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Atchison Apr. 19th, 61
Dear Sister Rachel,
I am going to write you a few lines, just to tell you something about a remarkable boy of yours that lives out here. He has been nearly a year now in his Uncle's family, and they have all become quite attached to him. He seems to have such a very even temper that his cousin Mary who is not so blessed, regards it as a great wonder. His Aunt is so feeble that the work is often poorly done, and I am very sure that he sometimes finds his meals - not altogether agreeable - but you would never discover by any thing in his manner or appearance, that all is not as it should be, The first time his aunt was obliged to leave the kitchen to the little girls, his cousin Abby was quite afraid he might leave
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She deprecated such an event as almost calamitous, but thought strange that he could put up with so many unpleasant things. I need not tell you any thing about Timothy's industrious habits, his faithfulness and integrity. What you already know of his business here, and the confidence reported in him by our business men, is sufficient guarantee of those excellent traits. But I may be allowed to rejoice with you that these things are so. I have often thought since Timothy has been with us, now if one of my boys should go from home when he is grown up, & should be living in the family of one of my friends I should like very much to hear some thing about him from them? So, you see I have been trying to do as I would be done by --- The weather is quite warm and pleasant this week, and I feel stronger than I have done for a long time, I walked out in to the garden for the first time to-day - Found onions, lettuce, and peas growing there. I think we shall have a nice garden - Farewell sister --
As ever Yours affectionately Elizabeth L Byrd.
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Atchison April 19 61
My Dear Aunt Rachel
Since I last wrote to you the earth has begun to cloth its self in green. We have got a good deal of garden planted and some coming up. I suppose you hear quite as much recession news as we do; the papers are filled with it.
I do not know but that the Union will be broken up yet, the Southerners are so confident.
Cousin Timothy intended to go fishing yesterday but the cars brought in a good deal of releif fright and he had to attend to it Sister and I have been thinking that we should like to get Cousin Timothy some thing on his birthday, if you would tell us when it comes Please dont say any thing to him about it. I often wish that you were out in Kansas.
[sideways text bottom to top:] I have not dated my letter right it being the 20th
[upside down text top of page:] From your loving niece
Abby E. Byrd
[in pencil: (1861)]
