Lamar,
Dec. 30th. 1883
Darling old Nancy,--
I will take this opportunity of answering your letter. I have been so very busy for the last two weeks that I haven't had any time I could call my own. I gave ten days for the holidays and spent the time in Lamar, - had a jolly time, attended a festival Thursday night, and had such a pleasant time, went out in the country the night before with my new fellow, a young widower, had a boss time of course. I had to come out to my boarding place again last eve, so that I can practice for our concert which comes off tomorrow night (New Years Eve) we are expecting a grand time - have been practicing for about a month, we just got it up to have fun, my widower is at the head of it. I board at his father's. I hate teaching worse all the time if that is possible, I get along very well, but I have some such awfully mean boys, and several large boys, larger than me, but there isn't any danger of one falling in love with any of them. My school will be out in five weeks and I'll be so glad. I'll remain in Lamar a short time and then I'll return to my sisters at Hickman's Mills and stay with her awhile and then go to my home in Independence, my Sister & Brother-inlaw [sic] have moved there since I came down here. I expect to teach up home this Spring. Yes it is true about J H. and I we've played quits. I think him nice too, but you are mistaken about him caring for me. I haven't heard from Lute since I have been here. I owe Mary a letter. You must be busy not to write to your fellow. I can't believe that though. I am sorry to hear you have got to working on Sunday but hope you will be a better girl in the future. So you are going to cut Mary out of Mr. Moore are you? Glad they wasn't mad. I hope you will continue to have a good time.-would like to have been with you Christmas, but it was impossible. I know I would have had a good time. I hope you got to see your fellow that went South, most know you did though. Oh Nan! My widower is down stairs but didn't come to see me he came to see his devoted parents and his brothers and sister.
Jan 1st 1884
New Year's gift. I commenced this letter Sunday but had to stop to go with my widower to make arrangements for our Concert. It came off last night and was a grand success, so everyone said. We had a full house, but it was a terrible night, and today it is snowing as fast as it can, and to think too my widower is going up to Golden City, ten miles from here to attend a ball tonight. I am afraid he will freeze, he stayed here last night and we had an Oyster Supper after the Concert, and watched the old year out and the new one in. I got his New Year's gift, I had so much fun both of us got in front of the clock some time before twelve and halloing [sic] at each other until after the time. I am going to make him pay too, if I can't get anything better will take two or three pounds of candy out of his drug store. He is in the drug business now- I have gotten on the good side of the old folks, I talk to them terrible nice. What did you get Christmas? I got a green plush perfumer case, a morrcco [sic] hand kerchief case and a card case and one hundred cards for writing notes, they are so nice. (the presents I mean) But oh to think I have to commence work again tomorrow! It just almost makes me sick to think of it, for it is so awful cold. I will be glad and sorry too when school is out for I have such a nice place to board and they are so kind, treat me as though I was their own daughter. I intended to have spent today in Lamar but the weather was too bad. When you write to Lute give her a blessing for me. I think she is treating me shamefully. I shall expect to hear of you being married soon. I never heard of so many weddings in my life. Everyone one up home is getting married since I left. Well Nan, I'll have to close as it is dinner time and father A. is going to Lamar right after dinner and I want to send my letter. Write me a long letter soon and tell me all the news. With lots of love and please exercise [illegible] and lovingly yours
Mattie