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Aug. 3rd 1882
Miss Nan Bentley
May our dear sugar lump
Your precious old letter was received last Saturday eve and I thought I would answer it immediately. I have had a real jolly time for the last two weeks, have attended two basket meetings, one last Saturday at Heart Grove and the Sunday before at Blue Ridge, there were over three hundred at Blue Ridge and oh Nan! We had a [illegible] old time. Bertie and Anna were there and we were together all day. I tell you I had a fun [illegible] time last Saturday, G. H. brought his cousin (Annie Bailey) down Saturday eve and stayed until the next evening and we just had a bushel of fun; he is coming after me Saturday a week and I am going to stay there until Monday and we are going to church at Belton and have a general good time if nothing happens; but believe me we are not going to step off any ways soon and if I can get a __eration I certainly will teach this Fall. Nan, I went black berrying last week and good heavens I never had such a jolting in all my born days if I get forgiveness for that trip I'll not go again this Summer, we went about several miles over the roughest bushiest road I ever traveled, and did not get a pint of berries, but I had considerable fun. Matt and I spent the day with Mamie Gill yesterday and I told her I was expecting you and Lute to visit me and she said she would give you a croquet party and help me to make you have a good time. Nan, I want you to come the 18th and will meet you at the Depot and the evening of the 19th I'll have the boys and girls to call and try to make you enjoy yourself; but you must not expect anything fine for if you do you will be sadly disappointed. Lutie said she was coming the 19th but I'll write for her to come the same time; and I want you to write and let me know if you can come them if not, what time you can and please tell me what train you'll come one and when to meet you: I want to know in time to write for John Ford to be here; I shall expect you to stay until after the fourth Sunday in this month if not longer for you can not get acquainted under a week, Nan do not disappoint me but be sure and come: I shall expect you to bring your picture for me.
I wish I had been with you in Higbee to have some boat riding and could learned to row for I think if I would have been splendid I would be willing to be as black as a crow I must have to have some fun I am dying to see your "dear John" if he is so awfully killing, can't you contrive to bring him up with you? If you can I'll trade you another "dear John" for him, that is if you and him are willing. I know though that he would never consent.
I received a letter from Mary over three weeks ago, and answered it Monday. Hers was ten pages long and just a splendid letter, she told me about hers and Karl's carrying on.
When did you hear from Miss Laura Bowling? Give her my love when you write her. I received a letter from May Banning she said that Cora had been talking about paying you a visit, it is too bad that she and Bobbie have played quits. I know you are glad for you were so very jealous of May; she says ___ she is going to Hardin College this Fall. Nan, have you attended any picnic's this summer? I have not heard of a single one, there is to be a grange picnic Saturday about six miles from here but I am not going to attend, we have had to cook so much for the last two or three weeks that I am sick and tired of looking at cakes and pies and, every-thing else. Promised so. Good by I am lovingly yours
Mattie M. Truman
Write as soon as you get this and tell me when you can come. Give my love to Miss Lida and receive a lot for your own because I have ___ up my mind to give up gift for you know I ____ little self. Mat sends love and says be sure to come.
Aug 4th Oh Nan! Mr. Stonestreet came out from K.C. last night and brough the cutest fellow, he is too cute for anything and I am dead gone too dead for burying. I wish you could see him, he is so handsome, and just come and please write immediately and me know I send a letter letting her come at the same time to send this.
Nan, pray for it not to rained next Saturday for I do want to have some fun if you will I'll tell J. H. all about you and what a jolly girl you are; you look your prettiest while you are her for I want you to make a "smash". Good by darling. Be sure and come. Mattie