and a sweet letter from Mimi. Good night my beloved sweet wife. I have written in a terrible hurry but could not help it. Ten kisses for you and love to all from your husband.

Transcription: Terre Haute, Tuesday [April 6, 1875] My sweet wife,

I have just been writing an hour on a letter home, but will not go to bed without having thanked you for your letter. It is a very pleasant arrangement that now I receive your letters a few hours after they have been written. I usually go to the post office before I go to supper. Never open the letters at once, but first take my supper and after that sit down on the porch and read and enjoy myself hugely. There are always a great many questions about you and a great deal of love sent to you, which, however, I almost always forget. Today both Miss Bruce and Miss Donelly asked to be especially remembered to you. The president has become quite anxious about you since he knows what is the matter—to him it is a matter of profound interest for he regards regeneration in the faculty as necessary for the prosperity of the institution. A young lady from the Freshman class, I forget her name, was in the Normal yesterday all day, and I intended to send by her some flowers for you and the [papooses?] for our boy but could not get the things together in time. I believe in my last I forgot to thank Anton for his nice little letter. Do it now for me, tell him that his Uncle Herman has got his letter, thinks it is very nice, is very glad to hear that he is a good boy and sends him five big kisses. Send the Whitneys tomorrow my Lou, if you can. I am very anxious to get them, and if your father will let me have for a week the Hanne Nüte from Tritz Reutes, belonging to the library I wish you would send that too. I do not find the pictures to the "bell"—have you taken them with you? If so please send them. I am going to read the poem with my class and want them to see the pictures as we go along. I have as yet paid neither Mr. H. nor Mr. Narry but will do so tomorrow. Tell your mother that there is no hurry whatever about the money, but if occasionally you would give a hint to [?] that [two words] was by no means a present to her, and that she now has kept it long enough, you would oblige me. Give my love to Toph and write me how he looks, talks and acts. I send you today another one of those sweet letters from home, this time [sentence and closing in German] H.

[enclosed with the above is the following letter, dated March 3, 1875, from Germany] Wednesday Kiel, March 3, 1875

My dear Hermann and my dear Lou!

Because today I am not at school and therefore I have plenty of time to write, I will attempt to comfort you a little in your distress over the provoking letters from Norburg. I have attempted to write in English, because I know, that you, dear Hermann, always want to see our progress at school, and I hope that you will not be disappointed by plenty of faults. We really all of us feel very sorry to have reproached you so much for want of writing letters, and particularly mamma is very sorry for it. Last time, when she sent us your letters, she wrote that she was very unhappy because there were still two such letters following. But really you must not take it so very near, my dear ones, because we now do repent it already very much and you can be sure, that it will not happen again. But it was also very remarkable that there were no letters arriving from you during five months, dear Hermann, and that all these were lost!

I am writing on our dear Anton's death day today and I feel sure that, though we all are so very distant from another, our thoughts will be together. I do still think so very, very often of him, and aunt Eli and I have spoken very much of him in these last days. It still always seems very hard to me, if I think, that really I shall never see his dear face again, but I believe like her, that it is much better so, and that he is much happier now than he would ever have been on this earth. How I wish I could be like him! He was so very good. I have never before known how dear he really has been to me!

I have been ill for some weeks ago. I do not quite know what has been the matter with me, but I do not visit school still. We have had very bad weather during all this time, so that I am almost glad I was obliged to keep within doors.

But today it is so delightful weather, that I hope the physician will allow me to go out for the first time.

I see in your letter, dear Lou, that you want to know what Christmas presents we have got from the money you sent, but I do not write it again because I hope you have received the letter in which I have described our Christmas to you. We have still a picture from you and one from Hermann which has remained from those you sent to mamma's birthday and we should like to know what to do with it. I sent two to Grundhof, Tante Eli has got two and mamma got two and now there are still two remaining.

Some time ago Mrs. Petersen read an English poem to us. Perhaps you do know it: "Enoch Trden" from Tennyson. It is very long, and she read it only once and then charged us with writing it again in form of a letter. It was not so very easy especially because she did not read very distinctly. I remembered over twenty pages of it. Now I am very anxious to know whether Mathilde will be content with it or not. I hope the first, because I have taken great pains with it. Since Christmas we always have so many compositions: German, French and English, one after another. The theme of the last German composition was not so very easy: "[7 German words]" Do you not think it a remarkable one?

Yesterday I had a very great surprise, which I must tell you. Tante Eli came in and gave me a parcel in which when I untied it, a book was lying. It was a very beautiful one, a splendid edition of Spitta's "[3 German words]" It came from Miss Nissen, an old lady in Neustadt, who visited Tante Eli for some weeks last summer. She is nearly deaf and blind, her one eye being of quite away, and with the other she can only see very little. She lives quite alone and gains her sustenance by knitting for money. Was not that very kind of her, to send me this book? I suppose she has meant that I should be confirmed at Eastern? But now, dear Hermann and Lou, I must cease. I cannot write so long still. I hope this letter will reach you and that you write soon to me again. It is so long since I have got a letter from you for myself. I remain, in love, your sister Marie Boisen

Transcription: Bloomington, April 7, 1875 [Wednesday] My dearest Hermann:

Yesterday I received your dear and welcome letter. I was much disappointed that one did not come Monday, but when one did come the disappointment was forgotten. I hope however that if you find the lost letter you will send it no matter if it is old or if you have written some of the same things in yesterday's letter. It is sufficient that it is from you. I write now in great haste as it is mail time almost and Dick is about ready to take my letter. Ma will send you the money for the chairs soon. She is so busy with house cleaning today that she has not time to attend to it. She has fixed the postal order I believe. I am very much obliged for the $20. How about Mr. Kilbourn? And how about Ma's bill from Heinl? She wants to know what her share is.

Mimi's is a sweet letter. I had just sent one to her, and the picture too. Ola Willson was down yesterday. I told her about Mimi wanting Enoch Arden. She said she had a copy in German which you had given her but she had never read it yet.

I suppose you have seen the letters which Mr. Gay has published. I heard yesterday that Walker the butcher had asked him to pay his meat bill several times and he did not do it. At last Walker said he would sue him, and he told Walker to go ahead, and he did so, but found that Gay had made everything over to his wife so that it did no good.

Dr. Owen has his wife here now but we have not seen her yet. I went to Anna's yesterday. I must stop. Would write more but am afraid I shall make my letter too late. Intended writing last night but had one of my faint spells and so did not feel as if I could do it.

Will try to give you a better letter next time. The shrubs have not come from Heinl yet. I have only succeeded in getting two Whitney's. Shall I send them? Write just as soon and as often as you can, my dearest Hermann. I love you with all my heart. Lovingly and hastily Your Lou

Transcription: Bloomington, April 8, 1875 [Thursday] [German greeting, two words]

How glad I was to get a letter from you this evening! I ought hardly to try to answer it now for I am so tired that I feel blue. I haven't been doing any hard work, so you need not feel alarmed when I say I am tired. I have only been looking over old letters. I intend to burn the most of them, but do not like to do so without first examining them somewhat and I find it very tedious.

At last we have all the rooms papered. Aunt Emma's, the back parlor, and the dining room. I believe the paper which you liked best is the prettiest, that which is in the back parlor. But I think they are all very pretty. The house of course is still in confusion. Ma is fixing the carpet in the dining room tonight and hopes to have that room in order tomorrow. But it will take longer to fix the library and as it has been papered as well as painted she does not intend to move down till either Saturday or next week. So that leaves Aunt Emma and Annie still unsettled. Annie slept with me last night. Lizzie Hughes and Alice Richards were here to call on me and Annie today. College opened today. I do not know how many new students there were. Profs Ballantine and Kirkwood were absent, attending Presbytery. Prof. Atwater has not moved yet. I believe you know that they intend moving on the next street so they will be quite near neighbors. Their house is to be done in August. It will be quite an undertaking for her to move as she is not able to go about much. Mrs. Miers, I am told, is also in a condition to sympathize with me!

Little Anton is with us still and is as sweet as ever. We have not heard from Mag since Monday. When she wrote she said she did not think Arthur's father would live till morning.

Toph has not changed much in appearance. He is somewhat thinner than he was. He has gone to work in the garden. He thinks he will go to Muncie in about two weeks, and he says he wants to get things in order before he goes.

I believe I have been able to translate Tante Eli's letter correctly. Her writing is not so easy for me to read and I may have made some mistakes. How good she is. I am so sorry that they now trouble themselves in Norburg over the letters they have written us. I don't wonder that they wrote just as they did, for I know they felt very anxious.

I will try to send the Whitney's tomorrow if I can get them off in time. If not, the day after. I believe I brought [German title, two words] home with me but I haven't seen it any where. Every thing is in so much confusion. If I can find it I will send it too, but I want you to take the most excellent care of it. It was given me by my dear husband before I had any thought that he would ever be my husband, and I think so much of it that I can hardly bear to have it touched by strange hands. The binding you know is not very substantial and it requires very careful handling. I do indeed prize it exceedingly, but I know you will be very careful of it. It and the picture and [three German words, a title] and "Among the Hills" I want you to keep always if I am taken from you. There may be other things too, but those I think of just now.

I do not understand what you said about not having paid Mr. Harvey yet. Did you mean for the bedstead and bureau? I did not think you would have enough money this time, but it will be a good thing if you have enough to pay some at least. I think you are doing splendidly in the money line. The mattress has not come yet. Ma got a letter from Mr. Harvey the other day, in which he said that the stuff it was wrapped in was worth $1.00 and she could either send the money to him or send back the stuff. We waited a few days thinking the mattress would be here, but as it did not come, Pa sent a card yesterday saying the matter would be attended to when the mattress came. We think it may have gone to Bloomington, Illinois. Pa will send the money for the chairs soon. I am very glad that you do not need it all now, for they are not going to be able to draw their salary next month and Pa has been already obliged to pay $107 for taxes, so that he won't have much to go on for a while. I shall not need the money just now, as you were so generous in sending money besides, so that we can just let the $25 go on the debt, or if you need it, I can get along without this $20 for the present. But, my dearest Hermann, what a long letter I am writing. Yet as I told you before, I feel like writing to you every day. I think of so many things to say but the trouble is that I can't half say them when I write. I miss you every moment. If I get over this I do not think that I shall ever again be willing to be parted from you for so long a time, even in a like emergency. I need you more now than ever. I did not realize how much I relied upon you and how much strength I received from being with you. I feel sometimes that my heart is too much bound up in you and I am utterly cast down when I feel that I can not be to you what you are to me. Perhaps I am wrong in these feelings. And I think that, if the Good God spares my life I will be like another creature. As for you, dear Hermann, it seems to me that you can never be to me a "kinder and better husband" than you have been during these last three months. Only sometimes have I wished that you could have more confidence in me, and tell me things that I knew were in your heart. But I tried to get over the hurt feeling and I believe I succeeded in a very short time, for I could always feel and remember how much I had. But I am writing now in a way you will not like, I fear, so no more of it. It is getting late and I will not write more. I am glad you gave me so full a description of your room. Are the two windows on the east or west? I suppose you are with Mr. Statz who lives near the corner of 7th. I don't know where the other one lives. The shrubs came today, but so late--the train was behind time—that we have not yet opened them. And now my best beloved [a German phrase]. Write as often as you can to Your Lou

Friday [April 9] 11 ½ o'clock. I find, dear Hermann, upon reading this letter over that it is rather incoherent and not at all the kind of one I intended to write, but I was so very tired, and I wanted to talk to my other half so much that I wrote on, without taking enough pains. I do not think I can get the books off today. I asked Pa about Fritz Renter. He doesn't very much like to send the Library books out of the town, so as soon as you finish with it, please send it and also [ Coriane?] back. I will try to get them off tomorrow. I feel better today than yesterday. I had a good nights rest last night. If not disappointed as I was last Sabbath, I will send you a better letter tomorrow. I have had no letter yet from Nettie and Gertie. Give my best love to Mrs. Byers and all friends. Ever and always, Lou

Transcription: Bloomington, April 10, 1875 [Saturday]

My dear Hermann:

Yesterday I sent you a long letter, but a very poor one. Whether this will be any improvement on it remains to be seen.

Anton has just come into the room looking for his wagon. When I asked him what I should tell Uncle Hermann for him, he said, "Tell him I'm a good boy and I send him three big kisses." He often says he is Uncle Hermann's boy. We shall miss him very much when he goes. He said the other day, "What will you do without me?" I said, "I don't know." He said, "You'll have to get a little colored baby." I don't know what ever put such an idea in his head. [German sentence.] That is wrong isn't it? Should be subj. should it not? [referring to the German]

I have not yet quite finished assorting my old letters, but I hope to finish today. I do not like the work. It makes me feel sad to look over the letters of friends that are dead or far away. I shall burn most of them, though I dislike to do so.

This is a cool, bright day. I suppose you are spending the morning at the Normal, as you usually do on Saturday. Have you many of the new scholars in your classes? And have you still the same five classes that you had last session and the Institute class in addition? I do not exactly understand what is meant by an Institute class. How is Mr. Wilson succeeding?

I had just written so far, dearest Hermann, when Ma received a dispatch from Muncie saying, "Come on first train. Maggie has dysentery and we fear fever." How I feel, how we all feel you may know. I stopped writing immediately in order to help Ma get ready and now I have only time to finish this letter very hurriedly. I shall try my best to get the books off today, but I cannot send you Fritz Renter. I asked Pa yesterday to see about it and he forgot and he promised to do it this morning, but in his distress when we sent for him, of course he did not think of it. If you still desire it, I can send it next week by mail.

I feel only too anxious about Mag. She must be very sick for Arthur to send for Ma. She was not well before she went into the country to see and help when old Mr. Mellette was sick and I suppose she has over exerted herself. I am so much afraid that I cannot write it. My dear, only sister, my good unselfish, precious Mag. Oh Hermann, the shadow of a great sorrow rests over us. I must not write more. I am sure you will write to me immediately and I will keep you informed of all we hear. My dearest Hermann, my beloved husband, your love is my most precious treasure. Love me always. Do not forget me. You are always in my thoughts. Ever faithfully and truly Your Lou

I hoped to have written you a cheerful happy letter today, but I know you will feel as I do. All send love. You can imagine, dear Hermann, what a commotion we are in. Ma is just going and I have only time to say again, Good bye. Write soon, dearest Hermann Lou Monday I will look for a good, long letter. You will have time on Sabbath to write.

Transcription: Behnstrasse 33, Altona, April 11, 1875 [several German words]

Dearest Lou,

I daresay you have left me a very long time without any answer, and if I did not know of your existence by other people's letters, I would think that you have no mind to keep up your transatlantic correspondence. But as I know that and moreover that you have much to do and cares for the future, I will send you just a little remembrance of my (4 letter word) amiable self, begging you not to forget it, amiable as it may be, but to reserve a warm little spot in your heart for your (same 4 letter word) cousin, which you know I am, since you have not only got your husband, but all what belongs to him. I have much thought and cared for you, since Hermann's last letter home, or the last I have seen at any rate for it is very probable that he has written sundry more since that time, in which he announced that great event which would probably take place. I hope that you will not be so weak as you were last year, dear Lou, and that the troubles of dislodging etc. may not have overtired you. Your letters seemed to imply that you were, both of you, very happy. God grant that there may never be a day where you may not feel so. It is such good thing to feel oneself happy and to see that others are so too! Hermann has, I believe, somehow the gift of happiness and you that one of trust which generally is a more female gift, and if it is very great, is the purest and safest happiness that a human being can feel.

I really scarcely know what I write. My head is a little dizzy as is often the case now that I use it more. It is no very agreeable sensation, especially as it is inevitable as soon as I begin to write a letter. A reason for my limiting the extent of my present correspondence. I have felt it very much when I was at home for the Easter vacation because I was then at rest and I could give way. Then it wore away, but as soon as I resumed my daily occupation, my books and my lessons and my exercises to correct and so on, there it is again, making me uncomfortable and quite a chaos of my letters. So you see, I am not responsible neither of the confusion of my thoughts nor of the forgetting the rules of that beloved English grammar which I taught last quarter to a hand of nearly grown-up girls which did anything but listen as I was not able to keep them in order which is a shame as Hermann will say. I am quite of his opinion and have felt miserable enough about it.

If it was not that I am nearly unable to keep my classes in order and attention I would like my new occupation very much. I like books, and like to learn and I should like to teach if it was not for I had one difficult point which I try hard to overcome. I have got admonitions enough to keep up my courage to do my best to govern. I have many children, very nice children in the whole, but naughty as soon as I have got them. But I have nearly lost every hope to master that stupid disposition which makes me unable to do my duty. This half I have got very few lessons comparatively spoken, and very easy lessons too as I am reduced to the little classes, being quite unable to teach in the great ones, at least for a time. I must acquire more—"contrive" and more composedness and so on; and that is the reason of my having less to do. If it was not that one miserable feeling, I would like very much to be here. The three ladies who are at the head of the school, three sisters from 38-48, are very kind, very learned, very gay, and very amusing when they chose to. I really like them and would that I did not make so many blunders as I do, if it was only for their sake. I have a very pretty little bedroom for myself, and a drawing room with the governess, the young lady who takes care of and surveys the children who are boarding here. I have much leisure time and all is quite as I could wish so that in the whole I could be very happy.

And now, my dear, I have said enough about myself. You will prefer to hear a bit about my dear old home, I think. Papa has been pretty well this winter, not so mama. But as that is an old thing, it is of no use to enlarge on the subject. They have had a somewhat long and tiresome winter, but it is nearly [There may be a sheet missing here. Following is what is written in the margins of the above sheet, which does not seem to complete this last sentence.] I know that they always long for letters at home. I can hardly picture to myself how I shall be able to overcome these ten weeks of school, mastering, but some time or other they will be over. I think I would that I was here a little longer and could feel more sure of myself and of my doings. As it is, I am always a little in awe before the three ladies, which is not very comfortable. But my paper is at an end. Give my love to Hermann, write to me as soon as you can and do not quite forget Your affectionate F

Transcription: Sabbath night [April 11, 1875] My dear sweet wife:

I was in the Lutheran church this evening. After that finished my letter home, and it is quite late now. My thoughts, my sweet Lou, have been with you all day long. Sabbath is the day where I miss you more than ever, and I feel quite forlorn in the church without my wife at my side. I do not wonder the least, my Lou, that you feel blue and melancholy at times. I feel a good deal that way myself. I often wonder that I do not look forward with greater joy at the unspeakable happiness that awaits us through your first-born, if everything goes well, but there lies before it that great mountain of your suffering that shuts off the view of the pleasure that lies beyond. Sometimes a terrible anguish befalls me for you. Night before last there stood before me all night the picture of that poor man with a babe in his arms, whom we saw in the cars on our way to Europe—Somehow or other he looked like myself, and I shuddered at the thought what a miserable, forlorn creature I would be without my wife. I had to get up and pray that such terrible afflictions be spared to us. And I never before have felt as I did then, the power of earnest prayer. I slept well after that, till morning, and in my dream saw myself again, with a babe in my arms, but in joyful frolic and its mother's sweet face smiling at our happiness. Ever since then I had a joyful assurance that all would go well, but my sweet wife, let us never forget that we shall do both, pray and watch ourselves, and how much really does depend upon our own courage and cheerfulness. Look often at those sweet Raphael's faces, my Lou, and oftener still at that ideal of all childhoods loveliness, your sisters boy. There is a babe now at Mrs. Smiths and a very pretty one too, belonging to a Mrs. Harper who with her husband has taken the middle room. She says she is a classmate of yours from Bloomington—has lived near the Second Presbyterian Church ever since we have been here, and often tried to find you, but has never been able to find out where we lived. She is from Muncie and knows all about Mag and her children. Sends you her love now. So does Mrs. Finney with whom I had a long talk today. Our new minister preached his first sermon today and a very excellent one too. We are all greatly pleased. I think I should like him still better if he did not look quite so much like Mr. Shepherd. Mr. Kilbourn is paid $10. Mr. Harvey not yet, and I do not know if I shall be able to pay him this time. There comes upon me an unforeseen extra expense for a new pair of breeches. I ran to Mrs. Byer's room in hurry from the Normal last Friday morning to get her [?] Grammar, and in trying to climb that abominable fence I burst a hole in my Sunday pantaloons big enough for Dr. Nutt to fall through. I could not think of risking to my den in that condition and had to go to Mr. Alford's room and squeeze myself into an old pair of his. That he was not a little surprised to see me in his breeches you may well imagine. But the sad fact of the matter is that I shall have to get a new pair.

Gertie was writing to you this afternoon but had to lie down after every two, three lines. The poor little thing was quite unwell. The whole family is unwell except Nettie. I wish very much that you had been here last Friday and witnessed the opening of Heinl's establishment. It is most beautiful, a model of taste, and far exceeding my expectations. The azaleas form a beautiful group. How are yours? Write me about your flowers my Lou. About our garden, how far are things? Does the wisteria commence to climb? Here the Japan quince will bloom in a few days. I think Tuesday. The young gardener that takes care of Mr. Heinl's establishment, a very amiable and quite well educated young man, Anton Tieke, rooms at Mr. Staats too and I learn a great deal from him. Besides there rooms here a Mr. Leanhardt from Alsace, who speaks a most elegant French and so does Mr. Staats. I use every opportunity to improve my French and feel that I profit considerable from my stay in this house. Whitney's readers have not yet come. I sincerely trust hope and expect that they will be here tomorrow. And now good night, my sweet wife. Write me precisely as you do now. Never fear such a thing that your letters won't please me. I want to know your utmost thoughts and cannot tell you how much pleasure I derive from your sweet letters just as they are. Good night, my girl. Love to all. Kiss Anton, and be kissed all over from your husband

Transcription: Terre Haute, Monday [April 12, 1875]

My sweet Lou,

Both those dear letters of yours were received today and also the package with the books. I have no time to answer now, but will only thank you and let you know that my thoughts are with you. I was greatly relieved by the conclusion of your last letter concerning our Magg. I did not stop to finish the letter, but had sent a dispatch to Muncie inquiring after M. before I came to the end. I think I shall have an answer tomorrow. If I had read all of your letter first I would not have done so. Mrs. Byers says there is no other sickness upon which proper nursing has such influences and that Magg will have that now you know. Keep yourself quiet and trusting, my sweet wife, for your own sake and that of your child. I am almost more anxious for you than for Magg and pray you again and again my Lou to be careful while your mother is not with you. If you possibly can send Hanne Nüte tomorrow, and continuing to write you so faithfully my sweet girl, you cannot imagine what a wonderful source of happiness and delight your letters are to me, and I see from the letter how the writing itself is to you a pleasure and comfort. Good night, my sweet, sweet girl, my dearest Lou. With all my heart, Your husband The latest here is that Mr. Byers has bought Mr. Denia's Bookstore, is going to give up teaching with [two words], and is now spending his free time selling papers and books. What do you think of that?

Transcription: Bloomington, Sabbath night [April 11-13, 1875]

My dearest Hermann:

I wonder if you are writing to me tonight. I do hope that you are. I keep hoping that last week's letter will come yet. I am sure there were many things in it that I wanted to know. I have been writing to Anna tonight and hope to send the letter tomorrow or day after. I would have written sooner, but have felt too anxious about Dory to write a decent letter, as you can testify. Now Ma is home and we hope he is getting well so I hope we won't need to worry any more. He is not yet able to sit up. I cannot tell you how he has enjoyed those splendid oranges which you sent him, dear Hermann. How thoughtful and kind it was in you. I had been thinking whether there was anything which I could send for, for him. He was not able to eat anything for several days, but I thought we could get oranges here. When we sent up for them there were none at Rott's and Brown got some poor little things at the P.O. and so yours were just in time. Dory was very much pleased. He says he never saw more beautiful ones or better ones. He ate two yesterday and two today. That is, he sucks them.

Yesterday Pa found Fritz Renter and I suppose you will receive it tomorrow. I made three calls yesterday. Went to Lizzie Hunter's, Mrs. Thompson's, Dr. Dodds's. Annie went with me. McNutt lectured at Chapel today. I suppose you are home from church by this time, dear Hermann, if you went. How I wish I could look in upon you. I do so often in imagination, but it would be much nicer to do so in reality. Now, my Hermann, my beloved, Good night. May your sleep be sweet and refreshing. I love you "more than tongue can tell." No hyperbole.

[three German words]

I have just finished my letter to Anna and I cannot go to sleep my dear one without writing at least a few lines to thank you for the dear letter received today. When I got it I felt almost afraid to open it, it seemed so thin. I thought it must be very short and perhaps you were sick. I was therefore agreeably disappointed when I found that, although not as long as my letters to you, it was far more interesting, and of pretty good length.

Dory continues to improve. He sat up about five minutes today. We have not heard from Mag yet and we feel quite anxious to get a letter. You do not know, dear Hermann how glad I feel that there is some prospect of your coming down to see me. I am sure you cannot enjoy the thought of it half as much as I do. To think that in less than a week you may be lying here at my side! But I must not feel sure about it you say, so I will moderate my transports.

I wish I had accomplished more during these four weeks of our separation but having sickness in the house and Ma being away, I have done very little. I find I shall be able to sew very little. I have such a pain in my side when I sit for any length of time that Ma says she will sew for me and I can do some things about the house. I expect it is a good thing for me to be obliged to exercise, otherwise I might stay in the house too much. Some of my sewing I will put out of the house. But I am at the end of this sheet and as it is late I will finish tomorrow. I am so glad you mentioned our reading the lessons together. I had been intending to ask you if you would not. I have just finished this eve's reading. We need to ask counsel of God as Manoah and his wife did. My dear, dear Hermann, Good night Lou Anton says such funny things sometimes. He said something to me the other day which I cannot write, but will keep till I see you. Poor Mag before Ma left asked her to take Anton and the baby if she should not recover, but I hope she will be spared to raise them to manhood. I shall always feel though, it seems to me, that Anton is partly ours.

[The following two sheets were separated from the above, but from context must be from April 12 &13, 1875, and I believe were originally part of the above letter as Lou often wrote for several days before sending her letter. )

[Monday night, April 12] This afternoon I received your letter written last night. Thank you very much for it. We did not get a letter today but Mrs. Dunn got one from Bun and she and Miss Mary Maxwell came over to call on me and to let us hear from Mag. The letter was written Sabbath. Mag was much better but had been very sick for two or three days. Ma had just arrived that morning. They were still in the country. Old Mr. Mellette was better so that his recovery is hoped for. I suppose they will bring Mag in home as soon as she can be moved. I was very much agitated and distressed at first, but no harm came of it. I keep pretty well generally. I did have cramp in my foot and let from the knee down very badly one or two nights, and as Ma said she had had it at such times, tho later, I feared I was going to suffer from it every night. But I have not had it for nearly a week.

I will try to send the book tomorrow but don't be disappointed if it does not come. Pa does not get home till late and it was too late this evening when I got your letter to send over after it. And then it is often hard to get letters to the train even. And you know the book must go through the P.O. Dinner is not generally ready before 12 ½ and the train goes at 1 ¼, so that it makes a terrible hurry to get up in time, as the boys are not home till about dinner time. But if I can send it, you may be sure I will, and if not tomorrow, then next day.

I suppose the Mrs. Harper you speak of was formerly Ida Husted. I knew her. She was for a short time in our Trigonometry class and was counted a Sophomore. She was quite smart I believe. I knew she lived in Terre Haute but I had forgotten her married name.

I forgot to say that I would have paid the expressage on the Readers but I had no change and was in too great a hurry to get any. Pa told me to tell you that he would send you the $40 as soon as he could, but he had to give Ma money to go to Muncie, $20. And then has $65 which he feels obliged to pay for the College. He promised it and now is not able to get enough from the treasury by $65. He says he hopes to have it by the first of May but if you need it now, he will try to borrow it.

I am so sorry to hear that Gertie is not well. I hope they will all feel better soon, but I fear Mrs. Byers will be completely worn out by the end of the session. Is it really true that Mr. Byers intends taking the bookstore?

I am glad you like the new minister. Is he married, and what is his name?

I believe I will enclose a little note in this to Mrs. Wilson, which I wish you would be sure to hand to Mr. W for her. I wrote to her in order to send some money which Pa owed Mr. W. for a map and at the same time I asked her to match some calico for me. I knew you wouldn't know about it and Mrs. B always is so tired when she comes home and has so much to do that I thought I wouldn't trouble her this time. I received the calico yesterday, but have had no letter from Mrs. W. so I will just send a little note of thanks and the postage through you.

And now, my dearest Hermann, I will close this letter. Dear little Anton has been with me all day and he sends you six kisses. He is so sweet. He had me today "playing" that I was sick and he was the doctor. He would bring me the Ammonia and the Camphor to smell every two or three minutes. Last night when Aunt E and I were alone in the room with him, he got the Bible and read very solemnly out of it for awhile and then wanted us to kneel down. Indeed you may well believe that I look at him, and every morning before I rise, I take a long look at the cherubs.

But it is late and I must close.

With love exceeding and unspeakable

Your wife Louise

Tuesday afternoon [April 13, 1875]

I sent a letter to you yesterday my dear Hermann, and yesterday I received one from you. I felt like writing immediately, but thought I had better give you a little rest. I had sent you a hasty letter on Saturday thinking you would get it either Saturday evening or Sabbath morning but as you did not mention having received it and did not say anything about Mag's sickness, I think it could not have reached you.

What a dear good letter yesterday's was, dearest Hermann. I did not deserve such tenderness in return for my wretchedly despondent letter but you are always good to me. I do not always feel quite so blue and if I was with you I don't believe I would be so at all. Of course I would think sometimes of the great uncertainty of the result, but the hardest thing for me now is this separation from you and the thought that even in the hour of extreme anguish you may not be able to be with me and that if I should die, I may not be permitted to see you again. But I shall try not to give up to such thoughts. Only I pray that I may be prepared for whatever may be before me. I have thus far been spared so much pain that other women suffer and I have so much around me to comfort me and make me happy that I ought not to complain of the one thing, my dear husband's presence is wanting, since I know he loves me and thinks of me. For your sake, for your love, dear Hermann, I can bear the pain. If God in mercy spares my life and that of our child, I hope I may prove myself more worthy of your love and may be a wise and loving Mother.

I had to laugh aloud at your account of the tearing of our Sunday breeches. I knew you would have to get another pair this spring, but I am sorry that you have to get another broadcloth pair. I think you will have to get a full spring suit. If you had only had that other pair cleaned you need not have worn the black ones and then the new suit could have been bought somewhat later. But it is no use lamenting what "might have been." I don't see how you could possibly decently have squeezed into Alford's pants.

Did Mr. Kilbourne's bill only amount to $10 in all? I thought it would be at least $15, and at the most not over $17. It won't matter about Harvey's so much I suppose if you can pay him by the 17th of May. He gave you 60 days and we bought March 17th. I wish if you see him that you would speak to him about the mattress. It will be too bad if Ma does not get it and it will be his fault, for he said the one he had would fit and if this one don't come it will through some mistake of his.

I wish I could have seen the opening of Heinl's establishment. My flowers are all looking very well. The Azaleas are almost out of bloom. The Fuchsia marginata which Heinl sent has quite a large bud on it. The Geranium Jean Sisley is in bloom. Thank him especially for the Master Christine which he sent, for my large one which seemed to be alive when you were here has since died. The weather has been so cold for some days that things have stopped growing out of doors, almost. The Wisteria has not a single green leaf on it yet. I begin to fear that it is not the Chinese but the American which is much later and not so beautiful. Our Japan quince is in bud. The crocuses seem nearly all to have died out. I had the cut leaved birch planted out in the shrubbery, but the other things were so small and tender that I thought it best to plant them in pots at first. The Magnolia looks well and the Acuba Japonica [evergreen shrub], the Asclepia [milkweed] is growing. But the Sweet Bay and Maidenhair do not look so well.

Love to Mrs. Byers and all friends. I dreamed of Misses Reddick Bruce and Fanelle not long since. I believe I won't enclose the note to Mrs. W. as I think I may hear from her today and it will be best for me to acknowledge her kindness directly. I dream of you every night I believe. Write to me as soon as you can. Your letters are my greatest delight in my separation from you. What are you going to do with Fritz Renter? But now, I must not write all morning. I will send the book if I get it in time. My dearest Hermann, write very soon a long letter to your loving wife, Lou

Transcription: Thursday [April 15?, 1875] Dear Hermann, I write only a few lines to tell you that Pa could not find Fritz Renter. He says he looked carefully over all the books in the Library. I am not able to go over to look for it or perhaps I could find it, as I know just how it looks. I am very sorry to disappoint you but cannot help it. We received a postal card from Ma. Mag was much better and they hoped to be able to bring her to Muncie soon. Old Mr. M[ellette] they thought would hardly live through the day—Monday. I received Gertie's nice little letter yesterday and will answer as soon as I can. Anna B is spending the day with me. Mrs. F and Rene were here this morning. I will try to write tomorrow or Saturday. Write as soon as possible.

Transcription: Bloomington, Friday April [16] 1875

My dearest Hermann,

Yesterday I sent you a card to tell you that the book could not be found. Pa looked over all the books in the library. I am sorry that you should be disappointed and so is Pa. I am not able to go over as I told you yesterday, but don't think now that I am very sick. I am up and about. I have been suffering from neuralgia, and that you know is not dangerous only painful. I suppose I must have caught cold in some way. This is one of the most disagreeable days, it seems to me, that we have had yet. The wind is blowing and moaning and sighing around the house and it is snowing. Every green leaf and every flower that has been bold enough to make its appearance is frozen I fear. The worst of it is I fear that all the fruit which the cold winter spared is now killed. The apple and pear and plum trees were almost in bloom.

The mail has just been brought from the office. No letter from you, my Hermann, but a paper, the Post. I thought it had stopped coming as the time was out. You need not forward it, it isn't worth it. But let me know if it continues to come and I will stop it. The Golden Age still comes. We received also the "Muncie Times" which contained a notice of the death of Mr. Mellette. He died on Wednesday. We have not heard again from Ma. I am afraid that they will not be able to get Mag home if the weather continues so bad.

I had a letter from Mrs. Wilson yesterday. She don't like the dust and dirt of T. H. any better than I do, but thinks she will like the place after she gets used to it, i.e. dirt and dust.

I had a very pleasant day with Anna yesterday. I was very glad she happened to come. She has been to see Mrs. Owen and says she is the perfect image of melancholy. She can talk and think of nothing but her own troubles and don't seem to want any cheerful person about her. Old Mr. Gay was there. Whether his presence was as cheerful as his name I can't say. Anna asked me if I had heard of the story he has on her. It is: Meeting Mrs. Taylor on the street one day, he asked her to come to some meeting. She said she could not as she had an engagement. He asked what engagement? And she said, "To meet with the 'Musical Association.'" And he said, "Madam, do you know for what purpose that has been formed?" She replied, "I presume I do, to practice and improve ourselves in Music." "No, Madam," he said, "a young lady who belongs told another young lady that they only wanted to flatter you and get around you so that you would come to the Presbyterian Church!" "Do you take me for a fool and an idiot?" she said. "Don't you think I know what I'm doing? You might just as well say that I am trying to get them into the Episcopal Church. I should like to know the name of the young lady who is reported to have said such things." "Well," he answered, "it was Miss Anna Ballantine." When she inquired the name of his informant he refused to give it. Perhaps he could find some fool to believe such a tale, about Anna of all persons. He came down after Annie D. last Saturday. I suppose she will continue to attend his church, though I don't know. I have felt considerably disappointed in her in the last day or two. She has rushed into the Kappa Society, although she knew Aunt E. did not wish her to. And I had talked with her several days ago and said to her not to be in haste to join either society should they ask her, as she was as yet very little acquainted with the girls and especially with the Theta girls. I did not try to influence her to join the Thetas. I am not as you know much of an advocate of secret societies. Of course I told her my preference would be with the Thetas, but all I urged was that she should wait until she knew the girls and found her most congenial companions. And she seemed to think it would be best. Yet a day or two afterwards she allowed herself to be hurried into the Kappa Society. She is 20 years old and I think ought to have a mind of her own and not allow herself to be so influenced by strangers. You need not think that I care because she did not join the Thetas. The worst thing about it to me is her utter disregard of Aunt Emma's wishes. I don't think though that Aunt E. has any control over her. But do not think, dear Hermann, that I dislike her, for I do not. She is quite pleasant, I believe is smart. I suppose she has always been permitted to have her own way.

I intended to have written a good deal more tonight but Anton has wakened up and as all the rest are down stairs, I must attend to him, dear little fellow. Last night he said he wanted to sleep with me. "Aunt Lou hasn't got Uncle Hermann, you know," he said.

Dory is not well. I suppose and hope it is only a bad cold. He seems feverish and complains of pain in his back. But now dear Hermann, I will not write more tonight. I hope for a long letter tomorrow or Monday. Now that you have sent your letter home you will have time to write me a long letter telling me everything. I thank you so much for having written so often and such dear letters. You did not send me all the letters you received from Germany, did you? Wasn't there one to you from Anna and Mother? But my dear, dear Hermann, I must leave you for tonight with all my love Lou I don't believe you will be able to read the half sheet but I will put it in as I can't rewrite. [4 German words.] It is now nearly 1 o'clock. In four or five hours you will probably get this. How I love you and long for you! Don't forget me. My best beloved, goodbye.

Saturday morning My dear Hermann, Can this really be the 17th of April? It surely is not spring weather. Last night I took all my flowers away from the window but two Geraniums, two Roses and an Ivy and the Geraniums are frozen although I thought I had protected them sufficiently with newspaper. It is dreadfully cold.

I don't know how it is but I have felt yesterday and today as if you were not thinking of me at all. Something else must be occupying all your thoughts. What is it? Don't be afraid to tell me. Nothing hurts so much as want of confidence because it shows a want of love and I long for nothing more than your love. You are so inexpressibly dear to me.

Anton is sitting in a rocking chair by my side and every few minutes he asks, "Aunt Lou, me pretty good boy." Now he is pointing to Anton's picture and saying "that is dear Uncle Anton." And to the other, "this is dear Uncle Hermann." I have taught him to call Anton his Uncle Anton.

The doctor told me the other night he did not think I shall be sick so soon as Ma does. He made a calculation and says it may not be before the 12th of July though it may be two weeks sooner. I myself am inclined to think that Ma is not very far wrong.

I can't write straight on this paper. I'm afraid you can't read it when it's written, but it won't be much loss if you don't. I don't believe that I ever shall be able to succeed in putting my thoughts on paper clearly.

Dory seems better this morning. That mattress has not come yet. I hope you will not forget to speak to Harvey about it. We do not know where the factory is from which he ordered it. He ought to see about it.

Tell Gertie I will answer her letter as soon as I can. I must write to Mrs. Wilson this morning if possible. She was much delighted with Heinl's flowers but said she managed to resist buying. Give my love to all friends. And dear Hermann, do write on Sabbath, if you can, a long letter. I have asked you so many questions in my letters. Write soon and always as often as you can. I live on your letters. Tell me just what you do all day long. Now my dearest and best, my sweetheart, till the next time, Goodbye. Thine always, Lou

Transcription: Bloomington, April 18 [1875, Sunday]

[2 word German greeting]

Yesterday I received your postal and tomorrow I hope for a long letter. I hope you have had your stove put up again so that you can keep yourself comfortable this wintry weather. The sun has been shining today but the wind still blows cold. It seems strange that such regular winter weather should stay with us still.

I am just as sorry as you can be that we could not find that book for you. Pa said yesterday that he was afraid you would think that he had not searched for it sufficiently but I know you don't think so. He said he looked through all the German books, even the school books. I described the book to him as well as I could, but it was not to be found. I suppose you have now no further use for it even if it should be found.

I did not go to church today. Indeed I do not think I shall try to go any more. The last time I put on my corsets I had another of those faint spells so that I do not think it exactly wise and safe to put them on and without them I look too slovenly to be seen. I don't like even to go about the house now where there are so many boys and a young lady, but I do.

Dory does not appear any better today so we sent for the doctor and he says it is either fever or a severe cold. His pulse is 100 and he looks right sick. Liz has been sick and Aunt Emma not very well. Pa too does not feel exactly right. I was suffering for several days from neuralgia. This is almost the first day I have been free from it this week. So that altogether we are about ready to open a hospital. I am afraid poor Ma won't have much rest when she comes home. I fear she herself will be sick for I expect she has been exposed a good deal. We hope she will be home this week, but we did not hear from her yesterday so we do not know how Mag is, not even whether they have been able to bring her to Muncie yet. I think not as Mr. Mellette died on Wednesday and was buried Friday, and the weather has been so very cold and disagreeable that I do not think they would attempt to take her home.

I have just been out looking at the shrubbery. Jack Frost has made sad work there. Most of the shrubs which were putting out leaves are black. I do not suppose they are actually killed, but I do not believe they will bloom. It is nearly dark, so that I cannot see to write any more dear Hermann.

8 ½ o'clock I have come up stairs and am sitting at my little stand writing to my best beloved. Aunt Emma sits by the fire rocking and singing Anton to sleep. Pa is in his room, Dory in his, Dick and Annie down stairs. Brown and Toph are at church. I suppose you are at church, but I hope you will not be so long detained that I shall not get my promised letter tomorrow. I don't think that you can know, dear Hermann, how much I miss you and long for you. I know you miss me too sometimes, but most of the time you have so much else that you must think about and then you can go about and see persons and things so that you cannot give me more than a few passing thoughts during the day. At night you have to study or perhaps you visit and then you are tired out and ready for bed and sleep and thus it comes that you cannot feel the need of me as I do of you. While I am busy about my room, or sewing I can think of you, my mind is never so occupied that it cannot steal off to you, so that my heart is with you from morning to night. I know though that it is best that I should be at home this time for many reasons. But if I get safely through this and there ever is another time, I do not think I shall be willing to leave you if it can possibly be helped. I only hope that this separation will make you feel just as I do about it. You may call it jealousy or whatever you please, but I sometimes fear that surrounded as you are by so many whom you love so well, associated so closely and mingling so freely with those who are so attractive both in mind and feature, who appear so perfect to you—when you see me again so imperfect in every way, so unattractive and unlovely as I feel myself to be—you will not love me again as you did when we parted. I love you so much my Hermann, I think that I can hardly live now without your love. Please forgive me for saying such things. I know it is wrong to have such thoughts and yet it is just this sense of unworthiness that makes me have them. I do not deserve you, dear Hermann. I feel that every day. I am proud of your love and happy in it and yet with it all is the feeling that there are so many so much more worthy of it. And in my hateful selfishness, I am afraid—ought I to say it?—no, I won't.

What can I write you of this mystery within me. How wonderful it is. Except the daily, almost hourly increasing burden and pain which the doctor says I will feel more or less all the time now arising from pressure on my liver. I can tell you nothing. I know nothing of the wonderful development and growth within me. Oh, that all may go well and we may both pass safely through the pain and perils before us, and that I can give you a child, dear Hermann, perfect in form and mind and soul as it is given to mortals to be.

But it is late and I must stop and go to bed where I hope to dream of you as I generally do. I believe I will not send this until Tuesday as I sent you a long letter yesterday and I hope for one from you tomorrow. [German sentence]

Monday night [April 19] I do not feel in good heart for writing tonight for I had no letter from you, my dear husband, today. I suppose you had something more important to attend to or perhaps you had no postage stamp or the room was too cold. And I'm sure I would rather not have a letter than to have you make yourself sick by sitting in a cold room to write to me just because I am such a baby about hearing from you. Anyhow I can hope for one tomorrow. I wrote to Gertie today and enclosed a little note for you so that you will understand why I did not send my letter today.

We did not hear from Ma today as we expected. We feel very anxious to get a letter. Dory seems better, but if he has the intermittent fever, tomorrow will be his sick day. I have felt quite well today. Last night I did not sleep well. [German sentence] and when the doctor came to see Dory I asked him about it though I did not like to. But Aunt E didn't know and Ma wasn't here. He said he had no idea that anything was wrong, it was only a sign of a very vigorous child and as for this severe pain in my shoulder and other pains which I may have from this time they are only sympathetic. So I felt greatly comforted and I'm glad I asked him, for I don't believe I'll get much more rest tonight. He said though that it wouldn't likely be always so bad.

Now my dear Hermann, I want to know whether you burn my letters. This one especially I want burnt. If you don't I won't like to write you so freely about these things. I wouldn't like to think that you had left this letter or similar ones at the Normal for public inspection. You don't write me anything about the Normal or your scholars.

But I will not write more tonight. I may add more tomorrow. Anna wanted me to spend the day with her, but I don't like to go away from home. Oh Hermann, I cannot tell you how much I love you. It is three weeks today since I saw you last. How long it seems. [German closing sentence] Lou Pa is not feeling quite well. I feel anxious about him and wish Ma would soon come. I have not done very much sewing yet. I want to write home soon. Will do so this week or next. You wrote last week and I wrote to Kiel April 4th or 5th.

Tuesday morning [April 20] My dear Hermann

It is so cold and disagreeable to day that I concluded not to go to Anna's. Dory is not so well this morning, so I suppose he really has fever of some kind. I'm afraid you will be sick if you have not had your stove put up again. Not hearing from you yesterday makes me feel anxious.

Miss Morrison came to see me yesterday. She had been to see Mrs. Owen. She said she felt so depressed after seeing and hearing her that she almost felt as if she ought no to come over here. It must be very sad.

If you think of it, dear Hermann, I wish you would get from Mr. Heinl that book of German songs which you lent him and send it to me when you have opportunity. Do write me something about the Normal and your scholars. Don't spend so much time there that you will not have time for recreation, for though it may be very pleasant you need outdoor recreation too much to neglect taking it. They have been telling me that I ought to walk more, that it will be good for me, but I haven't you to walk with me and I have neglected to go. But you like to go alone or if you want company you can always get it. But my dear Hermann I always make my letters too long. I'm afraid you do not have patience to read them. I remember the one I wrote Christmas, but I have not profited by it. I think though, that I shall make my letters shorter hereafter, not because I think you do not read them, but for reasons which I will give another time. Do be careful, dear Hermann and don't get sick.

I love you

Immer Lou

Transcription: Home, 12 ½ o'clock My dear Hermann:

I have six pages written to you but I thought I would only send you a note in Gertie's letter today and would finish my letter and send it tomorrow, hoping to receive your promised letter today. I shall be very much disappointed if it does not come. Dory is better today. The doctor seems to think that he has something like Intermittent fever, but he cannot tell until he sees whether there is a return of the fever tomorrow. He is sitting up now. I hope we shall have a letter from Ma today so that I can send you word about Mag tomorrow. You need not feel anxious about me. The doctor says I must expect all kinds of aches and pains from this time forth. I will send you a long letter tomorrow if I can get it off, but as I told you before, dear Hermann, there is always uncertainty about getting it up in time, so that you need never feel uneasy if you do not hear. [several German words] Lou

Transcription: Terre Haute, Tuesday [April 20, 1875] My sweet, beloved wife,

I must have been too late with my letter on Sabbath. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were here all evening and I did not commence to write before 10, but yet I thought I had put it in, in time. I am quite sorry that you have been disappointed but any how you will have had it today. I got two letters from you today. First this morning at breakfast your little note through Gertie. A happier and more important face you seldom saw than hers when she handed me the note, "Care of Miss Gertie Byers." "Professor," she then said, "I have to ask one thing of you." "What is it my girl?" "You must take me around to your room." "Certainly I will, Gertie, but why?" "Cause, you know, Professor I must give Mrs. B. an exact description of it." Yesterday she told me she was so happy that her Pa had bought the bookstore. "He can earn so much more money now. Cause, you see, Professor when he is teaching he can get money only every pay day, but now he will get it every day." But what can be that mysterious reason my sweet wife, for which you have so solemnly resolved to make your letters shorter henceforth. My dear Lou, please don't. Your letters are my only consolation in this abominable, dreary time, and my post office box has become to me the only spot of real interest in this whole town. And do not think that I spend my free time running around visiting. I don't do such a thing. I have not yet been anywhere, not even, and I am ashamed of that, at Mrs. Wilson's. The only lady that till now I have called upon is my washer-woman. Would have called on Mrs. Finney last week, but could not, you know, on account of that 18 inch hole in my Sunday breeches. But I do commence to find great pleasure in my intercourse with the people in this house. They are very kind, and very attentive. Mr. Staats gets my esteem more with every day. He is highly cultured, very tender-hearted, and quite a poetical nature, and though Catholic, a very earnest, conscientious Christian. The relations between him and the three excellent young men that board with him viz:

Anton Viebe, the gardener

Otto Leonhard, the Alsacian, and

Alfred Lyons, the engraver is very pleasant, and it is a soul-delight to me to see him in the evening at his little Organ, which he plays very well, and wife, children and boarders joining in their old German songs.

What you write my sweet wife about all your various aches may be, as you say, all right but yet I cannot help feeling greatly disquieted thereby. I pray you, my Lou, to be very careful of yourself. I do not wonder at the old Egyptians, holding a woman very sacred at such times. When I think of that wonderful mystery developing within you I at times can hardly comprehend its reality. But yet I feel far greater anxiety for yourself than I do for the child. I wish your mother was back, and what I would give for it, my Lou, to fly to you and see you face to face, if it were only for a few hours. I am so heartily tired of this mode of life.

News I have none. I wrote you, I believe, about my crowded Sabbath-school class. I asked Mr. Harvey about the [one word]. He had just written to Bloomington inquiring. He thinks the m. must have gone to Bloomington, Illinois, but will see to it. My new pants and vest will be done on Friday. Mr. Wilson is getting on finely. As soon as you can go out please look, but without exertion, for the Hanne Nüte yourself. I am very anxious to have it. Mrs. Messmore is going to housekeeping. Governor Booth from California gave a lecture in the opera house last night on [Tax?], and all the Normalites had free tickets. Heinl has been nominated county commissioner. Mrs. Wilson has joined my German class. Col. Edwards has been nominated Mayor, but I told him I was not sure if I would vote for him, since I did not think bachelors ought to hold office. We finish the [one word] tomorrow and then take up [two words]. I had quite an occasion the other day to admire the president's mode of discipline. A former member of the Senior class was to be married at Crawfordsville and Miss Freeland, Miss Bowman and Miss Chase were invited. Miss Bowman I believe should be bridesmaid. The whole thing had been expected and prepared and talked of long beforehand, dresses and things were ready, and all that was left was to ask the President for permission to be absent on Monday. "Young ladies," he said, "I have nothing to say in the matter. If you feel convinced that the occasion is of such importance that you can afford to slight your daily duties you certainly have permission to stay out. It is a matter that you must settle with your own conscience." The young ladies went out, a little crestfallen. The president turned to us and said "Gentlemen, I believe they will go. If they really should, I trust you will feel with me that the fault is ours and that there is something thoroughly wrong in the spirit of our school." The Monday came and the young ladies were in their seats.

Good night my sweet wife. I trust while I write this you are lying in sweet slumber. Kiss our boy, Anton I mean, and if possibly you can write home this week. My love to all, and my whole heart to you. Your loving husband

Transcription: Bloomington, April 21, 1875 [Wednesday]

My dear, dear Hermann,

I received your letter of last night today. I have not yet received the letter of Sabbath night and I'm afraid I never will, unless by mistake you have put another letter in the office, and kept mine in your pocket, and I hope if you should find it that you will forward it and not keep it, for I don't want to miss a word that you write me. If you knew how awfully blue I felt yesterday and what a cry I had when I found there was no letter, I am sure you would send it to me even if it is a week old when you find it.

I believe my last letters were "blue." I never intend them to be so, but I believe I was both cross and blue when I wrote last week. Perhaps I was wrong in saying that I would make my letters short hereafter. If I am two or three days writing them, they will be as long as ever, and I expect many of my letters will be of a patchwork character.

I am sitting in Dory's room now. He is quite sick. He looks very badly and has had fever nearly all day today and yesterday. The doctor don't consider him dangerous yet, but he is now attentive for fear it will become serious. Aunt Emma is going to sit up tonight in order to give him his medicine. I wish I could do it for her, but I suppose it would not be prudent. Ma is not home yet, and we did not hear from her today. Col. M [Cna?] came from Muncie yesterday and he said he was at Arthur's Monday night and they had not yet come in from the country. Pa will write tomorrow to Ma that if Mag is well enough Ma had better come home as we need her here. Poor Ma has a hard time. I am only afraid she will be sick herself. She nursed Mag last Fall and then Anton since Christmas. Mag again and now Dory and before long she will have me unless Liz has not been well. Aunt Emma herself not very well and suffering from her feet, and last week I was sick. But I can do something now to help. You need not be afraid I will do too much. I am very careful, too much so, I sometimes think. I am sorry I told you of my pains and aches, but I was afraid you would hear I had been sick or imagine it from something I wrote. But in fact it was not sickness, only pain. But now, dear Hermann, I will not write more tonight, except to ask you if you need my copy of Wilhelm Tell? I have it here and you had one copy among your books. [5 German words in closing] Lou

Thursday morn, 7 o'clock [April 22] My dear Hermann,

While the rest are at breakfast I am sitting with Dory. The poor boy looks very badly. I don't think he is any better. I fear he is worse. The doctor will be here soon and I will write you what he says about him. He seems to lie in something of a stupor. How we all wish for Ma, but I don't think she can get here before Saturday. It is too hard for Aunt Emma who you know is just as good as can be. But one always wishes for Mother in time of sickness and our Mother always seems to know the right thing to be done in a sick room.

This is a bright, beautiful day, but the wind still blows cold. If I can, I will go over to the Library and look for Hanna Nüte and if you want Wilhelm Tell, I can send it to you too.

What kind of pants and vest are you getting? I think you will soon have to have a new coat too. I am so glad that you like the family that you are boarding with so much, so that you can have something of a home feeling. I think it is much better for you to have gone there than to have staid in the little room at Mrs. Smith's and then as you still eat at Mrs. Smith's you see Mr. and Mrs. Byers every day, and I did so want that you should not be too far from her.

11 o'clock The doctor was here. He has fears now that the fever will become typhoid and you know how dreadful that is. There is some congestion of the stomach and liver too. He says Dory is not dangerous yet, but he thinks we had better write for Ma as Dory will likely be sick for some days. He had hoped to break the fever yesterday. Just now Dory has had quite a heavy chill. Heretofore he has only had every other day the cold chills and chilliness, but he shook this morning hard. I do wish Ma would come today, but we do not look for her. Do not be uneasy about me or the child. Everything is right as far as I know and I hope will continue so.

I will not write more today. If Dory is worse tomorrow, I will try to send you a postal. I may do so anyhow. Will try to write a letter for Saturday.

Pleak, Trent and Sherman are also sick and Mrs. Hoss was so sick yesterday morning that the Prof was not at College.

Anton sends his usual message "I a good boy," and also a kiss. I believe, dearest Hermann, that I am too selfish to admire President's case of discipline very much, but if he could take a week when his mother-in-law was sick perhaps you can have a day or two if your wife gets sick. But I hope I won't be sick till you are here to stay. I have about made up my mind that I will not see you before the end of the session. Write soon please to your wife, Lou Pa sent a postal to Harvey yesterday telling him the mattress has not come. He had a postal from Harvey the day before inquiring. I am glad that you don't like this separate way of living any more than I do, but don't you sometimes feel goad of the freedom? I used to be a dreadful nuisance sometimes you know. Oh, my dear Hermann, I do not think there are any bonds where there is true love, and I hope ours is such. This is a miserable letter but I can't think of anything else but Dory. He seems so sick. Please excuse me if I have written anything cross. I don't feel so. I do thank you so much for your dear letter and I feel this is not return for it.

Transcription: Bloomington, April 23 [1875, Friday]

My own dear Hermann:

Last night I commenced a letter to you but tonight I will begin again. Ma got home today. I know you are glad to hear that. We are all rejoicing though Dory is so much better today that we do not feel the necessity of her being here quite as much as yesterday. After I sent your letter yesterday about three o'clock I believe, Dory fell into a profuse perspiration. It was the first time the fever had been really broken. Last night he rested well and today he seems as if he was really getting well. But tomorrow is his sick day and we have to be very careful. He still complains of his stomach. Ma seems pretty well though very much exhausted this evening. Mag, she says, can walk about the room a little but she thinks she is still in a very critical condition. She wanted to bring her home, but the doctor said she could not make the journey for more than a week. She has been very sick indeed. Ma thinks she will come down and stay with us as soon as she is able until she is well. Mrs. Dunn is going to see Bun next week and we hope that when she returns, Mag will come with her, but I cannot help feeling still quite uneasy about her. I wish I was able to go to her.

Mrs. Atwater was here this evening. They have moved into this little house below us, where Mather's lived, if you know where that is. Yesterday Prof A. was summoned by a dispatch to go to Knightstown to meet a niece who was coming here from North Carolina and who was taken sick on her way here, so he left yesterday and is coming tomorrow and will bring this sick girl. Mrs. Atwater feels very badly about it. They had written to tell her not to come till Fall, but for some reason she decided to come now and here they are in a small house, scarcely any room and Mrs. A. in no condition to have here there. But she tries to put on as brave a face as possible. Redick has a young son, born last night.

Toph has gone out to Harbison's to stay all night. (Does that remind you of our ride?) He has been working splendidly since he came home. I think he will soon go to Muncie. Toph says Uncle Robert's estate, or rather the heirs, have to pay $15,000 to the state of Penn. All old bachelors are taxed so much per cent, quite a nice little fortune.

I intended writing home today but I have been so worried these last days and have felt too badly to write a decent letter. Why didn't you send me all the letters you got from Germany or at least tell me something about them? Your Sabbath letter has never arrived. I am so sorry. I would like to have it so much. I think there must be much in it that I want to know. I had a nice letter from Mrs. Byers today. I want you to thank her very much for it and tell her I will answer as soon as I can.

I cannot write more tonight dear Hermann. Oh if I could only see your dear face and feel your arms about me for a little while. To think that we are "so near and yet so far" I sometimes think that it would be so easy and so pleasant for me to go over to T.H. and stay a day or two, for I know now that I shall not see you for nearly ten long weeks, unless I am sick before. I sent you such a mean letter yesterday. My dear, good, noble husband, try to think there is something better in me. I hope so, but yet sometimes, I'm afraid I charge too much to my condition. Yet can you love me, Hermann? God bless and keep you ever Yours always Lou This is some new paper which Mag sent me.

Transcription: Saturday morning This is a bright day but quite cold. What are you, dear Hermann, doing? I suppose you will call on Mrs. Finney this afternoon. I think you will enjoy a call there very much. And you will get to Mrs. Wilson's too, I hope. Dory is not so well this morning, but he has always been worse every other day and we hope he is really better than he was day before yesterday. No one sat up with him last night. I wanted to do so the night before for I was afraid Aunt Emma would break down, but I did not think it would be right to run any risk, so I asked the doctor and he said I had better not. You see how careful I am. Week after next, May 6, is the Inter State Contest. Dory has been intending to go, but he don't look much like it now. Fare for round trip from her is only $2.50. Do you think you will go? You spoke of doing so when you were here. I walked round the garden this morning and looked at things but I can't give you any good account of them. I hope none of the shrubs are killed. Some of the Weigelas look very badly. I find our Boccinia [plume poppy] in the pit is coming up nicely. My flowers in the table are looking well and I hope they will soon look much better. I wish I could see Mr. Heinl's new room. Mrs. Byers writes also that it is very beautiful.

Can't your pants be mended? Are they beyond recovery? What kind are your new ones? I can write no more, dear Hermann. I haven't seen about that book yet. Perhaps may be able to do so today. What do you want it for now? Dear little Anton came up just now calling me. Came to me and said "I got something for you behind me." And then gave me this flower. I said "I will send it to Uncle Hermann. What shall I tell?" "Say, Dear Uncle Hermann, I send you a pretty flower." I believe he is bringing me another, no he says he is going to show them to Grandma. But, my dearest Hermann, I am writing still although I said I couldn't. I shouldn't tell stories. My other, better half, goodbye. Faithfully and lovingly thine, Lou I do wish I would get a letter from you today. Please write more Sabbath. Your letters are my greatest delight.

Transcription: T. H. Sabbath night [April 25, 1875] My sweet Lou,

I have felt quite cheered up all day through learning about your mother's return home and the good news from Do. I felt quite alarmed about him these last days, especially after not hearing anything on Friday, but already then I concluded to take your silence as a good sign. I sent the poor fellow a little basket with oranges yesterday. Did they arrive all safe? And did he enjoy them? I thought they were very nice ones. One thing my Lou is very clear to me. I cannot possibly stay away from you all the long three months and once I will come to see you at all events. I have been debating in my mind all day if I shall not take next Saturday and Sabbath and maybe I will. But do not count upon it, the chances are yet against it. The case is not analogous to that of the Senior girls, going to see one's wife in times like these is a different thing altogether from attending a wedding. What shall I now write you about this week, my sweet girl? I have felt dark-blue all the while, and do utterly detest and despise this way of living. I had a very pleasant day today, a very nice Sabbath-School this morning. The room crowded and really a pleasant hour. I am quite glad that I have not given it up. Miss Chase and Miss Ray have entered as regular members, likewise Mrs. Warner and several young gentlemen. The choir is coming in by and by. Miss Geddly has been quite faithful the last week. I go now every Saturday evening to the place where Mr. Liken boards and study the lesson with the teachers of the second Presbyterian Church. Mr. Abbee is conducting the teaching quite well. Had a nice walk this afternoon with Mr. and Mrs. Wilson and heard two good sermons today. The only objection I have against the new minister is his outlandish name. It is now the third time that I try to write it to you and every time it has escaped my memory. Do you keep up reading daily the home readings assigned in the lesson paper, my Lou? I wish you would. I do it very faithfully and like to feel that we are really the same. I have been quite social since I got my new pants and vest. Had a very nice visit at Wilson's and yesterday I called as you thought, on Mrs. Finney. I had a very pleasant hour there. She has sweet children and a very pleasant home. The same place that Scott's had before they moved back to their farm. From there I went out to Scott's. I go there now every Saturday in good weather, and give a lesson to Fred. He brings me back in their buggy. In bad weather he comes to me. He is a boy that I believe I could love greatly, a noble nature and very talented. He makes rapid progress and these lessons are to me quite a source of enjoyment. Mrs. Byers I suppose has written you that I have changed my boarding place. I eat now at the same place where I room, and like it very much better. I did not like the other arrangement, and besides they keep a far better table here, and thoroughly German. And I have done more very extravagant thing in the shape of a purchase, but I believe I won't write about that today. You have news enough for this time. I write you about that in my next letter. I have to lead worship tomorrow and must [one or two words] myself a little before I go to bed. My sweet Lou, you shall have a better letter next time. I have such a headache this evening that I hardly know what I am writing. Cherries are in full bloom today and spireas just opening. How about ours? Sent that Tell, will you, and above all Hanne Nüte!! Kiss our boy, my Lou, and thank him for his flower. With all my heart Your H

Transcription: [From the context, the date has to be Tues, April 27, 1875] Tuesday morning,

The school bell is just ringing as I commence to write this morning and I suppose that you, dear Hermann, are just commencing the labors of the day. I am afraid that you are undertaking too much when you give an extra lesson Saturday besides having the Bible class on Sabbath. At least if we ever have any warm weather, I think you will find it too confining. I have no doubt it is very pleasant. I remember Miss Hattie speaking of her brother as being a very remarkable boy. And I know it is true that if you find so much pleasure in it you will not find it so fatiguing. If you should find it too much, I hope you will give it up. You hardly have any part of Saturday free.

When we were at Col. Thompson's on Sat. he asked me to send you his regards when I wrote. He wanted to know when I intended going up to T.H. When I told him I was not going at all, he expressed great astonishment and said he would rebel if he was in your place. He said he was going up some time in May and he would be glad to take me with him, I think by that time he will be quite satisfied to do without my company.

If you come down next Saturday or whenever you do come, I wish you would please bring me a little brandy. The bottle that I had the vine in is left in the bookcase and if you will get that full or half full that will be enough. It is always best to have some at hand at such times and I do not know that I can get so good here.

I cannot imagine what your extravagant purchase may be. I feel quite curious to hear, so don't forget to write me about it. I am also quite curious to know why you are so exceedingly anxious for Hanna Nüte. I suppose you have it now. Are you going to read it with some of your pupils?

Liz has broken the saucer belonging to my cup. How is yours? I suppose you have not forgotten to take it with you to Mr. Staats's. I have your napkin ring here. I don't know how I happened to bring it. Found also a shirt of yours yesterday. You can take it back when you go. Will have it ready for you. I am glad you like it so well at Mr. Staats's. You are still so near the Byers that you can see them often. And I do not think the Smith's a first class boarding house.

I have just been in to see dory. He says for me to tell you he is a great deal better, to thank you again for those oranges. He thinks he will sit up part of the day.

Mrs. Dunn and the boys are going to see Bun today.

But I will not spin my letter out to a much greater length. Prof. Atwater's niece was so sick that he was obliged to leave her in Knightstown.

I will probably write again on Thursday and then not again this week perhaps. At least I hope there will be no occasion to for I shall see you face to face. But I am almost afraid to rejoice yet. Do come if you can. Our Spireas are not in bloom yet. The Dentzia is killed to the roots and I think there will not be much bloom of any kind in the shrubbery this year.

But my dear, good Hermann, I am already at the end of the sheet. Write me soon again, and tell me you are certainly coming. I long to see you.

Every and always thine

Lou I find on looking over the Tell that you have cut out leaves in different places so that I fear it will be of no use to you, but I will send it if it will do you any good.

Transcription: Bloomington, April 28 [1975, Wednesday]

My own dear Hermann,

I hoped a little for at least a postal card today but I did not get any. I have been real homesick today, especially this afternoon. I almost wished I had taken the cars for T. H., but I have the hope though I must confess not a very hopeful hope, that you will be here Saturday. I do long to see you so much, dear Hermann. If you cannot come or if you are sure that you can only come once during the session, how would you like for me to come to you this time, and then you could come later. In that way we could see each other twice during these long weeks. Much later or even two or three weeks later. I don't suppose I could go, but now Ma says she thinks I might go easily. If I should go, I would only want to go to your room and stay there. I would not want to see any one but Mrs. Byers and Mrs. Wilson and I would only stay a few days or a week at the most. Perhaps it would not be prudent. I only ask your opinion. If you find you can come Saturday do come, and let nothing I have said keep you from it. You must not expect to find me looking as well as when you left me. My face is thinner and I have not so good a color I think, and I am not so presentable. I tell you this because I don't want you to be expecting to find me as you left me quite. You know I have not been quite so well since I have been home and then I have missed you so much and have worried some over Mag's and Dory's sickness. Now however I am feeling better again and I will try to keep up my spirits better.

We had a letter from Mag today. She says she feels better but she is not cured yet. We hoped she would come back with Mrs. Dunn on Saturday but she said nothing about it except that she would rather come home later, before I go away in the Fall. I think they are going to send for Anton soon. That is he will go up when Toph goes and that will be soon. That is another reason you ought to come home, to see Toph before he goes and our darling Anton.

I rode up town this morning with Ma and took a walk up and down the plank walk this evening. Have been sewing all afternoon. Ma has been rubbing my side and it has not pained me so much for two days. Willis Small's little sister Edna died this evening. She has been suffering from hip disease since Christmas and then had lung fever of which she died. She was not a bright child, but they loved her very much and it will be very hard for them.

The Methodists give a concert tomorrow night. Bunnel took the first honors. Henley the second and Collins the Scientific. Bunnel's sister Mrs. Hardy has come here to live and his mother and brother are coming in June. They have rented the house in which Jefferson's formerly lived, near Ballantine's. I have not been to see Eva Hoss. I have not been able to go and I cannot always get anyone to drive when I might perhaps go.

It is now nearly 11 o'clock and I was up very late last night so I will go earlier to night in hopes that I can sleep. Do you ever dream of me, or are your dreams as they used to be, of your students? I don't remember mine distinctly, but I think you are always in them. My dearest Hermann, I hope I shall see you in a few days. You will come on the freight Saturday morning [two German words]? The mattress came at last today. I go to prove it tonight and I hope you will try it too, soon.

[German sentence]

Thurs. morning, [German greeting, 4 words] We have had rain this morning with thunder and lightning. Now the wind is blowing very hard and I'm afraid we'll have cold weather again. The rose you got for me from Heinl has no flowers on it. Jean Sisly is in bloom and Marginata is almost out.

I feel so anxious for Saturday to come that I may see you. I think Pa has the $40 for you now, but he will keep it till you come. We got some of the Pittsburg rents the other day.

I sent letters to Mother and Anna yesterday, ten pages in all. Have you not heard again and are you not going to let me see Anna's letter to you? Had they received the money which you sent?

Don't forget the brandy, and if you do not come, you must write me about that mysterious purchase. But I hope you will come. And as I said before, don't let anything I have said about going to you keep you from coming if you can because I am not sure I could go. I would have to ask the doctor first if he considered it safe. So if you find you can possibly come, COME. The whole family will be glad to see you. If you see a "papoose" that will do for Anton please get it. Please write tonight and tell me whether you are coming. I must stop now and go to work. Dory is almost well. He is able to go down stairs now. The rest are well.

In the hope of seeing your dear face very soon As ever and always faithfully yours Lou Shall I really see you day after tomorrow? I can hardly believe it. Oh my beloved, to see you and hear you again, What joy! –Thursday 1 o'clock

Transcription: Terre Haute, Friday night [April 30, 1875] My dear wife,

How disappointed you will be to get instead of your husband himself only this letter. I now almost wish that I had said nothing about my coming, but I had made up my mind fully to come, and did not change it before this morning. The president told me at once I might take any day that I did choose. But this morning I tried in vain to get somebody else to teach my Sabbath School class and it would be wrong for me and very detrimental to the class to leave them without a teacher, without telling them beforehand. The class is in its organization just at that point where they need the most conscientious care and as I expect from them regularity in their attendance so they have a right to expect it from me. Besides the President is away attending the meeting of the State Board and it might not be well for the school if we are away both. So, my sweet wife, I have thought better to wait another week. I will make my arrangements beforehand and next Saturday, if God will, I surely shall be with you and enjoy the two days with a better conscience than I could this time. I can think of no greater joy in my lovely life than to have you with me a few days, and it is a very great temptation for me to ask you to come, but yet my Lou I think it is a temptation to which we ought not to yield. It might be purchased with a great deal of future sorrow. If anything should go wrong we would never forgive ourselves and always attribute it to our imprudence. Let us rather be as careful as possibly we can be, my sweet Lou, and if then we shall again be disappointed we shall bear it more easily. Your sweet letter I did not get before this morning. Together with it I found again in my box a rich message from home. Mother's sweet letter I send you today. I know you will enjoy it. You would have laughed at your man seeing him read it for I found the tears running down my cheeks. This sweet motherly thoughtfulness. They have thought of everything. And all have been at work, Tante Eli, Tante [?], and all at home. Won't we enjoy even more looking at our boy (there the boy is again—they think it very strange at home that I do not seem to think of the possibility that maybe the boy might turn out a girl.) but won't we enjoy even more looking at him or her boy or girl whatever it may be, clad in those things which their love has worked for us? It seems to me there is enough to do the babe, even without any work of yours, only I fear that some of the [one word] may turn out so [one word] [Dutch?] that you won't know what to do with them. They have sent off already. Ma's calculation brings the event far before ours. She counts from the time the thing commenced to kick and brings it to the beginning of June. Please my sweet Lou, though you have written just now, write once more, if even only a few words of thanks. You ought to have seen how excited my Mrs. Staats became at the idea of baby things "all the way from Germany." She too cried, and I had to promise her solemnly that if practicable she should see them before the babe. She and I are the best of friends. This afternoon I dug for her a [two words] in her garden and planted her sweet corn. Last Friday I planted beans for Mr. Golder. He has bought a very pleasant home in 12th Street, for $1400. I am quite sorry that you did not become acquainted with his wife. She is quite a pleasant and intelligent little body, has all your love and genius for garden work. It makes me homesick after something to come to see the happiness with which the two fix up their little place.

And now my sweet Lou, you want to know about your husband's extravagance? I do not like much to tell it, and I believe I won't, but show you next Saturday. It is not for you though, but for myself, something to wear on my body. But all agree that I have made a very excellent purchase. [four German words.]

Good night, my sweet, beloved wife, If I dream of you? Indeed I do, by night and day. Tomorrow evening we have again our teachers meeting. Tomorrow morning I go out to Scott's. Do not be uneasy about that, the long walk is the very thing for me. Thanks for the Hanne Nüte. I read it sometimes evenings in the family at Staats. Thanks too for the Tell, which came yesterday. Give my love to all [closing in German] H B

Transcription: Bloomington, May 2, 1875 [Sunday]

My dear Hermann,

After all I am glad you did not come yesterday, because the day was so very disagreeable, so rainy and cold that you could not have been out of doors at all. But I won't say that I was not disappointed. I waked up about the middle of the night before last and staid awake two or three hours thinking about you and wondering if you were not just leaving Greencastle, and thinking how unpleasant it would be for you as it was raining and blowing quite hard. I watched for you until I saw the freight train leave and I couldn't help looking again in the afternoon, although I did not think you were coming. I was very glad indeed to get your letter. I had so certainly expected a letter on Friday for I knew my letter had been put on the train Thursday and I did not think of the possibility of it not reaching Terre Haute, or that perhaps you might not go to the P.O. that day. So that until your letter came, I did not know what to make of your silence and of your not coming. The letter made it all right. There was no urgent necessity for you to come on this particular Saturday and your class needed you. Next week I hope you will be more successful in finding a substitute. It would be too bad to leave the class without a teacher. Why can't you get the new minister?

Anton went to church this morning and he has been up here ever since till a few moments ago, talking so that I have not been able to write very connectedly. Toph expects to leave for Muncie on Wednesday next and will take Anton with him. We shall miss him very much. He is such a dear little fellow. I don't think that I ever saw a child more free from faults than he is. I am so sorry that they will be gone when you come. I wish they could stay until Monday and go up with you.

What a dear, sweet letter Mother's is. I don't wonder you cried over it. I did too. It seems as if this dear little child brings us all closer together. It belongs to us all. One thing that has kept, and still keeps, my courage up, has been the thought of the great joy it will be—if I pass safely through the hours of suffering before me—of seeing our child lying in your arms, dearest Hermann, and the thought of the happiness it will give to those dear ones so far away who are hoping and praying with us for the safe arrival of a perfect and healthy child. And when love and good wishes are so constantly with us, makes me even more anxious that the needed strength and courage may not fail me when the trying hour comes, and that you may be able to write to them glad tidings only. My parents, I know will rejoice with us too if all goes well. It will be a terrible blow to them if I do not recover, but they have other grandchildren and it will not give to them the new and peculiar joy which it will to your parents if they hear "Mother and child are doing well." I had not thought of their making so many things. Mother said, you know, in the last letter that Father said it was nonsense to think of sending anything, so when Anna wrote that they were going to make some things I thought it would just be some little things which could easily be sent by mail. I believe I understand what Mother calls "Luren" but I am not quite sure. There were two or three words which she used whose meaning I am not quite sure about, and I shall have to wait till you come before I can be sure that I have guessed right. I have no dictionary here. I thought there were two or three about the house so I did not bring mine. I wish you would bring it, if possible, as occasionally I want to look for a word and can't do it. I will write again to Mother. I would like to write in German as I think she would be better pleased, but if I do, I will not send it before you come, so that you can correct it. If should come before you come down, it would be very pleasant for you not to open it until we could do so together, but then I would like Mrs. Statz to see it, since it would gratify her so much. So do as you please about it. I sewed all day yesterday, but I have very little done as yet. I hope to accomplish something this week.

Dory is well enough to go to College tomorrow. Mag is better. I am glad Toph is going to be with her. I think he will be a great comfort and help to her, especially as Arthur is away from home so much. Toph has worked like a man since he came home. I think he has done more in these three weeks than the other boys have done in a year. I think he is a boy of good principle and I believe he will succeed in good steady work. I feel quite troubled about the other boys sometimes. They don't do as they should.

If you come next week, and if your students are through with the book, hadn't you better bring back Rene's Whitney? I told her you only wanted to borrow it for a time. I don't suppose she needs it, but I thought if they were through it would be better to bring it now as when you come next time there will be so many other things to think about, examinations, Commencement, etc. or you may have to come in great haste, so that you had better bring it now if you can and Corinne too if you are not using it, as Pa will want to get all the books together before Commencement.

I am sorry that I have not yet been able to go to Anton's grave. The weather and roads have been so bad and we have had so much sickness that I could not go, though I have spoken of it and thought of it often. Perhaps we can go next week. I wanted to take out some lilies of the valley.

Five short days, dear Hermann, and I hope to see you. About half the time of our separation will then be over, but the last part will be the hardest, for I shall find my need of you more than ever when I become still more helpless. If you find that it will be impossible for you to come, try to let me know on Friday. [6 German words, a question] And now good night, may God bless and keep you ever [5 German words]

Immer deine Lou You are right about my going to T. H. If you think of it please bring the German songs which Heinl has. Monday noon—cold, damp and dark.

Transcription: Terre Haute, Tuesday [May 4, 18750 [greeting in German] I have a good many things to tell you, but I won't, for only a few days and I shall see you face to face. Only this once I write to you, and maybe once more, and then, my sweet, beloved Lou, you cannot think how amazingly I enjoy the thought of those two days. Take now good care of yourself, and the little thing within you, my Lou, that I may find you as well as circumstances will permit. And if possible, let Toph and Anton wait till Monday. I want very much to see Toph and that I shall not find Anton is a thought that won't suit me at all. I wish you could persuade them to stay! I am glad now that I did not go last Friday. I can enjoy this time my stay with better conscience and then the weather. You will see now what royal weather we will have these days when I am going to marry you over again. I have made all arrangements. Mr. [Chotsenden?] takes my Bible class. Fred comes Thursday instead of Saturday. My Normal classes run themselves. I will do all as you said my Lou. Take Rene Reader along, and the Lacey book, and the Japonas too. Have now your unread letter ready when I come that you don't need to write while I am there. I send you some material for study in the meantime. You certainly will enjoy the sweet letters as I have done. Anna's letter I think is very excellent, and has not Christians writing improved wonderfully? Good night, my sweet girl, only 3 days and your man will be with you With ten thousand kisses Your H. B. B. Your sweet letter I got yesterday, but nothing today. I hope very much for a letter tomorrow. Your H.

Transcription: Norburg, May 9, 1875 [Sunday] My dear Lou!

There are already again passed four weeks since I wrote you last. I scarcely do not know where the time remains, it is hurrying far too much.

Now you are again with your parents, what a good chance for you, dear, that you can pass that time with them. We wish so very much to be a little nearer to you, that we may be able to see how you do, and once to see that little child of yours, my first little nephew. Surely I shall be very proud of him, and my parents too, but it is only a pity we never can hope to know him. May God be with you the whole time, dear Lou. With his assistance you surely soon will be quite well again and what a happiness will a sweet little child be both to you and Hermann, who are so fond of children. I think a tender little babe is to be regarded and cherished as a treasure. A fortnight ago a little son is arrived with Sels. Mrs. Sel and the child are both quite well, how they are glad you may suppose yourself.

Now you surely have got the little things we sent to you. I hope you do like them. It was really amusing to work them. Perhaps they shall arrive with you before Hermann's friend is parting. What an idea of my dear brother, that I should accompany Mr. St. when he, after three months, goes back to America. If he thinks a little about that proposition, he will understand that never could go, though I should not so very much dislike it. But my parents—I do not think Papa ever will permit me to go there.

Now summer is really come! It is so beautiful here, all the trees begin to be green, and we have plenty of flowers in the garden. How I long after the summer vacations, where we are to see all our dear ones, Mimi especially. We two sisters are so seldom together. I believe Mimi will learn to play exceedingly well. She has a serious passion for Miss Johannsen and is exercising very diligently on account of that love. Oh, dear Lou, you cannot imagine what an ardent wish I have to learn playing beautiful. I am so sorry I can hear so seldom good music that is a great encouragement. Some days ago, I was very happy. A sister of Mr. Hedemann, Mrs. d. Levetrow, was at Norburg. Friday evening she spent with us and we had a great joy to hear her playing on the piano. She is nearly an artist. You cannot think what a charming lady she is. Still so beautiful, so amiable, so learned and kind, even Papa admires her. How beautiful must it be, to be so pretty, so amiable, to win all hearts!

I long very much for a letter from you, dear Lou. I hope to receive one in these days. We expected news from you on Mimi's birthday, but she did not get some, neither from you nor Hermann. That we never did receive the picture from your little nephew, Anton, was too disagreeable. Hermann wrote in his last letter again so much about him. He must be a charming little boy. I like it so much to occupy myself with children, my darling is always little Adelheid. If you only could see her. She is so merry, likes so much to see picture books, but not with out my telling her histories to each of them, which she remembers very well. There exists a great friendship between us. I always wish to have such a nice little sister. I expected to see Helene Sanisch this afternoon, but now it is raining, therefore perhaps she will not come. I hope we really shall become friends; it is so nice for me that she is here. I always longed for a friend, I missed Mariechen and Sophie so very much, when I was at Kiel I so wanted to see them every day.

Mrs. Hedemann gives me still singing lessons. I like them much. It is so nice to be able to sing. She does it very well, we have often had great joy this winter in hearing her sing. Our "[Kranschen?...German]" is very small now. We are reading Frith Renter's "[German title]" That is very amusing. We are not more persons enough to read those great dramas. We often are talking about the interesting winter we have passed, but it is also very good to live quiet now, there is always much to do. Often we wish the day to be twice as long as it is. I do not understand that often people are tired and find the time passes too slow. I should like to have some hours more to work or study for myself. It is seldom that I can study a little. I shall do it one hour every afternoon, but often if I just am beginning, there comes some one to visit me, or I am obliged to go out. I am afraid to forget all I have learned. In the evening, after supper, Papa is reading to us. We have a beautiful history of German literature by Vilmar. It is indeed very interesting. We are just arrived at Silopstock, and have also read a little out of his works, "Adam's death," one song of Messias and so on.

We are so glad, my dear father is much merrier as last winter. He also is much more wholesome. The terrible pains that tormented him nearly every day last winter come very seldom and not by far so violently. Apart from this he is quite healthy, as well as Mama the last time. She is only sometimes very tired.

Poor Miss Andresen is very ill, probably she has the consumption. They do not believe she shall be better again. Since a week Lotte is not more with us. We miss her indeed very much, we are so wonted to see her old, good face. She longs very much for us, and it's her greatest joy if we come and see her sometimes. It goes very well with our new servant. She does very well, though we were first a little afraid.

Mariechen Hall is going this summer again at Wildbud with Mr. Hall. Of course she is very glad of it. Last summer she was very happy there. You cannot think, dear Lou, what a dear friend I have in my beloved, little Mariechen. Every one who knows her is fond of her, especially Aunt Eli. Mariechen is her darling, perhaps more than Sophie, though she is also very fond of her. It is really too great a fortune to have so sweet friends. I wish so much that Mimi also should get one, but I don't think she till now loves any one better than little Else Kahlhammer. She was her best friend here and the friendship has continued since they are separated. But I must close, my own dear sister. God be with you. With warmest love and sincere wishes that you may spend the next time happily. Your true sister Anna My best love to Hermann

Transcription: Bloomington, May 11, 1875 [Tuesday]

My dear Hermann,

You can imagine me now lying on my bed writing to you, in answer to your most welcome letter of today. I did not receive it till almost dark. It was all the more welcome because I only half expected it, as you did not promise certainly to write. I discovered yesterday afternoon that my letters had gone with you when I came up to copy my letter in order to send it today if possible. It seems to me now that I did not think of anything yesterday but that you were going, and all the time you were here I just enjoyed your presence. I did not do anything and I did not say half that I wanted to. Since you left I have thought of many things which I wanted to talk about. But I can write if they are important enough. Today I have gone to work again after my two days holiday. I have been sewing nearly all day. The sewing girl has been here and she and Ma have been quite busy too. Ma wants things to be in readiness in case of emergency. I received a present of a beautiful little sacque today from Aunt Cornelia and Mag wrote me that she had been making some things for me. With so many kind friends and our own sewing I think the wardrobe will soon be complete. Since you left the pain in my side has returned to keep me company and that is why I write lying in bed. I have felt upon the whole, quite cheerful today, although I miss you dreadfully, dearest Hermann, and long for you more than I can tell you. If I can help it, I do not want to allow myself to become too downhearted. I ought to have more faith and trust in God, and to feel that all will be right whether I live or die. Pray for me, dear Hermann, that I may be ready for either life or death, but if God will, that I may live to be a better woman than before.

Mag writes that Anton at first wanted to go "home" again. His Papa told him he wanted him there. Pointing to the baby, Anton said, "You got one baby." But his Papa said "We want two babies." "Oh then I must stay," said he. He calls Mag "Grandma" half the time. Mag says she found one of my unopened letters to her, dated June 20th 1874 in Arthur's vest pocket the day before she wrote. I don't believe you would be as forgetful as that.

So you found the rest of Francisca's letter. I thought there must be another sheet. Anna's letters are very nice. She is quite determined to have [two German words.] It matters not to me which it is, so it comes safely and happily and is perfect and I believe you feel the same. In my last letter to Anna I wrote to her about coming here. I believe she would enjoy a year here very much when once we have our little household established, but it yet remains to be seen whether we are to have a home. If the dark hour is passed through safely and we are once more well and happy together then we can arrange for the little home which we hope to have.

We have had rain and wind again today. Now the wind is blowing and whistling, rattling the windows at a terrible rate, and it seems to have turned quite cold. I hope our flowers will not suffer. My Calla is beautiful today. I have been enjoying it exceedingly. The Verbenas, Roses and Geraniums which you set out are looking well. If only they are not killed by the cold tonight. Dory was not able to go to College today. He has been obliged to give up the Ind. trip. Brown and Dick are going I believe. But my dearest Hermann, it is quite late and I must say good night. But first, I know it was $65 for the chairs. You have paid $50 which you owed Pa and then Pa gave you $20, making $70. The extra $5 Ma owed you on the mattress. And now Hermann, my beloved, good night. How thankful I am to have seen your face once more, to have been with you and have felt your arms about me and your kisses on my face. Thine only Lou

Wednesday morning [May 12] It is quite cold again this morning, but I believe that none of our flowers are injured. Jim is quite a character. I am glad you liked the story. If you want the first chapters you will find the Scribners in your large trunk. Don't forget to send me the June no. when you have read it. I will not buy it here and will depend on you.

I wish, dear Hermann, that you would send me a programme of your day's work so that I will know just what you are doing each hour. I intended to have asked you particularly while here, but did not. I am glad you enjoyed the little visit. I am sure I did, and feel better for it, though it would be a great comfort if I thought I would see you once more during these seven weeks.

Brown is just going up town and I must send this. I have commenced copying Mother's letter but my side hurts so that I cannot sit steadily.

Good bye, my best beloved

[two German words]

Lou

Transcription: My sweet wife,

Here I am again among my books and in my old place. The day's work is done, my lessons have been prepared, and after this good night to you I am ready to go to my lonely bed. And without grumbling, my Lou, after the pleasure of this delightful visit. It seems to me that I am more ready for the seven long weeks to come than I have ever been before. I have had a great many inquiries after you. Mr. Shepherd had it in the paper that Prof. Boisen had gone to see his wife and they all want to know how you are. I had a very pleasant call at Mrs. Byers. Thanks for the [Leribuers?]. I read all there was of [Lerenraks?] and enjoyed it hugely. That fellow Tim with his, "Old Jerusalem, if I ever have a little feller of my own the world will have to spread to hold my" has now my whole heart. But my careful wife forgot to take her letters out of the book and I send them back, both Mother's and your own. At the same time Anna's. I paid Mr. Goetz this evening, and send you the note. It was $65 though instead of sixty. Good night, my sweet beloved girl. May your sleep be quiet and your dreams sweet. With all my heart Your husband H

Transcription: Thursday [sic….the 12th was a Wednesday] Bloomington, May 12, 1875

My dearest Hermann:

I shall begin a letter to you tonight although it is late and I do not expect to send it before Saturday as I sent one only today. But I can hardly let a day pass without at least a few words to my dear husband. I am afraid you sometimes get tired of my rambling letters. I shall make this a kind of journal letter and will give an account of the days doings.

I sewed and wrote to you and Mutter this morning, watered my flowers and then Anna Ballantine came and staid about an hour. She insists on my going up to spend the day with her. I would like to and yet I dislike very much to meet gentlemen and of course I must see her father, but she says I must not mind an old gentleman. This afternoon I took a nap and sewed. Prof and Mrs. Thompson called. Prof says he does not yet know when he will go to Terre Haute. Mrs. T. goes to Newport tomorrow.

Brown and Dick went to Indianapolis today. Dory was not able to go. This evening Ma and I went down to Mrs. Atwater's and had quite a pleasant little visit. The sewing girl has been here today and we have accomplished a good deal. Now it is late and I must go to my bed. I wonder what you are doing this beautiful night, taking a walk? Do you miss me still? Or does it seem easier to do without me now that you have seen how ugly I look? My dear, dear Hermann, I must say good night. Dream of me still. Yours ever and only Lou

Thursday night [May 13] It is so late tonight dearest Hermann that I can write but little. I have been busy all evening getting work ready for the girl tomorrow. This afternoon Mrs. Olds (Eva Buskirk) and Mrs. Norton called. Mrs. O. has come home to spend the summer, just for the same reason that I have. She has become almost as fleshy as Mrs. Mrs. Magee and looks very well, though she says she was dreadfully sick for three months. Just after they left I got your postal. Many thanks for it. I look anxiously for the box tomorrow. I wish you were coming next Saturday and we could look at the things together. And I wish I had kept my letter to Mother a few days longer. But I must not stay up longer or I won't be up in time for the girl tomorrow. I love you with all my heart dearest Hermann. Lou

Friday night [May 14] The box did not come today, dear Hermann. I suppose you could not get it off in time yesterday. I hope it may come tomorrow. I had no letter either, but I hope you have spent this evening agreeably in writing to me. You spoke of writing to your father. I suppose you have already sent your letter. If you can do as you proposed and so bring permanent relief to him, and also feel free yourself for some years at least, how happy we shall be. But if it is only a drop in the bucket, is it right to involve ourselves and our children so much? But why do I ask, you feel sure you said, that it would be a real lasting relief.

Mr. and Mrs. McNary were here this afternoon. Nearly all the flowers are out of the pit. Barth has fixed the shrubbery nicely. I have had toothache today but am free from it now. Brown and Dick not home yet. Oh, this commotion! If I could only be with you my Hermann [4 German words] Dream of your Lou

I sent Anton's picture to Mutter. I wrote six pages. Col. Thompson had a bad hemorrhage last night, Friday. Mrs. T. is away. Poor Fanny is there alone. They say they hardly think he will be able to be in college again this session, but I hope it is not so bad as they fear.

Transcription: My sweet Lou, I am writing that letter to my father and want to finish it tonight, therefore only this word of thanks for your sweet letter. The box has come! We have been admiring the beautiful things all afternoon. Mrs. Byers was around before supper to see it. I send it tomorrow and write you all about it. Why could it not have come on Friday last that we might have had this feast together! For a huge soul feast it is! It has been a beautiful day here. I have been thinking after today how lovely it must be now at home. Program of my recitations comes tomorrow. Good night my sweet girl. Your H. B.

Transcription: West Chester, Pa May 14th 1875 [Friday]

My Dear Lizzie,

I received you letter this evening, and was delighted to find you were in such good spirits. I wish I could help you get ready to go, for I have plenty of time, but unfortunately West Chester is too far off. There is one thing I want to write to you about before you leave Philadelphia. Since I have been boarding I am so plagued for some place to keep my sewing in my room, and I just thought I would ask you to rent Mother's little work stand to me. I will give you a dress every year for it while you lend it to me, and will take good care of it. If you think it best not to lend it to me just say so, for I want done what is right. But if you let me have it, send it by Adams' Express and tie it up carefully with newspaper and be sure you are at Egberts' when it leaves the house, or they might tear the direction off of it. Let me know at once about this. Recollect, I don't want only to borrow it till you need it.

Mrs. Dr. Worthington was buried yesterday. I think it will be right nice for you to be at Susan's for the summer. Then you can board yourself for a mere song.

Ellie often comes around to see me. Tom, Mary and James are traveling in the South. I had a letter from Emma lately. Toph is in Muncie. It is quite dusk and I must conclude. Write me about the work stand and just do as you think best. I will not be hurt either way. Affectionately Nellie M. T.

Transcription: [May 15, 1875] Saturday morning—

My dear, good Hermann,

Last Saturday at this time I was happy in being with you. Today I sit in my room alone and can only reach you by means of pen and paper. Well, I am thankful that our letters can go and come so quickly.

It is quite cool again today. We have had some rain but the sun is shining now and I think the day will continue clear. I suppose you will enjoy very much a walk out to Scott's. Do you go morning or afternoon? And how long do you stay? I envy "Fred" and the girls your company. To think that they can see you every Saturday and every other day too, and I cannot see you again for seven weeks! Your visit cheered me up a great deal, dearest Hermann. I believe I have not felt as hopeful or as cheerful since I came home as I have this week. Oh, if everything goes well, how happy we shall be dear Hermann. I hardly dare allow myself to think of it. I am so undeserving of so much happiness. But God does not give to us according to our merits, freely and out of His abundance and goodness and mercy He gives us.

Mrs. McNary, I think, is not feeling very cheerful. She says she is not so strong as usual at such times and you know she was so sick last year. Belle Miers, they say, is looking wretchedly. I wish, Hermann, that if you conveniently can, you would ask Dr. Küster, or some doctor, whether there is really any danger for me to have Dr. Maxwell now that his cancer is healed up again. I suppose he will not attend me if it should break out again, for he is very careful, and, I think, gives up all his cases when he is doctoring his cancer. Eva Buskirk said that Belle Miers and herself were both going to have Dr. McPheeters, though she did not say it was on account of Dr. M's cancer and I don't know that she thought of that. I am sorry that I did not get you to speak to him about attending to me when you were here. I had much rather have him than any other doctor here, if it is safe. But I would not like to run any risk. Ma says she will speak to him for me and I know he will tell her truly if he thinks there is danger, but still—thought I would like to have the opinion of some other physician and for that reason would like you to ask Dr. Küster. Sometimes I hardly think it is possible that I shall wait till July, but I hope I shall for I want to have you with me all the time. But be ready at any time and especially at the last. Arrange to have your examinations over as soon as possible and get through with books and papers before Commencement if you possibly can so that you can leave them with another Prof or bring them with you so that you will not have to go back immediately. I mean if I wait till the last days. Of course if it is before the end of the session you will be obliged to leave me. But somehow I look for it about the end of the session. And I believe I shall need you even more afterwards than before for I think I shall be very sick. And you do not know how helpful your presence alone is to me dearest Hermann. But I am writing a great deal on this selfish self.

Prof. Atwater's house is now getting the roof on it. It is going up very rapidly and I think will look very well and be very convenient. There is a great show in town today. I have been hearing the music as I write and as I sit at the west window I can see the tents over in Jim Howe's lot across the railroad rising above the houses and trees and so moved by the wind that they look like huge breathing monsters. I see I am at the end of my sheet. I wonder if you have patience to read my letters? Do you know, Hermann, that it seemed to me that you were very absent and preoccupied when you were here. What was it [rest of sentence in German, plus closing] Lou I suppose the boys will be home today. M Ford did not get the prize, as you doubtless have seen. I do hope the box will come today. I am glad Mrs. Byers saw the things. How did you manage to tell her and show her? My love to her when you see her.

Transcription: Bloomington May 15, 1875 [Saturday] My dear Hermann,

I cannot tell you how very much disappointed I was at not hearing from you today. You said you would both write and send the box Thursday so I looked for letter and box on Friday, but they did not come and I thought that perhaps you had not been able to get the box to the Express Office in time and that I would certainly get both letter and box today. But I have not seen a card from you and must wait now till Monday with uneasiness for fear you are sick, but I hope not. Something unforeseen has happened to prevent or you have forgotten until too late. Now I suppose I will not get the box till Tuesday as you most probably would not send it today since it would lie over at the Junction till Monday. But I hope for a letter certainly on Monday. I did not reply to your postal because I looked for your letter next day and thought I would send a letter in reply. And then too, while Brown was gone I had no one to carry my letters to the train. But I did not wait today fearing you might feel a little disappointed if you did not hear from me today. My thoughts have been very much with you today, dear Hermann, and I have been wishing for you very much this evening with a homesick kind of feeling. These beautiful spring days, are they not lovely? But some one else enjoys them with you. There now, Hermann, I am not going to get sentimental and melancholy, so I'll say good night. Until death do us part, Your Lou

Sabbath Afternoon—[May 16] I wonder what my dear husband is doing now at 3 o'clock, reading, writing, sleeping, walking or talking? Here am I lying on the bed, lazy creature that I am, writing. Both of the south windows are open and I look out and over the beech trees with their young leaves of delicate green. My flower table looks beautiful. The Calla is bending over towards the light and is just as pure and lovely as when you left. Two roses are in bloom and the Geranium still shows its red flowers. Now the College bell is ringing for Chapel exercises. Prof Atwater is to lecture today. This is a bright, sunshiny day, the wind still blows cold but it is one of the days that you will enjoy and I expect you are out walking. Here the leaves are coming out slowly, but the place is beginning to look beautiful. Our garden is nearly in order now. The shrubbery has been dug and raked and the grass has been raked, that ragged bed just at the corner of the arbor has had the wild flowers taken from it and put into the shrubbery and elsewhere. The rose bush has been transplanted too and when Mr. Barth comes this week the ground will be sodded and the front yard will be cleaned and the bushes trimmed. Almost every thing is planted out now which we intend to put out except the verbenas which are yet to be put among the roses, when they come. We have made good progress with the sewing too, though much is still to be done.

Oh, my dearest Hermann, if I could only see you and be with you in these days! When I think I may not live, the thought that I must be separated from you during these last weeks almost overcomes me, for I love you so very, very much Hermann. And then when I think of the comforts about me and that I have my mother here, whose experience is so great and that especially this first time so much depends upon skillful and careful nursing and treatment and when I think too, that you have been willing to make the sacrifice for my good, I feel ashamed of my ingratitude. Many a poor woman has to go through all this peril and suffering with no comforts about her and with not a word of sympathy or aid of any kind and I have everything except the presence of my beloved husband. No one can take his place. I am completely downhearted today. What is the reason? Is anything wrong with you? But I will not write more unless I can write more cheerfully. Don't mind my "blueness," let "circumstances" account for it.

Monday night—[May 17]

My dear Hermann, I can account for my blueness I believe. I received your letter today and I think it must have been your uneasiness which affected me. At least it was partly that. I often think that I know just when you are thinking most of me and again I feel that your whole attention is elsewhere. I am so susceptible to your influence, even when far away. I sent your letter up in good time on Saturday. I was so anxious for it to go that as neither Pa nor the boys were here to take it up in time, I got Annie to take it. She offered to do it and I was so unwilling for you to be at all disappointed that I gladly accepted the offer. I suppose the trains did not connect, but by this time you have the letter and know that nothing is the matter and that your little wife has not neglected you. I feel so badly myself when I do not hear from you that I am never willing to disappoint you if I can help it and I neglect everything that can be neglected sooner than miss writing to you when I know you are expecting to hear from me, should I not say us?

Why did you not tell me what you had been doing last evening? It seemed to have been late when you wrote. Had you been at church? If so at what church and with whom? Remember, dear Hermann, that I am interested in every little thing concerning you. You have forgotten to send me a programme of recitations, a record of whom you spend your days and evenings. Of course I know you don't spend every day alike, but I want to follow you as nearly as possible through the day. You have forgotten too to send me the June Scribner as you promised. As soon as you are through with it please send it.

I am exceedingly anxious to see the box. I know Mr. Byers don't care half as much about it as I do. I shall look for it Wednesday certainly, though if you really care to keep it by you, dear Hermann, I can wait till you are done with it. Did you give Mrs. B the letter and bundle? If she has it ready it might come in the box, but it will be too late to tell her so when you get this, as I suppose the box is sent. Now it is very late, and I am very stupid. I have such a bad cold in my head and you know now how stupid that makes a person feel. I am writing in bed as usual and that will account for the scrawl. I am becoming daily more graceful. I waddle around like an old duck. I believe I shan't be able to walk at all in a week or two. I am getting so very awkward. It is a precious burden that I carry. I love to think that I have so much of you with me all the time. Oh, that all may come out well. We cannot too fervently and earnestly pray for God's blessing and aid as the trying hour draws near, and indeed it is drawing near very fast. Six weeks from tomorrow is Normal Commencement and I do not think the hours of peril and pain will be any longer delayed, though I may be mistaken. But now, my dearest Hermann, we must say good night. I hope by this time you are sound asleep.

"With much love," your wife

Tuesday morning Another bright beautiful day, but still cool. I know that you, dear Hermann are enjoying this weather. It seems to me very much like the weather we had while in Germany. Perhaps it is a very little cooler and we have not the daily shower. I find myself very often in these days going over in imagination the days we spent in Germany. Oftenest I am in Norburg, sometimes in Kiel, sometimes in Grundhof or in Leilin or Hamburg or Leipzig, and very often I see very vividly the places through which we traveled. Some village, or even a particular house, a tree, or forest or even the very flowers by the wayside. I have commenced a letter to Francisca and shall finish it soon and send it. Then I want to write again to Tante Eli and at least once more home. I do not know about answering Gine's letter. It hurts my side so much to write and besides I would not undertake to write German unless you could correct it before it was sent. I was thinking that we had better wait until after the event to write. Or if you think best to do it before, can you not write for me? She waited so long to answer our letter that I do not think we need be in haste.

I wish you would remember to ask about the treatment of the bridal myrtle and also that you would ask whether the Azaleas should be repotted now or not until Fall.

Dr. Owen is talking of buying the little house above here on this street where Prof Dodd used to live. I do not think it would be a good place for Mrs. O. It is a dismal kind of a house. But there is considerable land and it is a good situation if he can only build another house. Judge Rhoads is talking of buying Nutt's house. I believe Dr. and Mrs. Nutt intend boarding.

Was not the wrecking of the Schillie dreadful! So many lives lost, only one woman saved. What a terrible night that must have been. I am glad you have written that letter to Father. I think it will be so much better to have an exact understanding of affairs and then if we can arrange to give him immediate substantial aid, what a relief it will be all around. I can easily see that it must have given you pain to write the letter, but I think it was right and best for you to do it, and I hope dear Father will understand and appreciate your motives in doing so. But what a long letter I am writing. I always do though. Do you have patience to read them through? You write me such short letters, two and three pages generally, occasionally four. Can we not arrange for two letters a week, and postal cards in between if need be, or inclination leads us? I generally write on Tuesday and Saturday and I look for letters from you on Monday and Friday. I know you do not have so much time as I do for writing, but I ought to have at least one good long letter and either a shorter letter and postal in a week. I look for the box tomorrow. I found your Adler's dictionary so I don't need the other. What have you done with my "Long of the Bell"? Please take good care of it and don't lend it, even to your favorite scholar. But now dearest Hermann this is the end of the sheet and also of my chatter. Yours only Lou

Don't forget to ask Dr. Küster. I hope you will get this letter this afternoon. It is now 12 ½ o'clock.

Transcription: Terre Haute, Sabbath night [May 16, 1875] My sweet Lou,

What does all this mean? Tomorrow it will be a week that I am back and in all this week only one letter from my wife. I felt a little disappointed today, but very much so yesterday. You have spoiled we so with your faithfulness in writing, my sweet wife, that this makes me feel quite uncomfortable and I hardly can suppress the fear that something must be the matter with you. Whether good news or bad ones, I must have them tomorrow--if you have not written, by dispatch. The beautiful [one word] have not yet been sent. Mr. Byers wanted to come around and see them but he has not yet been here. I think I shall send tomorrow, but you won't get them till Wednesday. It takes two days for packages by Express. I have to unpack them daily and look them all over again. What a sweet welcome from them it is that we'll receive the little darling at his (hers) first entrance into this world and how each look at the child will make us see its grandparents and aunts. I tell you, my Lou, these things will have to be honored. It has been a most beautiful Sabbath today. Terre Haute indeed does look well on a day like this. Do you know that it is the day of Pentecost "[German word]" one of the great days in Germany? I went to the German Church this morning immediately after Sabbath-School—not to the Lutheran, but to the Reformed Church, and was greatly surprised to hear a most excellent sermon, a very thoughtful production, and the most liberal views—not a particle of that intolerance that made the Lutheran service so repugnant to me. The congregation too looked quite intelligent, and the whole service was so simple and impressive that I was greatly delighted. I cannot tell you how sorry I am that I never thought of taking you there. Landison and Miss Andrews went with me this morning and they could follow considerably. I had a very large Sabbath-school class this morning, but except Mrs. Crane, all Normal students. This is not quite as it should be. Friday I got my letter off home. I wrote a very earnest and careful letter to father that has given me a good deal of pain—it would hardly out of my pen to refer to the moment when our father should be taken from us, yet I felt it my duty to do so. I trust that I have done it carefully and that it will have the desired effect.

This is all for today, my sweet Lou. I must get the letter off. Please, my sweet wife, write to me faithfully and let me know all about you, your letters are my only pleasure. With much love Your husband

Transcription: Tuesday night My dearest Hermann:

I sent you a letter only today but I will begin another tonight though I will write only a few lines. I have such a bad cold that I am quite stupid with it. I hope I shall feel better tomorrow. I expect the box and a letter too tomorrow. Ma and Aunt Emma and I are all very anxious to see the things. How many persons have you shown the precious treasures? You have not put any of them on exhibition at the Normal have you? But this is enough nonsense for tonight. After I get the box tomorrow I will write more. I enjoy very much the thought of having these things from our dear far-distant friends. And now my dearest, good night. With all my love Your Lou

Wednesday night 11 o'clock My dear Hermann:

I am almost too disappointed to write any tonight. I so certainly expected to hear from you today. I rode up to the Express office and P.O. confidently expecting the box and a postal card at least, but there was nothing. I don't know now when to look for a letter from you or the box. I expect this beautiful weather has made you forget me. No, I don't, but I know you must be enjoying these days. I hope better than I do with this bad cold. This is such a lovely night. I wonder what you are doing. Talking poetry? It is most beautiful to look out of the front window. You know how beautiful our front yard looks in the moonlight. And then the charming June bugs are back at last. One is humming and buzzing about me now. I think I shall put him out to enjoy the moonlight. Another has arrived to keep him company. Imagine me gracefully chasing them out of the room. And now my dearest Hermann, good night. Ever and always thing—

I have torn off Thursday's writing

Transcription: My dear wife, I trust that a letter from you is in my box, but I have not got it yet. Mr. and Mrs. Hodgin took me out riding immediately after school, and when we returned the office was closed. Your first letter I got on Monday, the other Tuesday. I intended to write you a good long letter this afternoon, but have been squandering my time rambling about and have now to spend the evening in study. I will make up tomorrow. We had a most delightful ride up the river in the direction of the Viendent's farm. Mrs. Hodgin wants to take Mr. and Mrs. Wilson and my out to Heinl's Saturday afternoon. I long to hear what you think about the box which you must have got Wednesday. If the pain in your arms does not make writing too hard a task then please, my sweet wife, be not quite so chary with your letters. I can't tell you how every day I long to hear from you. With all my heart Your husband I did not forget your [one word] but it has not yet come. H.

Transcription: Friday noon Dear Hermann. I received the box yesterday, but no letter. I feel very anxious to hear from you and hope for a letter today. Have finished my letter to [Frauzul?] and will send it today or tomorrow. Are you going to send the Canna root, one is enough I think, and verbenas and periwinkle? If not we will plant something else. We are having rain today and things are growing wonderfully. The maidenhair tree is putting out beautifully. If I get a letter from you today I will send reply tomorrow, if possible. I have a letter partly written. It is mail time and I must send this. [Closing in German]

Transcription: Friday night [May 21, 1875]

My dear, good Hermann:

Your postal card was received this evening and I assure you I was glad to get it. It seems like an age since I heard from you and I have been wishing for a letter so much. You seem to think that I am not writing as often as I should, but you have had two long letters from me and I have had no reply to either of them, only a short letter written in great haste it seemed on Sab. Night. I feel like writing to you every day and indeed I do write some every day, but it is not very easy to get my letters to the office unless I send them up the day before they go, and I don't want to do that. I send you at least two a week and more if I can. I long for a letter or card from you every day. I am so lost without you. I have already written four pages to you. I commenced the day I sent my last letter, but I will not send you what I wrote last night. So much of it is cross and hateful. I have had a very bad cold in my head and it has made me feel very cross and stupid. It is much better today. But I must tell you about the box. I sent a card today acknowledging its arrival but I could not comment upon the contents. It did not come till yesterday. Of course I opened it immediately, and brought forth the beautiful things. How kind and good of them to do so much for the little one. The "Luren" are very pretty, but I do not understand them quite. The white dress is braided beautifully. I suppose Anna must have done that. Aren't the little socks and stockings "cute" as Anton would say. One little bib is especially pretty, the one worked with red and white. I wonder if Mimi made it. We had quite a time looking at the things. The Luren are so altogether foreign and mysterious to us that we have been wondering how one shall use them ever since. The baby certainly must go into them. One thing Mother mentioned in her list I think is not here. I Janka. At least, I understand by that what we call a sacque and I see nothing of the kind. And you did not send the views of Kiel. I suppose you will bring them when you come and bring the stereoscope too. Don't lend or let the stereoscope go from your room for if you should have to come in haste at the end of the session it would be left behind. You will have to have things ready to come on short notice. And if it is at the end of the term, you won't want to go back again--I hope.

It is late and I am lying in bed writing. I have been almost entirely free from pain in my side today. Some days it is very bad and I believe I have never since I first had it been so free as today.

Will the Normal observe Decoration day as holiday? This is such a long session I should think they could afford one day, a national holiday too. It comes on Monday, May 31 and I have been hoping that if you are free, you will care enough to come again to see me, for then you can come as before and not miss any recitation. And how glad I should be to see you. It will then be only four weeks till the end of the term and they will soon pass. And it would shorten the time so much to see you again. I am looking too badly now to go out. I intended spending a day with Anna this week, but I had such a cold and Mrs. Turner is there with Anna so I could not go the first of the week, and now I don't look fit. I wrote you that Col. Thompson was very sick, but the hemorrhage was not very serious after all. They were much frightened at the time but he was soon able to be out again. Dr. and Mrs. Nutt are boarding at Dr. Durand's. I don't know who has their house. Dr. Owen is going to take Miss Morrison's after Com. But my dearest, sweetest and best of husbands, it is so late that I must stop and finish tomorrow. This "threshing machine" as Mrs. Atwater calls it never tires, and how it does grow. It is perfectly wonderful. I see Mrs. Atwater going over to the new house every day. It looks as if it was just about as much as she can do to walk. Good night. I hope you have written me a long letter tonight. With love exceeding, your Lou

Saturday morning, [May 22] Another bright, beautiful day, which you will enjoy in going to Heinl's and Scott's I suppose. Take a look at the flowers for me. My Calla is now beginning to wither, but it has lasted two weeks. Please, dear Hermann, write to me whether you have given Mrs. Byers that bundle. I have heard nothing from her. I told her I was in no great haste, but she is usually so prompt that it seems strange that two weeks should pass without even hearing from her.

Tomorrow you have your class again. I keep up the readings every night and am with you on Sabbath morning. I am sorry too that I never was at the Ger. Reformed Church. Have you been out to see Mrs. Howe yet? And what is the latest news from Mr. Howe? Either next Tuesday or Tuesday week, I think the latter, the stockholders of the Coal Mine are to meet in Terre Haute. I don't know who are going. Pa is not.

I sent my letter to Franziska yesterday. Next I think I shall write to Tante Eli, though I believe ought to write home to acknowledge the box. But I suppose you have already done that and that you have given our united thanks and love for the beautiful things which their loving hands have made and which I hope our baby will wear Hope this may not be so unfortunate as last Saturday's letter, but may reach you today. Tell me all that you do.

Transcription: Terre Haute, Sabbath night [May 23, 1875] My sweet wife,

I know you must have been very much disappointed not to get a letter from your man yesterday, but if I had not missed the night train I would have been with you myself yesterday morning. I did not get a letter Tuesday, nor Wednesday, nor Thursday, and then I commenced to feel uneasy but when I did not get anything on Friday either I became very much alarmed and concluded to start off with the night train, and be with you at least the few hours Saturday morning. I felt quite sure that something must be the matter. But I was mistaken in the time of the train and when I came to the depot at 2 o'clock Friday night the train had left 10 minutes since. So, much against my own will a kind providence saved me from this wild goose chase, for there could have been no satisfaction in such a flying visit for either you or me. But God be praised, my sweet Lou, that my fears were ungrounded, and that I know again my sweet wife is comparatively well and things at home all right. Both your postal card and your sweet letter I got yesterday, and a most terrible burden they took from my heart. I am a very foolish fellow indeed and greatly wanting in self control but my whole existence is so twined with yours that such anxiety almost sets me beside myself, and then to fear at once the worst is, I think, a hereditary failing from mother's side.

About myself, my sweet wife, I have not much to tell you. Things go on their usual way, all my interest centers in you and I long greatly for the time when this intolerable state of things shall cease. I do not yet know anything about decoration day. I shall be very glad if the Normal makes a holiday and most certainly shall be with you. I send a basket with flowers for you tomorrow. The Corale plant is for Aunt Emma. I think she will like it for she seemed to regret greatly the loss of hers. Besides there are a dozen verbenas for the second bed, 3 Cannas for the center group and 3 lilies. The blooming Azaleas I took with me from Scott's yesterday. They have a very pretty one at each side of the door. I wish you would plant them in the long bed to the side of the house. If we do not like them there we can take them away next year after they have grown up some. I had a very pleasant afternoon at Scott's yesterday. Mrs. Hodgin took me out in her buggy. She called at two o'clock with Mrs. Paddock and Mrs. Bruce and we stopped on the way at Heinl's for an hour and a half. His garden is lovely at this time and that of Scott's almost more so. I like this boy Fred more and more, and these lessons to him are to me a soul delight. We have commenced Greek now and he comes in to me and recites every Wednesday. I took supper at Scott's and after that they took me to town. Stopping at the floral hall to leave the Azaleas I found Mrs. Paddock and Mrs. Bruce there together with Mr. and Mrs. Wilson and we had another delightful hour. I wish you could see how beautiful it is now. Mrs. Wilson declared it is more worth to her than all the rest of Terre Haute. Do you know that Wilsons have changed their boarding place? They room now two houses from the place where Miss Bruce and Miss Fonnelle are and take board with them. The whole [one word] fort has scattered in consequence of a savage feud that has arisen between the Cruft's and the Ashes. They say that Mrs. Cruft wants Ashes to leave and they do not leave and do not pay either. The matter has been taken into court now and all the boarders are summoned as witnesses. How is that? Recitations: first hour that famous Arithmetic class, which by the way is doing well, then Latin, the third hour I have the room and the 4th German. In the afternoon I have the room the first hour and the second my old Arithmetic class, then another short German recitation (conversation) of 15 minutes. They are all doing very well, and my classes give me even an unusual pleasure this term. But I have not been feeling very well of late and am determined to give up my Bible class. It gives me too much work, although I like it. I don't see any reason why Mr. Chittenden should not take the class. We had a most excellent sermon from him this morning. This evening I took Mrs. Byers around to the German Reformed but we found that there was no service. And now, my sweet Lou, I must bring this chat to a close. Thousands thanks once more for your letter. I was greatly amused with your comments on the contents of the box. If possible write home once more before the event. I am glad that you wrote to [Frauzul?] but as for [a name] letter I really do not think it worth while to answer it at all, unless it should be a simple announcement of the great event, the happy occurrence of which is the constant [one word] Your H. Give my love to all. I wish you had sent me that "hateful" letter of yours? I enclose the views of [one word] some at least.

Transcription: Bloomington, Tuesday, May 25 [1875]

My dearly beloved Husband,

Only about two hours ago I received your letter of Sabbath night. I am afraid this change in time on the Vandalia road is going to prove quite disagreeable. I think the mail leaves T. H. now about 2 o'clock p.m. instead of 12. That is if I understand the time table. I hope however that you will still continue to get my letters on the same day they are written, or sent rather. You are right, dearest Hermann, I was woefully disappointed on Saturday when no letter came from you. I felt so depressed Saturday and Sabbath and yesterday that although I have two letters commenced to you, both on Sabbath, according to promise, yet I will not send them. I felt too utterly down hearted when I wrote.

Night Now I must go to supper—And it was just for the reason that I could not write a decent letter that I did not send you one today. I did try to send a postal card but did not succeed. I am afraid you will be disappointed but my letters are so long and poky that I think it must take you two or three days to read them through. I sent you one last Tuesday but I suppose it must be lost or you would have received it before you wrote. I have written you four long letters and a card since your return. This makes my fifth letter. I have received from you two short letters and the "good long one" today, and two cares. I feel like writing every day. Yesterday I received a letter from Kiel, from Mimi and Tante Eli. Dear sweet letters too. I think I must have written a very doleful letter to them. I was feeling very badly when I wrote I remember. I will send you the letters, but perhaps only one at a time. There is a great improvement in Mimi I should judge. Her letter is just as sweet and tender as it can be. One thing in Tante Eli's troubles me and I am afraid will trouble you, because I fear you will think I have written something which I ought not and would not and did not write. It is where she speaks of the money sent home, as if—it seems to me—I had said that you could not do so much for me as you would if that was not to pay. I know that no such thought as that entered my head for you have done everything I could wish for my comfort and pleasure. All that I remember saying was that we would like to go to housekeeping next year, if all went well and we could afford it. I am sure we have not done near as much as I hoped we should be able to do for father this year. I hope, dearest Hermann, that you believe and know that I want to do all we can to relieve him. All I ask is that we ourselves get out of debt and keep out of debt so that your good name may be unstained and we and our children never suffer as you and your parents have done. If we can do as we planned when you were here and it will afford permanent relief, I am quite willing to do it. Please dear Hermann, do not think that I do not sympathize with you in your desire to relieve your father. I believe I am just as ready as you to deny myself in order to help him.

There is an exhibition, Philo, I believe, at College tonight. Last night there was a concert given by the musical society of the place. Thurs night is another concert given by the infant prodigy Rose Ebersole, and Saturday night still another given by the Tennesseans. This last I would like to hear, but don't think I'm looking fit to go. Don't you think this is enough dissipation for one week!

I see Mrs. Atwater going over to the new house every evening. It looks as if it was about as much as she could do. She will be sick in one or two weeks most probably. Did you not get my letter in which I asked you to ask Dr. K. or some other M.D. whether there was any danger in having Dr. Maxwell now that his cancer has healed up for a time again? I wish you would ask and write me about it. I should not like to run any unnecessary risk and I should feel much better about it to have the opinion of a good doctor on the subject. I don't believe Dr. M would attend me if he thought there was danger. And there is another thing which you have not yet answered and which I am becoming quite anxious about and that is about that bundle I sent up to Mrs. B. by you. It was the little blanket and I wanted her to have it stamped and sent to me. I told her she need not hurry, but it is now three weeks since I sent it and as I am not a very skillful worker in embroidery I shall have to get it soon or I fear I shall not be able to get it done in time. I am nearly through with the rest of my work. I wish you would ask her about it, for perhaps she has sent it and I have not received it. I don't like to seem impatient either.

[It seems there should be another sheet here, but the following is written on the front page of the above, in the margin] Please send the letters from Tante Eli and Mimi back in your next letter as I want to answer them soon. And please, do not forget to write me whether the blanket is all right, whether you gave it to Mrs. Byers when you first went back. And if you ask the doctor, write whether he says it will be quite safe to have Dr. M. I will not send Tante Eli's letter until I write again. When you draw your money, I wish you would send me a little. I am in no very special haste yet. I am dreadfully afraid that this letter won't get off today. It is getting so late.

[Perhaps the following fragment goes with the above letter, as it appears to have been written a few days before May 31] Now, dearest Hermann, if you do have Monday as a holiday can and will you not come down? The only objection I can see is the money it takes. But in this doubtful time, I hope you can spare that. Perhaps you can spend the time more pleasantly in T.H. but I don't believe so and it would be such a pleasure to see you again. Do you not think it will be possible to come? But I do not believe that you will have the holiday.

Dear Hermann, can you not write a little oftener? It is not quite six weeks now till I hope we shall be together again. For how long I know not. Until then can I not have two letters at least, with postal cards thrown in? I try to send you two long letters a week and whenever I have the chance a postal card, but as I tell you I cannot always get my letters to the office. I am very exacting, am I not? I will write to you tomorrow and Monday but will not send the letter before Tuesday or Wed. hoping to hear from you Monday. I feel that on Sabbath you have a little more time to devote to me and I always look for a letter Monday. But I expect you feel as if you ought to have Sabbath free. It is only for a little while though, my Hermann. I sometimes feel very anxious for the end of the term to come so that you will come and I can have you with me. But when I think that perhaps it will be the end of me, and that I will only see you for a few hours or days, I would like the day delayed. But each day now I feel the increasing burden and wish that I could have the dear little thing in my arms or rather see it in yours. Oh that all may come out well. But now I must stop as it is time for my letter to go. I feel that I have given you a very poor letter. I do not feel exactly in the mood for writing. Think of me tomorrow, obliged to say at home all day part of the time on the bed, part of the time walking—rolling—about the garden, a while reading and then spending some time writing to my beloved husband. Dear Hermann, love your Lou

Transcription: Bloomington, Wednesday night, May 26 [1875]

My dearest Hermann

I sent you a long letter today and I will begin another tonight though it is late and I am ready for bed and the bugs are beginning to come in the room. Ma and I went down to Mrs. Atwater's this evening. She is only feeling tolerably well. Col. Thompson is again sick from a bilious attack this time, but they sent for Mrs. T. who was at Newport and she came today. One of your old students, A. D. Norman, was married today to Miss Mollie Howe, sister of Carrie. I would be so rejoiced if I should get a letter from you tomorrow saying you would be down on Saturday and that Monday was a holiday for you, but I don't expect it. I hope I shall keep up till the end of June any how, but sometimes I think I surely cannot. The commotion within becomes greater each day. And now my dear, good Hermann, [two German words]. Love me and dream of me. Forever thine Lou

Thursday night [May 27] My dear Hermann: I do not know why I commenced my letter on the wrong page but by way of variety, I will send it as it is without re-writing.

I have been pretty busy today. First I repotted some flowers and then made my bed and afterward helped Ma with some of the sewing. It has been a very warm, oppressive day so that I have not felt very bright. I have been thinking quite often during the day that you must be suffering from this heat. Such days as this I know are very hard on you. I suppose you got my letter yesterday, at least it got off. I hope the mail has not changed time. Write me whether it has and is it so that you have to mail your letters earlier in order that they may reach me the next day?

Ma and Pa and the boys have gone over to hear the Infant Prodigy. Aunt Emma and Annie are saving themselves for the Tennesseans on Saturday. I would like to hear them too and Ma is trying to persuade me to go, but I don't think she will succeed. I suppose I have entered upon the hardest time now. How much I wish you could be with me this last month. Well perhaps you can be here the last week anyhow, and I don't feel that I am a very interesting object at present. I know you will enjoy the Normal and its scholars far more for I am stupid and cross. I do not intend to write a very long letter this time. At least I think not, but I never can tell for when I commence a letter to you I can hardly stop. I hoped very much for a letter or card from you today, but none came. Won't you, dear Hermann, try to find time to write to me at least twice a week. It is not very long now—only five weeks—just think of it, not quite five weeks, and then—Oh then, if our fondest hopes are fulfilled how happy shall we be, my Hermann.

I will enclose Tante Eli's letter in this. I wrote you about it yesterday. Please do not think, dear Hermann, that I have written her anything wrong. I would be very far from doing so. Please send the letters back. I think I will write to them first and save my letter home for the last as I do not think I'll be able to write home twice again before I am sick.

I wish you could see my Marginata now. It has three flowers on it and is beautiful. I hope Heinl's has bloomed and that he is pleased with it. The flowers you sent came yesterday in good condition except perhaps the Acacias. They seem almost dry and withered. We planted them yesterday. The Cannas quite fill the little bed. The lilies are splendid. You wished them kept in pots, did you not? Things generally are growing well. I fear the Magnolia is dead and the Sweet Bay. Ma and Pa have come home quite delighted with the Prodigy. And now, dearest Hermann, Good night. If I can I will add more tomorrow. Love me Ever and only thine Lou [The following was written upside down at the top of page 2. Refers to the Prodigy] The little girl Rose Eversole is here now. A childlike pretty little thing, but I'd be afraid to put a child on exhibition as she is. [The following was written in the margin on page one] Don't forget to write me about the blanket and also about the Doctor. I am so much afraid you will be troubled over Tante E's letter, as I have been. You know I wrote in English. Perhaps she has misunderstood something I have said. I had no cause to write as it would seem she thought I did, and if I had cause, I most certainly would not have written any such thing. But perhaps she only thought such must be the case.

Transcription: Friday morning

The first College bell has just stopped ringing and I think of you, dear Hermann as on your way to the Normal. It wants five minutes of eight and I believe you said you were generally there by eight. We had a nice rain last night with thunder and lightning. Ma came up to me. She was afraid I might be frightened. In two or three weeks she will probably sleep with me all the time for fear I should be taken sick in the night. I hope though that that won't happen before you come home.

I believe most of the Catalpa is dead as you thought, though I may be mistaken. I do wish I could see Terre Haute now. I think 6th Street must be looking very pretty. Do you take much exercise? Please, dearest Hermann, do not be neglectful of your health. Don't stay at the Normal all the time. There is no need for you to stay after you are through with your classes. I know you find it pleasant to talk and go over the lessons with the young ladies and gentlemen, but although you don't feel it at the time, I know it is not best for you. You have not been accustomed to confine yourself so closely. When you were here you had all the afternoon free. And now if you teach nearly all day and then stay at the school till 5 o'clock as you generally did when I was in T.H. I know you will not feel well. Won't you be careful? I feel as if as much depends on your keeping well as on my good health. If I could only be with you. But when I think how much better it is, in many respects, for me to be here and how much I have to be thankful for, I must lay my hand on my mouth. But yet I can't help longing for you, dear Hermann. Your love is more precious than all on earth. If I only were as worthy of your love as I chould be!

When I went to Mrs. Atwater's the other evening and contrasted her condition with mine, I felt more than ever how pleasantly I am situated. Her house is so small and warm, almost stifling, and her room so exposed. Her Mother is sick and she has not even written to her of her condition for fear she would worry about it. She keeps up a cheerful and brave heart though, says she knows it cannot be worse than it was before, as far as suffering goes. But she has her husband with her.

I do long so for a letter from you today. It seems like an age since I heard, although it was only day before yesterday. I don't like to beg so much for letters from you, but they are about the only comfort I have these days. You surely cannot complain of my not writing for I write two long letters a week and postal cards as I have the opportunity of sending. I suppose you will have another pleasant day tomorrow. Write me about it and about Sabbath, where you go and what you do. My dearest Hermann, love your Lou

Transcription: Norburg, May 28, 1875 [Friday]

My dear, dear Lou!

Perhaps this will be the last letter which you shall get from me before that great changement you expect has occurred. Surely, dear Lou, you know how our thoughts, our prayers shall be with you all the time; with God's assistance you will well come through it. Think only of the joy you and Hermann will have afterwards. Does not that thought give you hope and courage? And do not all your fears dissipate, if you think of God's infinite mercy and love to His children? I am sure He will also hear our prayers and give health both to you and your child. How happy this will make us! I well understand how hard it must be to you to be separated from H. so long a time, but this trial will only heighten the happiness if you are again with him and then not you alone. Dear, dear sister, could you only once bring the first grandchild to our dear parents, it is hard for them never to have the view of seeing Hermann's children if you do not bring them here.

A thousand thanks for your very welcome letter from April 27. Your sweet letters become dearer and dearer to me, my Lou. If I read them, it is just as if I am sitting near you and hear you talk, could I only listen in truth to your soft voice and see your mild eyes. It is so kind of you and Hermann to wish to have me with you. What for me I should willingly spend some years with you. It is indeed one of my warmest wishes to know your parents, your relations, the dear little Anton, all those kind men, who our dear, dear brother Anton loved so much and who were so kind to him. But Papa thinks he never shall have me again if I go to America and surely I would not stay there for ever. I think I could not bear to leave my beloved German home, all the dear friends for ever. Can you imagine dear Lou, that I am curious where and what I shall be after a few years? Surely God will show me my way and place me where I am best to be used, but I should like to know if I ever shall be married. I think it must be a great happiness to be a wife, to have a husband and children to love and cherish. I never should be really happy if I were to be a governess. I do not believe that is the situation which suits for me. But there I am always talking from my own stupid thoughts. Do not laugh at me, dear Lou, you need not show Hermann this letter. Perhaps it would not be agreeable to him to know that I do not like teaching much.

We have got a bride amongst our friends here. Emilie Boeg is engaged with Mr. Schmidt. Perhaps you remember his wife died just at the time you were here. Surely she will be a very good mother to the eight children. They are both very happy.

Today it is my dear Mariechen Hall's birthday. I am thinking much of her. She is to go again to Wildbad with Mr. Hall. We are to take tea with Holms. It will be a fine walk to Oxbull, it is such a beautiful weather after the two days storm and rain we have had. Mrs. Holm is charming, I like her very, very much. Dear Lou, could you only have a little look on our garden, it is too pretty here in spring. All the fruit trees are covered with blossoms, from the windows of my room, the same which you had, I see them, white are the crowns of the trees, white is the earth from all little anemones and daisies, then the tall, beautiful linden and elm trees and other ones, covered with the first fresh green. I am never so glad, so happy as in spring. Sometimes I am singing all the day. They all tell me I never have been so merry, so vivacious as now. The reason I do not know. But why should I not be happy? My parents are so good, all people are so kind to me, I have such a dear, dear friend in my sweet little Helene, such a beautiful home. It is only a pity that B.-T.H. [Bloomington-Terre Haute] and Norb. [Norburg] are not laying quite together, but perfect happiness we cannot have in this world.

Saturday

I hoped to get my letter ready yesterday, but I soon was disturbed. Now I must hurry to finish, dear Lou. Tomorrow the letter is to be sent off and I am invited to spend the whole Sunday with Bocks, therefore I cannot write tomorrow.

Next week I am most probably to spend some days at Sonderburg. We have not had Christian here the last vacations, he spent them at Grundhof, and has of course been very glad there. Perhaps we can very soon expect my uncle and Julie for some days. I am glad of it, though I should like better to have Fransel here. I love her so very much. Since she is at Altona, we write not very often to each other. I believe her time is very occupied. These last weeks I have been practicing very diligently. I am singing every morning three quarters of an hour. They are all astonished how my voice is improving. I think I like singing still better than playing. It is indeed very kind from Mrs. Hedemann to give me lessons. The 27th and 28th of June there is a great musical feast at Kiel where the best artists of many towns unite. Preparations are made already a very long time. Surely it will be beautiful if we only could hear a little of the two concerts, but it is impossible to be there, it is very dear of course. It is such pity we never have occasion to hear some music, for it is not only a pleasure, it is also very instructive to hear good music. Some days ago we received a very nice letter from Mimi. Her letters are greatly changed. I believe the whole girl is changed. She can be charming. What a nice time we shall have together in summer. Perhaps Misses E. and M. Steffensen will come to visit us, then my dear aunt, perhaps Sophie Mobins, Gine Atler, also of course Berta Martens. What an agreeable time it will be, too beautiful, only six short weeks more, how fast they will run! Then we can expect all our dear ones.

Some of the ivy and the evergreen which Hermann planted has been killed by the hard winter. Some plants are getting on nicely. We shall have a little more planted and the whole place. I mean that next to the strawberries, shall be enlarged. It is always too small, so we hope to get a nice place to take coffee in the afternoon. It is always Aunt Eli's passion to take it in the garden. Could you only cast a look on our beautiful cactus, dear Lou. They are just on the highest point of their beauty. The stamens of the filled C. are quite white, the other rosy. I nearly do not know which is prettier. The first one comes still from Anton. He got a little leaf with Kallsens, and that is grown so nicely. If he could see it!

I hope your sister and your brother are now quite well again, dear Lou. How hard for your mother to hurry from the sick bed of one child to that of another.

After some weeks Mrs. Wernich will probably come home again. She has been 8-9 weeks at Kiel with her daughter, who has got a little son. Mother and child are both well, though Wernichs have been very afraid. Mrs. Ritscher is such a little tender looking wife.

Now you surely have got and examined our little things. Are they like yours? I am curious how you like them, and have wished a thousand times that soon a dear little baby will be in them. My own, dear Lou, God will all turn to the best end, I trust. He will make you very happy.

But I must draw to a close, dear Lou. Farewell, God may be with you always, especially this time. Be sure all our thoughts, our prayers are with you, my own, dear sister.

Give my best love to Hermann. I have not written to him during a long time. All my last letters have been directed to you, but that is finally the same, as you read them well both. Only I believe I sometimes write anything to you, which I should not have written to Hermann. He knows well that nevertheless I love him now more than ever. I often thank God for having given me such a brother, so manly, so learned, so prudent, and yet such a good son, husband, brother. Surely, dear Lou, he will make a very excellent father. Do not show him this. It is not necessary that he reads so many praises about him.

Good bye, dear Lou. Write if you can, soon again to your affectionate sister Anna.

Transcription: My sweet Lou,

I have an enormous pile of exam papers before that will take me till long past midnight and must write you a good long one as I should like to. I intended to write yesterday, but felt too disappointed at not hearing from you. But I see now how it comes. This beautiful arrangement by which I got your letters a few hours after they were written is no more. I get them now in the morning. Got yours today at noon. The [one word] had been forgotten through my fault. I did not know anything about its being in my satchel, but found it today and brought it to Mrs. Byers. She gave me a good scolding and arranged the matter at once. She will send it tomorrow. I have been inquiring about Dr. M. and Dr. Küster thinks there is no danger whatever. Thanks for Mimi's letter, which is a very sweet one indeed and gives evidence of a very marked improvement. I expect that of Tante Eli tomorrow. Never mind that money matter. I know your thoughts about that well enough, my sweet wife, but it is very natural that knowing how we desire to go to house keeping they should feel as they do, even without your mentioning the matter at all. But how very blue a letter my wife must have written!!! I do not yet know if we shall have a holiday on Monday. If we will, then on Saturday instead of a letter you will have your man himself. I rather expect we will. If not I will be out with a Normal Picnic on Saturday, arranged by Dr. Tavell. Did you get the flowers? And how do you like them and Aunt Emma hers? Has the [one word…plant name] come up? And how does the Pampas grass do and the other things? Write me faithfully my sweet wife, and [one word] Love Your H.

Transcription: Dear Lou: I am sorry that I did not write yesterday but I did not arrive before today. Found out on my way that by making special arrangements with the book agents I could get the books for my new classes at half price and so went up to Indianapolis to see about it and succeeded. Was delayed today on the road three hours by a wreck and had to walk a mile and a half with my baggage and 11 new lady students under my care. Found everything all right. Students are flocking in. Miss Bruce still sick and Mrs. Wilson appointed to take her classes. A train on the I. & H. L. leaves Indianapolis at 3.50 and you can meet it at Greencastle with little delay. The invalid Madeira vine has grown wonderfully and all your plants very nice, so does everything in our little room. Love to all and most of all to you Your H. B.

Transcription: Terre Haute, Sabbath night [May 30, 1875] My sweet wife,

We should not have the pleasure this time to see again each other face to face for a few days. The president left it with me whether I would go or not, but I thought better not to go, since it is by no means sure that we shall have a holiday. The time is considered as belonging to the students, and it is therefore always left to their vote whether they will have a holiday or not. For the past two years they have always decided against it. So, my Lou, I think that now we will have to wait till that great day comes that shall bring such a change into our life. I send you tomorrow the blanket which now at last is finished. Mrs. Byers wrote a little note about it that I will enclose. At the same time I enclose a letter from Anna that came together with yours. It is far from being a satisfactory one. Her English is degenerating, and I think it is the trouble with the language, that causes her to express herself a little silly, and quite differently from what she would do otherwise. If you write to her, I wish you would ask her to write in German altogether. A letter from father came at the same time and I will enclose that in my next letter. This has been a bright, beautiful Sabbath day, just such a day as I would have enjoyed to spend with you at home. Ever since supper I have found myself sitting on the porch, building air castles, musing on the great things (and little things) to come. Then I went in and studied once more the two letters that my wife sent me last week. So you really do think, my sweet Lou, that at present you are not "a very interesting object?" Then I should like to know what object is more interesting, unless it be the sacred picture that must make the most frivolous fellow momentarily pious—the picture of a young mother with her new born baby at her breast. To me, my sweet wife, you in your present condition seem not an object of interest only, but object of reverence, and this all absorbing interest passes out from you and makes me see men and things around me in an altogether new and different way. There is a wonderfully sacred mystery about this. Staat's youngest boy has a pair of doves, the female has been sitting for some time and the young ones are out today. But you would laugh at me if you knew with what interest and delight I have been watching that poor breeding animal. How in these last days she would not permit herself to leave her nest more than just a very few minutes at a time. Poor thing, how she would hunger and thirst rather than endanger the young lives in her eggs. Sometimes the male took her place, but how carefully she would step out, watching so carefully her feet and wings lest something dear might come into danger. And as the great moment of the second birth drew nearer, how lovingly every now and then she would eye her eggs, and watch if something living was stirring within. Today, poor and emaciated and featherless the poor thing could leave her nest, but her own condition is quite forgotten in her mother's joy. This is no fancy picture, but it is really so, and there is something very sacred about it even in this poor bird. It is the mystery of mysteries. In a woman it is the innocence and sanctity of a sinless time restored, and shame on a wretch who can look at a woman in that time with other feelings than those of reverence and worship. Oh, my sweet wife, what a wonderful change this moment will bring into your life and mine. Sometimes I find myself waking up at night, and hardly able to believe that the moment is nearly so near at hand. They say it is the moment that completes the woman, but I think that me it will make more of a man.

My sweet Lou, there is another thing that I would tell you. I wish you could give up a little of your opposition to my teaching Fred Scott. You certainly would do so if you knew how great and cheering a recreation these lessons are to me. Fred is just one of those boys that I delight to teach—a noble, gentle nature—with a big heart and a fine mind. I find myself greatly attached to him and it is a delightful thought to me that I alone shall have the privilege to prepare him till he is ready to enter Harvard. And I wish you would believe me that it is the teaching and the boy that gives me the recreation and the cheer, and not the girls. If it gives you comfort I can tell you that I hardly ever see the girls. My sweet wife, why will you trouble yourself about such things? Little allusions like "but then you see the girls" or "but then you see your Normal students whom you must like so much better than me" creep into your sweet letters every now and then. Do you really believe these things, my Lou? Then what a brute must you [one word] your man to be. But if not, why then say it? Are not such things altogether unworthy of yourself and your husband? Do not think my Lou, that it makes me feel indignant, for it don't. It only makes me feel sad, and I mention this only for your sake, because I feel that you would be much happier, if you would altogether banish these strange thoughts.

I send Aunt Eli's letter back to you. It is a very nice letter indeed. You have just hit the point in calling her one of the good ones of the earth. I wrote you in my postal card what I think about her [mentioning the recoy/money/way matters?] It is entirely natural that she should look at it this way. If possibly you can answer the letter soon, I will too. I do not like to finish the letter this way, but I shall have to.

With all my heart,

Your husband, H. I must find Anna's letter. Will send it with my next. H.

Transcription: Monday noon [May 31, 1875] My dear Hermann,

I received your Postal cards on Sat. and also a letter from Mrs. Byers. On Friday I sent you a long letter which I suppose you received Saturday morning unless you were so busy about the Picnic that you did not get to the office. On Saturday I sent you a Postal card. I suppose I cannot hope for a letter from you before tomorrow. I shall be exceedingly disappointed if I do not receive one. This new mail arrangement does not suit me at all. I have no doubt that you enjoyed yourself exceedingly on Saturday. I hope for a full account tomorrow. I have already a letter to you partly written but will not send it until I hear from you. As soon as I receive the bundle I will write to Mrs. B. [German sentence.] Write to me soon and often, please dear Hermann With much love L.

Transcription: Bloomington, May 31, 1875 [Monday]

My dear Hermann,

I received your very welcome letter today, only more welcome because unexpected. I thought I would have to wait until Tuesday on account of the new arrangement about the mails. I sent you a postal card today and one on Saturday. I have also written four pages, but I won't send them as they can be considerably condemned. Ma, Pa, Annie and the boys, except Dory who had a chill today, have gone to the Contest Exhibition. It is 10 o'clock and they are not home yet. I hear some one speaking most energetically. Bunnell is one of the performers. I believe I wrote you that his sister, Miss Hardy, has moved here and his mother and brother are coming soon.

Last Friday night Lizzie Hunter staid with me. On Saturday all but Aunt E., Liz and myself went to the Decoration. It was a most beautiful day, reminding me very much of the same day a year ago when you and I were together. I supposed I would have an account in your letter of the Picnic you were going to attend, but you said not a word. Did you not go? And will you not tell me about it? Saturday night the Tennesseans gave a Concert in the Chapel. All went but Ma, Liz and myself, and all were delighted with their singing. Yesterday was again a lovely day. Of course I staid at home. I did not feel well. I felt so very weak and was troubled as I often am now, with oppression in breathing. Today I have not been troubled with that, but it is about as much as I can do to get about. But you need not be alarmed about me for this is only what I must expect. I do not think I will have many more really comfortable moments till I am relieved of this precious burden. Even while I write I can hardly keep still, there is such continued commotion. And so at night I can hardly find an easy position. But I know all this is nothing to what is to come. I can make faces over these little aches and pains and I can laugh at them too. I am sure you would laugh to see me hobbling around like the weariest old woman. It is really funny. I can sympathize with Aunt Emma now, in her unwieldiness. We condole with each other many times in the day. I don't really mind it so very much if I can only keep up my strength for the great struggle. And then, dear Hermann, if all is well, if the child is a perfect living child! Oh, how I hope that the coming of that little one may bring to me a new and better life, for I need it so. That it may indeed be an angel in our home. I did not need your last letter to make me feel so. I am glad, truly glad that you wrote as you did. I am ashamed of myself, yet I don't believe I am quite as bad as you think, though I am not at all satisfied with myself. I have not objected to the lessons on account of the girls, but only because I fear you are doing too much. You know that I have not objected to the Saturday lessons very much, and just for the reason that I felt that perhaps the change and walk and the pleasure you have in the recitation might compensate for the time and strength you give to it. But when you wrote me that you were not feeling well, and would have to give up the Bible class, and yet that you had undertaken to give another lesson in addition to Saturday's I felt it was entirely too much and I wished you would not overtax yourself by that second lesson. I know that you enjoy it so much that you will not feel that it is too much until you break down under it. As for Saturdays I only feared that when the hot weather came you would find it too much as I know how very hard you found it to bear the hot weather last year. I won't "give up a little of my opposition" but all of it, since I see it would make you really unhappy not to teach the boy. I only hope that if you do feel you are doing too much, that you will give up at least one of the lessons. But it is but a short time now. I hope you will keep quite well. I wish that I knew the boy and maybe I will some day. As for the allusions in my letters, I feel so often and so much how inferior I am to the majority of your students and how far short of what I would wish to be for your sake, that I really cannot help feeling sometimes that you must care more for them than me. I don't mean any particular one. When I can feel and hope as I have, with one exception, during these past few months that you really love me, jealousy has troubled me but little. May God grant that that once may not have harmed our little one. You remember it was when I first felt the life. I have been exceedingly troubled sometimes for fear some harm was done then, for I feared I had lost your love forever, and I could not control myself. I have not however been at all contented with my temper and disposition since I have been home. I know I have not had the right spirit and I have felt very badly about it and tried to do and feel right, not only because it is right, but for fear of the influence over the little one. This book says "The woman in this condition becomes hasty, passionate, jealous and bitter" but I think I ought to be able to control myself somewhat. It may be it is my natural disposition.

It is very late and I must go to bed. I go to bed too late anyhow. And so good night dear Hermann. Tomorrow I will try to finish this poor scrawl and send it. As ever, your Lou.

Tuesday morning. [June 1] It looks as if it would rain this morning and I hope it will as we need rain. Things do not appear to me to be growing thriftily. I wrote you about the flowers in the last letter, dear Hermann. The Cannas are planted out and are growing nicely. The lilies are very fine and I hope I shall succeed in taking good care of them so that they will bloom to welcome you, though I hardly think they will be in bloom so soon. The Wisteria is growing rapidly. I am only afraid that we won't succeed in getting it trained. The Arundo [giant reed] is not up yet though green. I think the Pampas grass begins to grow.

[The following sheet was separated from the above, but seems to go with it, is written on the same kind of paper, the folds match up, etc.] You did send Anna's letter after all and not Tante Eli's. It is true that Anna has made mistakes in her English, but I do not think it is such a poor letter. I intend to write to them all very soon, or I'm afraid it won't be done at all. My letter writing days for a time at least, are nearly over. I shall try to continue to write to you till the end. Sometimes I think that cannot be more than two or three weeks away, but I would like to keep up till after Commencement. It was somewhat singular that you did not see the bundle and letter for Mrs. Byers in your satchel. I charged you about it several times just before you left and then I wrote about it soon afterwards for I was afraid you would overlook it. But it is all right or will be when it gets here, for I have not had time sooner to work it. Mrs. Byers did not send me the cost and I must write to her and thank her and get the bill so that I can send the money, unless you have settled it with her. I suppose you have not drawn your money yet or you would have sent me some. I would like a little. How are you going to come out? Have you paid, or rather, will you be able to pay all we owe this time? Is Mr. Harvey paid yet? Please try if possible to have at least $100 over at the end of the session. It will take that if not more for the expenses of sickness and for use during vacation and we ought to have some for the beginning of our little home if we are so fortunate as to have one. Prof Atwater's house is to be plastered this week. It has gone up very rapidly and looks as if it would be very comfortable. Anna Ballantine was down yesterday and spent the afternoon and she will be down Thursday or Friday to stay all night. She and her father expect to have a delightful time this Summer. First they are going to Omro to visit Mary and then taking Will with them they are going east to Bloomfield, N. J. to visit Hal. Anna said he had written that they were expecting them certainly, that they had a large house of fourteen rooms and were so situated as to be able to make their visit pleasant. Such a large house without any children, it seems to me, would be rather desolate. Miss Morrison, I believe, will retire at the end of this session. She says the place does not suit her, nor does she want the place. I do really think the students have acted shamefully towards her. She is very kind to the girls, but they seem to take every occasion to insult and defy her. She bears it all patiently. Dr. Owen will take her house. Miss M. seems to have a good influence over Mrs. Owen. I am not so sure either that Dr. O will take the house for having had a consultation of physicians, they decided that Mrs. O should be sent to the Insane Asylum. I have not heard yet whether he has really determined to send her there. It seems that she dislikes him and quarrels with him more than any one else, but still it seems to me hard that she should be sent to the Asylum, for she doesn't seem really insane. She knows everybody and everything but appears to be given up to melancholy and not to try to become interested in anything. It is a very sad case. I saw in the paper the other day that messages can now be sent from N.Y. to England for 50 cts a word. Have you forgotten about sending me the June Scribners? Four weeks from today will be your Commencement day. How I wish you did not have to stay a moment longer. But I suppose from what you said when here that I cannot look for you before Thursday or Friday. I was somewhat disappointed last Saturday that you did not come, but I had not expected you very much. Thank you again my dear, good, forbearing man for your letter. It was just what I needed and I hope you will never hesitate to tell me when I write or speak as I should not. You do not know how disgusted with myself I become and how I hope and pray daily that if I live, this mean, contemptible, hateful, narrow heart of mine may be made better, purified and changed, that I may indeed be a new creature. Not that I do not strive for that now, but it seems I am powerless and my prayers avail nothing. But God is good. If I die though, that is what troubles me, beside the thought of leaving you, how poor is my preparation, how little—not at all—fitted for the society of angels I am. But there, dearest Hermann, I did not intend to worry and trouble you with these gloomy thoughts which come to me. I believe that I generally keep cheerful. I feel better today than yesterday and I cannot expect this last month to be as easy as the others. Ma says she has often been unable to walk, but I am not so helpless yet. I do hope, dear Hermann, that you will not neglect to take exercise because I cannot go out, or because I sometimes talk very foolishly need be no reason that you should not go into company and enjoy yourself. However this may terminate you will be kept closely enough confined for a month after you come home. I surely am not so selfish as to wish that you should deprive yourself of all enjoyment because I cannot share your pleasures with you. No, my Hermann, I am not quite so bad. Take all the pleasure you can and write me about it and believe that I love you sincerely and truly as I never have loved any one else, and love me if you can one so unworthy. Forgive me that I have hurt your noble, tender heart so much. I will try not to write you any more such letters as this or the preceding ones. Do you still get my letters in the morning? I hope for a letter from you again this week, dear Hermann. I will try to send you one Saturday if not before, and probably one or two postal cards in the meantime. I hardly like to send this letter. I am afraid you will not like it but I have no time to re-write and perhaps would not do any better if I did. Please do not be afraid to speak plainly to me and write as soon as you can, dear Hermann. It is only a little while now. Every your loving wife L. W. B. [The following was written in the margin on the first sheet]

I am very glad you spoke to Dr. Küster. I feel easier to know that he thinks there is no danger. I suppose he means in case the cancer is not running.

Transcription: Wednesday afternoon My dear Hermann

The weather is dreadfully warm and oppressive, but we manage to be comfortable. I am glad you are nearly through your work. Examinations are [xxxing] on in College Preparatory classes today. I am writing to Anna today. Will try to get the letter off tomorrow. Hope you received my letter this morning. I may perhaps write again tomorrow. Hoping to see you on Saturday. As ever Lou

Transcription: Thursday night June 3 [1875] My sweet wife,

It has become late again and my only pen won't write, yet I must have my chat before crawling into my bed. How rapidly days and weeks are now flying by and how very near the moment is at hand that shall bring such a change into our lives! Yet thinking about it, as I almost constantly do, I think far less of the child as I do about my wife and the great moment that I shall be with you again. The fact is that I am most heartily tired of this mode of living and long for the day that shall reunite us. Nothing from you today, nor yesterday, but the day before I got your sweet long letter. Why I did not want to tell you anything about the picnic? This mysterious reason I suppose I now shall have to confess: I did not, because I did not know anything about it, and I did not know anything about it because I did not go. The fact is, my Lou, that I do not go anywhere, and don't live much for the present, but dream about the time to come. These days I have been busily planning for a home for wife and child. Saturday Mr. Byers and I will start out on an exploring expedition. I think it will be pleasantest for you and you will be most satisfied to share a house with them and they too seem to desire it greatly. The result shall be reported to you on Sabbath night. I am very busy now. The president has given me several of the graduating essays to criticize and the examining committee is expected on Monday. Today I have seen a curiosity. It is a history of Indiana in two volumes with artistic portraits of all the great and famous men of the Hoosier state: such as the old Mr. Smith of our church, Cyrus Nutt, LLDDD, Walter Houghton, Theophilus Wylie and many others of her most distinguished sons. The pictures are, to express it mildly, shocking. Dr. Cyrus looks just like that young elocutionist Mr. Burton, and poor Houghton like the old prophet Nehemiah. I wish your father was out of that company. And, (by the way), the President showed me today that piece in the sentinel of which you spoke, an open letter of the faculty, signed by all the members. It is a phenomenon indeed. The production bears the stamp of Dr. Ayers on its face, but a thousand pity that it should have such names as your fathers at its foot. The most preposterous thing is this: The number of students under the present arrangement is one hundred percent less than it was before!! Do you see the point? Query: Suppose last year there had been 200, and this year there are 100 percent less, how many are there this year. Every member of my stupid section 3 will answer you at once "None, of course." And yet this monstrous production, the scores of school children, bears at its foot the name of Col. Thompson, Prof Kirkwood, America's great Kepler and your own father! O tempore, O mores!!! If father knew how such things are criticized I think he would be a little more hesitating in putting his name to Dr. Nutt's promulgations. Mr. Bell was here yesterday and told me it was almost certain that Dr. Nutt would be super ceded this year. I wish he would. I sent you Aunt Eli's letter today. If you write to her send the letter to Norburg, for she will be there by the time that your letter reaches Germany. I have taken care that she shall have some mental food during her present stay that will just suit her taste. I have ordered from Mr. Maack in Kiel in pretty binding, [5 word German title]. The book, as soon as it is bound shall be sent to Anna and she shall surprise her Tante Julia with it. A copy of the enclosed I have sent to Mr. Maack, with the directions that it shall be incorporated with the inside of the cover. Another little surprise I have arranged for the folks at home for the 16th of July—our Mother's birthday and our own wedding day—namely I have sent to Mr. Doppleb in Erfurt our German Henderson and order for some flowers, which too shall be sent to Anna and will be there just in right time: 1 India rubber tree, 2 roses, 2 tree fuchsias 5 feet high, 2 Begonia Boliniensis , 1 camellia, 1 [?], 2 azaleas, 2 wandering Jews, 2 alpine violets, all of these according to his catalogue are very much cheaper there than here. I believe the whole bill will not be one half what it would be at Heinl's. do you need the money? And how much? I have deposited $100 in the bank, and if not necessary should not like to draw. The other bills are paid. I can have over $200 cash when I come home. Write me how much you will want before and I will send it at once. Write often, my sweet Lou. With all my heart, your husband The enclosed letter from Mrs. Wilson I have had in my pocket since yesterday. H. [Enclosed with this letter is what looks like an invitation or announcement, in German]

Transcription: Bloomington, June 6, 1875 [Sunday]

My dear Hermann,

Very many thanks for your dear letter received this afternoon. I should have been very much disappointed had I received none. I sent you a card yesterday, with fear and trembling. Why, do you ask? Because I attempted German and I was afraid I would make some dreadful mistake. I had not much time to write as I gave it to Brown when he went to college. I don't get up till nearly 7 o'clock and after we have breakfast and prayers, it is time for College almost.

Last night Anna Ballantine staid with me and we had a very good time. She has promised to come down again next week and spend the day and perhaps stay all night. Irene Fee has never been to see me but once. She has at last emerged from her seclusion and admits young gentlemen to her society, and goes out with them to the different entertainments. I believe Davis went with her when he was here and I have heard of her being out with Burton several times.

I have been quite busy sewing all day. Have been able to sit nearly all day without much pain in my side. I have felt better for two or three days. I received the blanket as I wrote you and think the pattern very pretty. I am only afraid I cannot work it nicely enough. You did not write me whether you paid for the stamping and silk. I wrote to Mrs. Byers thanking her for the trouble she had taken in getting it done for me and I told her that I had not asked you to settle about it and I did not know that you would think about it and I asked her either to write to me and tell me and I would attend to it or to send word through you as to how it was arranged. But she has not replied. I wish you would write me whether you have paid or not. If not I suppose she will write to me. If you have, she may think I know all about it and not write, and I want to have all our baby's things paid for. While I am talking about money I will tell you about the amount I would like to have. I should like $10, but I may be able to get along with $5. If you can spare me that, $5, without drawing out of the bank, I will try to make it do. I have had to put a few things out of the house to be made as the girl we had could not sew on Ma's machine and Ma won't let me touch the machine and she has so much of her own sewing to do that she can not do all of mine. She has done the greater part and most beautifully too. I am so glad to hear that you will have so much remaining. I hope we can be sufficiently economical to have some to begin our new life in Terre Haute. It will be very nice indeed if we can get a house with the Byers. Only it is not worth while for you really to engage a house till you see how this will end. I have felt right cheerful about it this week, at least I have not indulged very much in gloomy thoughts, everything has gone so well. I have been so exceedingly favored in exemption from suffering thus far that I hope I shall have strength given me to endure the last great suffering and live. Oh, my dear Hermann, what happiness it will be for us! To see our child, perfect and healthy lying in your arms, you do not know how I feel when I think of that. And that I shall be permitted, after some weeks of weakness and suffering to have you both, what joy and happiness will that be. I hope and pray my dear Hermann that our dearest wishes may be granted. [The following is on a new sheet and may not go with the above since the last page of it is dated Saturday morning] Ma has just been up to rub my side. She does that almost every night you know. It is a good thing to have such a good Mother at one's side in such a time. She is all ready to go to Mrs. Atwater. This is the night fixed, but she has not been sent for yet and it is possible that she may not have to go for a week yet.

Pa doesn't like to speak of the History of Indiana. I don't know how it happened that he allowed his picture to go in. It is so unlike him to put himself before the public. As for the other, I suppose perhaps he heard it read in Faculty meetings. It may be he did not pay very good attention and then they all signed it together. I don't really know about it. I only know that he said he hadn't any idea it would be published. I don't believe at all in signing every paper that is presented. I had my lesson once as I have told you and since that I have become almost too cautious. I think that Pa is becoming more wary, though his sympathies are almost too easily worked upon. But those Gay letters, I think, may have had a beneficial effect. A Mr. Bys, after Brown the "Mind Reader" was here, started in the same business. You remember hearing them speak of him when you were here. Pa saw him in town but he did not altogether believe in him, so when he gave a lecture and sent Pa a complimentary ticket, he did not go. Shortly after Bys went to Indianapolis and lectured there and there appeared in the next Sentinel an account of his performance and also recommendations from Nutt and Hoss and I believe from Owen. When Pa saw them he said, "Well, I'm glad I'm out of that." Hoss has been offered the Presidency of DePaw's College in New Albany but has declined I believe. I should not be surprised if Dr. Nutt does intend to resign. You know they have given up housekeeping and are boarding at Durand's. But it may be that that is on account of Mrs. N. being unable to have the care of the house.

I think the presents you have sent home will be very acceptable. I have not yet written. I have been so very busy and have not felt in a good letter writing mood. I want to make myself better understood this time.

I have been writing in great haste, dear Hermann, as it is very late, almost 12. I intended commencing this letter early but I had a little work on hands which I was very anxious to finish this evening, so I attended to that first. I have not commenced the blanket yet, and there is so much work on that that I am very anxious to begin. And yet there are so many little things to be finished first. I will try to add a little tomorrow, but if I have to send this when they go to College I will have but little time. Brown has been and is so good about taking my letters up for me to the train, but sometimes he can't go. And now, good night, dearest Hermann. Ever and always your Lou

Saturday morn Dear Hermann,

You must have forgotten to enclose Mrs. Wilson's letter as I have seen nothing of it. Don't forget it in your next. Can you not arrange things so that you can be here just as soon as examination is over, if necessary? I don't know why it is, but I feel somewhat suspicious that we may have to send for you just in those days, commencing June 27, Saturday or perhaps Friday, and so I think if you can have things in your trunk and can make arrangements with some of the other teachers to relieve you of the care of the book or in whatever way they can, you had better do it, so as to be ready and so that you will not need to go back, for I feel as if it will be very hard to let you go back then even for a few days. And you know the danger is not always over for one or two weeks. It may not be necessary. I hope it will not, and I'm sure you will come as soon as you can. I have not written all I want to but must close as I think I have to send this now. I hope for a letter Monday and will send one Tuesday if possible. I dreamed last night about tearing up things to go to housekeeping. I look for the results of your exploring expeditions Monday. With much love Your Lou

Transcription: Tuesday morning,

I feel much better this morning, dear Hermann, so that I have been watering my plants, sewing, have made my bed and swept my room. Ma has gone down to Mrs. Atwater's to dress the baby. Mrs. A. wants her to do it for a little while as the nurse she has is not very skillful. Tomorrow evening I think I shall try to get down to see her. I am so glad she is getting along so nicely.

We have had such splendid rains lately that the flowers are beginning to look very well. The Arundo is coming up. The Canna are growing beautifully. Some of the Phlox is already in bloom and the Geranium bed begins to make some show. The things in my room are doing very well. Jean Sisley is blooming beautifully and Marginata has been in bloom and soon will be again. I fear the old plants of Elm City is going to die, but Ma and Aunt Emma each have nice plants which I raised for them last year and I have some slips growing which I think perhaps are the same. The tall Fuchsia which you brought me from Terre Haute last Commencement is in bloom.

I had a very nice letter from Mrs. Wilson Saturday and found your words of greeting on the outside. She seems much pleased with their change of boarding house. Says she thinks they will not go to housekeeping before Spring if then. It is too hot she says to attempt it in the Fall. Well, we'll see. I hope you will not agree to take more than three rooms. If four, one should be only a little thing for a little girl, but I suppose you will not engage any until we see how matters terminate. I think though that three rooms will be as much as we shall need, or will be able to furnish. It will be very nice in many respects to be with Mrs. Byers, but if you would prefer some other arrangement, dear Hermann, do as you think best, but I would make no permanent arrangement yet.

D. Eckley Hunter is candidate for the place of Sup't of the Schools here. I don't know what his prospects for success are. I believe the schools, excepting the Prep, are out this week. Col. Thompson was not able to go to Terre Haute. I saw him Saturday and he said the Doctor said it was not safe for him to go. He looks badly.

I wish, dear Hermann, that before you come home, if you see any nice little thing which you think Brown would like, costing not more than a dollar or two, that you would get it for him. I know we can't afford to make many presents now, but Brown has been so good and obliging about taking my letters to the train for me that I would like to give him something. He has often gone without his dinner, or swallowed a few hasty mouthfuls in order to get up in time, and if he had not been so obliging, I would have had to send my letters up to the P.O. the day before and they would have been quite stale by the time they reached you.

I suppose you will be kept very busy from this time till the end of the term. I hope you will get your examinations over as soon as possible, and then perhaps you can come if necessary, before the Commencement exercises. I shall be exceedingly disappointed if no letter comes today. Write as often as you can, dear Hermann. Your letters are my only consolation during your absence. And now Goodbye. How I long to see you, but I must be patient for a little while.

With love beyond measure

Your Lou

Transcription: My sweet wife, I only want to thank you for your letter and tell you how it happens that I have not yet written to you. The president has given me three of the graduating essays to criticize that take all my time. Saturday I went with a picnic to Greencastle springs. Fred would not go because he did not want to lose his lesson and so there was no other way to make him go than go myself and hear his lesson there. All my advanced class was out except Sanderson and we had quite a time. I really did enjoy it. Coming home I had to attend to those essays. Last evening after church, there were some very pleasant people here visiting Staats and when at ten o'clock I sat down to write I was so shamefully overcome by sleep that I sailed off and did not wake up till half past twelve. Today I have had an extremely busy day. Mr. Harris from St. Louis was here, and was in two of my recitations. He expressed himself very much pleased, said the Latin work was the best he ever had heard. He talked to the school till half past five and this evening he gave a most excellent lecture, from which I have just returned. Now there are these graduating essays again that will keep me at work till midnight. I do not know if I shall be able to write to you tomorrow, especially as I do desire greatly to write home. Please, my sweet wife, do not feel disappointed if you should not get your usual share of letters this week. I have not yet had time for my exploring expedition with Mr. Byers. Will send the money tomorrow and will also settle the bill for the blanket. With all my love Your husband

Transcription: Bloomington, June 12, 1875 [Saturday]

My dear Hermann,

Do not expect much of a letter from me today. I tried to write last night and wrote four pages, but will not send them. I was so exceedingly disappointed in not having at least a card from you yesterday. Only two postal cards have I received this week, on Tuesday. No letter, not even the money which you promised to send the next day. But I don't mean to make this a letter of complaint. Somehow in these last days I am so irritable and nervous and unreasonable that—there, you see that—I ought not to attempt to write a letter. I would not, but I am afraid that you will feel a little anxious and disappointed if you do not hear from me before Tuesday, and you cannot unless I write today. I wish you would burn all the letters I have written you. Or if you won't do that, at least put them in your trunk and bring them home with you. Silly and gushing as they must appear to you, they would seem a hundred fold more so should they fall under the eyes of a third person.

I have been thinking all week, dear Hermann, whether I cannot be heroic and unselfish enough to do without sending for you if I should be taken sick before the end of the term. I know it would be bad for your class to be interrupted so near the close of the session and you would perhaps feel unfitted for hearing them after witnessing the terrible suffering which I must bear, and why should I send for you just to see me suffer when you would have to leave again immediately! You would feel more distressed and anxious than if you knew nothing about it till all was over. I remember you said when you were home that you did not think you would be able to get away for a day or two after Commencement. I have thought that perhaps you might be able to leave as soon as your examinations are over, by making arrangements with some of the other teachers in regard to the books. And I have written to you about it several times, but I fear I am entirely too selfish and impatient. I know how you love your work and I don't believe you will feel satisfied to leave until everything is done, and I will try to wait patiently, Hermann. These last two or three weeks will be hard for us both. It is very uncertain when I will be sick. After next Tuesday it may happen almost any time, and it may not be for three or four weeks. Remember I am not sure that I shall be courageous enough to do without you. I'm afraid I shall not be. It is very doubtful whether you can get here in time, even if sent for, especially if you should be sent for on Saturday or Sabbath, and in what distress you would be and I too, knowing your anxiety.

I am glad you enjoyed your picnic so much. I suppose there will be plenty of picnics and strawberry socials now until the end of the term, and you will no doubt have very pleasant times. The boys had a few young people here last night and had ice cream and cake. I did not go down of course. I don't make my appearance now, except when I'm obliged to.

You have never written me whether you have really given up the Bible Class or not. But I ask you so many questions always and write so much, that I don't wonder you forget to answer.

Don't forget to bring home the Library books when you come. If you don't come before Commencement here perhaps it would be best to send them. Wouldn't it be a good plan to be putting such things in your trunk as you think of them, so that you won't have everything to think of at the last moment? Don't forget Rene Fee's Whitney and Corinne, besides Hanne Nüte and the maps.

I want to write to Mother next week and have other things to attend to which will keep me quite busy. I will try to write you at least a card, but unless I can do better in the letter line than I can today, I think you would about as lief do without one. Mother's birthday letter should be sent about the first of week after next. I am almost afraid to wait so long for fear I won't be able to write, so I will at least commence it this week, I think. I suppose you will write too.

But now, dear Hermann, I will bring my letter to a close. I hope the next time I write I can do better, but I don't know. I get perfectly out of patience with myself. Can you not find time to write me a letter next week?

Goodbye, my dear, good Hermann.

Love your unreasonable, impatient, silly, but truly loving wife,

Lou I hope you haven't forgotten to settle for the blanket. I have commenced working it.

Transcription: Terre Haute, Sabbath night June 13, 1875

My sweet wife,

This whole long week has passed without that you have received from me a single word, except that one poor postal card on Monday. This is shameful, I confess, but I pray you my sweet Lou that you will not permit yourself any uneasiness on that account. The time when you will have me altogether is so very close at hand that maybe you may get along with a little less from me these last two weeks. I have not been well and am overburdened with work. The letter that I intended to write home has not yet been written either. I finished the criticism of those graduating essays yesterday. Poor Mr. Davis will not be permitted to graduate on account of want of clearness of thought in his essay and a few misspelled words. I must confess that I think this unusually severe. Poor Mr. Taylor cannot graduate either because he has fallen below the standard in grammar. The next week I shall have the very pleasant task of finishing up that Record book which will take me about every free hour that I can spare.

I have not however spent all this week in work but have had a good deal of real genuine pleasure. As to that picnic last Saturday I have already told you. Yesterday we had a very pleasant afternoon at Scott's farm. All the faculty was present and my entire advanced class. I went out at 2 to give Fred his lesson first, and at 4 the others commenced to come there. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, Aiken and Miss Padisch came together in a fine 2 horse carriage. Miss Bruce came with the President of course, and Miss Fonnelle with Hodgues. The advanced class was sent for in Scott's buggies. It was a charming afternoon and made me long for you to share it with us. They have a very pleasant quiet way of making everybody feel perfectly at home. I have never seen Mrs. Wilson so delighted. She saw again and again that everything was perfect and so it was, except in one thing, and that was that you were not there.

We went away at half past seven to hear the President's lecture before the Philomatheum society, which was, however a poor affair and very unlike to what we are accustomed to hear from the man. He is not a fast worker and I suppose has been too busy to give much thought to the preparation. New dissipations are ahead for tomorrow. The president wants me to take my advanced class to St. Louis and a pedagogical observing trip, but upon inquiry we have found that the schools close already this week and have therefore deferred the expedition till next term. But instead of that we will now go tomorrow Greencastle in a body, chiefly to see how things ought not to be done. The president wants from me and every member of the class a careful professional report. My sweet wife, thus tomorrow again I shall be so much nearer to you and yet unable to fly to you. I have taken the utmost pains to find out if there was not any chance to reach Greencastle from Bloomington tomorrow morning. If there was I would have been with you yesterday and today and met my class at the college tomorrow but there is none and so we must wait two more weeks.

I will not dispatch home, my sweet Lou, when the longed for event occurs. I do not believe it pays these short dispatches are too unsatisfactory. But I will send a letter to home to your cousin in New York and ask him to keep it till he receives a dispatch to touch it off, only insert whether it is a boy or a girl. Thus they will get the news three days sooner and maybe already at Ma's birthday. What a delight it would be, if as two years since I brought her as birthday present a sweet daughter we might give her a sweet grandchild now.

Give my congratulations to Atwaters. I receive it as a good omen for us that everything went off so happily there. I rather expected a letter from you this morning but did not get it. I still expect it tomorrow. The matter [one word] [known or Brown] shall certainly be [fined?]. The [natser?] at Mrs. ? The [one word] that pressed the little [one word] has been arranged. Bill $2.50. and Papa Gay has been sent the poem [one word]? Good!!! but a pity for the poor convicts. We had a very excellent sermon both this morning and evening and a beautiful Sabbath but a fearful [?] ever since I have been [one word]. Good night my sweet Lou. This is, I know a miserable letter, but no one can write decently with a pen like this. My love to all, but most of all to my sweet wife, Your H.

Transcription: Bloomington, June 16 [1875, Wednesday]

My dear Hermann:

The longed for and long looked for letter came at last yesterday, Tuesday, just one week after the postal cards. Pa had a dispatch written ready to send if no letter came for I could not have borne the suspense another day. I would not tell you how unreasonable and foolish I am, but for fear of the consequences if such a silence occurs again. My whole system now is in such a condition that I am very easily affected and excited and what was I to think? Either that you were very sick or that you did not care enough for me to take time to write a few lines on a card to let me know that you were well. Either thought was enough to drive away sleep and render me miserably weak and unfit me for the struggle before me. I did not reason as you did that as there was only three weeks more of separation it wouldn't matter if I didn't hear so often. As any day may bring about that event which will either bring us into nearer and dearer relations or separate us forever, so I long more and more for nearness to you through letters since we cannot see each other face to face. It has always given me pleasure to write to you, even when each stroke of the pen gave me pain, and I have felt how good it was in you to answer my poor letters as punctually as you have, for I know it must be a task to write after your day's hard work. Please, dear Hermann, do not think me too unreasonable when I ask you to write me at least two cards a week during these two remaining weeks. You can surely take the five minutes recess between classes or even ten minutes of the time you remain after school to let me know that you are well. It may seem very selfish in me, and I know I would feel much better if you wrote without this entreaty from me and I would not write this way if I did not fear the bad effects if I do not hear from you. A woman at these times, I believe, is apt to be unreasonable. I hate to think of you tied to that great Record Book all your spare time, and that you are not well I am indeed troubled to hear, but I hope that you will soon be here to rest and in the meanwhile it is good that you find some time to enjoy yourself, or I fear you would be sick. I wrote in my last that I was trying to be brave enough to do without sending for you, that is unless you desired it. I know you said when here that we must certainly send for you, but I think you said that because you knew what a help and support it would be for me, and so it would, the greatest. But I fear it would be very hard on you, and if you think best I will try to do without you unless the doctor thinks there is much danger.

I am very glad that you did not go to St. Louis. Greencastle is not quite so bad, but suppose on coming back from St. L. you had found a dispatch awaiting you saying that I was very ill, or even more. How anxious you would have felt, for I must tell you that by a sign I believe considered infallible, it is almost certain that I shall be sick within two weeks from last Sabbath. So that I feel now that I may be sick any day. I may possibly go till Tuesday week, but I think not, and that is the reason that I feel so anxious for you to get through as soon as possible. If you could only have your examinations over by Friday week, or have your questions ready so that if necessary you could leave the examinations for another teacher. You know dear Hermann that the result is so uncertain that we must be prepared for the worst. I don't like to think of calling you from your duties any more than you want to come, but if you can only finish up your work by the end of next week it would be a great relief for I do not think I will be up any longer. Indeed I rather think I will be sick the first of next week and indeed if you only knew how hard it is for me to get about now you would be glad if the affair was happily over. Anton's drum keeps up such a beating that I have no rest day nor night.

I suppose that as you have been obliged to make two excursions to Greencastle you have had to draw money from the bank and as you have thus broken in upon it, can you not send me a little? I have been obliged to borrow and have not money to buy stamps for my letters. So if you want to hear again from me you'll have to send me some money. Seriously, though, I could borrow from Pa but the Profs have not received their last pay so that Ma and Pa are almost "strapped."

Laura Browning and Tobe Smith were married last night. It was to have been tonight but as it is exactly six months today since his first wife died, out of delicate consideration for her memory, they were married one day sooner. Two hundred invitations were issued, the bride was dressed in white silk, etc. It seems to me that it would have been in better taste for a man whose wife has only been dead six months and a divorced woman to be married quietly, but "so runs the world away."

I have not yet written to Mother. I have felt too badly to do so, but will try to write a little for her birthday. I think we should hear again from them soon.

The trains in this road have changed time so that instead of getting here at 2 o'clock, you will not reach here till 3 ¼ or 3 ½. I suppose the cars leave the Junction at 1 ¼ . If there is a later morning train than the 7 ½ which will connect this change may be an advantage to us. If not, it is a disadvantage.

Where was Dr. Scovill last Saturday? You mentioned all but him. Is he so devoted to his lady love that he will not go anywhere without her?

We have had a great deal of rain this week and flowers, vegetables and weeds are growing beautifully. We bought some nice strawberries yesterday. A week ago Brown bought a quart and gave it to me. Today we have peas for the first time.

But it is nearly mail time and I fear my letter will be too late. Forgive me, Hermann if I have said anything to hurt your feelings. I hope if I get safely over this that I will not be so impatient and unreasonable. Ma slept with me night before last and Aunt Emma last night. They are afraid to leave me alone now for fear I shall get sick in the night.

This may be the last letter I shall write you but I hope not, it is too poor. Dearest Hermann if you have time, write me a letter. If not at least a postal card to keep me from being uneasy. It was pretty hard to think that we were within two hours of each other twice and yet could not see each other.

If I am not able to write again believe me, dear Hermann, that I love you and do not judge of me by this letter. In great haste and with greatest love Yours only Lou

Transcription: Sabbath night [June 20, 1875] My sweet, beloved wife,

Your letter from the 16th which I ought to have had Thursday I found in my box this morning after not hearing a word from you all week. I stopped at the Post office this morning as the president took me out to his farm where I have been all day, but indeed I did not enjoy the day with that letter of yours burning in my pocket, and [one word] thinking how unhappy I must have made you again this week. It makes me more wretched than I can tell you that in these last days where sweet and pleasant thoughts alone shall occupy your mind, I, your husband, who now ought to be your support should have caused you all this distress. I might and ought to have known that it would have this effect upon you if now I did not write quite as often as before. I believe, my Lou, that I do take this matter to light. You write we must be prepared for every result—my dear sweet wife, how do you want me to be prepared for now giving you up again after these two years you have blessed me with all this unspeakable happiness? Maybe I ought to think about it oftener, but I cannot bring into my mind such a thought that God should have shown me all this wondrous mercy only to plunge me back into such horrid wretchedness. No, my sweet Lou, that cannot be God's will. Read that sweet letter from our mother—that confident trust of hers is mine too, though not so pure and elevated as hers, and I can and will not think of you otherwise than with a sweet babe at your breast and from that moment life will commence for us indeed. But now I do indeed tremble at the thought that that unpardonable thoughtlessness of mine may have endangered your life and that of our child. I had a lecture before the students last night that took more of my thought last week than it ought to, but I am ashamed of telling you that I had no time to write to you. Pardon me, my dear sweet wife, if you can, and see if not these noble letters from our dear ones in Germany can restore to you some of that peace and cheerfulness that your husband's neglect has robbed from you. I have read Anna's letter, not knowing that she did not want me to, but feel ashamed of the dear girl's praise. I am greatly startled at the news that the moment is so very near at hand. I did not look for it so soon. We have commencement on Tuesday. If we have no school on Monday I will come this Friday, or rather, I will come any how, whether we have school or not. Could you really think that I would not feel like going if the Normal was still in session? The duty to be with you in the trying hour is one that goes before all others and I would do very wrong if I would look at it otherwise. I trust and hope it will not come sooner but if it should I pray you that by all means you dispatch in time. Good night my sweet dear Lou. I cannot bring myself to write about any thing else tonight. With all my love Your husband

Transcription: Bloomington, June 22, 1875 [Tuesday; must have been started on the 21st, Monday night]

My dearest Hermann,

Your dear, good letter reached me a little while ago, and you can imagine how glad and relieved I was to get it. For I was afraid you were sick, since I could think of no other reason which would keep you from answering the letter which I thought you must have received Thursday. Now I fear you will be greatly troubled at not hearing from me tomorrow. I wanted to write on Saturday, but I was afraid that my last two letters had been displeasing to you in some way and I felt so badly at not hearing from you that I knew I would not be able to write a decent letter and so I felt today. I have been obliged to keep myself from thinking too much about you for fear I would again feel as I did last week and I would have very little courage to go through what is before me if I should be taken sick while feeling so. So I have kept up as brave a heart as possible and have succeeded better than I thought I could. I am only troubled now on your account. You don't know what a load is off my heart and how glad I feel to think that you will come this week. I really do hate to have you leave before the Commencement, but if you can finish your work this week, I do not think it will be quite safe to wait till Monday, though it is possible I may not be sick till then. Ma gives me till Sabbath. I was afraid this morning that I would be sick by tonight, but I feel better this p.m. and hope I shall keep up till the end of the week. I should be sorry indeed to hurry you home before your work is done if after all I should not be sick within a week. But the signs, the sinking downwards of the womb seems to be relied up as sure. It is already more than a week since it happened. Judging from my feelings today, I should think the time not far off. Last week after I received your letter I felt much better, indeed, I felt unusually well and "spry" until today. I could walk more and with more ease than I have for several weeks. On Thursday Mrs. Fee and Rene and Anna Ballantine were here in the morning and in the evening Mrs. Taylor made me quite a long visit. The next day Mrs. Small spent with us. On Saturday Mrs. Blair and Emma called and on Sabbath Mrs. Alexander came over and staid with me while the family were all at church. It was very good for me to have these visits, for I could not worry so much about not hearing from you. Today I heard that Scott Butler has a little son, born last month in Heidelberg. Of course they must be glad to have a son, having had three daughters. Those were indeed sweet letters from Germany. I have written to Mother but have not sent the letter. I will add more and send it tomorrow or next day if I can get stamps. There were none in the house today and Pa said tonight that he hadn't any. Perhaps it will be best not to send it till the end of the week, as it will then be in time for Mother's birthday. But it is late now, nearly 12 o'clock and I will leave the rest of this for tomorrow.

I am alone tonight. I kept Ma awake nearly all night when she staid with me and that won't do as she must not be tired out before she has to lose her rest. My dearest and best of husbands good night. I love you more than I can tell you.

Tuesday morning.

We had quite a storm last evening. Two inches of rain fell. This morning it looks like clearing off. We found one of the lilies you sent me broken off this morning, a worm had eaten through the stem. It seems such a pity that it should have been the lily that had but one stem. The others have two branches each. The flowers are doing well. The verbenas and roses are beginning to grow and bloom nicely and the Geranium bed already makes quite a show. I think the Arundo Donax is prettier than last year, though hardly so vigorous. The Cannas are very fine. The begonia is growing splendidly. I am much afraid that the cut-leaved birch is not going to live. You will be glad to hear that two of the Acacias are living, perhaps all. I have four Fuchsias in bloom. The tall one you brought me last Summer, Marginata, Spirosa, and Puritani. We discovered the other day that the red spider was making sad havoc among the flowers. We are trying to get rid of it but it is hard work.

I am able to creep around this morning. Have been down to breakfast and walked down to the gates, but it is becoming pretty hard to get about. My back now begins to hurt for the first time. I do hope though that I can keep up till the end of the week. I suppose when you say you will come Friday that you mean you will start Friday and get here Saturday morning. I do not know that I shall be able to write you a letter again, but I will try to send you a postal card tomorrow and next day to let you know how things are progressing, and if I should be really taken sick we will dispatch. But don't be frightened and don't try to come in any other way than by the regular train. I shall probably be sick a long while and you will have plenty of time to get here, for we will dispatch as soon as we are sure that labor has begun. I should feel uneasy if I thought you were trying to come across the country, and you would not get here any sooner if as soon as by the train. I think it is very likely that we will have at least a day before hand so that you will have plenty of time to come on the cars, though I know you will feel very anxious to have to wait so long at Greencastle. Still you know I will have the best of care and much as I shall want you with me, I would rather you would wait than run any risk. I do wish though, dear Hermann, that you would be getting your things together in your trunk now, so that you will not be so hurried at the last that you will forget half and be obliged to go back to arrange things. I want you to stay if possible when you come. You can lay the books you want to bring home in the trunk now and the clothes which you are not wearing, and be sure to have your washing brought home Thursday if you can. And don't forget my letters. I wouldn't have them left so that any one could see them for anything. Then when you have all your things together, you won't have much trouble in packing. I expect you think I am taking a great deal upon myself to tell you all this, but I know that your mind will be so occupied till the last moment with other things that I don't think you will care if I remind you of these things. You don't know how I rejoice at the thought of seeing you, dear Hermann. I am only sorry that you must come before the school has closed, but unless we are all much mistaken it will be necessary if you would be here in time. [A German sentence.] Oh, how I do hope that all will go well. If I do write sometimes as if in a doubtful tone, yet you must not think because I speak of the result as uncertain that I am low spirited. Indeed the very fact that I am not more so makes me feel somewhat uneasy sometimes, for but I am very thankful that I have been so sustained and have been so well both in health and spirits, I don't doubt but that I shall have a very hard time. I am sorry that you must see me suffer so, but it will be a great help to have you near me, dear Hermann, and to feel that you love me. But how much I am writing about myself. You don't know how I hope, dear Hermann, that this little creature may be the means of making me a better human in every way. More unselfish, more loving, and more pure. It seems so strange to me that any woman can talk as I hear one in this town is talking who expects soon to have a second child laid upon her bosom. There may be cases where a woman would feel that it would be better that she should not have children, but that she should feel so merely because she will be obliged to forego some of her pleasure in going out and enjoying herself in that way, I cannot understand. I know there is great care and responsibility and confinement where there are children and that mothers are sometimes so wearied and so overburdened that they feel their burdens are almost too much for them, but then what a pleasure and delight it must be to have a family sound in body and mind growing up around one.

Doesn't it seem strange that Miss Breg should marry Mr. Schmidt? That I really think is an undertaking I would not like to attempt. It seems to me such a great responsibility to have even the care of one child and to have the care of eight all at once! That is indeed too much. I liked the Misses Breg very much and I'm sure I wish her all happiness. Mother's and Anna's letters are so good and kind. I am ashamed that I should have written such "blue" letters to them. I know I do not have such faith and trust as I should have. I hope indeed that we may be able to send them joyful news for Mother's birthday and if I am sick this week, I think the letter would just reach them on or near that day. But dearest Hermann, I am writing you such a long, poor letter. I am afraid you will not have time or patience to read it. It may be the last. I hope indeed that it will after this be a long while before one shall be obliged to have intercourse for so long a time only through letters. You did not write me anything about your lecture or your visit to the president or to Greencastle, but I hope soon to hear all these things by "word of mouth" if I am able to listen. It will be nice if I am still up next Saturday and able to meet you. I should dislike to have you come and find me in the greatest suffering.

But now, dear Hermann, goodby. I am afraid you were somewhat disappointed at not hearing from me this morning, but I think you will bear such things somewhat better than I do. If you see Mrs. Byers, before you leave give her my best love. Also to Mrs. Wilson, whose letter I have not answered and I do not think I shall be able to now. My dear, good Hermann, forgive me all the trouble and vexation I have ever caused you and believe that I love you truly and with all my heart, so much that if I felt you did not really care for me I believe I could not live. Hoping to see you very soon and rejoicing in the thought. As ever and always and only Your Lou Mag is better and has a good girl, so she will not come home now. Anton can walk again. Please write a card before you come if you have time, but I will try not to be foolish if I don't hear. Please bring the July Scribner when you come.

Transcription: Thursday, June 24, 1875

My dear Hermann:

I have just finished my letter to Mother and Anna. I have concluded to send it and let them have notice that in a few days they may expect a letter from you let us hope containing good tidings. I am counting the hours till you come. I hope you feel perfectly satisfied to come Saturday. I am so much afraid you will feel as if you had not finished your work. Ma still thinks it will be Sabbath or Monday. I had to send for the doctor yesterday on account of an eruption on my face. My whole face is broken out and is red and brown too and altogether I am not a very beautiful object to behold. He says the eruption comes from acidity of the stomach and told me to take magnesia. I don't think my face looks much better today. At times it itches intolerably. I hope it will be well before you come. I don't like you to see me looking so.

This is Brown's birthday. He is 21 years old, of age. He celebrates it by being examined in Nat. Phil. this afternoon. I believe the examinations are over tomorrow. It is dreadfully warm weather, but my room is pleasant. I am so glad that you will be through your work before the warm weather has time to affect you. At least I hope these two or three hot days will not make you sick.

Pa expects to go to Pittsburg about a week from Monday; probably Arthur will go with him. It is in order to select his share of the estate. It is not going to amount to as much as at first said. Will be about $10,000 apiece for Grandma's children.

I do not know exactly what time to look for you, but I think on the freight Saturday morning. I hope for a letter or card today, but I know you are busy. If anything should occur to keep you till next week, let me know. Don't forget the Library books and Rene Fee's Whitney.

Oh, how glad I am to think I shall see you so soon and perhaps have you a day or two before I am sick. It may be longer, but Ma thinks not and I feel as if it can't be.

And so goodbye. Whatever happens dearest Hermann, think of me only as

Your loving and faithful wife

Lou

Transcription: Terre Haute July 11, 1875 [Sunday] Mrs. Boisen Dear Louisa,

I am growing quite anxious to hear from you. I do not suppose you feel like writing, but will not Professor send me a line or two?

We are keeping house now in Mrs. Gould's house on Eagle, north of the Normal and shall remain here for seven or eight weeks. I have no girl now, but my work is not very hard and I enjoy having things my own way. We have been here ten days and I have had calls from most of the neighbors, and company to tea once and made a number of garments besides; among the latter a calico wrapper, a pretty one too, which cost just seventy-two cents though it contains twelve yards. Foster's are "making a run," as they say, in calico and selling very fair goods at six cents. They have percales at .12 ½, the same as sold formerly for .25.

Everybody and everything seems to be taking vacation. Mr. B. cannot leave town very well and so neither of us has gone "on a trip" so far.

Did Professor get a copy of Mr. Chittenden's poem on vacant churches and candidates? He would not appreciate it, but your father would, not because of his own experience but from his acquaintance with the life of ministers generally.

I have one bit of news that maybe you have not heard. Mrs. Patterson is married to Mr. Wiley's brother John. It was a surprise to everybody. I think they are very well mated and suited to each other. The difference in their ages caused some comment. He is twenty-three and she thirty-one.

Our Mr. Wiley is or rather has been quite sick; his life was despaired of for some days. He is better now and will leave town in a few days with his family.

I was not surprised at the action of the Trustees of the University, but for all that my sympathy was for the time with the Doctor. What will he do? I hope a better day is dawning for the institution.

Say to Professor that it is probable Mr. Morrison will teach here next year. Mr. Wiley has spoken to him but no settled arrangement has been made. Nettie sends her love and says she would be very glad to see you. Gertie has gone to sleep. I am writing this in my usual fashion in the intervals of a running conversation with the children.

Mr. Byers has come in, he sends his regards. Please remember me to your Mother. Yours affectionately Lizzie S. Byers.

Transcription: West Chester, Pa. July 16th, 1875 [Friday]

My dear Lizzie,

I received your letter and hasten to reply to it. In the first place I enclose a letter I received from Emma from you. You will see the letter is dated June, so the $15 we enclose is sister's for May, June and July. So it will give you a start, as July is nearly out, and when Aug comes, she will owe you again. I enclose your $10 which will pay ahead for some weeks. I guess you will find some way always to get ahead. It seems to me the best thing for you to do is to go to Carlisle. I think from the extract of cousin Martha's letter you sent me, she meant that she would loan you, but if she is not able to, why you can do as she says, look around and suit yourself. Carlisle is a healthy place, plenty of churches, and the society good and I think you will like it. I do not know what the fare is there, but I expect three or four dollars. I think you start from the Kensington Depot, but I don't know. If you enquire at the office of the Pennsylvania R.R. Co. at corner of Broad and Chestnut I guess they can tell you. But you had better write to cousin M. and thank her for her kind invitation and tell her when you will be there.

Now I have a message from Richard, he says to take all your small things away from Egberts and send to us, that we will take care of them for you and if we had a house would take all, but just now have no room. Tie up your feather bed carefully, direct to us, and send it. Then send the box of knives, your mattress (tie it up carefully) and direct each piece. Then the box of papers, and your silver, also the Gobelin chair and the long trunk. I will pay the expenses of the freight here. I feel that these things of yours are not safe at Egberts for any length of time. If you like Carlisle and get along, you may not be in Philadelphia for several months, so you had better send these things to us. Then when we get a house you can bring your large pieces to us, but for the present we can only find room for these few. Richard says if things get worse at Egberts' you may loose all and you had better try to save a little for yourself. It is very kind in him to try to help you secure your goods. He said "Cornelia, it is nothing in or out of my pocket, but I should hate to see the poor thing lose her family pieces, so we had better help save them." Truly Mrs. Egbert is reaping her own reward, how dreadful to lead the quarrelsome life she is leading. Write at once and let me know what you are going to do. I will send the money $25 by postal order. You will have to go to the post office to get it cashed. I have not heard from Bloomington this week but once. I am still boarding at Miss Haines' on Chestnut St., near Trent. Miss Haines is very sick and we have to keep the house very quiet. She is threatened with apoplexy. Maria Fergus is very sick. Now Lizzie understand us plainly about your things. Our only desire is to protect them for you. If you are satisfied to leave them with Egberts why do so. I think you had better let us put your silver in Bank, hadn't you? Use your judgment though in the whole matter. In haste, hoping to hear from you soon Affectionately, Nelly M. T.

Transcription: Muncie, Ind. July 17th 1875 [Saturday]

My dear children Hermann and Lou,

Arrived here this a.m. at 5 o'clock. Was distressed on hearing the sad news from Bloomington; at the same time thankful that it was not worse. I was anxiously looking for a letter or telegram all the time I was in Pittsburgh, and I took it as an indication rather of good than of bad that I received no word, as I had directed on leaving home that if there were any thing not right to be sure to send dispatch. I can easily imagine your distress after all your anxious anticipations and preparations at thus being disappointed. I hope and pray that you many be able to say from your hearts, God's will be done. I heard a most excellent sermon last Sabbath from the tent "All things work together for good to them that love God" (Rom.) Though it is impossible for us to see how this is so, we may have faith to believe that it is true, hoping that you if not at just now, will in time see that this sad affliction of yours is no exception to the general principle, I remain with love to all Most affectionately yours T. A. Wylie

Prof and Mrs. Boisen Bloomington, Ind

P.S. Will leave if possible Monday morning and be in Bloomington the same afternoon. If I cannot do this, will leave on Tuesday, bringing with me Anton and perhaps Charles. Ma and Aunt Emma's letter is just received. Feel still more distressed that I cannot return today, after hearing the more particular account of my dear Lou's sufferings. P. S. I have heard that there is a Monday train from here, so that I will be able to reach B. Monday P.M.

Transcription: Terre Haute, Ind. July 23, 1875 [Friday]

Prof. Boisen,

Dear Sir, We heard of your affliction with much sorrow, but rejoice with you that your wife is spared. I hope she has continued to improve from the time you wrote until now. We both hope she will be able to return to T.H. with you when you come.

You must pardon my delay in writing. I have myself been sick for some days, but am better this evening. Mrs. B. does not find housekeeping very much like play, especially when the weather is so warm. We have not fully decided, but have been talking the matter over, and counting up the cost, and it may be that we may board again next year. Not at the same place, however.

Write us and let us know how Mrs. B. improves. Mrs. Byers joins in regards to both. To Mrs. Boisen, she sends her love. Yours etc. W. W. Byers

[list of Greek words on back of sheet, in Lou's handwriting]

Transcription: Omro Wis. July 20th 1875 [Tuesday]

My dear Louise:

My heart's deepest sympathies were stirred for you as I read your husband's note to Pa telling of your severe sufferings and your sad disappointment. I know just how to feel for you, because I have been through so much the same experience. You remember my first born child—my little girl, whom we had so lovingly and ardently hoped for—was taken away from us at her birth. Oh, so well do I remember my first feeling as the Dr. said "It is no use to do any thing for the child, we cannot save it." "Surely," thought I, "can it be so? Can I bear it, after going through so much for my babe to have it snatched away?" And I so feared that my grief would overwhelm me and make me sick I dared not even look at her. But God in His loving kindness and pity comforted me. The thought that He had arranged and planned the suffering and the disappointment for my spiritual good drew me to Him in filial love and helped me to say "Thy will be done." Since then his great mercy has been shown me in giving to us three beautiful, hearty, intelligent boys to cheer our house and gladden our hearts. And so I feel sure, dear Lou, that tho' He afflicts you now, yet your sorrow shall be turned into joy. And if not in the gift of other children, (which may He see fit to do!) in the best gift of a will and heart subdued, purified, drawn nearer to His own great heart of Love. He takes His own way with His own children and it is the best way. A letter from Mr. Foster to Pa last evening tells us you are growing better, and that the danger seems past. I do hope you will get up well and strong and without any trouble. I wish you were here in this delightful cool climate. I think your sickness would be less tedious and wearing. We are enjoying Dear Pa's and Anna's visit exceedingly. Will was with us the first four or five days, and then we all, baby, girl and all, went with him to Ripon and thence seven miles to Green Lake, a lovely sheet of water 12 miles long and two wide. There we picnicked all day, went boating, wading and got home (the Browns) at 8 at night, leaving Pa and Anna to spend two days more in Ripon with Willie. Anna will tell you all about it when she sees you. My little blue eyed Lewis has been quite sick for two days with his teeth, but is better now. I wish you and the Prof. could come out and see us and enjoy our delightful summer weather. Give him my warm regards and my love to your dear Ma and Pa and Aunt Emma. Dear Lou, May God bless and keep and comfort you greatly. Your sincere and loving friend Mary O. B. Henry sends love, and so does Anna

Transcription: Terre Haute August 4, 1875 [Wednesday]

My Dear Friend,

I would have written to you sooner, but if I had my letter would have been as full of tears as my eyes were. I cannot tell you in formal words how I sympathize with you. I too have gone down to Death's door in that awful agony and know how useless words are in describing it. But we will thank God that it is past, and I hope nothing has interfered with your recovery.

What a season of rains we are or rather have been having. I suppose you are shut in like everybody else. Here on this sandy bluff we have not felt the disagreeableness of a flood at all. As soon as the showers ceased the water ran off and left the streets white and clean, and free from dust most certainly. I never saw Main Street look as pretty as it did last Sabbath. But at that very time the river was three miles wide, boiling and surging against the bridge at the foot of Main Street and the Railroad bridges were closely watched, men being stationed above to catch and anchor wrecks that were known to be coming down the river. Trees, bundles of wheat, and stalks of green corn were floating by.

On Monday no trains left the yards, no mails came in yesterday except a few bags that were carried on hand cars, where possible, "toted" around the broken bridges and over the washed out places. Railroad men say it will be two months before trains can run on certain roads. The damage done to farmers around T. H. cannot be estimated yet, the fields being covered with water.

You will not want to keep house next year will you? As things are now it would seem better for you to board; don't you think so? We have concluded to board again. Mr. Byers is away from home more than when he taught and I could not do all that I would be obliged to do even if I had an excellent girl.

We will take two rooms and furnish them and take day board only at Mrs. Keller's. The rooms we think of taking are on the south west corner of Mulberry and Sixth. Both good sized, pleasant upstairs rooms. Mrs. Keller would like very much to have you board there. I fear you are not strong enough to go out to your meals. If you were, I think you would find it a very pleasant way. And then if you want to go away for a week, you do not go on paying board all the same, as you are obliged to do when you occupy a room in a boarding house.

I suppose Professor will come up before long and settle everything. I hope we can be very near each other.

Pardon the scratches, my dear. I wish I could sit down by you this afternoon and say it all; then there would be no need of scratches. It is just the day for chat; for sitting with friends who don't mind if you fall away in long lapses of silence; friends between whom the silence is as eloquent as words. The air is cool, with just enough breeze to make a faint rustling among the leaves; and the persistent twitter of a canary next door takes the place of the wood songsters and makes it as good as being in the country. But there is also a sewing machine next door and it buzzes away constantly with a sound that shapes itself into "Finish your work, finish your work!" At least my conscience gives it that interpretation.

I do not know how soon this can reach you; at any rate I hope it will find you well enough to answer soon.

Give my regards to the Prof and remember me to your mother.

Yours truly

Lizzie S. Byers

Transcription: Litchfield, Ills. Aug. 22, 1875 [Sunday]

My Dear Mrs. Boisen:

I can hardly tell you how glad I was to get a letter once more in your own writing. It came a week ago yesterday. When Mr. Wilson came out he heard that you were very sick and I had not heard that you were better. We often spoke of yours and Prof Boisen's disappointment but Mr. Wilson always added "If she is only spared, I know there will always be a feeling of joy with the thought of his disappointment." And so, I have felt. My anxiety for you has overshadowed the thought of sorrow with you. What a consolation to know that all our ways are in the hands of One who doeth all things well. How dark must be the night of affliction to those who acknowledge no such guidance.

What is Prof. studying? Mr. W. has been hard at work at his mathematics all summer until two days ago, he laid books aside for a week's rest. I told him he would be as tired when he went back as when he came away. Mr. Ames in a letter the other day said he had not been well all summer: he has been afflicted with Job's Comforters. He said at one time he could not get out of his township for more than a week on account of the flood and its damages. I am glad we have been away from Terre Haute during these wet days. I am afraid we'll find it chilly when we go back. I am sorry that you are not coming back at once. I am leaving all my sewing to do when I get there. I wish you would come to Mrs. Bartlett's. She had two small rooms vacant when we left. She wanted us to take her parlor but we preferred to stay where we were. Don't stay long for I can't wait to see you. I felt all spring that some one was missing who ought to be there. Flowers here look pretty well but this cold north wind is not good for them by any means. Will you bring your flowers back with you? I shall bring a few with me and left a few at Heinl's. Would you like a pink or a white begonia? If you should, I'll start you one of each. I have been home all summer. Have been doing a little housework, a little fancy work, a little reading and a good deal of talking. I am glad to hear that Mrs. Atwater is in her new home. Give my love to her when you see her next. Has Miss Anna Ballantine come home yet? I wanted to write to her but could not remember the name of the town where her sister lives. Does Mrs. Nutt still board? I hardly thought Mrs. Nutt could be bitter. I supposed she was too good natured. It must be unpleasant for the Faculty to have things so unsettled about next year's work. I suppose the Trustees find it easier to remove the Dr. than to find a suitable man for the place. When does Prof. Boisen go back? We go a week from next Thursday. Mr. Jones talked of a Faculty meeting on the next Saturday, I believe. Remember me to all your folks. Mr. W. regards to Prof. Boisen. Hoping to see you soon. I wish you good night. Your friend S. L. Wilson Please excuse this folding.

Transcription: Bloomington, Aug. 31, 1875 [Tuesday]

My dear Hermann,

The enclosed letters came yesterday. I cannot imagine why we have not had letters from home too unless it is because it takes a longer time for them to come. Perhaps they may have directed their letters to Terre Haute and you may have found them there this morning. I can not read Tante Eli's letter very well. Poor Mimi takes our loss very hard. I know it is a great disappointment to them all as it has been to us, but I trust that our child whose eyes never opened to the light of this world is now enjoying the glories of heaven and we will not mourn that God has taken her to Himself, pure and spotless as she was.

It don't seem right that you have gone back to Terre Haute without me. I don't know why it is, but I miss you much more than when you went to the Springs. We are going soon to Maxwell's and I write in great haste. We are invited to a party at Joe McPheeters' tonight. I don't think you would care much to attend it but I do know you would have enjoyed going today.

Please, dear Hermann, write as soon and often as you can if only a postal. When you get a room, give me a full description and tell me in what part of the city you have settled. Give street and number, so that I can find you if you should by any accident miss meeting me. I wonder if you got through safely with the birds. Give love to Mrs. Byers and all friends. With all my love Your Lou

Transcription: My sweet Lou, I almost fear that this postal won't reach you, but very sorry indeed should I be if on account on my foolish notions you would determine to leave sooner than you would otherwise. I don't expect you tomorrow and would rather that you take a good long rest at home. I can manage some way or other to get along. We have a busy term's work before us. Mrs. Wilson commenced work today, hears four classes. I am in trouble and tribulations for they have tagged that Botany on to me. I hate to keep borrowing books from the library but if your father would permit you to bring those two French volumes on Bot. that I prized so highly it would be a wonderful help to me. If you don't come soon please send them. I have another letter for you from Charlie, and also one from [Txxx] and father, which is waiting for you. Enclosed $10 for incidentals and $5 which you please give to Mr. McNary. Yours HBB I owe Brown 25 cts. Please give it to him. H.B.

Transcription: My sweet wife, I will sit down Sunday and write you a good long letter. Tomorrow I will try to find a room, but am not yet sure if I can as I shall have a vast amount of paper examining to do. I have been kept very busy with examining and institute work so that I have not yet had time to do anything towards finding a room. I am still very uncomfortably fixed at Mrs. Smith, and my trunk stands still at the porch as it came, untouched. The president talks of sending me to Bloomfield Monday for institute work, but I do not think I shall go. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson came today. Much obliged for the sweet letters from home. I believe that I almost grieve more for their disappointment than for our own. Come soon, my sweet wife. With all my heart, Your H.B.B.

Transcription: Terre Haute, Ind. Sept. 5, 1875 [Sunday]

My sweet wife, I have just come home from church and now sit down to report to my wife about my room hunt from that same dingy mosquito pestered old back room at Mrs. Smith where I wrote you my first letters last year. I found this business of hunting a room an exceedingly unpleasant one and almost as discouraging as trying to borrow money. But I have found at last the place for us. I should have liked best to take the front parlor in the house where Mrs. Byers rooms, but could not make up my mind to bring you into such a place. The woman was dirty and repulsive, the room small like a bird cage and the ceiling so low that I felt as if I could hardly venture to stand upright. I saw a great many other rooms but few better ones. There is an unsubstantial, shaggy toylike boarding house look about them all and a greedy poverty-stricken look about the people that I can't bear. At Dr. Bell's over Heddle's are rooms after my taste, but there they charge $65 and $70 a month and I have to make up my mind with a sigh that we cannot do that. Mrs. Ash has rented the brick house in 6th Street that Mrs. Smith formerly had, right opposite the Normal, and seemed anxious to have us. She has a beautiful large room but it is unfurnished and I am afraid of Mrs. Ash. Mrs. Krutts house has been rented by a family McPheeters, relatives of Wilsons and Orchards, a widow lady with three daughters all with the Mrs. Wilson type of face. There we would have had a good table and nice people but the room is low and gloomy and papered in the most outrageous [poenitentiary?] taste. At last I found a house in Eagle street right opposite the North entrance into the Normal and the moment I saw it, I knew that I had found my place. It belongs to a family Archer, is entirely new, built in the McNary style, rooms high and pleasant with large bay windows. Mrs. Archer is a very good looking, gay woman, very pleasant and ladylike. I believe you will be much pleased with her. She has two children, a boy of 12 and a girl of 10 years, both with a very pleasant impression. The husband is a lumber merchant. There are 4 rooms upstairs, 2 large rooms and 2 small ones somewhat in this fashion. [sketch] The back and bay window room and the small room are yours both. Mrs. Archer desired to rent them together and makes very little difference in charge. Both together cost $17 a month. Then with board at $3 ½ at the corner, makes $24. We would live at $45 which is $5 less than we paid last year, and even if we pay $4 for bed it would still be less, and considerably so if you determine as I trust you will to furnish breakfast yourself. The $17 includes light, bed washing, fuel and everything. The rooms are not yet furnished but Mrs. Archer goes tomorrow to buy a new carpet and nice things. The shape of the room is so that it would cut our own carpet up too much and I would rather not use it. She desires very much to be saved of the expense of buying a bureau, and I have told her that maybe we might buy one ourselves. That is a matter that we will have to talk over. If we do she agrees to put in a nice low chair. The rooms will not be ready before Thursday, so you had better not come before. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have trouble in their rooming place, and think of taking the other two rooms. They will decide tomorrow morning. Mrs. Byers has got the place in the high school, that Mrs. Moore had and the session room too. You can see her at work from your window. Miss Toland has the seventh grade in the first ward (Mr. Greenawalth) Mr. Aiken is in Omaha, studying law. Mr. Howe is not yet back but is expected this week. Mr. Leverentz has got a wife but lost his place and Mr. Staats failed to get his editorship but got the place that Mr. Leverentz had. Tuesday morning I go to a wedding at the Catholic Church (?) Dr. Read is in town, great and big as ever and trying to impress the people with the greatness of his fame and the majesty of his appearance. He addressed the institute but the institute came to the conclusion that he was a bore. I believe he never would have stopped talking if Mr. Wylie had not asked him to do so. I have been pressed into service considerably, and have been kept quite busy with examining West Pointers. Got through my papers last night and reported to General Hunter this afternoon. The editorship was given to a young Mr. Allen from Mitchell. Work commences Wednesday but one of my class, Mr. Landison has left here and accepted the position as Assistant-superintendent.

And now, my sweet Lou, I believe you have all the news. Pardon this hurried incoherent letter. Write me often, and if you possibly can please answer before you come those sweet letters from home. My love to all, and all my heart to you Your husband

Transcription: Indiana University Sabbath night, Sept. 5, 1875

My dearest Hermann,

It is late and I have only time for a few lines tonight. I received your card yesterday but thought I would not write until I received your letter which you promised to write tonight. I began to think that you were not going to write to me at all. Next Sabbath perhaps I shall be with you. This morning I went to the U.P. Church where Pa preached. This afternoon Mag and myself, Anton, Charlie and the baby rode out to the cemetery. I was so sorry that we could not go together last Sabbath. But I must say goodnight. If I hear tomorrow I will answer immediately. Your Lou

Monday night [Sept 6] Dear Hermann,

Many thanks for your good long letter received today. I have come up stairs and am sitting by your table. Anton in his bed and says for me to tell you that he is going to stay here until Uncle Toph comes and takes him home. Last Friday Mag got a dispatch saying that Arthur would meet her at the Junction Saturday. So she packed her trunk and went up to the depot, but a bridge had been burned and the train was delayed until it was too late to make connections so she came back home and not hearing further from Arthur, she consented to stay till next Friday. She partly unpacked her trunk and put her clothes in the wash. Just as we rose from dinner she got a dispatch saying Arthur would meet her on the train at Quincy. She had full 27 minutes, but she repacked her trunk and got the children ready and started, taking the trunk in the carriage. Wylie walked with me, but soon left in order to walk faster than I could, but he missed the train. It left just as he reached Maxwell's corner. He was dreadfully disappointed. Mag, baby and Charlie got off and I suppose are now in Muncie.

You don't know how pleased I am with your description of our rooms. I shall be so glad to have two rooms. I think you are a most excellent person to select rooms. I know you do far better than I would. It will be very pleasant, I think, if Wilsons conclude to come there too. How is the bay window situated for our flowers? Is it on the west side? You know I never can get the points of the compass right in T.H. I think we might have made our carpet do perhaps and then Mrs. A. could have got a bureau, but it is too late for that now and we will talk over the bureau when I come and see what we can do. I wish you would write Wednesday night. Be sure and do so--for if possible I want to go to you on Friday—and tell me whether to take those Aldine pictures, and the tin chamber set and my flower table, and whether or not there is a mantel piece in the room. I want to get off Friday or Saturday, but I have a great deal to do and fear I must leave some things unfinished if I go then. I have not accomplished so much as I expected to since you left. Last week we spent one day at Dr. Maxwell's. Went to a party that evening at Joe McPheeters'. Then on Thursday we went to a party at Dr. McPheeters' and I had to alter my white silk to wear there. On Friday we had Doddses, McCallas, Bells and Mrs. Maxwell and Mrs. Carter here to spend the day and they staid till six o'clock, so you see not much work was done that day. Besides Mag and myself returned a good many visits during the week and received some calls. So the week passed without much real work being done. Today I have been quite busy getting your wrapper ready to be fixed and fixing some work of my own and repotting the flowers which I want to take with me. Tomorrow evening we are invited to Mrs. McCalla's to tea and I want to finish returning my calls if I can, being much sewing which I wanted to do is undone. But I am wanting badly to go to you, although it is pleasant here too. On Wednesday I am invited to a wedding at the M.E. Church. Mr. Joshua O'Hern to Miss Ella Weatherby.

We will talk over the breakfast question when I see you. I think we won't attempt it until cool weather, on account of heat and flies.

And now, dearest Hermann, I will say goodnight. It is nearly 11 and I hope to see you soon, so it won't matter if I don't write everything. Be sure and write Wednesday and answer my questions, and I will write a card Thursday if I find I can get off on Friday. Or if I don't get off I will write too, for I would not like to find myself alone at the depot at 11 at night. Am afraid I can't write home till I get to T.H.

Good night my dearest Hermann Always and Ever Your Lou

Tuesday morning [Sept 7]—I am just starting up town. Be sure and write Wednesday so I can have Thursday. Love to Mrs. Byers and children and to Mrs. Wilson. With my best love Your Lou

Transcription: Terre Haute, Sept. [8?], 1875

My sweet wife

Thanks for your sweet letter. I opened it with fear and trembling lest a yellow jacket or some other thing should again have put it in to your mind to put off again your coming. But now I expect you surely on Friday. If you should decide to wait till Saturday send me a dispatch. Our room will be all ready for you. I have had a hard afternoon's work unpacking trunks and boxes and fixing up things. I am yet staying at Mrs. Smith and shall, till you come. Nobody has ever occupy your room, and nobody shall till my wife herself takes formal possession. The hardest things to unpack and find places for are the books. They multiply like Abraham's seed. Bring your flowers, but leave the flower table. It has not the right shape for the bay window and is by far too high too. If you should think it might do you can have it sent by freight afterwards. By all means bring all the brackets. Leave the curtains, they are too wide and our room has or will soon have inside shutters. But bring tins and so forth and if you bring teaspoons don't bring one, but bring one for your man too. That is, I think, all. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have rented the two other rooms and have occupied them since yesterday. Normal opened today under good auspices. 51 new students till now and at least 36 more will be in tomorrow. Tell Dory that I have not yet found time to attend to his bird but will do so soon. And now, my sweet wife, do not disappoint me this time but be here Friday night. I would go over Greencastle and go at once to Mr. Marquis store and wait there till train time. Your birds are doing finely, they too have two new rooms in their new cage and are enjoying it as hugely as I think my wife shall hers. With all my heart Your husband

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. Sept. 9, 1875 [Thursday]

My dear Hermann,

I hope for a letter from you today, but must send this before it arrives. If you seem very anxious for me to come, I will try my best to get off tomorrow. I want to go and have been making all the haste I could to get off, but there are several things which I want very much to do before I leave and I fear I cannot get them done if I go tomorrow, so I have thought that, unless it will be a great disappointment to you, I will not go until Monday. Saturday will be such a bad day to arrive, especially since I am waiting till I get to T. H. to get a new hat and you will not let me go to church in my old one. I feel very anxious to see you and be with you, but I think three days delay will not make much difference to you since after that I will be with you all the time. If I can I will go tomorrow unless I have to leave too much undone. It depends very much on your letter today. If I do go tomorrow I will telegraph as I should dislike to find myself alone at the depot at night. I think there is no doubt you would get the telegram. I would send it between 12 and 2 o'clock. I do hate to think of staying away from you another Sabbath. Mag left Monday. Cousin Rene goes either tomorrow or next week. Don't look for me tomorrow unless you get the telegram and don't be angry or disappointed for you know I love you and want to be with you. I write in great haste. It is nearly mail time. I put off writing as long as possible in order to see if I could not be certain about my going tomorrow. With very, very much love, Lou. If I do not go tomorrow I shall hope to hear from you Saturday.

Transcription: Bloomington, Sept. 25, 1875 [Saturday]

Dear Lou,

No doubt you think it strange that I have not written to you before this but I have been so very busy ever since you left. Last week the ladies met to talk about having a Centennial Tea Party and they wished me to be Mrs. Washington. I at first consented, but afterwards tried to get out of it, but in vain. They would not let me off. Of course it took some time to fix up. I took for my model a picture in Harpers' weekly (Mrs. W. reception) and I believe all the ladies in town were busy studying the "Republican Court" and making their costumes. Last Thursday night the great event came off. The ladies looked very handsome. Annie Buskirk was Mrs. Izard. Mrs. Wilstack looked remarkably well. Laura Woodburn and Bob Myers the Quakers. Ida Woodburn and Durborrow the Indians. Loura Henly and Anna gypsies. Judge McNutt was Gen Washington and looked and acted admirably. Now, I expect you want to know how I was dressed. I had my hair well powdered or floured, I should say, black silk dress with sleeves to the elbows trimmed with deep white and black lace, a train about two yds long trimmed with wide black lace, white cap trimmed with lack velvet (made by Mrs. Thompson) and a white neck handkerchief, a very elegant shawl of Mrs. T's put on to simulate a petticoat. There I had to stand for a whole hour and be presented to my guests, Gen. Knox (Dr. McP.) acting as usher while my granddaughter, Nellie Custis (Fannie Thompson) most splendidly dressed in pink silk stood by my side. When Pa came up to be introduced, he said he "was Mr. Custis come to see after his wife," which caused great laughter. Afterwards we had a good supper and enjoyed our selves very much. Got home at half past twelve. The boys, Dory in particular, are anxious for me to have my photograph taken in costume and if I do I will send you one. They cleared about $75. Now I expect you are tired reading about this, so I will try and tell you some news. We have had very hard frost but none of your flowers injured. Your hanging basket looks very well and I would like you to have it. We have not taken up the geraniums yet, but will try next week. I scarcely know what I am writing. Anna's tongue is running so fast, talking with Dick, that I scarcely know what I write, so you must excuse all mistakes. Toph has not come yet, we have been expecting him all the week. Poor little Anton needs his clothes so much this cold weather and Toph was to bring them. I had to go out today and buy him shoes as his were in holes. Nellie Foster is here on a visit. She wishes to stay and go to College if her Pa is willing. Oh, I heard a piece of news the other day. You know Fannie Thompson has been spending the summer at Green Bay. Well among the visitors was Capt. Dudley Smith. She says she got to be very well acquainted with him and liked him very much and his is going to be married to Min Hannaman. She is in Europe now and he is going to meet here there. Anna talks so I am obliged to go to Pa's room as I do not know what I am writing. I find I cannot stay here as it is too uncomfortable so I must go back again.

Lizzie Hunter has come home but I heard she had another attack of asthma. I have not seen her yet. Liz is making apple butter tonight. I hope it will be good. I had a good deal to tell you but I cannot write in such an incessant clack. I must try and write to Mag tonight if I can as she feels anxious to hear from Anton. I will try and finish this on Monday if I have time. Aunt E. sends her love and says she will write soon. Mrs. Bell has not gone home yet. Emma returns with her. Her health is much improved. Lib is still here. Maria Blair is going to College. Ella and Alma Fellows are both here on a visit. Dr. Moss boards at the National. He has a wife, two daughters and a son. They seem quite plain, want a house but cannot get one to suit. Mrs. Butler has returned from Europe, brought home a German nurse. Mrs. Olds was at the tea party the other night. Her babe was three weeks old. Past ten so I think I must stop. Love to Hermann Your affectionate Mother R. D. Wylie

Transcription: West Chester, Pa. Oct 4th, 1875

My dear Emma,

I recd your letter, Toph's, and Annie's postscriptum last evening, and thank you all. Richard is better, but still weak & very nervous. Dr. Massey just left here & said he was better, but told me to give him his medicine & stimulants regularly. He takes a half teacup of beef tea with a teaspoon of brandy every half hour, & a half glass of ale three times a day. His right side is of course very weak, but he can use it, & his speech has all come right. He was very ill at first. On Friday night I thought he would hardly get over it, and on Sat, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, he was very poorly, but since then he is mending, and I hope will soon be able to enjoy himself. But we must not forget the nature of the disease, and his age, 74 years.

Tell Toph I wrote to him last week a few lines, as I was afraid he would feel hurt at our silence, but it was written on a day when Richard was so restless when awake, but heavy with sleep, I had trouble to rouse him to take his medicine, but when I got him fairly awake he wanted every attention, could not keep still, and it seemed so unnatural a condition that I expect my letter was disconnected.

Elisa & Willie are to leave on Tues. I will miss them, as they have been very kind.

Tell Annie I went to Mrs. Matlack's funeral, but hurried home as soon as the services were over. She looked so sweet & happy. Dear old lady, how the girls will miss her. Tell her that I sent to Heft's & got some lovely exotics, such lovely white carnations, rosebuds, tuberoses & stevias—quite a large box full, & sent to the girls the morning of the funeral. I at first offered a Cross, but when I found the price had been raised from $5 to $7, I concluded to send a box of cut flowers, which I did.

I enclose in this some seed of the new coxcomb that Vick brought out season before last—the "Japanese coxcomb."

Please tell Annie that I would like her to make a list of what she wants, just exactly, as I cannot do much thinking. Eliza E. says those black furs she speaks of wear miserably, but if Annie would prefer getting them now & waiting a couple of years for another pair, why just say so. Papa is willing to get a set of sealskin. But she must decide. I got her a lovely blk. Cashmere, paid $1.10 per yd. Tell her to take care of it & it will do for 2 winters. Does she greatly prefer not to have a coat? I have the money if she would like it now. But let her write on a strip of paper just what she needs, for I have not time when I go to the city to go about much, must hurry there & hurry home. Will get Emily to stay with Richard. Tell Annie that he has spoken twice about her being at College & said, "Cornelia, I don't want her studies interrupted. It is my wish she stays there & gets a good education. If anything happens to me see to it she is well provided for there, with all she requires." Another time he said, "Cornelia, you must take good care of Annie. You are young & if I am taken you may marry again, but see that you take good care of Annie."

He is now asleep on the sofa, sound asleep. When the letters came last evening he made me read them all to him & he seemed quite gratified. He loves to see letters come. When I spoke of your offer to come on & help nurse him he said, "If we were housekeeping, & I was bedridden it would be the best thing. I would like it, but here there is no room, & I do hope to get better. But thank Emma."

Tell Toph I will send his nut cracker & the cards (if Rupert can get them) in Annie's box.

I must stop—had a letter from Angus & her father has been sick, but is better. She calls her baby Clarence Scott.

Affectionately yours

Nelly M. T. R. just woke & says "Tell them I believe I can sleep all the time. Tell Toph not to neglect his business & to save his money." If I don't write you may know I am busy.

Transcription: Norburg, 7th of Oct. 1875

My dear, dear Lou!

My first letter after I have returned to my home shall be directed to you. It is such a long time since I wrote to you that I really would be ashamed if I did not hope that you would excuse my silence with my long stay at Hamburg where it was quite impossible to me to find much time for writing. Not even to your birthday I have sent you my felicitations, and yet we have had this year more cause than ever before to thank God that he has spared your life, dear Lou, in spite of all you have had to suffer. We all pray God, dear Lou, that he still gives you many years of fortune and health and that he will assist both you and Hermann to perceive his good intention in having taken your little child to him. How we all have mourned with you, my dear Lou, you know, but above all the thought is prevalent in our hearts: "How good is God that He has spared your life and has given you your health quite back again." The whole time where we knew you ill, my Lou, was such a time of continuant sorrow and agitation that we are glad to have it passed now. Your first letter, which arrived still before my journey was welcomed with such joy. I especially, my own Lou, I had looked forward to that day which should again bring us one of your dear, kind letters with such a longing heart. I always long after a kind word from you when some weeks are gone.

We really have got autumn now, since a fortnight it is always rainy and cold, quite a disagreeable weather. I am glad to be at home again, after four weeks of pleasure in a great town. I really longed after my little Norburg and the comfortable, nice life which we lead here. Tuesday Helen and I did return. I cannot tell you, dear Lou, what nice remembrances I have taken with me from Hamburg. It was such a beautiful time we spent there. What a nice welcome we had, how kindly I was received by all relations of Helene. I described already to Hermann, it was just as if I was one of their family. So I was treated and of course I felt there quite at home. The first weeks, the weather favored us exceedingly. We made charming excursions to Neumuhlen, Uhlenhorst, Harvstehude, Wandsbeck, one afternoon we spent at the zoological garden which I like nearly best of all. Did you once see one? It is so interesting to see all the wild animals from Africa, Asia, etc. found to such a little place as their cage is, by manly powers.

Saturday

There I was disturbed, my dear Lou, now I hope to finish my letter today that I can soon send it off. Tomorrow I expect Helene. She is to spend the whole day with me. We have been together four weeks, now it is quite curious to us both that we are again separated. I am afraid the poor girl will be very homesick. It was so hard for her to leave her parents, brothers and the little sister. She is such a pretty little girl. I am quite fallen in love with her, sometimes I really long for her. It is so amusing and lively to have children in the house, here I am always alone; I am too glad that Mimi soon will be here.

Twice I have been in Altona with Fränsel. How glad I was to see her again, you cannot imagine! She was prettier than ever, I think, and so sweet in her manners. She has a nice little room for herself, there we sat together on the sopha and were both so eager in conversing that Fransiska forgot totally her promise to Miss Holm who by chance also just was in Hamburg. That she would come and see her. So Miss Holm came there and I had the pleasure to see her also. She just looks as she did when we were together with Andersens. Dear Lou, do you remember? Already two years are passed since that time, when Hermann brought you to us as his wife, my dear sister. With Fränsel I did also talk from that time. She had just begun a letter to you. One evening I was invited with her together by Miss Hansen, a former friend from Mama. There we were very glad. It was the last time I saw her, it was impossible for me to come more to Altona, the distance is so far, and we had so very many invitations that we not by far could accept them all. It was really a restless live we had there. Not one day we have been quiet at home. Yes, on account of all the little excursions and invitations, we did not come once to the theatre, also not to Blankenese where I would so willingly visit Adlers. Gine was still with us. The time, though we had four weeks and a half, was still too short. Wandsbeck, my native town, I have seen a whole day. I spent with Mrs. Eichhorn. Last Sunday I went with the railroad to Berta Martens. She had invited me so much to spend a day with her that I could impossibly resist. It was quite a pity, that her dwelling was in disorder but she could not make it comfortable because only two days ago she was come at Norburg and the next day she should go to Hamburg to her cousin, Mrs. Almind. We both were sorry that the weather was in a dreadful humour and did not favor me a little. But in spite of that I was very glad to see Lübeck and Berta in the highest degree of happiness to show me her rooms, her things, very chest, every press was opened and I obliged to admire all she possessed. It was really for laughing. But that is the same; her rooms are pretty, large and comfortable, her furniture the greatest deal of it comes from brother Thomas, beautiful and bright as a mirror of course for she cleans nearly all the day. The afternoon and evening we spent with Groths, Berta's relations. That is a charming family, so kind and amiable. There are two daughters, the eldest is married and has a beautiful little daughter. I was very glad to see Miss Groth once, Berta often told me of the whole family, especially of Miss Groth. She makes a very agreeable impression. Though I only saw her several hours, I like her very much. We talked much together in Miss Groth's nice little room. I returned to Hamburg quite happy, though I did not see much more from Lübeck than the church. Every stranger who comes to Lübeck must see the [German word], it is too beautiful.

If I only could see you once, dear Lou! How I would be glad to give you orally a detailed account of all I have seen and done, of all the dear acquaintances I have made. Surely I would have much to relate. Every day during these weeks brought one so many new impressions and offered so much pleasure in the most different fashions, that we nearly continually were in a great agitation. Mama always admires how we could bear such a quietless life. Every Monday I sent a long description of the passed week at home, of course there were always much to tell for my parents would know all we had done and seen. It really was a sort of journal. At first I had the intention to write a regular journal from myself, that is such a nice remembrance for future times, but I could not find the time to do so. Several times we have visited the picture gallery which is exceedingly beautiful. These excellent images we saw there, I do not describe you, some of them I surely never shall forget. In the whole Hamburg is a very beautiful town, particularly in the evening when all the candelabras are lighted and their reflection is seen in the Alster. This sight is always new and beautiful. But you know all, dear Lou, you have seen it yourself. It is enough when I tell you that I have taken many dear remembrances with me and that I have had very much pleasure on the whole journey.

My parents give you both their love and I shall tell you their warmest congratulations though they come too late as well as mine, but they did not know your birthday. Mama often wishes so fervently to see you once and to speak to you. Sometimes she says she curses the ocean and the wide distance that separates us. How nice it would be, dear Lou, if we sometimes could see each other, it is really dreadful to be so far separated. Since a few weeks is Mrs. Ritscher the married daughter of Wernick's with her parents accompanied by her husband, her little son and servant. The whole family is here. Some days ago I have been in Oxbüll to see Mrs. Holm still once. You cannot think how we all love her, she is indeed charming, it is one of my greatest pleasures here to be somehow with her. She showed me all the beautiful little things which she has got from her mother and her sister, how pretty such a little dowry is! May God be with her and spare her life, it is such a dreadful thought that it could go with her as with the first wife of Pastor Holm, but that is impossible. Emilie Boeg's wedding day is not yet quite fixed, probably the 20th of Nov. Mrs. Boeg has been ill again. How hard it will be for poor Louise to be quite alone with her weak mother. The carpet which we have made is finished and very beautiful. I think Emilie will be very glad of it.

I am curious, dear Lou, if I shall get this year a birthday letter from Hermann and you. The two last letters have been lost. Do you remember? Last year you enclosed the picture of little Anton, that we did not get. You did not tell us long time about him, my Lou, I hope he is well. Do you see him sometimes? What a sweet little boy he must be!

Excuse my hasty bad writing, dear Lou. I have little time to spend with writing and there are always a great number of letters which are waiting to be answered. Now I am also obliged to write sometimes to Hamburg, it is nearly too much.

Mama and Papa are quite well. I hope they will continue to be so during the whole winter. Our "[German word]" begins again next Thursday. I am curious how it will be this winter. Last year we had much pleasure of it.

But I must close, dear Lou. My best love to Hermann and many kisses to you. Farewell, my own dear sister, love me as I love you. From my whole heart yours,

Anna Boisen

Transcription: Greencastle, Ind. Oct 15, 1875 [Friday]

Mrs. Louise W. Boisen,

Terre Haute Dear friend,

I should have sooner responded to your kind letter if we had been able, ere this, to come to a definite decision respecting our attendance of the Thomas Concert to which you so pleasantly invited us. After all we shall regretfully have to forego the double pleasure of hearing the great Leader's orchestral interpretation of classical music and of engaging in a most enjoyable social chat with yourself and husband. It is our "Baby's" veto barreled out with no uncertain voice that bids us stay. Only a short time ago we went to listen to the performance of a Cantata at Brown's Hall, leaving "Our Son" at home in charge of two kind nurses. When incensed at our desertion of him, he forthwith went "almost" into convulsions. Messengers were dispatched to the Hall for Mama and she had to return home before the conclusion of the piece. You see it is equally impossible for us to allow the youngster to go into spasms at home or to take him with us to the Opera House and permit him to exhibit his musical powers in competition with Thomas' Orchestra.

But "[four German words]" We shall not give up the hope of seeing you in Terre Haute at some other time when it is opportune. Meanwhile our most cordial thanks for your favor. Of course, you will not fail to stop and see us when again en route for Bloomington. My wife joins me in sincere regards for you both. Accept my best wishes for your prosperity and believe me

Ever truly your friend

Emanuel Marquis

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. Oct. 18th 1875 [Monday]

Dear Lou

It is a shame that your letter has been so long unanswered. Had it contained any thing very important requiring an answer it would not have been neglected. But I have been so engaged with one thing and another that I have had no time for anything outside of required work. Yesterday I preached for Mr. Moore and that engaged my attention during leisure moments through the week. Rob. D. Owen has been here. He dined with us today and left on the 3 o'clock train. This week he lectured in the Col. Chapel to the students on slavery—or rather on Clarkson, one of the leaders of the anti-slavery movement in England in the days of Sir Wm. Pitt, giving us an account of his own interview with Clarkson, of Clarkson's interview with Pitt. This must have been about the year 1812. Another point of his subject was the influence of a Mrs. Leonowens, a lady now living in Staten Island with whom he is acquainted, in the abolition of serfdom in Siam. This Mrs. L, had been the governess of the present king of Siam, when a boy and through her instruction, he had [one word undecipherable] correct notions, which he has lately put in practice. [Anna and the King of Siam] He [Mr. Owen] was at Presbyterian Church yesterday and indicated his approval of sentiments by nudging his brother [Richard Owen] sitting next him. He seems very cheerful and pleasant.

Phandy went to Muncie Friday. Left Anton with us, who don't seem to have any notion of going home. He remembers the Xtmas tree. If we are all well, we hope you and Hermann will be here at that time, as well as Maggie and hers.

Had a letter from brother The Friday. He seems to be rejoicing at the occasion of the Sup. Court of Pa. with regard to McAuley's church, as both his and Dr. Sterrett's church are in the same situation. The cases are exactly alike. I hope it is so and that these abominable lawsuits are ended.

We have made no progress in the Pittsburgh property matters.

Dr. Nuys seems to wear well. Hear no objections to him. He has not a house yet, and I don't think they like boarding. We expect to have Mrs. Brigham Eliza Young to lecture for us next week. Lizzie was away last week and Ma and Aunt Emma had the work to do. This is the most interesting want of a domestic character I have to communicate unless it is the decease of my old cat. Anna takes maternal care of the kittens.

The boys as usual. Dory seems to take some interest in Prof. Hoss's elocutionary exercises.

All would send their love if I would ask them or they knew I was writing. Love to H. and kind regards to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson.

Your affectionate father T. A. Wylie P.S. Received a postal a week ago from Hermann. Hope he has all things satisfactory. Your flowers were sent last week.

Transcription: Muncie, Ind. Oct 28th 1875 [Thursday]

My dear Sister Lou,

When I think that I have not written to you since I left home and that I have only sent two letters home in that time, I feel so ashamed of myself that—well I must not try to describe my feelings for I cannot. It has been delayed from day to day thinking the time would come when I could write. Now you are wondering what I have been doing. When I got home for a good many weeks I had no girl and found the house badly torn up—then I got a girl that was half a girl, had a chill every afternoon and had to go to bed till the next morn. Then thinking I could better myself, I took a girl that was the picture of health paying her the highest wages and find that she has most all the pains and aches you every heard of and is in such a way to get her sewing done so she can get married that she don't really do me the good she might. Then came Mary's wedding. I helped her a little and then another wedding in country then a week for my rag carpet, rag sewing, then all my winter work and trying to pay about 50 calls. I have only paid 17. All this has kept me busy and now comes winter sewing and I am going to try and do without a girl this winter as Arthur lost so much in that trial. 11 hundred extra he will have to raise this year. It's going to be very hard on him.

I can't give you any news from home. They don't write often. They were all well last week.

Some one tried to break into Si's house the other night. Bun was very much frightened.

The Odd Fellows are having a great day. They have invited 100 lodges to help dedicate their new building.

Synod met here last week. Mr. Bishop (that used to live in Bloomington) was here. I went to the church and waited to see him but he was so far in front and I could not stay from home so long so each time I missed seeing him.

I never wanted to see little Anton as I do now, but don't know what I would do with him if I had him.

I was very sorry we did not meet Mr. Wilson. We had gone to a wedding in the country. I do wish you could have been to the supper. You could hardly think of anything that they did not have—cakes of all kinds, oranges, stewed raisons, cranberries, prunes, peach, blackberries, cherries, [fellus?] float etc. after turkey potatoes etc. The bride was dressed in white tarleton with orange blossoms in her hair—looked so nicely.

My flowers are looking well. I have so many that I can't bear to see them die this winter.

The baby has changed so since you saw him. He looks better and can climb. I am afraid he will fall and kill himself. His chief delight just now is to get on a chair and try to rock it back and forth or to go up stairs to make me run after him. Wylie, Baby and I have been having the chills. Wylie looks very badly. He and Charlie are taking great interest in learning to write. I have written this badly but part of the time have had Baby in my arms and I remember how good you are at making out bad writing. Write to me often. You ought to write 20 letters to my one. Love to Herman Maggie

Transcription: Bloomington, Nov. 2, 1875 [Tuesday]

Dear Lou,

For several weeks I have been wanting to write to you but have been prevented by circumstances. Pa told me he wrote you last week so I made myself easy about it as I suppose it makes no difference from whom you get the letter. Tonight I am all alone. Pa is in his room, Aunt Emma in her own, Miss Anna has some of her sophomores in the parlor, Liz in the kitchen ironing, Anton asleep and the boys up in their room busy cooking oysters. I was so sorry to hear that your flowers did not arrive in good condition. I know they were well packed and were looking well when they left the house. Mrs. Rhoades called the other day and left the bulbs. I have not planted them yet but will do so soon. Aunt E. sent to Henderson for me for hyacinths, tulips, polyanthus, narcissus, oxalis etc. In fact I do not know what all, but I think it amounts to seven or eight dollars worth. I did not send for blue hyacinth as you know I have four shades of them, but red, white & yellow. We were going to plant them in the four round beds. Shall I send you some? If so, what kind? Next week and week after I expect to be very busy as Liz is going to Bedford to visit her grandmother. George goes to school, so of course will not be of much assistance. We have not got our money, due Nov., but I hope we will. If so, I will send yours for the carpet. I have not put it down yet but would like to have my room fixed before Liz goes as I am afraid it will be cold when she comes back (the last week in Nov.). Pa had a letter from Calvin the other day. Maggie, Wylie, the baby and the girl had the chills. I am glad we have Anton, as I know it will relieve her some. He takes a good deal of attention, which you know she could not give him now. I wish you could see him. He has grown very much and is a great talker and singer. He is learning Hold the Fort and Down in a Coal Mine. We had a paper from Philadelphia today from your Aunt Caroline and it contains the announcement of Dr. Egbert's death of pneumonia in his 77th year. We have not heard any particulars yet, but the last letter I had said that he was very feeble. When I hear from them I will let you know. Mrs. Bell went home yesterday. She had just received a letter from Bird who was in Berlin and quite delighted with it, but more pleased with Sweden than any country she had been in. Lib Dodds Quick has gone to Edinburg. I hope they will like the place. Em's husband was taken sick and sent a telegram for her but when she got there he was well. She is much better in health. If you see any dress that you think will suit Anton, I wish you would send me the pattern. I do not know how to dress him this winter. Maggie sent red and black plaid for a suit and a blue merino. If we get our money I think I will get you to buy a bolt of calico for comforts, but I will write more fully. Mrs. Hunter had not your dress finished the beginning of last week, but I suppose it is done now. Shall I send it as soon as finished? I have not been able to go to town as I have a very painful corn and could not wear my shoe. It is better now, and I will try and go tomorrow. I wish you had some of our nice apples. They are rotting very fast. We made a barrel and a half of cider. Has your Cyclamen grown any? Mine are in bud, but you know I did not change the earth, so I am afraid they will not do well. I have one Primrose in flower (pink). The others I am afraid are of no account. My flowers all look very well. Your table is in the hall. I am so anxious about the Azaleas. They do not look as if they were going to bloom. In fact the old ones have not grown a bit but are green and healthy. The one Hermann gave me is much better but no signs of flower. How is yours? The Daphne is not going to bloom. I wonder what is the reason? I expect you will tire reading this long letter but you will not get another from me for two or three weeks so you must answer soon and not wait to hear from me. Love to Hermann. Your affectionate Mother R. D. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. Nov. 15th, 1875 [Monday]

My dear Lou,

I was very glad to receive a letter from you. I have been and am still very busy. The class is in electricity and it takes time to prepare experiments. Brown has been of a great deal of service to me. He shows a great aptitude for the [managing? Measuring?] apparatus and preparing experiments. He takes a great deal of interest in analytical chemistry. Dr. Van Nuys refers his beginners to him for direction. We are all in usual health. Ma has a sore toe which interferes some with her locomotion. Lizzie is still in Bedford and thus both she and Aunt Emma have more to do than common. Anton is as usual. Still delights in pictures and stories and looks forward to Xtmas when he hopes to see you and Uncle Hermann. Mr. Snodgrass the insurance agent died the other day and Old Sutherland has gone the way of all flesh. I enclose a draft on P.O. order for twenty dollars. We have not received our pay for last term yet. Dr. Moss still means well. He is very excellent in little speeches and he tolerates no disorder. He expressed himself very much pleased with the Normal School and its management. I had just written to Brother The the day I received your letter. I will write before long and make the enquiry you desire.

Remember me affectionately to Hermann. I know from Phandy Saturday he was well and busy. All the rest well except Wylie who had the chills. They have been auctioning Dr. Nutt's books for two successive Saturdays and will continue the sale next Saturday. They generally sell very low. It is a pity to see them thus sacrificed. I have bought a few, most of them I will make over to the Library.

Your affectionate father

T. A. Wylie Mrs. E. L. M. W. Boisen Terre Haute, Ind.

Transcription: Philadelphia, Nov 17th 1875

Dear Elizabeth,

I received your letter yesterday as well as a short one written after the doctor's death. His sudden departure from this world of sorrow has been a severe blow to us all. His illness was of short duration only one week, he did not suffer much apparently, passed away on Sabbath afternoon without almost a struggle. I have removed to a small house on 15th Street above Arch, No. 123, where I have your furniture stowed in the attic with some of my own. We have scarcely room for our own family, so cannot accommode you. Parts of my furniture stand in the yard, which I intend to dispose of in a few days. Your bundles, etc. were all tied up and came safely. I took charge of your muff, box, etc. If you are pleasantly situated and I understand that is the case, my advice to you would be to remain there for the winter and send after whatever you may require. A small unfurnished room here rents for $25 and $30 a month, so marvelously high are they asking for houses and rooms. These high prices will undoubtedly increase until after the Centennial. If I can manage to accommodate Harry and his wife before they leave for California, they may stop for a short time.

Caroline joins me in love Caroline

Transcription: Columbia, Mo. November 28, 1875 [Sunday]

Dear Friend,

Your last letter has been received. I confess I was beginning to have rather unkind thoughts and feelings toward you for not writing oftener, your letter before this having been written last May. I am about to believe what my friend Bettie Todd has always told me is true, that your friend is friend till she gets her a husband, so I suppose Prof. Boisen must shoulder the blame.

It has been so long since I have had a talk with you and I have so much that I want to say I scarcely know where or how to begin. I believe I wrote you just before I started to Madison in the Summer. I was from home at that time six weeks and enjoyed my visit very much. I took cold on the cars however and have not really been well since, having had chills and all sorts of miserable feelings. I am much better now I think.

Aunt Eliza left us the 6th of Sept. We of course missed her very much at first. I had never known her before so well. She is so kind, so unselfish and so good I soon learned to love her and she became very essential to our house. About a month after Aunt Eliza left Ada came home and two weeks later Alice and her four children, so you see we are now all together, a happy family or would be if we did not know that one was so soon to leave us. Yes! Mary is to be married the 15th of December, to Dr. Charlie Bacon of New York whom she met when abroad.

Dr. Bacon was here in the summer, when I saw him. He is undoubtedly a good Christian gentleman, and had he come to the house on a different errand, I would be quite fascinated with him, but I find it hard to be reconciled to anyone who will come and take away one of my sisters. The marriage is to be in the evening at five o'clock in the church. Ada, Alice and Minnie Woodward and myself are to be bridesmaids and Cousin Theodore, Gordie Lathrop, Bing Rollins, and a friend of the Dr. B's from Chicago groomsmen. There is to be a reception at the house from six till eight and then the bridal party leave on the train at 9 ½ or 10 on their way first to Madison, then Niles, Michigan, then to Cleveland stopping to get a glimpse of Niagara in Winter, stopping at one or two places at his friends and then to New York which they wish to reach in time to spend the Holidays with his parents.

All join with me in an invitation to be with us at this time. You would enjoy seeing Alice and she says she scarcely had a chance to see you before, the time was so short. Why can't you come?

Mr. Green, our pastor in Madison is to be here to perform the ceremony and with both he and Mr. Campbell, Mary feels that the knot will be firmly tied. Col Foster had not been in New York when you wrote, the paper was wrong. He and cousin Theo and Park expected to be in St. Louis yesterday and start from there to New York tonight. They return to Mexico the last of December. Lilly Foster goes with them and Edith also. Eleanor staying with Aunt Eliza.

Ada came back much improved in health weighing more than she ever did before. She was of course charmed with the climate and complains much of our cold and changeable weather here. She said she saw the last fire at the Planters House when she went away and the first there again on her return. The country seems to be exactly described by the couplet "All the prospect pleases and only man is vile." I will attempt no account of her life in Mexico as she says she will write herself and of course you would rather have it from her than second hand. Did you hear that Jessie Lathrop and Charley were at last married? I had the honor (?) of being one of her attendants, together with Gordie, Lulu Ripley and Jimmie Ripley. They have gone to Kansas City to live and seem very happy together indeed.

Mrs. Lathrop was very sick here in the summer and they have not dared to have her left alone since, so Fannie has been with her since Jessie was married. I suppose she would go to Kansas City with Fannie were it not that there has been a good deal of complaint about her being away so much and still holding the Post Office. Mrs. L. seems much more feeble than when you saw her. I believe there is nothing to tell you of anyone whom you knew here.

Columbia is quite proud in the possession of gas. We have it in all the stores, street lamps and some private houses. Mr. Price has just finished a very handsome house with all the modern conveniences.

Twings and Sweetzers have at last dissolved partnership. Sweetzers going into a little house just round the corner from Stephens. I was there the other day for the first time since they moved and they have indeed a sweet little house just as cozy and cute as can be. They seem to think just as much of their little Willie as thought he were their own child.

I hear from Hosmers through Lulu Ripley. If you go to St. Louis you will go to see them won't you? And if you are in St. Louis it would not be much further to come here. Father's health is very good. I must stop now for it is late. I have been writing on my knee, a thing which I never could do and my writing is horrid. Do please write me soon. If you do wait till next May to answer this I will not stop to see you on my way to the Centennial. Goodby, your affectionate friend Bertha Read P.S. Ada sends bushels and bushels of love. Alice says she would send the same quantity but fears the postage on this letter would be too great.

Transcription: Bloomington Dec. 1 1875 [Wednesday]

Dear Lou,

Your letter was received last evening but you made no mention of having received one from your Pa. He wrote you last Wednesday I think. I went to Mrs. Hunter's for your basque, but it was late and she could not well get it, so I had to call yesterday. I have it now and will send it today by mail with the splits. I have none of the long ones, they belong to Anne and I would not ask her for any. This is a lovely day. I have been washing and arranging the flowers. They all look very well. I will send you a flower and leaf of that flower Toph brought from West Chester. It is very pretty because it is covered with flowers. I wish you would ask Heinl the name. We planted our roots last week and took up the Tiger Lilies and made a new bed of them. Took up your rose and transplanted it and then moved the lemon lily. Tell Hermann of course you must both come home on Christmas. It will not cost more than staying there. Dory wants to know if his bird is done, how much will it be? He will send the money. I must stop as Dory is going to the office. Pa sent the book to Hermann. I went over to Mrs. Tuley's and bought my bird. It is singing sweetly now. Anton is quite delighted with it. Says its name is Terry (Cherry) Anton is growing I think but he is so petted on me that I cannot leave him even to go in my room. Poor little fellow, I think he wants children to play with. Bunn is not coming for several weeks. She is suffering from frosted feet, not able to get her shoes on. Maggie is better. I must stop Your affectionate Mother R. D. W.

Transcription: Bloomington Dec. 12 1875 [Sunday]

Dear Lou,

It was too bad that I did not send you that money on Saturday as I fully intended but Aunt E. promised she would write so that I could [send] the money but when the time came she had not written and the boys said it was too risky to put the letter on the train and too late to put it in the office, so I had to wait until today. I sincerely hope it has not put you to inconvenience. I was very busy last week. Made two shirts for Dory and a pair of pants for Toph. I am much obliged to you for getting me the wrapper. The merino is beautiful. So are the other things. I hope to make it this week but am not sure that I will succeed. Anton is singing all the time. He makes up many of his tunes. He is growing very fast. I forgot to send you the trimming for your basque. If you want it write and I will send it. Mrs. Harden died last week. She was taken very suddenly. Mrs. Blair was at her house. When she was leaving she noticed she only smiled and nodded her head. She thought it was strange she did not speak but said nothing. Mrs. H. then went in and got her husband's supper. When they sat down, he noticed she only smiled when he spoke to her. He said, "Mrs. Harden, why don't you answer me, can't you speak?" She shook her head. He then told her she had better go to bed and he would go for Mrs. Fee and the Dr. Everything was done but she never was conscious after that. I do not know about going to Muncie. Maggie has not written and if she does not of course I will not go. So do not let that stop you from coming. I wrote to Maggie to come and bring the children. How do your flowers look? Mine are looking very nicely. I have your table at the window by the porch because the sun comes there. Then the boxes instead of being at the side are in front and the vines hang nearly to the floor, making quite a curtain. I think it is very beautiful. I would like so much to send for Christmas gifts for all here but I am afraid I cannot. However if you see any thing that you think would do let me know. Mrs. Batterton is in T. H. Have you seen her? Love to Hermann. I must stop as it is washing day and I am pretty busy.

Your affectionate Mother

R. D. Wylie You will find four dollars enclosed. 1 ¾ to pay my debt, the other for yourself to buy a Xtmas gift.

Transcription: Dear aunt lou

Aunt bun put moss all over the pictures and clock and mama put leaves on the transom i go to school every day and I did not get a ticket yesterday ive have got one always before this is the only time what did not get one because we was not still a nough mr yaeters is our music teacher he has made a capitol D on the blackboard

Mamas flowers are doing pretty well baby is a great mischief we got a nice letter from Anton we want to see him very much they are going to bring him home on Christmas we have got a cow and we get very much cream we got a barrel of crackers i wish you would come up to get some

Is uncle hermon well you send a another letter back here to me or I will not send any more to you we have no girl and I have to help Mama I am in d one papa gos away a good deal he has a sore Iye I learned to rit from Wylie I did not learn to rite at school a tol this is the longest letter what I have ever wrote Charlie Mellette Dec 14 1875 Muncie ind

Transcription: Washington City Dec. 16th 1875 [Thursday]

Dearest Lou

I have just received a letter from Ma in Columbia in which she tells me you were in Terre Haute when we passed through. Now if I ever was disappointed it is in not seeing you, one of my oldest and dearest friends. The last I had heard from you, you were in Bloomington and I had entirely forgotten that you had gone back to Terre Haute, or you may rest assured I never should have missed seeing you. We came over from Indianapolis in the afternoon, and took the train East that same night. We were only in Terre Haute a few hours, and gentlemen were there constantly to see Mr. Foster, and we were not out of the Hotel, but if I had dreamed of your being in the place, I should have sent for you to come and see me. Now, can you forgive me, my dear Lou? You know it was not intentional either on my part or John's. Nothing would have given us greater pleasure than to have met you. I always associate you with Bloomington, and as you went to T.H. since we have been out of the country, I never thought of your being there. We have been so hurried on our trip, have met so many friends, have been toasted and treated so much in New York, Philadelphia and here that I am almost worn out. I talk from morning till night. John leaves me the entertaining to do here, while he is at the State Department. We spent last night at the President's and had a charming visit. I am anxious to return to the West soon, as we sail the 1st of January for Vera Cruz. Do write me at E. If we pass through Terre Haute on our return we will surely let you know and you will see us at the Depot, won't you? Goodbye, my dear, and believe me always and ever your true friend Parke Foster

Transcription: Bloomington, January 26, 1876

Dear Lou,

I have been in your debt for a letter for a long time. I am not sentimental as you know, I therefore cannot write when I have nothing to write about. College affairs progress pretty much as usual. We had a little fuss the other night at an [enlilitean? cuhi-litean?] arising from a police officer taking a disorderly student out and having him fined. His classmates indicated an ugly spirit about it, we hope that the bad spirit is allayed, but there is no telling. We live, as it were, in a powder mill liable to be blown up at any time. I do not think your apprehensions about that coal mine are altogether well founded. Northall is merely a lessee, his lease runs out next June. He as I have been informed pays his rent punctually, and is to have all things in as good a condition as he received them. Still, I have no high opinion of the concern. The prospect is that it will be sold for debt. The stockholders, if so will likely lose all, the bond holders may perhaps save some. I very reluctantly took two bonds only and fear still that I will lose all. Mr. S. has so far been the occasion of my losing nearly $2000. There is still some hope of realizing a little of it. He is again about to move his store to Bloomfield.

Ma was expected today but did not come. We look for her tomorrow. Last letter said Phandy was better. She intends to bring him with her.

I have not seen that book you speak of, of the Prof's. Was it one of Bolin's publications? I have been looking over the books lately and think if it were here I would have seen it.

That little Iris bloomed beautifully in the dining room. Aunt Emma will try and send you a [?] and blossom by mail.

Old Mr. Fee (aged 92) died Monday and was buried yesterday. I suppose you have heard of the suicide of Mr. Fust a chunky man that went to Mr. McNary's church. He lives out past Mr. Blair's. He was said to be subject to derangement and was in some financial difficulties. Brown tells me to say that he is much obliged to you for the neck tie you sent and that he intends to write you sometime. I have heard nothing from Philadelphia about the centennial. Susan is foolish enough but I can't think will take offense at your letter. We will all I have no doubt be able to find places if not with friends, with strangers. I suppose you know that our commencement this year is to take place the 2nd Wednesday of June, nearly two weeks earlier than usual. I think I wrote you that Bro. The could learn nothing definite about rooms to rent in Philadelphia but that he had no doubt there would be plenty of them.

Love to Hermann

Your affectionate father T.A. Wylie

Mrs. E. L. M. W. Boisen Terre Haute

Transcription: Philadelphia, February 5th, 1876

My dear Louisa

As your letter was on business it should have been answered immediately and it was my intention to do so, but I had so much pressing business of my own to attend to and many other things demanding my attention that I could not find time to write to you. The next day however after the reception of your letter I went to the great Centennial Agency and obtained one of their circulars which I send with this letter. There is a very large Hotel being built on the Centennial ground which affords better and cheaper accommodation, I hear, than any private family and as it would save expense of riding day after day, which will be a considerable item of expense, I would think would the most desirable of a stopping place. I could not promise to take either you or your friends as I have put my house in the hands of this same Agency for renting. If I should not be so fortunate as to succeed I have friends already preparing to come who will fill my house. I was written to more than a year ago on this subject and have received many letters since informing me of whole families who propose honoring me at this time. I will make more enquiries and if I hear of any thing that will suit I will let you know. We expect to be out of town during both July and August. Maggie has not been well for nearly a year but has not given up teaching. The Physician says she must leave home as soon as the vacation begins. There is no word of either Lettie or Gly McLeod being soon married but I believe they are both engaged. Samuel B. Wylie was very much improved by his foreign travels. I hear he has been converted under the Moody and Lankey preaching and as they are to have a special Communion next Sabbath for all such he is going to join the church at that time.

Susie is not at home at present but I expect to bring her home for a visit next month.

Has Theophilus got quite well? I was very sorry to hear of his being sick. He is a great favorite of mine. I am glad to hear of Maggie's fine family.

I heard through Lizzie Dennis of your sickness and loss. I was much grieved to think of your suffering but "these afflictions not from the ground arise" and our Heavenly Father knows what is best for his children and I am glad you feel this way.

I remain

Affectionately

S. G. M. Black If you wish any further information write

Transcription: Terre Haute, February 16, 1876

My dear Ma:

I ought to have written to you last week just after I got you letter, but I thought I would wait until I got all the things and then I could tell you all about them. I got forty six yds of muslin for you. I think it is very nice, though I have been afraid since I got it that it is not quite as heavy as you would like. It is about the same quality that Mrs. Wilson got for Mr. W's shirts and she paid 12 cts and I paid 11. Mr. Hoberg's store was closed as they were making an inventory of their goods, but I do not think I could have done better there, unless I had bought a heavier piece at 12 cts. I bought silk for Pa's ties but could not get the same silk that I got for Hermann's and so I only got enough for two ties. I found when I got home that the silk was not as wide either. I made the ties and had to piece them in the middle, but I do not think that will hurt. One of them seems to me to be drawn a little, but I do not think it will be so when he puts it on. If it does, I think you can easily remedy it by taking it to pieces and tacking it as the other is done. I got two other ties and let Toph have his choice. The brown one will be more serviceable, but the other is very pretty I think. The brown cost 50 cts the other 35. I could not get one like Brown's. They were all gone. I thought that if you did not care to give the boys both ties you could take one yourself, but as the blue one I got for Dory was not quite so pretty as the others perhaps he had better have one of these. But you will know what to do. The handkerchiefs came but were not the kind I ordered, so Mrs. Starr sent back for others and they will not be here till the end of the week, and I can send them by mail. I have $1.45 left and that will pay for the handkerchiefs. I looked for a table cover but could find none that I liked. The new stock has not yet come in. The same red and green striped that we looked at last year is still to be had, but there were four yards in the piece and they would not cut it. I forgot to tell you when speaking of the muslin that I am afraid you will be disappointed when you find that instead of getting bosoms I got linen. The bosoms which they said they would let me have at three dollars a dozen were so coarse and not lined with heavy material, and I got such beautiful linen at 90 cts a yd. and then the coarse linen for lining. And Mrs. W. says the way bosoms are made now with the plait laid on separately they are no trouble to make, and she thought that you sew so fast that you would rather take a little more time and have the nicer bosoms. I have made a little model to show you what I mean by laying on the plait. Perhaps you would like me to get you a Butterick pattern. I can get you one open behind or before, and I believe they fit well. You can see in the pattern book what measures to send in order to get an exact pattern. I thought of getting you some thread at 5 cts a spool but as you said nothing about it I have not done so. And now I believe I have told you all about the things which I shall try to get off tomorrow. But I may not succeed. I want surely to get them off so that they will reach you this week. I thought perhaps we would get a letter from you tomorrow.

Tell Dory that the name of the taxidermist is Richard Bergfeld. His address is Charleston, Ills. Last Saturday we sent Pa a cup to replace the one which was broken. I hope it reached him in safety. We did not get the same kind. He had one of the same design but the cup was thick and was not that beautiful thin china which I like. But perhaps you would have liked it better as it might have proved more substantial. I hope Pa will like this one and I wish Anton was there to enjoy it with him. You must not think we have been extravagant in getting this. The china man is selling off at wholesale prices and we got this much lower than the one last year. Besides Hermann has not been smoking for four or five weeks and we count that a gain of at least 70 cts a week and we feel we can take that money in order to do ourselves a pleasure.

I have a piece of good news to give you. We have paid off our second note so that now we have only $400 to pay. We want to try to pay that off in May but I fear we won't accomplish it till June. I would be so glad if we could be rid of it in May but I am so glad to think that we have already paid $500.

I had a letter from Mag yesterday, but only a short one. She seems to think that I ought to write oftener, but I had written three or four to her last letter without receiving any answer, even when I wrote her that we thought of going there. So I don't think she ought to complain. She said Anton made more noise and trouble but he was very sweet and that I think is true.

I had a letter from Aunt Susan last week saying she had put her house into the hands of the Lodging House Association for rent and that she would be out of town July and August on account of Maggie's health. But partly I suppose in order to avoid visitors. She said several families had written her of their intention to visit her next summer. I wrote to her, you know, to see if we could obtain board there.

What a dreadful thing that shooting of Mershon was. I hope the family will leave according to notice. Tell Aunt Em that I am much obliged for the paper giving a full account. If I do not forget I will enclose a dime which I want you to give Aunt Em for postage as I want her to send me whenever there is anything worth reading or rather any news. I know she will not forget to attend to it.

I was very sorry to hear that Judge Watts had to be sent to the Asylum. Did he become violent? I could not feel so sorry when I read of Mr. Roger's death for this has been such a sad, half life for so many years that I cannot but feel it was a happy release.

I wish you could see my flowers now. One of the Crocuses which you sent me is in bloom. It is white striped with purple and is very pretty. And the double red hyacinth which you sent is in bloom too. It is rather a dark pink and not very double but very pretty and very fragrant. Then I have a very pretty dark blue in bloom which I got from Heinl and these with my two primroses constitute my stock of plants in bloom. But I hope soon to have more hyacinths and crocuses and my oxalis in bloom. I have written a very long letter and I might make it much longer but I believe I will close with love to all and especially to Toph who I hope will soon be quite well. And when he feels able I hope he will write to me. Do write very soon and tell me how you like the things. As ever Lou I sent the bundle today, Thursday. Northall has disappeared. Some say foul play is feared, others that he has run off. He had considerable money with him.

[on a small slip of paper is Lou's accounting of the money spent for various things for her mother as follows]

Muslin 46 yds at 11 c 5.05 Linen 2 yds at 90 c 1.80 Coarse linen 1 yd 1.25 Brown tie .50 Plaid tie .35 Silk for tie .60 _________ 9.55 11.00 ________ handkerchiefs 1.45

I had $1.00 of yours you remember so that made $11 in all.

Transcription: Feb 28, 1876

Dear aunt lou, I cannot answer your letter because it is lost. I am so sorry it is lost.

We boys are all sick baby is the sickust boy and Wylie is next and I am next and Anton is next so we are all sick but anton is not very sick but then we are all sick we all have to take the little sugar pills but Wylie he has cam bad and come good

I have not a very long pen the pen and holder has no stick to it so I can not write very well I will try to writ better and better and better so I can write german and English and duch and all the other talk

I just now had to stop my letter for I had to take a powder the doctor was hear to day we are better. I am so glad that I am better the doctor gave anton come more pills and baby come to and he give me come pills and some powders he give all of us medicine Charlie Mellette

[The following was added by Charlie's mother, Maggie Wylie Mellette]

Dear Lou

Charlie has written this to you without any help from any one so I will send it. We have all been sick. Anton and baby and Wylie all look very badly. They are all very cross. I was glad to hear. I think I have written you some letters you did not get or else you have forgotten them. The reason I thought the baby would be a painter is from his love of pictures. I have had a hard time with my 4 sick boys for the past two weeks and am sick myself. Write as often as you can. Love to Hermann. Maggie Toph don't get well fast. I had a letter from him yesterday and he has only been to town 3 times.

Transcription: Columbia, Missouri March 5, 1876

My dear Lou,

We have just gotten home from church where we heard Mr. Campbell preach his farewell sermon. He goes this week to St. Joe. Of course we all feel very badly to loose so able a minister knowing that his place will be hard to fill. I think however Mr. C has been dissatisfied for some time and it is probably best that he should go. Mrs. Campbell is very reluctant to leave the people here and I really pity her that she has to go among strangers, for she is not a woman to make acquaintances readily and I think she dreads the change exceedingly. Her feelings seemed to be entirely beyond her control all during church poor woman.

I wonder who will fall to our lot next, whether we will be long without any one or what will become of us. Mr. Campbell repeated to me a number of times this morning the text "see that ye fall not out by the way" as though he understood the danger from the fiery elements in the church. The session it seems have had quite a stormy time and Prof Swallow and Mr. Crumby have resigned. But enough of church matters.

Alice has just returned from a visit of three weeks to Mr. Craig. She left all the children in our care while she was gone, and I need scarcely say we felt it to be quite a responsibility and were greatly relieved when their mother was with them again. The children are all in perfect health. Read and Bertha are kept pretty busy with their studies but the two younger ones can only play and be played with. The baby has just learned to walk and looks so cute toddling about every where alone. Just here I must tell you of a little stranger who has lately made her appearance at Mrs. Fannie Smith's house. I presume they are all greatly delighted. Am sure Mrs. Lathrop will be proud to be "Grandma." She is in Kansas City now but I believe expects to come home this month. Tessie [Jessie?] will come with her. Tessie seems to be perfectly happy. Says her cup is full and advises us all to "go and do likewise." I think it very doubtful indeed if she is received very cordially here, where she had for so long treated people almost rudely.

Yes, I was at Evansville five weeks and had such a nice time. The folks had just started for Mexico the day before I got there so I did not see cousin Park which I greatly regretted. Aunt Eliza is keeping house for cousin Theo. They have a very nice house and are nicely fixed for some time. They took their meals out, but Aunt Eliza writes me that they cook at home now. I enjoyed being with them so much. Aunt Eliza is so kind and ready to help and sympathize with the young. I could not help but feel perfectly at home. Mary has spent a very gay winter in New York. She is so occupied she does not have time to be homesick. She is talking of making us a visit this month or next. Won't that be joyful? It does seem hard to have her so far away from us, but so it is and it don't do any good to complain. At least we have the consolation of knowing that we will not be separated in Heaven.

We have all been terribly shocked by the murder of one of the students on the street Saturday night. The parties were both drunk and a quarrel arose from some trifling remarks when the murderer (whom I do not know) struck the student with his pen knife blade just behind the ear and killed him immediately. The young man had only been in College a short time and had proved himself so unworthy that he would probably have been sent away very soon. What a shock to the poor parents! And what a terrible thing to be ushered from a drunken spree into Eternity!

I have no doubt my dear that your room looks very pretty and cozy. What is the "Hartford fern" of which you speak? And where do you get it? Our poor flowers are about all dead.

I send you the programme of our "Martha Washington Reception." It was a success as far as pleasure was concerned, pecuniarily I do not know. All who dressed in costume looked well and I was surprised to find that powdered hair was so universally becoming. The reception was repeated on Thursday night and that night they even had father on the stage dressed in the robe to represent Chief Justice Marshall.

Ada says she does not know the address of any Mexican gardeners.

Remember me to your husband. Good night from your true friend Bertha Read

Mr. Will Gilman was home on a visit of twenty four hours two weeks ago. He of course called on me. He was looking unusually well, even fat!

Cousin Allie and I went out and spent the afternoon with Mrs. Schweitzer not long ago, and enjoyed it so much and especially I did when Prof got home and kindly offered to show me his microscope. He had many beautiful and wonderful specimens and as I had never seen anything of the kind before I was delighted. The Prof is just as good as ever. We all attend his lectures in chemistry which for the last week have been awfully deep and dry.

Transcription: Bloomington, March 9th 1876

My Dear Children,

Your letters have been too long unacknowledged. Yesterday Ma received one from Lou informing us that you (H) were not very well and that both of you had some thought of visiting us now in order to recreat. We would be much pleased if you would do so. What I think is needed is rest. Much study is a weariness of the flesh. I years ago was in danger of permanently injuring my thinking apparatus by compelling myself to study when sleepy or forcing myself to study when I had no inclination thereto. I know that what you undertake in this way engages your whole attention and makes you forgetful of the wants of the material part of the human machine. Looking at the matter in this light I would prescribe the ignoring of every thing literary for two or three weeks. Thanks for the questions sent, they were what I wanted. By referring to your letter I find I have been doubly negligent in forgetting not only to acknowledge the receipt but in neglecting to send the book asked for. I fear I cannot get it today, it is now so late. We are all in usual health. Our vacation this spring will take place a week earlier than usual. I believe we end the 22 March. Our examinations commence Saturday after next. You spoke of visiting Muncie, I believe. My advice is to come here. I think you can be made more comfortable. Write and let us know the day we may expect you. The sooner the better. Yours affectionately, T. A. Wylie Prof and Mrs. H. B. Boisen Terre Haute

Transcription: Dear aunt lou,

I have a very bad cold and mama is sick to an Anna our girl that works for us now is sick an Anton does not feel very well so that it makes four of us sick now are you and uncle hermen wylie is pretty well

Aunt bun come over and took baby over with her uncle Si will bring him back again

I was going to write uncle herman one but mama told me that she was afread he would not like it because it was not wrote with a pen and ink

March 1876 Charlie Mellette

Transcription: Lafayette, Ind, April 6, 1876

Prof Boisen Dear Sir,

My sister Mrs. [Mira?] Edson expects to attend the Normal during the present term. I would like for you to make her acquaintance and give her such assistance as may come within the line of your duty.

She will be an entire stranger in Terre Haute and you will confer a favor on her and place me under obligation to you by seeing that she becomes acquainted with the other members of the faculty and also will [three words undecipherable]. Truly your friend H. W. Wiley

Transcription: Muncie, April 7, 1876 Dear Lou,

Your letter was received this morning and you cannot know how glad I was to get it. Maggie was very much better yesterday and I thought she would be able to sit up today, but the Doctor ordered a dose of pills to be given last night and the consequence was she was very sick this morning, fainted dead away and it seemed to me she was a very long time before she came to. It appears to have put her back very much and I do not feel that it would be safe to leave her tomorrow so I have concluded to stay until Monday or even longer if necessary. Calvin is in Ohio but Si just sent him a dispatch to remain tomorrow if he wished. I have not had a word from home. I think they might write if it were only a postal card. Anton has recovered and although quite weak is free from disease. He is quite happy at the thought of going home, laughed from the time he heard I was coming until he fell asleep. The next morning when he saw me he was too weak to talk, but just kept his eyes fixed on my face, all the time smiling. They received the telegram about four but M did not hear until six. C and Si were at the Depot. Bun was with Maggie, had been taking care of her all the week. She is very kind and I feel better satisfied to leave Maggie. I expect to take Charlie and Anton with me. Wylie does not like to be left alone but he goes to school. Maggie sends love to you both. Says she would like very much for you to come and see her but would be afraid for you to see her as she was this morning and indeed I think it would not do for you. Anton says tell you he is trying to learn to spell Aunt Lou. Poor little baby had to be weaned. He seems as if he could not get enough to eat. M has a very good girl keeps things very nice, better in fact than I have ever seen them. Tiss Emerson has been very kind and attentive. Mrs. Emerson has been quite ill but is now better. Mrs. Blodget has disease of the heart and it is thought cannot live long. Mrs. Ricart is also very low. There is a great deal of sickness here owing I suppose to so much rain. I am glad you saw Mrs. Cookerly. You know I think very much of her. I expect she has had a hard married life. I never thought Lee had much energy but am glad it is otherwise and hope she will succeed in her store. I must run down stairs and get M's dinner. Tiss brought her some turkey and cranberries. Love to Hermann and believe me Your loving mother R. D. Wylie

Transcription: Bloomington, April 17th 1876

Dear Hermann,

A few days ago I received a very kind letter from Prof Dodd in which he says "I wish we had a place here for Prof Boisen. We should be delighted to have Louisa here." He further says that their present professor of languages of whom he speaks in the highest terms is in quite ill health, just able to do his work, and that last year he was obliged to be away for ill health and that if any occasion to serve you should turn up, he will remember you. The work there is from eight to twelve hours a week.

Prof Thompson here is still very feeble. Feels as if he should have to give up. Hope he will not for he is a most excellent man and Prof Dr. Van Nuys talks of going to Germany this summer to spend a year there. If these Profs leave us, we will feel a little slim. Hope however that the way may be opened for you to come back and increase our strength.

Ma got back last Tuesday with Anton and Charley. Left Maggie sick but better. Have heard of her improving in health since. With the exception of a severe cold in my head, we are all pretty well.

Prof Rogers of Green Castle lectured for us Sabbath before last. And Dr. Martin yesterday. Dr. M reminds me a good deal of Rev. Mr. Moore, though he has much better delivery. I had a very kind letter from Rev. J. S. Jacks who spoke of seeing you in Terre Haute.

I believe I mentioned that we had a letter from Bro The asking you and Lou to partake of their hospitality during Centennial times. The letter should have been to Lou. Ma says she wrote to Lou from Muncie, but has received no reply.

Yours affectionately,

T. A. Wylie

Prof. H. B. Boisen Terre Haute

Transcription: Terre Haute, April 22, 1876

My dear Ma:

It is almost too late to begin a letter tonight but I want to send it tomorrow and want to tell you about dress goods etc. I received your letter today with the money enclosed. I don't believe you owed me but $3.00, 2 for the paper and one for the calico, but I may be mistaken. I can get something for you with the remainder.

I have not looked for Grenadine yet, but I looked at black silks today and they are very cheap compared with what they have been. I got a very pretty piece for my sacque at $1.50 per yd. I will send you a sample if I don't forget. I saw quite a good price but not so heavy for $1.37 ½ and some beautiful at $1.85, that so called cashmere silk. The kind that Stewart imported. Then there was very pretty at $1.65 and at $2.00. I did not look at any higher priced as these were good enough. Mrs. Wilson got a very pretty cashmere or twilled debege for 50 cts a yd. She will trim it with silk, and making and all will not cost her more than $20.00. I think it would be a serviceable dress for you, if not too warm. It is not heavy and she expects to make it a summer dress. I do not yet know what to do about mine. I don't believe I can make it myself. I have a good many other things to fix and I will soon need it. The combination suits are much work and look right pretty. But I don't think I quite like the color of that one at home. But when I get the pieces I can tell better. I can hardly get anything for less than 50 cts a yd. that I would like to buy and against I have the dress made it will cost more than I want it to. Bonnets will probably appear tomorrow. The milliners had grand openings but I did not go into but one store. Some hats look quite pretty. The flowers are very pretty. If you want me to get a bonnet for you, say so and I will be on the look out for a pretty one.

But now I must stop for tonight and will add more tomorrow. I'm afraid you can hardly read this. I have not been getting enough sleep but I can't well help it. Hermann was not well for a day or two, but seems better now. But good night for tonight. Your Lou

Sabbath night My dear Mother, We have had a regular rainy day. I was very glad to see the rain this morning for it has been exceedingly dusty here. I only hope it will not turn cold after the rain. The trees are becoming so green and beautiful. I went to church this morning and heard a good sermon from Mr. Howe. Agnes Anderson told me that Mr. Moore had resigned and is going to leave B soon. I feel sorry for them to leave under such circumstances. I wish he could have seen sooner that it was best for him to go. Every one likes him as a man, if they do not as a preacher. We have not yet written to Uncle The thanking him for his invitation. I fear I cannot go, much as I want to. I could go very well now, but ten weeks will make a great difference. I received a nice letter from Charlie today for which thank him and tell him I will answer before a great while. But I think I shall wait until I know whether he goes home this week or not. I do wish I could see the dear children. My poor Anton, does he look badly? I do not feel quite as well as I would like to feel but I have no particular pain, so I suppose it is nothing out of the ordinary course of nature. I wish I could have seen Mary and I'm sorry you could not get to see her, but I know how busy you are. I bought Hermann some shirts at $1.25, quite nice material. Wamsutta muslin. But I have the buttonholes to work. If you want a curtain for Brown's room send me exact measure. But won't Brown be here before long? Doesn't he have vacation in about three weeks? Has Dory papered his room yet? It will be quite nice for Mag to go to Philadelphia with you. But I don't think it would do very well for Arthur to take the children, for they would have to be a trouble to some one. Yet I know they would enjoy it and remember it all their lives.

I do wish I could see your Hyacinth bed and the roses too. Hermann keeps getting new flowers now that he is teaching Botany. He has not bought many, but he gets wild flowers and plants them for illustration in the class. I have a white Geranium in bloom and a white Abutilon Mignonette and Alonsoa. My Primroses do not look well at present. I have some sweet Alyssum in bloom too. We got a very pretty Alleghany Mt. vine which I think we will plant out by Mrs. Archer's portico and then the class can come over and see it growing. I do not think it will do well in a pot. I miss Mrs. Wilson so much. She is gone all day. Miss Bruce cannot teach any more this session so Mrs. W. has to fill the place entirely and I don't see anything of her any more excepting during a few minutes sometimes. I have been going over to Botany, but expect I shall have to give it up in order to sleep for I do get dreadfully sleepy. I think not quite so much so now as a week ago.

But I will stop for tonight dear Ma. Write to me as often as you can for I get homesick sometimes. Hermann has not been well. He doesn't work right. He has a good deal to do and he undertakes more than he should. And when he gets interested in studying he don't know when to stop and take his rest and recreation. My very best love to all. I believe I said that H. received a kind letter from Pa for which thank him. He is a poor hand to answer letters so I will not undertake to say when he will write. My dear Ma, good bye. As ever your loving daughter Lou

Transcription: Bloomington, May 6th 1876

My dear Lou

Ma received a postal yesterday from you in which you say that you have not had a letter from B for two weeks. I don't expect that there is any other excuse than procrastination. Ma says Charley wrote a few days ago and gave the news. I know that I wrote not very long ago and have received no reply but as I am a bad correspondent myself, I will not find any fault. In fact it is not easy for me to write without I have something special to communicate and perhaps that is the case with others. I received a very kind letter from Uncle The the day before yesterday, in which he enclosed a paper issued by the Presbyterian Insurance Co. stating the arrangements it had made for Presbyterian visitors to the Centennial. I enclose it to you to show to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson who were making inquiries about boarding. I presume Presbyterians of all stripes are included. Prof Kirkwood has written engaging boarding for a week or more. This has of course nothing to do with the invitation to yourself and Hermann. Bro The also sent an invitation to Maggie and her husband after our visit was over as I suppose he would not have room for all at once. I hope you will make all arrangements and try and be in Philadelphia before the Fourth of July. We will perhaps leave this the 15th or 20th of June.

Mr. Marshall is preaching here every day in the street and at night in Mr. Moore's church. A good many seem somewhat affected. The meetings of inquiry continue long after the audience is dismissed.

We are all as usual. Ma and Aunt Emma look after the flowers. The hyacinth and tulip beds were very beautiful. The weather has been disagreeably cold till yesterday when it became warmer and rained. This morning we had quite a thunder storm.

Love and regards to Hermann Your affectionate father T. A. Wylie

Mrs. E. L. M. W. Boisen Terre Haute, Indiana P.S. Please return the enclosed paper sometime next week.

Transcription: 1822 Wylie Street May 15th, 1876

My dear Louisa,

I hope we shall during the summer have the pleasure of seeing both you and Mr. Boisen. We expect to see your dear Father and Mother in June and have made arrangements for you also. Besides seeing friends the Centennial will be well worth seeing being quite an educator.

I hope you are keeping pretty well. Maggie hopes to talk German with Mrs. Boisen. With fond love from all at home Ever believe me your loving Aunt Jessie G. Wylie

Transcription: Terre Haute Indiana, May 23, 1876 To whom it may concern:

This certifies that Prof H. B. Boisen has filled the position of instructor in languages in this institution during the last two years.

He has assisted in other departments of instruction. In all, he has shown great practical skill and enthusiasm in his work. Emphatically is this true in respect of his instruction in the languages—Latin, Greek, and German. He has educated, while he has informed and instructed.

I take pleasure in commending him as a teacher of any fubject which he will undertake to teach.

William A. Jones, President

Indiana State Normal School

Transcription: Terre Haute, Indiana, June 11th, 1876 Hon. William T. Harris St. Louis My dear Sir,

The advanced courses in the State Normal School having been abolished I am a candidate for another position. I take the liberty to send you some of my testimonials with the request to inform me of any suitable vacancy of which you know.

Very respectfully yours

Hermann B. Boisen

[Scrawled on the bottom of this letter is his reply, as follows.]

I am just leaving the city for a trip to Philadelphia. I know your [two words] and we'd very gladly secure your services here if we had a vacancy. Excuse this way of answering your letter. I enclose your testimonials as they are valuable to you. Respectfully Wm. Harris Supt. Schools St. Louis

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind June 12, 1876

My dear little friend Lou:

Your letter was quite a surprise but the contents of that little box more so. Many thanks my thoughtful Lou. It was just what I had been wishing for but felt it would be foolishness under the circumstances as we will be at so much expense and me home for the coming move. The thoughts of being a mother are so pleasant. June 16th Pa just arrived this afternoon. We leave tomorrow [one word] the 24. I have been too busy to write before. Hope you will come here to live. Must close as I have scarcely seen Pa. Dr. joins me in wishing to be remembered to you both. With ever so much love, goodbye my dear friend As ever Lizzie Our address will be Strasburg, Post. Restant, Germany

Transcription: Bloomington June 12 1876

Dear H. and Lou,

I suppose you have received the dispatch and postal. We expected an answer yesterday. Dr. Moss yesterday after the commencement exercises were over, announced that you were elected. The announcement was received with great applause by the students and others. I hope the reduction of salary will not prevent your acceptance. It comes hard on us all, especially on me and we hope it will be only temporary. In many respects I think your residence here will more than compensate for the reduction.

Dr. Van Nuys and wife intend to leave here Saturday to be absent a year. His department is left badly provided for. We do not expect to leave before Wednesday or Thursday of next week. Would like much to see both of you before starting. What time will you be loose. Lou I think might come right off.

General McKee Dunn made an address before the Alumni Tuesday Evening. His daughter a fine looking woman married David Ritchie McKee, a son of Redick McKee of Wheeling and cousin of Mrs. Dodds, Redick etc. here. The general opinion is that there will be some radical changes made in the University by the legislature next winter by which the sphere of the Purdue Concern and this University will be clearly defined. We are all well. Si Mellette is here, reports Mag much better. Hoping soon to see you in possession of your garden again. I remain

Yours affectionately

T. A. Wylie Prof H. B. and Mrs. E. L. M. W. Boisen Terre Haute

Transcription: Terre Haute, June 15, 1876

My dear Ma,

I suppose you are hardly going to find time to write to me again before you go to Philadelphia but I hope you will be able to write to me while there. I have just been writing to Mag and urging her to try and go with you since we are not going. I suppose it would be just as convenient to Uncle Theodore to have her and she would enjoy it so much better to be with you as I am sure I would and she can send the children to B. and Aunt Em and I can keep them. I have just had a letter from her and she said she and Arthur thought of going to B this week and then gave it up. And then he wanted her to go to Cincinnati and she had no one to leave the children with and so she said she didn't know but she would have to give up the Centennial. She says Arthur can only stay a week any how.

Of course it is some disappointment to me not to go, but I don't think about it much. It was rather doubtful anyhow whether I should be able to go, though I had intended to go if possible. But of course we could neither of us feel it right to go and spend so much money, for we calculated it would take $150-$200, when we knew they were in urgent need of it in Germany. I wouldn't enjoy to do so. Hermann wanted me to go any how, but I could hardly make the whole trip under $25, beside entrance fees and that its more than I think I ought to spend. Besides I wouldn't enjoy myself so much without him. So I don't think much about it. Round trip tickets from Indianapolis are now $20.00 I believe. I expect that later in the season they will be much less, but of course I can't go then. So I'm going home and going to try to keep cool, which I can't do in this hot town. Hermann expects to spend nearly all vacation in Institutes. I am so sorry we can't see you before you go but we can't get home for two weeks yet. Two weeks from today or tomorrow I hope we shall be there. And I enjoy the thought very much. I have nearly finished my new dress. I wouldn't have gotten it if I had known we were not going. A linen would have been more serviceable at home I think. But I don't believe I shall get even a linen duster now. I might have done without any silk sacque too, but I have had some wear out of it.

I suppose Commencement is all over now. Did Brown speak? I should have liked to hear the speech. Hermann has not yet had any official notice of his election. I am so glad he was elected, for several reasons. One that unless he had been, we would have been obliged to go to a strange place and another that I think we can save more in B even on a smaller salary. And then always I am glad to be with you all again. It would take me too long to tell all the trouble in Germany so I will wait till I see you. Please don't say anything against our sending more when you write. It has not been hard this year and I hope it won't next. If we were only a little more economical we might do much better than we do. That is where the trouble comes in, we are extravagant in little things.

When you go to Philadelphia thank Uncle The and Aunt Jessie for their kindness in inviting us and tell them we regret very much not to be able to come. But under the circumstances we stay very willingly. I expect Uncle The can find many glad to take our places. We ought to write to them and I think we shall if we have time. Excuse this hurried letter. It is supper time. I want to see you all. Love to all. As ever affectionately Lou I am feeling quite well now.

Transcription: Bloomington, Ind. June 26th 1876

Dear Lou,

As you suspected we have been too busy to write you. Your mother and father, Anna, Brown, Dick and Joe Speck all left us on Wednesday last and we had as much as we could do to get so many ready to go. For some reason they separated in Indianapolis, Dick and Joe going by the Pan Hander and the rest by the Berline. I had a postal from your father and a letter from Anna from Pittsburgh. Anna to her great disgust had been unable to procure a sleeping car as it is necessary I believe to telegraph to secure one and they were unaware of the fact and I imagine were not the most comfortably situated. From Pittsburgh they secured a section of parlor car to themselves--Miss McDermot went with them--and I presume were more comfortable. Dick and Joe were to have joined them in Pittsburgh. Our party arrived in P. at 12.30 and expected to leave at 7 p.m. o'clock and arrive in Philadelphia at 7 the next (Friday) morning. But Dory got a postal from his father today saying they saw the Centennial at 8:30 in the cars and arrived at Mr. T. Wylie's at 10:30. Your father was not at all well when he left. I felt quite worried about him. He continued so until he arrived in Pittsburgh but writes he is now well. But your mother got a cinder in her eye which troubled her so much most of the way it almost made her sick but she too was better. Someone stole her satchel at Selma. Fortunately the greater part of its contents was cake. She had some very nice pound cake and Lizzie had made some extra cookies. She thought they were too good for the lunch basket and stored them in the valise. Lizzie Van Nuys has gone. Indeed almost everyone has gone or is going although not quite as far but the Centennial fever is at its height. Beck and Houghton I believe go tomorrow. Prof Atwater next week. Dr. Owen in August. Profs Kirkwood, Wylie, Pres Moss are there. Prof Hoss I believe next week. They are now at the Springs. Prof Ballantine is I believe the only one who has not caught the contagion, but William and his wife were expected on Saturday and were to leave with Anna on Tuesday. But something delayed them and they will only arrive tomorrow and leave I presume on Thursday as they want to reach Philadelphia this week and remain till after the "glorious 4th." I am glad Anna has a chance to go. I hope she will enjoy it. In your father's postal today he said he did hope you and the Prof would reconsider the matter and go on. In my postal he said to tell you he would write from Philadelphia to you. Dory expects to leave next Monday. He will go I think by way of the lakes and perhaps Niagara. Maggie said she could not get ready to go with her mother but would probably go with Dory. He wrote her today. George went with your mother's permission to Mitchell last Thursday and only returned this evening before supper. I will send him tomorrow for your flowers. I hope you will come on Thursday. We want to see you so much. Anton has not spoken of any one of the absent party, not even your mother but they had told him you were coming and he asks constantly for you and Uncle Hermann. I never knew a child to count the days before but in the morning he will say Aunt Emma, what day is this? And when I tell him will say is tomorrow the day Aunt Lou will come? He is as happy as it is possible for a child to be and so good. Tell the Prof he had better come with you. How is he to get along without his little wife? Hoping to see you both soon, I remain your loving aunt Emma S. Dennis Plants did not come yesterday

Transcription: Indianapolis, August 8th 1876

My sweet wife,

Please send me a package with the following articles: 1. if you can find it, my Kindergarten lecture 2. the two smallest bones with blocks 3. the translations from Kellener's Aphorismen, prepared last year (manuscript) 4. Kellener's Aphorismen

Arrived here this evening all safe and in much better cheer. These things will come out all right and our rod will commence to blossom some time…..Leave for Rockville tomorrow. With all my heart Your, H

Transcription: Muncie, Ind. Tuesday [August 29?]

Dear Louisa

I received your letter yesterday morn. Charlie forgot to tell me you had sent one by him. I found and have put carefully away the directions Hermann gave for the children.

You see we are still here and will be all this week. You were right in it. I find it is a very busy week for Arthur being fair week and they are getting out a daily. It is impossible for him to go but we think we can start on Monday of next week. I hear of no one going this week and I don't feel like starting on such a journey alone. I guess Ruby's are going next week.

Arthur is at Ind[ianapolis] tonight. The 11 o'clock is just in and I hope he came on it.

Tell Mother to write me about the kid gloves if she can remember where she put them.

I am so glad to hear that the baby is so good. I miss him so much and want to see him so. Write me often about him and dear little Anton too.

I feel sure Aunt Em or Ma made a mistake about the bird. The little one from the second brood always looked sick to me and this morn it died. I was very thankful it was not the male. The other is doing nicely. I am afraid Bunn will loose her singer. It looks sick and very badly.

Wednesday morn

Arthur came last night and of course there was no more writing. We still expect to start Monday after noon at 4 o'clock. I have my dress almost finished. Bunn is helping me. I can get my black one finished too. I found my gloves in the pocket of one of my dresses. I went to see Mary's baby yesterday. Its nice and they are very proud of it.

I have the [saick?] all done except the balls on the sleeves. I would love to write more but must stop and go to work or I won't be ready. My very best love to all and do some of you write every day about my baby and Anton. Does he try to talk any more? Sorry Ma had the trouble about washing Charles clothes. Don't show this as I have written so hastily. My grapes are nice.

Love to all. When is Aunt Em going? Tell me all about every one.

M. W. Mellette

Transcription: Gravenstein d: 6.Sept. 1876

My dear, dear sister!

It seems me to be so long a time since I have last written to you, but, as you will see from the title of my letter, I am not more in my dear, little home just now, but at my friend at Gravenstein. Really it is very good for me, that your birthday is coming to remember me to write, for else, I fear, it had lasted some time yet. But I think, as you now are in Philadelphia, you too have too much other things in your head to think so much of letters from Germany. Oh, how beautiful it must be for you, to see all those great and beautiful buildings and things of which we here only can see the illustrations.

I don't hope, my dear Lou, that it will be as last year, where all of our family, even Hermann, have forgotten your birthday. This summer you will surely get hearty congratulations of all. How I shall think on you, my dear, dear sister; may God bless you also in the new year you are beginning, as he has done until now. I want to tell you so many, many words of love, that speak for you in my heart, but surely you know them so without my telling them first, not so, dear Lou? How I wish that the Lord will yet grant you so many, o so many happy years in which you and Hermann could be together and the one help the other to bear the happiness as well as the sorrow of life. I'm so sorry not to know exactly on which place I shall think you are on the 1 of October, if you are yet in Philadelphia or already back to Bloomington. If only you both could soon get the time to write a little, it seems to me to be so long since we got the last letter from America, especially from Hermann.

You can't think how very nice a time I have had during my visit here. The parents of my friend are so very kind to me; it is now nearly five weeks since I came but yet they will not know anything of my parting. You should only see little Anna, the youngest of the children, dear Lou. She is such a dear little creature. I am sure that you who like children so much would like her too. It is so curious to observe how she is beginning to speak and so use her little feet. Next week, I hope, I shall return home again. I am glad to see them again after so long an absence. How very sorry I am about my dear Anna's parting, you cannot think. Now it will be already so soon. We have had such a delicious summer together. It was so very nice to do the studies and all the other things together instead of one alone, and she is such a good sister. Yet we can be thankful to God that she is not going so far away. I fear mamma could not bear to lose her quite. But so we see us often. Sometimes I feel a little anxious for the winter when I will be alone. I know that I cannot fill out Anna's place. Mamma is now used to lay every bit down in her hands, but I am yet so young and unpracticable. Yet with God's help I think it shall go. My dear mamma is always so patient. I hope to get my dear little Else down to Norburg during this winter. Mamma too thinks it will be better for me to have a companion when Anna is away. In Norburg there is not one young girl of my age I like. It is so very lonesome and tedious there in the winter. A very nice time we had this summer during Tante Eli's visit in Norburg. We all like her so very much. Often I do almost wish that I was yet in Kiel. I am so grateful to her for having kept me near her so long. Particularly it is the school I long for so very often. I like it much better to be busy with my books and my learning than in the household.

Now I have justly come from bathing and will quickly conclude my letter. The summer has already left us. It is storming and raining dreadfully and I fear to get bad weather to my travel. Should you have had such a bad weather too during your Philadelphia journey? I should be very sorry for it. I hope that it will have been a recreation as well for you as for Hermann and that for the future he will not have so much to work, but that he will have a little more time to think of his family in Germany and especially of his little youngest sister who in so very, very long a time has not had a letter for her own. May it only be so!

God bless you, dearest Lou, and be with you on all your ways! That is the cordial birthday wish of Your loving little sister, Mimi Boisen

Transcription: Sept 11, 1876

Miss E. S. Dennis Dear Miss Dennis,

I enclose herewith a Power of Attorney for Mrs. Cornelia M. Trimble which if it is [one word] will have attested by a witness and acknowledge the same before a Notary Public, Justice of the Peace or other officer empowered to take acknowledgements and return it to me. I have now all the stocks transferred to your name on the books of the respective companies. The [Conxxx?] Bonds are like so much cash and will be simply handed over to Mrs. Cornelia M. Trimble with the balance of cash coming to you. I am glad to congratulate you that I have been able to [one word] the share of the residuary [one word] by judicious sales more than I at first thought.

The share coming to you I have arranged to receive in such stocks as a friend of Mrs. Trimble's thought best so that almost your entire interest is invested and productive without further trouble or delay of interest. With kind regards I am very truly yours Geo. R. Morehouse

Transcription: Terre Haute, Sept. 18, 1876

My Dear Mrs. Boisen,

I have been looking these days for a letter from you but I remember that it was only a halfway promise that you made me about writing. I have talked to you so many times in these last two weeks without your hearing it that I am going "to put it down in writin'" tonight. Mr. Archer is away and the children are having a good time down stairs tonight. He talks of going down to Kentucky with his mill, in about a month, I believe. Mrs. Archer is about as we left her—not well any of the time but better now than in the summer. Lizzie went home two weeks ago and they look for her back every day now. Her folks were all sick, chills, chills, chills. Mrs. A and her children have gotten on so nicely with the work. I have enjoyed seeing them help her so cheerfully. Nanie is developing into such a nice woman. She is prettier and seems to be more inclined to look after the house than she used to. I think there aren't many prettier girls in town than she is getting to be. Ulysses has grown some but is still the same mother boy—still coaxes his mother to let him stay at home sometimes and still succeeds once in a while. They have not rented your rooms yet, but will be glad to do so if they can. Mrs. Byers is well and her school seems to give her less trouble than last year. She seems quite cheerful. The children are looking well too. Helen looks much better than in the spring. On Saturday Mrs. Byers, Mr. Wilson and I went out to the woods beyond Morningers. Didn't find much but some wood earth and some fern roots. On the way back we stopped at "the Tivoli" and got some grapes, nothing else. "Where are we being eaten these days"? Well, we got tired of Mrs. Keller very soon and Dr. Scovill and we went to Mrs. Thomas on Sixth Street near Chestnut. Got tired there in a week and are now at Mr. Gwyn's who have moved in the house that Mrs. Yates lived in. Hope we shall continue to like it there as well as we now do and we shall stay there all year. The last piece of Eagle Street news is that Mrs. Ray has a fine little girl, is doing well herself. It is about a week old. Mrs. Mitchell has been away on a visit of a week or more. Johnnie goes to school and his excess of spirits have to be worked off morning and evenings. This morning I took my hanging basket to pieces and shall varnish it before I refill it. Mrs. Byers says the fuchsia bloomed all summer but it is not blooming now. The smilax has grown and is very pretty now. Mother will send me some flowers soon. My primrose is dead. I shall get me two I think soon. I shall keep my flowers on the trunk at the same window. We've hung our large picture on the wall above the little bureau or stand. The small table I have sandwiched in between the bookcase and the chimney and put the large table between the two windows. And do you want to know why all this change? Well, we've concluded that by this time our room ought to be fully grown and large enough for a lounge and we propose to get one. We're going to put it along the wall next the bedroom. Think I'll get me a little sewing chair and let Mrs. A. have this dear old Sleepy Hollow. I'll hate to give it up but I think I'd better. I've finished Mr. W's watchcase and done some other things of that kind, nothing else. Keep a German book on the table to ease my conscience. School is not very full this term, not quite so many as last year at this time. Mr. Bickmore is here. Mr. Parr is in the Indianapolis High School. Miss Andrews began work in Crawfordsville today, Miss Glick in Logansport last week, but had a chill the first night she was there. So far as I've heard, Hattie and Fannie start off nicely in their work. I've not been in either room. Miss Paddock is in Normal, Ills. I've not called on Mrs. Burt—haven't made a call since I came back but am going to soon. Miss Bruce is better but not well by any means—looks better. They have left Mrs. Bartlett's. They have been at Mrs. Cook's in Mrs. Starr's old rooms, but will have to leave them and they are now on the wing again. Mrs. Starr is back again. She is principal of third ward. She boards at Mr. Button's of the firm of Button and Hamilton. It is over on Third Street. She felt right blue at going but likes both her boarding place and her school now. Mr. Starr is not here this year. He has gone into business in New London—or rather her brother-in-law, Mr. Whittlesey has given him charge of one part of an establishment of his and if it proves profitable, he will remain there permanently and she will come there next year. I can hardly see how she brought herself to come off alone. She seemed blue when she first came but is quite cheery now. Fitch has been here all summer at Mrs. Keller's—I believe he is now in some store, clerking. Miss Woods seems much as she used to, no better. She is at Mrs. Bartlett's too. Mrs. Tilsen is there too with Miss Cox of the training school. Mr. Wyeth is still the same—he boards at home this year. Mr. Abbey is just back from a visit home. He has shaved off all his whiskers, has his hair cut tight. I don't think you'd know him at all if you met him on the streets in Bloomington. He and Miss Gussie Hammond are to be married—don't know when. I believe the engagement is not kept a secret at all though. Mr. Martyn of Nashua, N. H. preached in the Congregationalist Church on Sabbath. Mr. W. heard him. He only liked him tolerably well. I don't know how the others like him. Mr. Howe is here still. I have met Willie Small two or three times. He is at Mrs. Hammel's who has taken Mrs. Cook's house. Mr. Jones is at Board meeting this week and Mr. Hodgin is at an institute. It is at the town where her sister lives and she and Laura have gone too. Mrs. H. doesn't seem quite herself. She seems despondent and out of heart about everything, don't know why it is. You don't know how much I miss you. At first I was lost, I couldn't settle down to work by myself at all. All of your friends inquire for you often. I hope you will find it in the goodness of your heart to write me soon if it is only a short letter.

Please remember me to Prof Boisen and your father's family. Mr. Wilson has been asleep this long time, the clock is striking ten. Hope you're fast asleep, having sweet dreams. May the Good Father grant you many days happier than your brightest dreams ever should. Ever your friend Sarah Wilson

Transcription: Harvard University Cambridge, Mass 23 Sept 1876

My dear Sir,

Will you be kind enough to define "college statistics" in the sense in which you use the term in your note of the 19th inst.? If I can be of service to your committee I shall be glad to be.

Very truly yours

Charles W. Eliot Prof Boisen

Transcription: Bloomington, Sept 24th 1876

My dear Lou

Your very welcome letter was received yesterday. Your Postal Card the day before. Was very glad that you met the Prof at the junction. Did he receive my dispatch in time?

We are all very well and considering our circumstances, getting along very well. Richard came Tuesday and that enlivens us some. The only item of news is that the Soph. class presented us a petition asking to be excused from Miss M's recitation by which we have been a good deal troubled. As Miss M expressed her unwillingness to have any thing to do with a class acting in this way, the class is sent to Prof Hoss. The petition was granted but as the result is the same as if it had been, I suppose the class will be satisfied. Miss M has been a good deal distressed by their conduct and I fear the present adjustment will not work well. Dr. Van Nuys takes the first a lowest German class. Prof Ballantine is to make provision for the higher. He talks of getting some of Prof B's best pupils to hear them. The Prof of whom Dr. Van N spoke cannot come till Nov 6th. Dr. Owen takes the French. We had a letter from Ma last Tuesday. No special news, all well. Aunt Emma tries to save the lives of some of her choicest plants by watering. We have had no rain and everything is withering. She and Lizzy are busy with fruit.

Whatever flowers you want to be sent we will send as you direct, but it would be better for us to buy what you have and let you get others from Heinl. Of course we except those you can't take away, such as the Castor Oil plant.

The title of that work the Prof wanted is Œuvres Complete de "Tacite" e.g. avec la traduction Française publiées sous la direction de M. Nisard Maitre de conférences a l'école normale, Paris J. J. Dubochet et Comp. Editeurs, 1842.

We have 6 vols. Roy. 800 "Stace, Martial &c. Calpurnius—Pétrone Arbiter Assulee Au. Gellins Lucain, &c. Seneca, Horatius, Syrus &c. Ever so many poets in one vol.

Am glad you find things so well in T. H. Hope all will improve on acquaintance. Get enough to do so that your mind will be employed and you will not long for this home. Don't undertake too much and take good care of your health.

Some of the boys are regretting very much that the Prof did not stay till they were through. Dr. Van N. has made a very fair beginning with his classes. He improves on acquaintance.

Love to you both

Your affectionate father

T. A. Wylie

Mrs. E. L. M. W. Boisen Terre Haute

Transcription: West Chester, Pa Oct 14th 1876

Dear Lou,

Often, very often are you present with me and I have regretted more than once I did not wait longer before coming down. It has really been of no benefit to be here, for I have not been able to put my head out of doors since I arrived. Nothing of special interest occurred on my journey and I reached Philadelphia about 7 ½ o'clock, Oct 12th, too late to take the cars for W. Chester unless I took the out train which would not leave until nearly 12 o'clock. This I did not incline to do and for a time was undecided whether to go to Susan Blacks or hunt up your Aunt Caroline. I supposed both would have company, but I decided to go to Sister's first, thinking there I would see you Aunt Adelaide. You fortunately had told me it was next to a shoemaker's and I knew it was north of Arch but I had forgotten the number and supposed it to be beyond Vine Street. However when I came to Arch I thought now I will look out for all the shoemakers and attack their next door neighbors and my first attack proved successful in bringing me to my destination. I found to my regret that your Aunt Adelaide had left, the doctor thinking it best to take her home at once, so I suppose you will not see her as it was their intention to go through as soon as possible. A postal from Anna said she was getting along very well. Sister Caroline thinks she has the asthma. Harriet Guerard was the only one with Sister so I remained all night and the next morning went to see Maggie and found she had just left. I was sorry for your sake, but glad for her own, that she had had so pleasant a visit. Everyone seemed to regret so much she had to go. I think if she could have stayed a month or one week longer free from care it would have been of great service to her. Still I knew how necessary it was for her to return situated as you were when I left. All Friday I felt symptoms of having taken cold and when I took the W. Chester cars about six o'clock a shower came up, the wind blew considerably and some young people in the seats opposite kept the windows up for some time. The next day I had a dreadful cold, worse than any I think I have had since I went west. I felt very badly although I kept out of bed. But it affected my voice so much I could not speak at all on Tuesday. Friends came in but I could only look at them and squeak out a sentence now and then. Of course I have had plenty of time for reflection and I soon felt it was not the car windows that had caused my cold but an injudicious act of my own which seems but an [aggravation of my desire ?]. Nellie and I were to have gone to the Centennial today but I thought it best not to go but persuaded her to do so as she has not many opportunities. So as I am better I am deputy housekeeper, she having left at 7 o'clock. Oh if I could only take one little peep at you all, how glad I would be. Tell Maggie I saw only her mother who seemed very glad to hear of her. She wanted me to say when I would be in town again as she would like me to take a meal there so I could see her (Maggie's) father. But I had just arrived and could not tell. She said they both intended leaving town on a visit, but would not be gone very long. Last Sabbath was sacrament at the church. Please tell you Mother I did not get to see Lizzie. She was out but I wrote her and did as she requested me and received a Postal from her yesterday in return. Sister says she is looking very badly. I expect to visit the City next week and hope then to see her. Toph did not accompany Maggie and from what I heard he seems to have no disposition to return home. If he makes a change it will be for Muncie. I did not see him however. He had gone to the Centennial and only heard hurriedly. I hope I will see Lizzie next week, but if Maggie gets to B herself she can tell you all about him. We had a heavy frost here last night. It made me think of home and calculate the probability of our floral pets being or not being in their winter quarters. I left many plants in a very different manner from which I wished or intended. My white oleander by the woodland. Margaret rose I thought of in particular. I always associate it with your wedding and I should really regret loosing it. Those fine heliotropes at the side of the house too, I ought to have taken them up and not left them for your mother to do. My only hope is Hermann will take an industrious fit on and then as we all know he is invaluable. My oleander I doubt if he knows the history of or I know it would be safe. The handsome primrose you brought me last winter is in the box at the side kitchen. Also a little fern I was [one word] up and some slips of yellow oleander I had thought to bring with me. I mention them because I took in almost every thing and they might very well be over looked. Not that I expect you my dear Lou to do more than mention them, if only to Lizzie. I feel so anxious as your time draws nigh. Remember what I told you and do not hesitate to send for me if you should require my assistance for yourself or any one of the family. I might regret leaving here but ten times more would I regret being away when needed at home. I hope this will find your father, Dory and my boys (all that were on the sick list) in a perfect state of health. Give much love to your Mother, Hermann, indeed to all and do let me hear from some one how you are all getting along.

Ever your loving aunt

Emma S. Dennis I hope to see Brown before long, if I knew when I would send for something. Tell Dory I am looking for his letter. Dick and he ought to combine and give me an account of the election. [on a separate sheet, the following] Dear Lou, I received your letter last evening. I need not tell you how glad I was to hear from you nor how sorry to hear how poorly you were all getting on. I do hope sister's doses of quinine have been effective in restoring all to health, that Maggie has arrived and that you are feeling better. Do let some one keep me posted. I must conclude in haste as Nellie has oysters, the tea bell has sounded and she will be worried if I do not get them in good order. Mr. Trimble is not at all well but my cold is better Your loving Aunt Emma

Transcription: Bloomington, Oct. 21, 1876

My dear Toph: It is a long time since I have written to you, and I believe it is a still longer time since I have had a letter from you. I intended writing when Ma wrote, but I thought her letter would satisfy you for awhile. And then we were expecting you home, so that I did not know whether a letter would reach you. When are you coming home? It seems to me you would be better here than in Philadelphia. You could ride out on horseback every day and live out of doors and have our dear Mother's kind care, which to me at least, is the best of all. Aunt Emma wrote that from what she heard she thought you did not intend to come home, but intended going to Muncie to stay. I know how kind and good Mag is to you, but I do not think that Muncie is a healthy place—either that or Mag's house is unhealthy, for they nearly always have some one sick there, and I think you would do better to come home.

I suppose you are still enjoying the Centennial. Pa got your letter a few days ago in which you spoke of being out there. Pa has wished very much that he could go back for a week, but he don't think he ought to leave College besides the expense. Dr. Moss has been there again this week. I think however that he did not go in especially for the Centennial. His wife and son and daughter are with him.

I am glad that Magt had such a nice visit East. She seems to have enjoyed the trip very much, and I hope her health is better. The children left us a week ago. Dear little fellows, we hated to see them go and yet it was impossible for Ma to keep them longer as she had so much to do. And of course we missed Aunt Em's help. I do not know just when Aunt Em expects to come back. Perhaps you and she may come together, thought I believe she expects to stop at Aunt Georgiana's—but she wanted to stop at Muncie too.

We have had quite a cold fall. The frost was very severe about two weeks ago, and the consequence is that the leaves on the trees are not so beautiful as usual and they are fast dropping off. We will not have any apples this year. We might have had some if the boys had gathered them, but you know that they will not attend to those things. I seems a shame to see things go to waste so.

How is Maggie Black. Is her health better than in the Summer? Will you go out to West Chester again to stay any time before you come home. I suppose Aunt Susan is nearly tired out with company. It has been a hard Summer for Philadelphia people.

But I must stop, dear Toph. Write as soon as you can. I have been feeling pretty well for two or three days. The first of the week I was not at all well. Give my love to Aunt Susan & Maggie and to Aunt Em when you see her. Ever you loving Sister Lou

Transcription: Dear uncle herman,

while I was gone to the centennial I was sick and did not get to see all the things that you told me to. I did not get to see Old Abe and I was not in Horticultural hall at all.

the first day we rode around the ground. the waterfall was not running while we were there. I liked the Corliss engine very much and Wylie did too I guess.

I looked at the fences. I thought the Chinamen were queer looking men. I felt like giving their long que a pull every time they went past. at one of the bexar [bazaar?] there was a man dressed up like they used to dress at home. Mama bought a pocket book. It was in a shell.

they are bilding a wooden house. anton tells me to tell that he is a pretty good boy.

we are all pretty well but papa is not very well. baby is getting pretty well. he can not talk yet but he understands pretty near every-thing you say to him.

I for-got to tell you about the garden and our trip to new york. we took the donkey-ride. we saw live buffilos running about eating grass. a man went in to feed them. I will send you the money pretty soon. I have it now.

did you see the deer in the garden. it bit and spit at Wylie. we saw two elephants. they would take applies and peanuts from Muncie boys hands.

We went to New York Saturday and staid until Tuesday. we liked our little cousins so much. Wylie did not want to leave at all. papa took all of us to the park. did you go there eight of us took a ride in the boat on the lake

Charlie Mellette

Dear Lou,

Charlie has at last finished his letter. He wanted to write more but baby would not let him. Anton is quite sick this afternoon. I think he had a chill. Baby is quite well. I wish you would write or have some one write every day if it is only a few words. I will write very soon. Best love to all

Your

M. W. Mellette P. S. I will send C's letter just as he wrote with out changing a word. He says the Donkey ride was only 10 ct each and you gave 25, so he put the five in this.

Transcription: Muncie Ind Tuesday Oct 31st 1876

Dearest Sister Lou: Yesterday I was rejoiced at receiving a telegram telling me of the boy and that you were so well. For two or three weeks I have hardly been able to rest thinking of you. I tried to keep myself so busy that my thoughts would be kept from you but the moment I sat down to rest or at night when I went to bed I could not forget. Now I am so thankful that all is well and that you really have a boy of your own. Do write or have some one do it telling me all about yourself and the boy his name &c.

Anton could hardly believe it at first but in a short time he commenced to wish he was in Bloomington then to think he must go home to see Aunt Lou's baby. He is greatly pleased about it.

Bun and Si have gone to the Centennial. They left unexpectedly. Bun had not thought of going when she sat down to the supper table and started the same night at 10 o'clock. The fare is only $15 for two round trip--so many are going from here--I had a nice letter from Toph. He will stay until the close of the exhibition, then is coming here. It would not be very pleasant for him at home while Maggie is there if she treats him as her sister's do- he says- and I feel like having him stay where he wants. I wish he could go south this winter.

I am sorry that Pa feels badly. I expect he has been worried about you and perhaps about Toph. Have you heard from Aunt Emma? Toph wrote she was in Philadelphia at Aunt Susan's. If Pa wants Toph's address at any time it is to Aunt Susan's. He wants to go to New York for a week or so then is going back to Phil. Even if he should go to West Chester it would only be for a day.

You must excuse the paper I had no other up and did not know when I could write again. Best love to all, but most to you and the baby. Wasn't Hermann pleased with a son? Arthur sends kindest love to you both and respects to his nephew. Write soon M. W. Mellette

Wylie and Charlie say they are so glad it's a boy that you have that they think there ought to be 25 boys to every girl. They think girl babies were a very nice institution 25 years ago, when you and I were babies, but they are not much account now. Anton joins in with big girls are nicer but little ones are not. They are very wise. M. W.

Transcription: Nov. 4th 1876

My dear son

Have you among your books the copy of the "Autobiography of J. Stuart Mill" belonging to the Library? Dr. Nutt says he gave to you and several have been enquiring for it. If you have it out, please tell me if you can recollect whether you returned it or to whom you gave it. Should you have it please return it as soon as possible by mail. We are all in tolerable health. Ma returned last Wednesday. She brought Anton with her who has been somewhat fretful for a day or two past. Ma would have written to Lou but her eyes are sore. She left Maggie pretty well, but without a girl but she boards at Emerson's next door. Ma had rather a hard time having all the care of the household on her shoulders. She and Aunt Emma have been busy today gathering their flower roots. Have been shaving the [Sissler?] tubes today with the Holz machine [a milling machine made in Cincinnati]. It works beautifully, shaving the tubes to great advantage. Last night I got a continuous stream of light through a receiver 18 inches high and five inches in diameter and this morning just before the class came upset the receiver and spoiled my beautiful experiment. Last Friday night John Woodburn died, was buried on Saturday. In Mr. McNary's absence I had to attend to services. Anton comes to me just now wishing me to tell you his dear Uncle Hermann and Aunt Lou that he is a good boy.

All send their love

Yours affectionately

T. A. Wylie

Prof. H. B. Boisen Terre Haute, Ind.

Dear Lou,

I saw Mrs. Murphy about her bill. She said the two wrappers you took with you were $2.50, the buttons for the last wrapper were 50 cts (she got them) and the making of it brought the whole amount to $4.50. Your Mother and I both think $5 would be little enough as she bought all the things wanted which took considerable of her time. She sent home the scraps of velvet left over (not sufficient to cover the buttons) and if you do not need them I would like to use them but if you have a use for them say so. They are all small.

Your plants are doing quite well. [Mad Mayotten?] lost all her leaves after that heavy frost soon after you left but is putting out beautifully. Your yellow rose is also in good order but it did not lose a leaf. Sunbeam is putting out. Ask Heinl about gloxinias, how to keep them? They have lost all leaves and are they to be kept dry?

With much love

in haste, Emma

Transcription: 1822 Wylie Street Philadelphia November 14th 1876

My dear Louisa

How glad be all here to hear of the arrival of a fine little boy, and that you are getting on so nicely. I hope you will have plenty of milk for the little fellow; what cause of thankfulness. I hope you will be enabled to train him aright and that he may be a blessing to the world. How pleased Mr. Boisen must be. Kiss the baby for me; give my kindest love to your husband and say how often we are reminded of him by the exquisite glass pictures he left.

Give a great deal of love to your father and mother. And we are so glad to have seen you all. Mrs. Mellette is so gentle and sweet and she has two fine boys. Maggie seems very happy and I hope makes herself useful to Aunt. And I know she is improving. The opportunity of being so much with your good husband.

Our friends are all away with the exception of Mrs. Arthur. We did enjoy the wonderful exposition towards the end although it was much more crowded. I feel glad you saw it so well although you must often have been very tired.

I am happy to say we are all well and with our united love I ever remain your affectionate Aunt Jessie Grant Wylie

Let me add my congratulations again with the prayer that your boy may prove an honor and a comfort to both his parents and to all connected with him. Ever yours T.W.J.W.