Letter from Eliza A. Fisher to George F. Fisher, Dec. 26, 1875

High Point, Dec. 26th 1875.

Dear brother George,

Here I am at home again, but the feeling is not a very home like one for I sadly miss the sound of footsteps and voices which made this the dearest spot on earth to me. Perhaps you would like to know what I've been doing of late. Well I'll go back to the day I mailed a letter and package to Mother from Salisbury, nearly a week ago. The day was a very delightful one, warm and springlike, and we enjoyed it to the fullest extent. Buying presents for the little ones and a few big ones, was pleasant work.

I must tell you of one of my adventures. We were in a toy shop, a curious looking figure holding a wheel attracted my attention, I asked what's that, the reply was "just blow in that little tube". Without waiting to hear more I blew till a cry of dismay from Mrs. Bernheim and the clerk stopped and I found that the toy was a moustache maker and I had the moustache. It was with difficulty I could wash it off. Don't you wish you could have stepped in just then? Our tree was a decided success, only about eight families contributed, but it looked very pretty to us who had never seen a Chicago tree. I was the happy recipient of several nice presents, among them a red and gilt glass toilet set and pair of vases, a china lighter holder, and a blue satin and pearl box of perfumery, and croquet set with walnut mallet heads, this was made by the donor, but

all the more prized for that. I had been on my feet all day and packed my trunk after I went "home" so did not retire till about 1 o'clock, and rose next morning at 4 1/2. I was so fortunate as to have company all the way home. The rain was pouring when the train stopped, but Dr. Sapp happened to be there with two umbrellas, and accommodated me. Grandma seemed overjoyed to see me; poor woman! she has worried about the sale more than a little. I had a happy time opening the packages from the Christmas tree, it went very far toward neutralizing the shadow of loneliness which had begun already to creep over me. Many, many thanks for the beautiful cuff buttons. Miss Jennie came down just before night, she does not look very well, but seemed cheerful. Just as we were sitting down to supper who should appear to us but Charlie, oh I was so

glad. He will remain till to-morrow 10 o'clk. The sale is not yet closed, but I did not pay much attention to it yesterday and have but little idea of it, think one more day will finish. I hear that Mr. Alexander was on a spree yesterday and bought nearly everything that was sold. Will write again when I know more about it. Have not been out at all today, as I had a headache this morning and this afternoon there was no S. School. Think I will enclose a note to Mother. Much love to all, and fervent wishes for a happy New Year, from your sister, E.

Mon. Morn. Wish you could enjoy this pleasant weather. For more than a week a fire has been unnecessary. I'm now sitting by the open window, the warm sunshine and singing birds

seem just like spring. Charlie will write soon. We are all well. Every one compliments me upon my improvement. Just now heard some "wailers" "going at 5 cts." peeped out of the window and found them to be snuffer [rays?]. Excuse writing, have been sweeping. With love, E.