Independence
March 10th, 1884
Darling Nancy,
I hope you will forgive me for not writing sooner, but I was waiting until I came home. I left Lamar a few days after I received your letter, but have been visiting my sister at Hickman Mills until last Saturday I had a real pleasant visit. J. S. M. came after me and I went up to see his cousin and was at his father's, but didn't do what you told me to though. Oh I am so sorry to tell you! but Johnnie Ford was married last week to a Miss Garnhart of Blue Springs so we will not get to be cousins. Isn't it too bad after I had set my heart on it too, but never mind this is leap year and I'll find you another fellow by the time you come. I am so glad you are coming, I know you will like Independence for it is such a lovely place. I think I'll like splendid after I get acquainted. I was so glad to get home again, but if I get a school I'll commence teaching in three weeks. Oh how I dread it! Ella has the sweetest children I ever saw, they are all girls. I think they are so much the cutest. I hope you will have all "gals" to rock in your cradle. I know you will have a half dozen at least, and you'll have to name one for each of your former roommates and the one you name for me I'll send a "yaller" linsey woolsey dress; now I know that will be an inducement. I guess Lute is dead and buried, I have long since ceased to expect any letter. I received a postal from Mary not long ago giving me particular fits for not answering her letter. I sat down immediately and answered it. My widower did give me the G. B. too. I did think of taking music lessons to see if I couldn't bring him around but concluded he was too far gone and I didn't want a warmed over man. I haven't heard from him since I left Lamar. I am quite anxious too I am going to write to his sister today. I would like to see your fellow bring him with you when you come and I'll set my cap for him and give you a new one. Ella says tell you to be sure and come and we will do all we can to make you have a pleasant time. Minnie Avery is talking of coming up too, she is a real sweet girl and lively, so we will have a boss time. I have had the terriblest cold for the last week I have had this Winter. I almost coughed my head off, it is better now. I weigh a hundred and ten. I will have commence teaching again so that I'll fatten up for whipping the brats around agrees with me fine but I don't agree with it very well. I will close for this time I have a bushel I would like to tell you but will wait until I see you. Give my love to Miss Lida and tell her to come with you. I am getting too lazy to live almost and have the headache this morning. Write real soon and direct your letters to Independence. Box 336
With bushels of love I am yours,
Mattie