Hickman Mills
Nov. 13, 1882
My own Nancy:--
Your dear old letter was received some days ago and I have thought every day that "I certainly will answer it today," but something would prevent or I'd feel too trifling I know this will be a blue letter for I have had the flues and the headache all day because I did not get to see my fellow yesterday. Nan, all the young folks are getting married in the neighborhood. So if you want to get married come to see me right soon while everyone is in the notion and you'll get off right away. There was quite a brilliant wedding week before last; the parties were Mr. Slaughter and Miss Havron.
I received a very long letter from Mary last week, the second one I have ever received she said the reason she had not written sooner she thought she had an [illegible] my letter but I know that is all bosh, she said Anna C. and Lou Rubey had played quits and also said Mr. Charlie Bowling was going to marry, what is the young ladies [illegible]? Mat has had bad luck her baby was born dead, it was a girl; they are very well pleased with Lamar so far.
Nan, I am getting fat too but I have not quite gotten over the rheumatism yet. John F. does like big girl so don't take any anti fat, I'll tell him about the picture when I see him; but old girl I am getting awfully tired waiting for mine and I want you to send it right away. I would just give anything to visit you this Winter, but it will be impossible, you just please come to see me I am so anxious to see you, and I know you can come.
I guess Old Dick and Bettie have felt like doing several beans or something worse, I am so glad the girls have treated them that way; music is taking the day; all the rooms on the third floor are made into music rooms; old Dickabus don't allow the girls to go to church but once a day and they cannot go to prayer meeting at all. I guess he's afraid they'll get too good like they did last year if I was you and weren't any wheres [sic] I'd go to Lexington for Lute is so ____ pleased.
I guess May B. and May H. had a fine time, had all the whisky they could drink. I hope that protracted meeting will break into your ring and get all of you for I'd be oh so glad: to hear that dear old Nan had become a Christian; a protracted meting commences at our church in about two weeks and I am in hopes the weather will be favorable so that we can attend; the weather has been so very warm until yesterday and it turned cold so very suddenly that I have been almost frozen yesterday and today; and we have had so much rain the roads are perfectly fearful.
I wish I could have gone with you pecan hunting for I know you did have lots of fun, write and tell me all about it.
Nan, if you'll come to see me we will go down to Blue Springs, and stay three or four days, but there is nothing going on round here everything is perfectly dead; just please come, I'll meet you at Kansas City if you will let me know.
I must close as I have run out of everything to write about please excuse this letter and next I'll try be more interesting. Ella sends love and I send love to all and just let and lots to you. Write soon to your devoted
Mattie.