Letters from Rachael Austin to Horace J. Austin

Than's, it is Marys fifteenth birthday.

Aug 17 Evening

I went up to mothers for Lucretia to come to Than's but she did not want to so I went alone. She came down with Woodfords, they are here tonight, how I wish my dear husband was here too.

18th

This morning at 9 1/2 o'clock, Mr and Mrs Woodford, Lucretia and I went out with Mr. Jolly for a boat ride. We had just a nice time - the boat rocks some and Mrs. J- liked it because there was lots of [squalling?]. I told him what you said about boating after dark and he said to tell you, you are and old [fogy?]

You better believe I felt indignant. Hatties baby is not well.

Went to the Lodge, were thirty five or forty present. Joel Shriner was initiated, receipts 7.90. The most remarkable news is this that Tommy and Lathrop went hunting today and took the Stanly girls. Went in Averys carriage. I have not been feeling well today, but am all right tonight. Hatties baby is very sick. Sile said tonight he did not believe it would get well. Mrs. Burgman and I are staying with them tonight. Is now twelve o'clock, at two Sile is going to get up and I am going home. Mrs. Woodford did not go home, but is at Josies's sick and can not come down here.

20th

I went to Sunday school and preaching this morning. After church there were two more French people baptised. Mr. Freeman came around and I rode up to the river with him - he was here to supper. I shall not go to church tonight for I am sleepy and tired. This morning they thought Hatties baby better, but this afternoon, it threatened to have spasms. I believe I never could be reconciled to have her loose that baby, it looks very badly. The weather has been quite comfortable since you

Hot Springs, Aug 16

Dear Horace

I got a letter from you yesterday and one today and I want to tell you not to worry about me. I am better and enjoying myself very well.

I cannot run around so much as I would like but I do very well.

I have not bought any more real estate yet but three or four men are anxiously waiting to take me out riding but I cannot go yet awhile.

I am looking for the Clevengers here during

the Chautangua sessions.

I am going to send you a Program. Ben Ash and his family are here and some friends, they camped for a time but are now in the log cabin.

Your Doll

oranges for a quarter - and the consequence is we do without most of the time but she has to have something of the kind. She seems quite well and reasonably happy - and I hope she will remain so.

There are many people here now. N. E. Prentice had to take his father home, he got down sick and would not stay any longer. He had som trouble with his heart and they say that this water is not good for that. Do not worry about me. I am doing pretty well now.

I hope you got my letter. Truly your Wife

Hot Springs Aug 17

Dear Horace

This is sunday and a beautiful day, cool and nice. We are having lots of rain. Has rained for two nights and commenced with a hard rain on Friday.

Mr. Quarnburg called to see me some days ago. Mrs. Paul left for home last friday, but he will stay a while longer. I told her I would dry his tears while he had to stay.

I was agreeably surprised to see Mr. Clevenger this morning, he

came on last night. I had not expected him till next sunday, he says his wife will come in two or three days, if the children do not need her at home. They thought they were coming down with whooping cough.

Monday

I saw Mr. Quarnburg again this morning. It rained again last night and that very hard. I am still feeling better, Pansy has a little cold but she is eating more than ever before. Burglers entered Dr. Jennings house last night and took his gold watch and chain.

I hope there wont any any one want my watch.

The Chautaugua convened last thursday, but the rain is making almost a failure of it. They said there were only about thirty there this forenoon.

I had a letter from Florence. She said Mollie had been taken to Mr. Lee's. She says she has not had her monthly sickness yet, so no one can tell for sure yet what her condition may be in the end, but I fear she will never regain her reason.

Pansy says bring me some lemons, oranges, peaches and pears, or a little of every thing. We only get four