RK-035

[circled red check mark] Holmesville Jan 2, 1855. My Dear Cousin Robbie, So you see I am here at last with Sister Belle, in her own house too; and a very romantic little place it is, situated at the foot of a hill which is covered with green pines. I am a great admirer of hills or any thing that is picturesque or romantic; from the top of this hill we have a delightful view of the surrounding country. Will cousin mine I know I have to make a great many apologies for not answering your interesting letter sooner; but the fact is, while we were at home we were so busy preparing Belle for housekeeping, that there was hardly time for anything. We have been in Holmesville now a week to day; but haveing only a few days ago moved here Judge Lamkin, Brother John's Uncle, gave them a dinner on Christmas; there were a great ^many at the dinner but all were Strangers to us, except Mr Lamkins family. You should have seen what a pleasant little group, were gathered around the teatable; the first evening we moved in to Belles house there were four of us and amerry time we had. How did you spend your Christmas? pleasantly I know. You must write me a full description of it. I do not know how long a time I will spend with Bell perhaps two weeks; it is very pleasant here but dear Ma I know she misses us, & dear sweet little sister Alice too; she used

to ^call Brother John her "lamb", bless her dear little heart I wish she were here. Do ^not Alice & Cora take Music lessons? I am so fond of music, Belle has not got a Piano yet and I miss it so much. She will have one soon though. I should like very much to see cousin Cora's productions in the way of compostion do you have the paper printed? Cousin Willie & I have coresponded ever since we were there; but for the last three or four months I have not received a single line from him, although I have written twice; dear Willie he is a noble boy I love him very much and only wish he were here with us. I believe Belle received a letter from him a month ago. I do not recollect the snake bird you mentioned, I donot think I ever saw it. There are a great many beautiful white Cranes here but I do not know whether they [illegible] are the kind you speak of or not, but you must come and see for yourself; I am sure you would find agreat many fine specimens of Natural History here; you must not forget your promise Bobbie; but come & see us as soon as you can I do not intend to let you rest until I do see you here. Tell cousin Asa I have not forgoten him but will write very soon. Well I see my pen is becoming impatient and runing on too fast so I will close. Love too all. Goodbye Yours affectionately, Nellie Teunisson