Almond. Dec 1^st 1861

 

                        Fannie

                                                Your letter was handed me by the Dr. who at the time had a broad grin on his face, as much as to say he knew from whom it came. they wanted me to read it to them, but I naturally declined doing so, but told them all the news and that had to suffice.

 

            It is cold to day but pleasant. all of our people have gone to church except Dr & Sarah. the Dr. is writing a letter to his wife and Sarah is on the lounge reading. so you can imagine just how we all look as well as what we are about. Elder Orcutt’s little girl is quite sick with the fever. it seems that they have more than their share of sickness. I pity them much. they are deprived of enough of the comforts of life when they are well, let alone being sick, but they take every thing as it comes without murmering or complaining /

 

I suppose you have heard that Hyatt Frost is married. he was married to a Miss Hattie Robinson a few weeks ago. there appears to be a strange fatality among the young people of this place this year. those that have not gone to the war have got married so that there are very few left. I shall have to keep very straight as a matter of necessity but I presume it will be a good thing for me. I shall learn the ways of old people so that when I get to be one of their number I will know how to conduct myself.

 

            I am to commence my school tomorrow, expect to have great times. I have got to board arround the district which probably will be enough to kill a dog, but I guess that I can stand it. if I can’t I shall secesh. the promise you spoke of I intend to keep if within my power so to do, for I am somewhat anxious to see that little somebody that will remember me so kindly when I go / to war. I think I can guess who you refered to I shall consider that I can at any rate until I am better informed and then beside I am anxious to have that good long talk, although I think you do very well indeed on paper. is my Lake there yet I suppose that will want to be seen to, so you see I have a great many excuses that will demand my presence there some time this winter.

 

            The folks have just returned from meeting and I can’t write for shucks there is so much noise so I guess I had better close for this time. I probably shall not be able to go to W_ before the first of January which will soon be here.

 

Please write soon. Sarah sends her best respects. good by, from your friend

                                                                                                            Frank M Guernsey

SOURCES