16. Nellie's Letters, January 1866

Norway Jan 7th 1866 Sunday morning.

Dear Harry --

Please take this big chair, light your cigar, elevate your feet as much as you wish, and prepare to listen as comfortably as possible, for I have a deal to say this morning -- so much that I hardly know where to begin. -- All ready?

Well then, thank you very many times for your nice and acceptable "gift." It came just in the nick of time -- New years morning. I think it very handsome and that seems to be the opinion of all of our friends.

Of course I ran over to Lue's the first thing to show it to them.

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You haven't answered my questions in regard to the looks and age of our friend "Lance".

If I should decide to go to you, it could not be before Byron was married in June. And would that be a good time to make the journey?

You will see by Washs letter that I did not tell him any thing about my wishes on the subject. I merely stated the propositions as clearly as I could.

I spent the whole day running about, getting the little fixings for my ball toilet: what ball! You shall know.

Tuesday noon Henry Rust drove up to our door, with a gay little nag in a light sleigh, filled with robes and a brick but it wasn't in any bodys hat!

Nellie went out, wrapped in shawls and furs, and jumped into that sleigh, put her two feet on the brick, drew the furs about her and off they went to join the party consisting of, Gen Beal and wife, Freeland Howe and wife, Mr Sanderson and wife, and Henry Millett and Lue. We drove quickly down to Mechanic Falls, tumbled out there to get warm, tumbled in again and went on our way to Lewiston where we arrived at 4 O'clock.

We had a nice warm supper, and then dressed for the dance. Lue wore white with scarlet trimmings, and looked very handsome. I wore white muslin with blue trimmings, and they told us

we "looked better than ever before" -- which wasn't saying much you know.

About eight we went over to the hall and participated in the dedication dances.

The ladies were all dressed finely, the music was good and we had a merry time until 2 A.M. Then we went to bed -- Lue to sleep, and I to think for a long long time. Who do you suppose I thought about? It was somebody ever so far away, who had sent me a big letter containing much important business matters, which made me exclaim there, and has a number of times since, "Oh dear: how it bother me!" -- Where was I? -- Oh -- we had a late breakfast and soon started for home where we arrived in safety about 1 p.m.

The party was jolly, the weather perfect, the sleighing first rate and every body had a splendid time. I wish you might have been with us. I know you would have enjoyed it much. -- You don't care because I went?

Thursday evening the Congregationalists had an Exhibition. I went with Mrs Favor and the children. The performances were very fair. I thought not so good as ours, but perhaps I am prejudiced.

Last evening there was a "thing" at the "Elm House". It was a sort of a gymnastic performance and quite good of it's kind.

I went with Col Rust, and afterward we went into Lues and played "Bezique," a game which has just been introduced in this place. Its quite pretty but not very scientific.

You of course know that Henry Millett is at home on furlough. He looks much as he used to and seems the same. He is not one of my favorites, so I am only glad to see him because his friends are glad. Lue will have a big cousin party tomorrow evening. I shall go and would like your escort if you can make it convenient.

Augusta's baby is named Henry Millett Jackson.

5

Thanks for your picture and that of your friend. I must confess that I do not like yours so well as the last ones you had -- those taken in Cal. yet I was glad to have it for a picture loses its significance after I have looked at it many times, and serves rather to make the image in my mind dim, than clearer, as I wish to have it.

What shall I say about that naughty freak of yours which let you to publish my Pikes Hill effusion?

Really you ought to have a scolding, but I can't helping laughing and the two things don't go together a bit.

The idea of me, Lucy Ellen, appearing in print!! -- I can't tell you how queerly I felt when I began to read it. It wasn't at all the same thing printed, and I could hardly believe my eyes. Well, wonders haven't ceased yet. There is nothing like having ones beau an Editor!