29. Relatives' Letters: September 16 - October 12, 1866

Rural, Waupaca Co. Wis, Sept 16th, 66

My Dear Nell,

Your letter received so long ago should have been answered ere this, but my time has been so ocupied with other things that I have hardly had time to write however if you had remained in Norway It would have been ans at once.

I havent forgotten you though in all this time for often very often have I thought of my dear friend Nell and wonderd how she enjoyed her long voyage over the Sea. did you Nell ever think of the many warm hearted friends you left behind you of the one all alone in the West? Methinks you spent many hours thinking of absent friends those you had parted with and the one you were so soon to meet. Am I not right

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I suppose ere this you have reached the place of your destination. Well Nell how do you like it -- your new home I mean and its surroundings are they pleasant remember you promised to write me all about it, ahem: I suppose I ought to put on my dignity for I expect that instead of writing Nellie Verrill -- it is Mrs Harry Mighels. dear me I wonder if it would ever make me dignified to assume the title of Mrs

I shall remember you as my dear little friend Nell no matter how many titles you may assume.

Oh Nell I would like to see you today and have you tell me all about your journey and the land to which you have gone. I have envied you the pleasure of going to the land of Gold for I have always wanted to go -- but no such good fortune will ever be mine. Mollie and I have built many air castles since you sailed about going to Nevada -- She was going to live with you and then in the course of events she got married

I was to come to live with her to take care of -- of the pet Lambs -- but now Nell dont you think my air castle has fallen -- for now she writes me that she wants me to promise to come East -- not west to make her wedding outfit and set her up at house keeping I declare I never saw such a girl as Mollie is. I suppose she has written you ere this that John has bought out Mr Gruntal. I should think he might do well there. I think John is a good boy dont you.

I havent heard from Norway since you wrote me last -- "I presume though the old white cat is doing well." I may visit the East again another Summer -- though I dont lay, plans so far ahead -- man appoints and God disappoints -- My life has gone on in the same old routine as when I wrote you last. I left Oshkosh last week shall return again in the course of two weeks to take up the thread of life again. I have thought of going to Minnesota this winter. but since I came home I have about made up my

mind to remain in Oshkosh on account of mother her health being poor -- I dont like to to far away though that is not very far off.

Kay wrote me that your Aunt Bennett had been up in the Country and saw the Girls -- that they seemed happy and said they were going to Nell in a year -- I think you have left them in a good Home

Mrs Joel Millet came up on the Boat with me -- she is out here on a visit she is to leave for Norway to morrow. do you remember our going to the Fair about a year ago -- I always laugh when I think of it.

How far are you from San Fransisco -- how I wish I could learn the fate of my brother who went there so many years ago. Mollie wrote me that Uncle George said he she should spend the winter in California I wonder if he will take the "ark" along. My sheet is nearly full and I must close. Please ans as soon as you receive this (if you ever do) for I am very anxious to hear from you -- how you like the country &c &c. dear Nell if my good wishes

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could insure you happiness you would never have cause to regret the step which you have so lately taken but whatever be the result which may attend those wishes you have them. May you be happy even as happy as you deserve who are so instrumental in making others happy but I must close please ans very soon remember me to Mr Mighels And now dear Nell Good by that God will bless and care for you is the prayer of

Ardis

[postmark: RURAL WIS SEP 22]

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Miss Nellie L. Verrill Carson City Nevada