C.E. Larned- April 12, 1877

Thurs. Eve. Apr. 12, 1877

Dear Friends,

Your letter was very welcome and we are glad to know you are better than when you left. But sorry Dennis has been so unfortunate, hope he has recovered before now. After you left - or I left you Tues. a.m. when I came home Mr. L(?). went to court and he kept on going all that week and till the next Tues. A.m. of last week. So I do not go anywhere. Sent the little shawl(?) You left to Ms. Little. Ms Dunlap(?) Has been quite sick of ague and neuralgia but Addie and Elmes(?) Were at school today Estell said, I went in town last week Wed. A.m. I see Aunts(?), all were sorry you could not call. It came so meesy & I both stayed all night & next a.m. walked home and drove back after auntie Ralt(?). Did you read that Rev. Evans(?) Got help from the Co. for her board while there! Ms.Kane told me you did. She worked there enough to pay her board. She is fuble(?) Now, has a hard cough. Namice(?) Has been sick in bed for three weeks not able to go out. Is a little better now. Ettie(?) & Ms. Breed had their Grand Opening yesterday and today(?). I was in a few(?) Moments yesterday and everything was beautiful and fine.

House full, but not many sales. No one has moved in your house yet, and I have not taken up the snowball yet but mean to tomorrow. How I would like to see you! M Larned has a hard cold, & is very hoarse . Ms. Peall has gone to bed. Estelle too, she gets very tired in school. Last Sat, James Harris was buried. Jett(?) Larned’s Sister’s husband. But stayed till after the funeral. Do you suppose Jared Peatt could get any work in Hillery? I feel so sorry for his Mother who, in her old age is homeless and penniless.

Our own(?) house(?) was visited 2 or 3 nighs since. Ms. Mooney & Julia have departed to parts unknown. She, Ms. M, told m(?) Kane(?) she did not know where she was going. Ms. Johnson has bought a cow and calf off Mr. Howell. Pays in washing(?) by the week. Now tell me all how you are and I wish I could step in and see you. Have not seen Marcia or any of the rest of them. Hoping yo’ll have a good night rest and won’t cough and will soon write.

truly as ever yours,

C. E. Larned

Dear Maggie,

Many thanks for your kind letter and Estelle says she’ll come when school is out if she can. Auntie brick(?) was at Aunt Etts Mond Tues and then to help at the running(?), which was gay in flowers and laces and ribbons and folks. We miss you very much every way. Mary is studying still in bed and M L. Has gone too. Maggie Dunlap is going to Nebraska the last of the month. She told me yesterday her mother has mumps. Lu came last Sat to have Estelle go in the woods bu she had a sore toe and could not but Lu got nice flowers.

It must be nice to live where you can make maple syrup and I should like to be here and have a good —unknown— of sap. O tell your ma that Mr. Gregory is ‘grandpap”(?). when are you coming to see us. Is it not terrible the burning of the Southern Hotel in St. Louis? We have had rain, rain, & water all over but for two days it has dried.

Mr. Houses(?) folks are well. Gracie(?) came over today & borrowed soap. So goes the work and one day less to live for us. Let us do our best each day and then there will be no rain(?) regrets. Hoping to hear from you all and with love to all.

Truly yours,

C. E. Larned