Mary (Chapin) Burt - November 27, 1859 - Orangeville, IL

[written in margin in darker ink] Angie’s Letters

Orangeville Nov. 27/59

Dear Parents,

I do think I will write this time, though I can hardly conform my fingers to the pen, it is so long since I have taken one in my hand. I did write after I came home as I promised but here [illegible] without an envelope so long that in my desperation I threw it in the fire, supposing that you preferred fresh to stale news. There has been something to hinder ever since, either a want of material or sickness. Willie has until [illegible] two or three months been a very fretful child crying almost [illegible] was very poor, till the past three months I have recovered both health and strength. They told me that I looked as if I had one foot in the grave, and my looks were not deceitful, for I felt so. I heard not long ago that you had both been very sick, but were getting better. It seemed to me as if I could hear you reproaching me for my neglect; thought I was ungrateful, forgetful, never to be remembered child. Well! and here is a (blank) - all is past now. I could tell you the news. Elizabeth Burt & Mr. John’s were married last Thursday. No one heard of it until Sunday. She rather gave them the slip. There was a party at Mr. [illegible] that evening. They were to attend; but previous to that, they went to the minister and had the knot tied. Requested Ellen Burt to come and help her fix some things saying that the wedding would be soon. Then she gave the slip which quite offended her. Ellen said [illegible] would not have any such wedding as that.

Mother & Father have been living with us the past year, but are now in Columbus. Welling & Malona went west last summer with the intention of living there; have all been sick had the Wabash scratches pretty bad. Welling as come back again. I am writing in the dark. will stop till I can see the line.

After tea) Perhaps I can hold my hand a little steadier than before. I have just heard of the death of Mr. Samuel Denman, died of Consumption.

I saw Mr. Rector, Angeline & Ella at the fair. They were well then but I suppose that you have heard from them since that. Ange talked of teach-ing again. Mary McNeil was here last summer but have not seen her since. I go less than ever now. Seldom put my face out of our presmises. I never was more confined. I do not feel as if I had time to think even. Mrs. Mary Skinner has got a boy now.

They are still carrying on the coal business here. We board two men and keep a girl. I suppose you have heard what a nice time I had coming home I descirbed all the particulars in the other letter (which I suppose you never received.) so long ago I have most forgotten. Arriving at Lafay-ette I found I must take passage on the freight train and such a loathsome place it was, ankle deep in tobacco juice. and that was not all, from eight) until four P. M. I never was so tired in my life. I had to wait until half past) six in Indianapolis, then I did not get to Columbus until three in the morning. There I found some gentlement that Father had told to watch for me of course he waited upon me to the house. Mother got up and got me a warm cup of coffee. The first since I left Mr. Wells. Mother thought the roast duck was quite a treat. She bragged on it very much. It made us all a good meal. That turnip! several eat from it and then the remnant of it made us two meals. Thomas looked at it and then said he never saw a turnip that would serve for two meals after a supply of it now.

Thomas begun to feel quite uneasy, said that if I had not come that day that he should thought that some accident or some thing else had happened to deter me.

Lizzie says, “I must tell you that she would like to see you all, that she woul dlike to go out there again.” Nora says, when “Ma goes out West again she is going too, to see Grandfather and Grandmother Chapin Lizzie wishes to know what Marcia’s boy’s name is.

You must give my respects to all of my acquaintances and take the love yourselves: If there is any thing amiss in this epistle you must overlook it, remembering that I have not written for a year. Write and let me know how you get along

your affectionately

Mary L. Burt

(do as well as this

[written in margins in darker ink]

Mr Samuel Denm Denman Denman died of Consumption

Mrs H Pebble

Do unto others as you would that