15

10^th September 1852 [upper right corner]

My own beloved Tootee

When I used to receive letters on bits of
paper from the girls I wondered that they could not at any moment
get paper - I now find it difficult to keep a supply of any thing - pins
clean clothes paper pen ink - nothing comes easy this is a real unpleas-
ant state of things - one that I am heartily sick of, & would be glad to change
for even the trials of a plantation life. But to begin my own darling in my
usual prosing way - I fear my last letter did not reach you on the usual day
- this was owing entirely to the want of a stamp. But to proceed - Our colds
are better (i.e., Mallerys [sic] & mine) - if this dry weather continues I fear the
other children will be complaining - I know that I would be all the better for
some exercise but it does seem a most difficult matter for me to get
out of the house. We have fallen into a very bad habit of sitting up late
that brings on the worse one of sleeping late in the morning - & there
is never a day that I am not obliged to help Rhina mend seats

In all my life I never saw so much destruction to clothes - all
of which I attribute to the length of the dresses - & carelessness of work
in women, then we dine so early - but dear me why should I
waste time & tax your patience by entering into these details --

On Wednesday evening G & myself sallied out to return calls - the
afternoon was very warm & we really hoped the ladies would
all be indulging & be denied - but no such good luck - all
were at home - so that we only made 5 calls - only four more
due - & what do you think already 4 new ones have called
& many more threatened. I really am very much obliged to the
good people for their politeness but would rather be let alone.
I dislike calling or making new acquaintances. Whilst at break-
fast yesterday morning I received a card on which was written
Mrs Roswell King of Georgia - will call at 1/4 past nine. So she did
call. I have not seen Julia King for more than 20 years. She is much