T2020.102.253

Sept 4, '13

My dear sister:

Am stealing a few moments to write to you so don't scold if it is a short one. Have coaxed and pleaded with Edith and Jean to write to you for three days, but no use. Well sir, Monday eve we got the sad news that Aunt Mell's baby was dead. It came as a great surprise to us all. We knew the baby was sick, but didn't think him dangerous. I was going to take the children and go and to see them Sunday and Monday, but got word from Uncle Frank

Saturday morning that the baby was sick but, seemed better and that he would be alright, but Sunday he turned worse. Had convulsions and suffered terrible from that until he died. Thinks it was a cholera infection. They tried to get a doctor all day Sunday and called 9 doctors before they could get one. Had a nurse and did all they could. Well, Aunt Emma went Tuesday afternoon and Aunt Albie Davis, Allie Brown, Ella, Doras and I went yesterday morning and came back last night. The little fellow looked so sweet. Aunt

Mell and Uncle Frank are heartbroken. Aunt Mell has not been away from her home for a year. She just seemed to care for nothing, but her family. We are afraid Aunt Laura did not get the word, as the telegram was returned three times. Don't understand as they had the right address. When we got home last night, Mama was very sick. Began vomiting as soon as she got in the house, but is better today. Jean has been in bed with headache all morning. The rest

are as usual. Forgot to say Albie went to the funeral and will stay for a few days to help Frank. He is doing alright now and only hope it lasts. Well sis, I must close and get to the store. There are so many things I want to write, but have not the time, but that I just must get these few lines to you. All send love and hope to hear from you soon. Lots of love and kisses, your sis, Nettie.

My dear Edith:

Are you angry or just mad? I answered your card and then one day, long distance called and said Whittier wanted to talk. Then she said the party cancelled the call. I wrote a card that evening asking what it meant and have not heard from you since. Hope all are well. Joe hasn't been well. He has a terrible head cold and chest. Went to a specialist, but he said it was nothing serious. Had a letter from Nettie yesterday, the first for a month and she told me of Aunt Mells baby's death. It died a week ago, Sunday, with, [bowel ?], trouble. Ella Brown Gilbert, Allie Brown, Allie Dan's Mamma, Ellie, Nettie and Doras went to the funeral Didn't give any particulars, only said, well, I will enclose the letter for you to read. We were out last night to see some friends and Joe was telling them about your babies and how supple and cute young Gay is. Today is Edwin Wallace's wife's birthday