Lee's Summit
May 2nd 1884
My own darling Nancy,
Your letter was not received until last Saturday, it arrived at Independence after I left. I am teaching again. I finished up the third week this evening. I haven't many scholars. I wish I did but it is a small district. I don't see how your sister can like it, but then she boards at home, that make a grand difference. I am boarding with some more yankees [sic], the reason I did so the lady is a music teacher and I wanted to take lessons and practice on her piano; but I so think their ways abominable. I am always so glad when Friday comes I feel like shouting. I am looking for me a fellow, but there is none to be had. I think I'll emigrate to some country where they are not so hard to find. Well now, I come to think of it there is one here, and a "candidate for matrimony" too, for I saw his card the other day and I see him pass the schoolhouse almost every day, and I had to call him in one morning to get him fix the stovepipe, good excuse you know. I wish you could see him, and hear him talk. You'd laugh I know. Poor darling, how I pity you (over the left) because your fellows have given the G. B. so bad but never mind "dear" you'll be "comforted" with a "comforter" in the "sweet by and by." I know your heart is all bleeding and torn, but I expect it isn't so tattered but what it can be fixed again. When you come to see me I'll see if I can't find a heart fixer. I think maybe I can. I received a letter from Lute last week, many thanks to you for remembering what I told you. I haven't heard from Mary for a coon's age. No I don't know who her fellow is. Oh I think it will be perfectly grand for all of us to be together once more! I want all of you to be sure and come, I hope the spiders will succeed in keeping the flies from bothering that young gentleman I saw but didn't put but one and have it right in the center with legs spradled [sic] out, it would look so charming. Well I must close as it is getting dark. Write me a long letter soon. With love to Miss Lida and lots to yourself I am yours faithfully Mattie. Direct your letter to Lee's Summit, Mo.