Alexandria Dec 14/64

 

Mr. Sidney Hayden Jr.           

                                                                                                                  Dear Sir,

 

I believe I told you the last time I wrote that if you did not answer my letter I would bother you with another one of the same sort and I intend to keep my word.

 

Father arived here on Sunday afternoon very tired, he has gone to Washington this morning, and will not be back until afternoon or in the evening.  I suppose you are aware, that the reason he went home was, to settle that account of fifteen cents with you.      Tell Reuth that I am very thankful for the apples she put in Fathers trunk, and that I think some of starting a corner grocery some where in town.          How did you stand it at home while Mother was gone to Troy?  I guess it must have been rather lonely, but I dont suppose that you felt as much as Reuth and Charlie.  for you know that you could go over and see your dear Mary (as I suppose you call her by that name now)          Mr Mury I write and let me know if you have got shut of old Mr. Jim yet. if you not, I will tell you what I would do if I were in your place.  In the first place I would go over and ask Miss Mary Mills if I could have the pleasure of her company for a little ride. then I would ao..home and have Charlie hitch Jim to the little lumber wagon and I would get Mary and have a happy old sleigh ride.          I want you should Charlie that I had a “gay and festive” letter from Canny yesterday, he is still at Harpers Ferry and likes it first rate there.  He gets $2.40 per day   and one month he maid forty days and the next thirty.      It rained here last night and it is very wet underfoot to day.          I suppose you are, attending the Pine Plains Institute this winter, and have some jolly times snow balling.

 

            I hear that you all like your Teacher first rate.           Mr.Spook.I hope you will keep Charlie strait while I am away & I know he is inclined to act a little wild sometimes but I have not the least doubt that you will taim him.          Ask George Edininster for me if he has learned the Blacksmith traid and how he likes it as far as he has got.

 

            Now Sid if you don’t write one before long I shall be right angry with you.  Please send me a Waverly paper some times and I will speak a good Word to Mary Mills for you when I come home.

 

            Give my respects to all the Boys and love to all the girls in that part of the country.

 

            Believe me Sir ever your friend and brother.

 

                                    Benot Haydan [Bert Hayden]

SOURCES