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Bessie's Banjo WDC Gibson Off for Reno
Heavy Pack

bespeaking for Millie the place heretofore occupied by Amanda [Ayer?], as assistant matron, in case is vacancy through Amanda's marriage which takes place on the 21st -- Through in office at 2 -- Home -- wrote the Gibson letter etc -- shaved -- got things ready to go to Reno -- Didn't go to bed at all --

Sunday July 11

Clear & infernal hot -- Left on 7:20 AM train for Reno -- Had heavy bundle in shawl strap -- box of apricots, papers, dirty clothes -- Bessie's banjo etc weighing in all 23 pounds -- Made me sweat profusely carrying from depot to home -- Found all right and made Bessie the happiest little girl in the world -- Kept quiet as possible at

100 deg in Reno Bessie & her banjo Very Hot!
Bessies Magic

home all the PM for thermometer stood at 100 in the shade -- breezed up at sunset & wife & I the young ones took short walk along street to Mrs [Egar's?] house where they lived when I got back from Austin -- It took fire & burned down at 3 oclock on Thursday morning unoccupied except by Mrs [Egar?] who slept in a back bedroom formerly occupied by my mother-in-law -- Insured for $800, all it was worth -- Evening we had Bessie's banjo & songs on front porch, I playing it -- Open air concert -- After that, Bessie, with Sam for confederate gave us a regular parlor show magician, slight of hand performance -- Did several tricks very neatly, winding

Bessie's Magic Rain My Big old Bango