Hickman's Mills, Mo.
Nov. 22, 1885
Dearest Nan,--
Your dear old letter was gladly received and I was very much overjoiyed [sic] at the good news which it brought. the news that my old darling had joined the church and given her self to Christ. I would have like to have attended the meeting so much, am so glad that it was such a success, we had a meeting not long ago but no additions; our church seems dead. I wish all of us could be awakened from our sleep and liven up and be of some use to the cause in which we are engaged, but we seem to slumber on quite unconcernedly as though we had no work to perform. I think some-times if I were only good and could accomplish some good work and be a benefit in the world I'd like to live. I just despise teaching at times, the scholars are so provoking. I do not board with Sister, it is too far, and I don't like where I am staying at all, but it is the best I can do, school is half out this week, to say I am glad don't have express it. I wish you would step in some time I think it would lighten my task considerably if I could only see you awhile. Oh how I envy Lute her visit! If I could only be with you I'd be so glad, she wrote me she was going. Sister Emma has the sweetest little baby, she told me I might give it a middle name. Its first name is Mary for our Mother, I named her Virgil for my Nancy. I wish you could see your name sake, every one talks about her being so pretty and sweet. Lute said, Dolly Musser was married & I commenced this letter two days ago and was too lazy to finish it, but as I am going down to Sister's tomorrow evening and will have an opportunity of mailing it will try and finish it. I am going down there to spend Thanksgiving. If I was your fellow I'd give you the G. B. if you didn't do better about writing. I am glad that you enjoy giving painting lessons if you had some of the block heads which I have I don't imagine you'd enjoy it. I heard some-time ago that Charlie Moore was dead. I haven't heard from Mary for such a long time, and so sorry to hear of her troubles, hope they will soon end happily. What are you going to do Xmas? Sister sends her love to you. I will have to close for I have some work to do and it is almost bed-time. Excuse this letter and write real soon. Give any love to Miss Lida and much for you. Lovingly, Mattie