82

Bennettsville S.C. Nov 26

 

My Dear Gabrielle

                        I received two letters and a postal from you last Thursday, after they opened that days mail. I am very sorry you were so anxious for not hearing from me more often, but I have been very busy indeed, and it really seems to me that I am never to be any other way during my life. Your letters & postal were all mailed the same day. I have been and am still very anxious and uneasy about little Darling having a return of the croup. You must be very careful with her to prevent it.

 

            I found Father very unwell indeed when I reached home last night but hope he is a little better today

 

            I think from about a week before I left / home last Thursday he was better than I had seen him during my stay here, and I was so sorry to find him worse when I got home, but I hope he will be well enough for me to go down Tuesday or Wednesday, so as I can see you soon and have the pleasure of attending the musical Festival with you. I have had the blues dreadfully all day. I wished often that you were home. I think I made very satisfactory arrangements for securing the M^cQueen money while at D[?] too, but our collections are very poor indeed and will leave us in a bad fix, but keep this to yourself. All is for the best which ever way it goes. I will not stay more than one day in C— and don't now think I will have time to come by Fort Motte, though Sissie expects / us to do so. And besides, I would not be willing to leave Father so long unless he very much improves before I leave home. Andrew is still with us but guess he will leave soon, as he speaks of going. Lawrence has moved back home. I have not finished gathering & ginning cotton yet, but it is the shortest crop I have ever made considering area, fertilizers &c. Emma & Sam did not marry last Wednesday but I believe they have next Wednesday appointed for the all eventful occasion. I would give a great deal to be with you tonight, or rather to have you here with me. I am afraid I would nearly squeeze the life out of her little Darling. I now rather think Ben & Miss A will marry this winter she & Miss / E. are going to the city Tuesday and should I get off that day, wont I have a nice time with them? And you can't help it for I will be perfectly independent without you along. see now that is what you get for staying away from me. so love, I was invited to little Fallas  birthday dinner today and Sister had a nice turkey I ate the heartiest meal I have taken since you left home I think I hope you secured a nurse while at Aiken, as you were disappointed in getting one to go up with you. I hope I will get a letter from you tomorrow as we have not had a mail since last Thursday night and Darling has been very punctual in writing Love & Kisses for you both your [?]

 

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Ma & Miss Mary send love to you and true Joy.

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