Lamar, Mo.
Oct. 26, 1884
My dear Nan,--
I was so glad to get your letter, it does me a world of good to hear from you so I thought I'd answer immediately so that I could hear again soon. I am getting alone fine with my school,--have changed my boarding place, and am pleased real well, the family are very kind and I have a nice room the old lady with whom I was boarding was so highly insulted because I left she would scarcely speak for a while but has gotten over her mad fit. Bro. John goes after me every week if he didn't I'd certainly go up. I try my best to like teaching but can't. I assure you I'd enjoy letting the school "care for itself" and visiting you, but no such luck for Martha. Yes, Lute wrote me Frank Wall was married. I believe I'll prefer bossing myself and other people's brats around to having a boss. Oh pshaw! John Shelton and I are always on the war path, we can't stay in good humor six months to save our necks, we're at outs now. I am trying to find me a new one, can't succeed. I haven't hear from Mary since Spring, was so sorry to her grandmother was dead - feel sorry for her. Yes, she completed German at school don't know whether she was very thorough in it or not. I would like to see her. I received a letter from Lute yesterday, she has been having quite a time with boils. My oldest brother that has been gone for three years came home about six weeks ago but left for Tex again last week and took his little boy with him, we hated to see him leave so bad. I sympathize with you, your leaving and not coming home. This is leap year you might to go and see him and I know he'd be glad to see you. I let you know little folks do amount to quite a good deal (in their own estimation). Mattie says tell you there was an old gentleman gave her a little fellow once and he turned out to be the one and says that may be the way with you, sends her love. Nan, will you please paint this hat mark for me? J. A. T. are the letters, if you will I'll be very much obliged. Give my best love to Miss Lida, I will have to close in haste as usual. Write real soon. With lots and lots of love to you, I am Yours
Mattie