4

6

crammed with silks, crapes, embroidery etc., linens, velvets,
the extravagance of my girlhood - wish I had the contents in
money - I lack system sadly. Sister May and Sally assorted
and labeled everything, even down to the odds and ends - Am
puzzled what to do - stay at home, go with sister Mary, or
accept Bro. Geo and sister's invitation to accompany them on
a visit to their brother, Bishop Polk. I have never had any
but a passing glimpse of a sugar plantation. From its reputation,
I should especially like to see this one. Then too, I have
heard so much of Mrs. Polk's admirable system of housekeeping,
that as I am a novice in the art, I should doubtless find it
profitable and agreeable. The cui bono can be satisfactorially
enough answered but I look at my boy and think I ought to
count the cost. Well, I'll sleep on it to-night and abide to-
morrow's decision. If I should put cotton receipts under my
head to assist me in a judgement their response would be, "no go"
certain sure. Short crop - short journey. Brother John came
up just after dinner - has sold his plantation to Mr. Goza - is
on his way to Kentucky. Hope he will arrive in time to see
Phronie's wedding. He is wearied with Southern life and negro
property and is rejoiced to quit - says the only thing he regrets is
leaving me here. I tell him to not let this disturb him - that
is nothing - the mouth does not always speak the language of the
heart. He has made me a present of a fine saddle horse,
giving me the choice of keeping or disposing of him for anything I fancy.
I believe I will get the fairy to wave her wand and turn him