folder 17: January 1856

2 of your jars( one quite full the other was full when the lard was hot). I will keep until further orders. the jowls and ? will be put in the barrel with the? They would not keep if sent dry. I have the corn now grinding to fill a barrel of grist If I can now sift it, I will but from present appearances feared shall have no one to do it. I want to kill some of my own hogs tomorrow. I would have done so today but hoped ladt night Buster would be here to superintend for me. I will send you a cheese tomorrowa? by the? will give you a better idea of what is sent. I wish William would charge me with the freight of what goes tomorrow and whenever I do send anything to the house. I am so sorry ? is not in? the first trouble to you will be so great. These dear? you are so ? of your precious health when you imagine you must do a thing. I am so worried-so anxious about dear Butler ? and my three precious girls if I was only sure they did not attempt to? today I would feel easier- it is so bitter cold and the wind so high-they would all perish with cold- so much for pleasure seeking. This cold is filling the hospital with sick negros. I can see that they have bad colds. I fear it will be worse instead of better. Kiss each dear child for me. Tell them mother already longs to see themand hear their dear voices. Everything belonging to them and to you is sacred to me.

me. I dreamed two nights ago that I was in some town and had Booney with me. In crossing a wet place I fell down and the little monkey ran laughing away- I went after him as far as I could but lost sight of him (you may imagine the trouble I was in) at length I concluded the best way was for me to return to the hotel where we were all stopping and inform his father- when I got into the housethe sweetest sounds that ever met my ears was the cries of dear Booney- he had got back in some way and you were turning him for the trick he played me. So much for my dream. Had I not dreamed he was found- I would not have told you my dream and would have been very uneasy about Booney. God bless his dear little heart and may God bless and preserve you, all my children and return you all in as good health to me as when we Parted. It is very cold . How much I wish all I love were this night- safe under this old roof. I am sure you would all be more comfortable and I am sure I would be more happy. This wind still blows. Surely dear Butler did not attempt to come home today- I know poor fellow he would do for the best. If he was anywhere else than as______ I would be satisfied he would be prudent. God help me, how many causes I have for anxiety. My poor Malley I fear he had a bad time of it going North. I have heard nothing further from your dear father. Dear _____ do you not think I have much to make me anxious and miserable. I shall look anxiously for a letter from you dearest. I hope Wm has been able to select the negro blankets and the shoe measures were not lost on the way. _____? sends much love to you all, my love to Wm and my beloved Lord also to John, if he did not come to the Yancy ball which I heartily wish had never been thought of. Kiss each dear child and tell them to kiss you for your affectionate mother, Mother's name?

I will try and write a few lines by the boat tomorrow. I will do my best to get the things sent but poor Sam and

15th January 1856

My Dearly beloved child, I have neither time or head to answer as i wish. Your last dear letter in fact the only one I have yet had the happiness to_____ from you- you can imagine what I feel in____with my beloved Tib. Your sisters are writing to you and will tell you the dilemma they are in about their______ trip to Savannah- I would do anything in my power but go with them and that is not in my power. Their interest depends on my staying at home and trying to keep things together. If I had made a good crop. If what was made would sell for anything I would then think myself justified in taking pleasure-but not when i am so deep in debt and___not where to find the money to pay it. Your pillow was sent in the barrel of grist. The Welaka passed in the night on Friday-did not stop even to land the Oak--- or Georgias table, which had been carried south. I had to send all your things by the Planter- I hope all got safe. I want Lord to attend to Tibs wants if he thinks william better able to do it and he is not very busy do beg him to change the shirts Got him 2 warm vests 1 pair warm pants 1 Coat Have his teeth attended to ______ at B and _____

If at some time 6 shirts could be selected for Floyd it had best be done. I may hear of some school to send him to-poor fellow he is just now suffering terribly from having his thumb caught in the mice trap. Tibs clothes and teeth the bill will have to paid by Mr. Anderson. I could only give him money to take him to Kingston. Your things are in a trunk to ____ your wash kettle. One box with a fresh hog head cheese 1 bag withe one bushel grown nuts. Do not regret having nothing to send me, you cant waste a penny my child and I can get along very well-please beg Mr? to answer for the barrel of fluid. I have near got out of light. Dear Jodie? I must____else. I will make my letter even more confusing than it already is. The coffee pot is in Bells trunk get Tib off as soon as ready. God bless you all my precious ones- I have not time to write to dear Lords kiss him and your dear children from your mother.