-
Title
-
Letter from Jen, to Etta Bailey — December 23, 1885
-
Accession Number
-
2022.1.5.3
-
Accession Date
-
February 4, 2023
-
Accession Creator
-
David Lovegrove
-
Depositor
-
Shuman B. Gerald, III
-
Date
-
December 23, 1885
-
Storage Location
-
General Archive Box #7 Folder #9
-
Text
-
Tumbling Shoals, S.C.,
December 23, 1885
My Darling,
I am truly glad that the hour has at last arrived, which has been appointed for me to write to you. I hardly know where to begin, but guess the best place will be where we left off. Well I just tell you “Ett” it was terribly hard for me to keep the tears back when I told you goodbye, and I did have to cry a little after I left you. Somebody pressed my hand right hard when he came in the train; of course you know to whom I am referring.
Stoval made himself very pleasant, and he was exceedingly attentive in Spartanburg. I had not the slightest difficulty there. Arrived at Laurens about dark; one of Cousin Joe’s clerks met me at the depot. I thought it was Belton and reached up to kiss him; you bet your boots I soon found that I had almost committed a fatal mistake. They all teased me considerably about it. We went to hear Rolla Ryan Monday night, it was real good: very humorous. Claude and Guy were there, as I didn’t see a great deal of Claude. I forgot to deliver your message, but I certainly shall when I see him again, he is strikingly handsome. Belton came for me Tuesday morning. Aunt Margaret & I have been quite busy all day, icing cakes and fixing up for Xmas. I told her what you said about not eating any butter since you were here. She says tell you if she has a chance she will send you several pounds. It strikes me that she is some better than she was in the Summer, but Uncle Wash is still very feeble. Fannie Willis came over yesterday afternoon, but left before I got home. Etta you can’t possibly imagine how much I want to see you. Now I want to tell you a little secret “my pet:” it is this — I love you far better than any girl on hearth, Mamie Townsend not excepted. I don’t see how I can live without you. Of course you must come to see me soon. I have been telling all of them what a delightful visit I had to Greer’s; it was certainly the most pleasant trip I ever made. It is nearly Supper time, I must stop and fix the table though I could talk to you all night. Give much love to all the family from each one
[unsigned, but the handwriting and content is clearly Jen]