Cheraw, S.C. July 19, 1858

 

Dear Sissy

            It is so hot tonight & has been so hot ever since you left that I feel like I had been parboiled—& I know I haven't sense enough to write a letter. (I was just then finishing off the word "enough" with a ty t.) The bugs are careening round hitting against every thing in the room; like you know they do of hot nights. None of them have got tangled in my hair nor down in my bosom for which forbearance I feel like singing their praises in a canto of blank verse, for I don't think I ever escaped them, on such a night as this, so well before.

 

I haven't any news to write you & I am glad I haven't for it is too hot for any white body to move muscle as to the negroes exercise is good for 'em / at all times. Sue Lester is improving but how she can improve such weather under such circumstances I can't see I believe she is thoroughly cooked a half an inch deep all over She sits up some now. Lester says he will move her here as soon as she can be. Duvall is at home & kicking up a row, about the graveyard—has resigned his offices in the Church &c. Didn't come to church on Sunday tho' he was down at his brother's & you know how hot it was. I did not blame anyone from staying at home last Sunday

 

I believe I have had the usual amount of company since you left. Mrs Keller has been twice Lester twice Mrs Campbell & her Ma once Mary once or twice. I've had as much as I wanted for. I have the / heat broken out all over me & am obliged to approximate the Georgia fashions. My son has assumed some thing of that stile too. He is as hearty looking from the heat as Miss Effie Bone's husband

 

Mac says you are gone "otes de gibes to Uncle Mac to dee Taty Hell" Mac cryed after you were gone some time & I had just begun to rejoice at the showing of affection when he managed to stammer out "Anty wouldn't let me ride in that Waggy one 'tep". Mac was very much taken with old Mrs M^cQueen's bonnet. he asked at first what it was & then composed it with "Tamenel's bonte" You would have been diverted with the number of questions he asked about it. If it wasn't so hot I could think up a good many things he has said & done since / you left. I am still as stirring as ever. Wash & sew & sew & wash My washing has been very extensive this week. I hope Kate will not increase her family till the weather changes. No sensible babe would come into this breathing world such hot weather. I know if it is as lazy as it's dad it won't be born one step till a change Dr Kollock has been to see us. Give my love to Kate with sympathy & maybe congratulation. Master Mac wishes to be remembered to all & asks his cousin "Taty Hell" to excuse his not answering her letters as every moment of his time is swallowed up by one engagement or another. Mac is a little sick tonight has been vomiting occasionally Sarah is sick too Love to all

                                               

Your Sissy       Isabella

 

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We had rain this afternoon. Husband thinks it doubtful about this letters going this week. There is one letter here for you

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