Ridgewood Jan the 27^th 18[?]

 

My Dear Cousin Lizzy

                                    It has been a subject of some deliberation for the last two or three days, who I should write to first. I have at last concluded to write you, as I think you have the oldest claim.

 

            We all felt exceedingly sorrowful at the melancholy intelligence of Uncle Moses death. We were in Columbus at the time (at least Grand-ma, Grand-pa and my self) the day two that Captain Holmes passed through, which added much to our gloom. I have expected such news from Hancock a long time, but it came very sudden at last, not hearing that he was at all sick. I guess that it was almost as sudden to you all.

 

Grand-ma is very anxious to visit you all, and I think will some time in March or Apr, the roads are so bad, and Grand-pa is nervous that I almost think it possible for them to go before that time. Grand-ma complained more than I ever heard her. I think it would be imprudent for her to think of traveling this cold weather. I think that Billy's visit helped her a great deal. I wish that some more of you would come out. Aunt Eliza promises a visit this summer. I hope that she will keep in that mind. I am always glad to see anybody from Hancock, but when I see any of my kin I am very apt to get foolish. Tell Billy that I have not had the pleasure of introducing Miss Tabitha lately, she left soon after he did on a visit to her sister's. The Misses Baxter arrived here the sunday evening after Billy left Monday. I was much surprised and very glad to see them. They stayed here until the next Thursday. I went with them to town so Blondie could attend the ball / the last night in last year. I stayed with them two weeks during which time I thought Bettie enjoyed her self very much but Blondie is sadly disappointed in Columbus. I think so many girls so far ahead of her that she cant shine and you know enough of Blondie to know that she cant stand that. She is flattered to death at home, and I must say that I think it a very great injury. The market in Columbus is glutted this winter if I may use the expression. there is about three clever girls to one decent beau, a great many girls from a distance and Columbus can boast of as many pretty girls as any city in Georgia. Blondie says that she is home sick, and will bet that the first thing you hear her say when she gets back will be that she can do better in Hancock than any where else. As for Bet I think that she has made a dead set. Lt Stone or Lightner one and I think Stone, and I think moreover that Mr Stone is more than half in earnest, so you must not be surprised if a wedding should be the result. She talks more about Lightner but I think she thinks more about Stone. I have taken quite a fancy to Mr Lightner my self because I think he has a voice very much like some of the Mt Zion folks. I think that you would know the voice were you to hear him speak.

 

The girls will be out here in a few days I guess. They heard that there would be a great many parties in Columbus last week or they would have come home with me. I saw DeWitt nearly every day while I was in town. He came by every night for me to go with him to church. This last revival has certainly changed him more than any one I am sure. He does not visit any of the / girls now, except Miss Bell occasionally, never misses church attends as regularly as Dr Goulding. He says that he has made up his mind never to let any thing keep him home but sickness. I heard some hints about his studying for the ministry, not from him though this I do know that he is not altogether satisfied with the business that he is in now. He is going north this spring. I guess you will see him either going or coming back. Strong stories afloat about Julia J— again. She says positively that her engagement with Mr Gray is broken off. she considers herself free and on the carpet again. she looks badly care worn and haggered. I could tell you some strange about her if I could see you, things that would not look well written, and some that I would not put my name to. Julia will hardly speak to me now for no reason under the sun. Well I guess you think that have talked about folks enough for one letter. I think so too.

 

All of our folks are well. I believe and work on pretty much in the old way. The baby has no name yet. he is a handsome little fellow, large black eyes. I saw by last weeks paper the death of Mrs Wiley Harris, felt very sorry to hear it, she left an infant. I presume you have heard all about it before this. Mrs Lankey's health is about as it has been for the last year. she looks very badly. My best love to every member of your fathers family, Mr Harris and except for yourself as much again as you ever did before. Grand-ma sends love to your Mother and many thanks for the letter. Mama will answer it shortly. Please tell Billy and Cousin Henry that I will write to them soon & I would be glad to hear from you and Sammy Your cousin Sallie

 

[verso]

 

[?] Ga

Jny 28

 

Mrs Elizabeth B. Harris

Mt Zion

Hancock Co. Georgia

Care of Mr James Harris.                  

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