Panora Febuary 5^th 1866

 

Dear Friend Gabe

              I have the pleasure of acknowledging the reception of your letter dated 28^th ult Somehow there always was felt by me a warm affection for you and all your family. I dont know why unless we are all very unwilling to give up the memories of our childhood We all fondly cherish our childhood scenes. Your letter was written in such a home like style that added greatly to its interest. I dont think it right to have one enjoy all the sleighriding and others none. I have not been in a sleigh this winter there has been no sleighing here there not been as much snow as usual and what there was was all drifted all in the fence corners. The weather is good steady winter weather not to intolerable cold and I can assure you by no means to warm. There has been more people froze to death this winter than I ever heard of before I hear and read of a great many freezing I dont think our weather has been any colder if as cold as we have had before but the changes were so sudden it caught people unprepared and traveling. I went up to town one day in the wagon and froze my feet when I know that I was but a few minutes going

 

            How I should have enjoyed Carrie's party if I could have been there. I have no doubt but you all had a nice time. I remember the night when we all were there and what a huge time we had. I have a quiet time this winter I go of Tuesday nights to the Good Templers Lodge all the young folks belong and we generally have a nice time There has been a lodge for some time in Panora and yet it is the most flourishing society that can start about here. We have preaching every Sunday Singing Friday night I do not attend singing

 

            Four weeks ago last night I was at a wedding a young girl sixteen years old I have known her all her life she is sixteen and I am 27 she is an old woman and I am a young girl yet. I suppose folks will say she had a chance and I hadn't well I dont care what they say nor what they think I never expect to see as / as much liberty if I should get married as I do now

 

I believe my health is better now than it has been since I came home to tell the truth my health was not good all summer but I wouldn't compain every body said I looked so well so I just thought they might think I felt well too. Charley has sold his farm to George and lives in town. he works at his trade (carpentering) Matt lives in the enjoyment of plenty she is just fixing up her parlor with new furniture she got one hundred dollars worth Farmers done well this fall here Pork sold for 8 & 9cts those that had a good lot of hogs did well

 

            How I would like to see Jennie if I could only go and take dinner with her or have she and Harry come and make me a visit nothing would be more pleasant. I think your brother acts the whole soul part when he begins to make presents I could not ask for a nicer present than a cloth dress and cloak I got a sett of furs for a present this winter

 

I must close. Write soon and often

 

My love to all

 

Your sincere Friend

Mary J. Campbell

 

PS. I presume you think this queer paper to write on but I can hardly find one bit of paper fit to write on in our town so I take the leaves out of a blank book it being much better than any I can buy                               M.J.C.

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