McFarland-Russell Letter, August 22, 1871

Bleakwood Tex Aug. 23

Mr. Robt [Robert] E Russell Orange, Orange. Tex

Bleakwood Texas August 22, 1871

Mr. Robt E. Russell

Esteemed Friend I received your kind and very welcome letter of the 20th, and was not expecting to answer it so early until Ma asked me to write tonight. I looked for an answer Yesterday when Ma told me there was no letters I felt rather disapointed[sic] three or four hours there after Sam gave me your letter. Through love of fun, I was not it was from you there until I saw your monogram. and you see I can be a prompt correspondent sometimes. and if [illegible] that contract what will keep me from writing, and you from getting answers sooner to your letters. I was very much surprised to hear that Clark had told my mistake, I think now he must have been glad it occurred there he would have something to tell when he went back, but as it is told I hope there is no harm done,

Ma requested me to ask to you procure for her some Jamaica Rum if in Orange. if not there please get the best French Brandy you can get, or if that is not there either get the cough medicine you was telling her of whilst here she has forgotten the name of it. You will find enclosed one dollar to get it. I could not get any [currency?] and obliged to send in this way if the medicine cant arrive we [cant?] send [illegible] what is due, Ma wishes to make some medicine, if you think

is any danger in sending it by the mail order please to label the medicine cough medicine. Mr. Russell I hope you will not think strang[sic] of me for asking you to get this medicine for I know no one there to send to or acquainted with but you. We have tried to get Ma to go some where for her health but she says she can not go. There has been just as bad cases as hers cured, then why can not the Dr. cure her, if could get well I would be the happiess[sic] person on earth.

Mr. Russell do you not think sometimes that you ought to quit writing to me. I find you to so much trouble to get things for me and see my letters made up of request. I am thinking why you did not send the [line?] with the songs, as I am not entitled to have all I want & must be content, (if I am not-)with them & knowing how you dislike to be frank. I will say I am much pleased with the song and your kindness to send them.

There is some of the family going to the fair that is I have not heard them say anything about it, and if I was going I would as soon go with you as any one, though I guess I shall not go. You asked "What would I say if you was to ask me to share your heart and home", if I thought you meant what you said I would know better what to say, and to have you love me, ought I not to be [proud?] of the honor, so I will take your word for it. as it is very late at night. I think I have written quite enough I have been writing ever since eight O'clock and here it is

eleven and only have written two pages, are you not sorry for me. Well I thought I would tell you not to work too hard but I see it will no use.

Ma says give her kindest regards to you. and I am not certain that the rest of them sent theirs: Ann is writing so near me for half a chance I could see to whom she was writing, but I will not destroy her confidence in me. I think she has beaten me by two pages. Write soon and let it be a long letter.

Goodnight Mr. Russell. Your sincere Friend Kate McFarland