McFarland-Russell Letter, February 5, 1871

Orange, Orange, Co, Tex Feby 5 1871 It is with the greatest of pleasure that I seat myself this Beautiful bright evening to write you a few lines, you must look over all errors and mistakes as I am not in the habit of writing letters, and to young Ladies especially. I am very sorry that I could not get those books for you. I sent to Galveston for them and they could not be found in the City. I have some others which I will send you I cant say how interesting they will be as I have never read them, well yes I have read one of them, and I think it very interesting. The Knight of the Cross or the Flower of Almeda [unsure], and when you read it, I think you will be of

my opinion, or at least I hope you will and then I will know what kind to select next time. Some time when I go to Galveston I will try and get the other ones. I have some very pretty Pictures for you and Miss Maggie but I think I shall have to keep them until I come again. I am afraid to trust them with every body. I would not have them ruined for any thing please send me that picture of yours that you promised me when I was up there and then I will send you a better one of mine. Oh by the by I heard that Sam was married he must have kept it pretty sly I never heard any thing of it when I was there well Miss Kate I guess you think I have a great deal of impudence, but you must excuse me as I do not believe in short letters, and I shall expect you to return like for like and then we will

even. We had a little Social Dance at Mr Ochittrees last Tuesday night I enjoyed myself finally. I would have liked very much to have seen yours & Miss Maggies smiling faces there but I knew that that would be impossible. I often think about what a gay time we would have if you only lived near Sweet Orange the garden spot of Texas. Tell Miss Fannie Scot that I think that her Cousin Miss Sue Scot and Mr. John Woods are going to give us a wedding before long. also Mr Greene Moore & Miss Rebecca Merriman. I tell you in a short time the young Ladies will all be off of the carpet down in this part of the County well Miss Kate I believe I have written quite enough of my nonsense at present. what ever you do dont let any one see this miserably written letter and I will try and do better next time provided you answer this. remember me to all the

Family write soon good by I remain as ever your true Friend Robert E Russell

Miss. Kate McFarland Bleakwood Newton, County Texas