T2020.102.360

North Jackson, I Nov. 19th, '92

Dear Cousin Edith:

It was with pleasure I received your kind letter this wk. and this evening I had laid down my work to go to bed, but thought if I did not answer your letter yet tonight that no telling when it would be done. My last letter was certainly, [stale, late ?], when you received it. I was so sorry to learn of your sickness. Seems as if you have more than your share of the ailments of this life.

Suppose you like private duty when it is the kind you wrote me of. My, it almost made you think for an hr that you was, [Prince?], of the land, did it not? Hope you will soon have it easier. No, [word?], out, [heard], this wk? Ma has been out to Nrville and up to Cleveland but, I suppose, you have heard in this Ada has quit writing to me to. I don't know what ails her. I think she is great. Wonder if she has got above us? Ma said Aunt Jane said that folks say Ida's, [babe?], is to smart to live. Ah that's to bad. Yes, Lottie was here over a week and we had a great old time.

One afternoon, in paticular, we wished you could be here. We went a great deal while she was here. She said she knew of no girl she would rather see than Edith. I like your dress vary much. Am sorry I cannot send you my new dress. I have not got any. Mine are made over ones. Edith, would not that parade been grand if it had bee[n] the Republicans? For my part, I would about as soon see on[e] as the other. Oh, how I wish you could spend Thanksgiving with us. We expect company for dinner to eat chicken pie and, then, at night, I think we will give a social

to the young people. I baked your cake for it today. Had real good luck, I think. Tomorrow is work day, Sun. and preacher three times tomorrow. He has two miss ion points, beside his regular charges. Last Mon., we were at Younger's house. Took dinner with Rev. Anderson. My, but we had a stylish dinner. They live quite elaborate. Aunt Sade and Anne were at, [Father's], not long ago. Pa says he don't know of anyone who has improved so much as Annie. He says she carries a, [gold ball?],

and chain and smiled as sweet as you please. Ethel woke up and I just fed her some bread and milk and have tucked her back in her bed, but she is singing a little song which means, "I don't want to lie here," but I rock away and say nothing. She has been pulling herself up on her feet, but does not yet walk. It keeps me busy since has got to creeping every where. I am so sorry you cannot see her while she is a baby, for I am fast realising that I am losing my baby