Independence, Mo.
Sept 8, 1889
Miss Nanie Bentley,
Forest Green, Mo.
You trifling old thing:--
I am not going to write you a letter, but just want to know if you are still alive, or are you married & dead to this world & its follies. My feelings are past expression for the manner in which I have been treated by you. I expected you to make me a visit this summer & you didn't even so much as write. Oh I am furious, if I just had you, I would pound you so you never would be able to sit down again. All I am going to tell you is that I begin teaching again two weeks from tomorrow & go to the country in one more week. If you conclude that you ever want to hear from me again, direct your letters to Hickman's Mills, Mo.
Give my love to Miss Lida, but none for such a scalawag as you.
Yours, (over the left)
Mattie
If you write I ill be in Independence it is Box 605.
Nan, I forgot to tell you this until my letter was all sealed and tore it open for it very important. We are trying to build a new church & we are as poor as Job's turkey & haven't near money enough. Won't you just please us, us all you can & ask your father & brother & Miss Lida to help us a little bit. I tell you we appreciate every mite. Write immediately. Mattie