Letter from Victoria Cunningham Bailey to Margaret Cunningham Sullivan — December 30, 1866 · Greer Heritage Museum collection

Title

Letter from Victoria Cunningham Bailey to Margaret Cunningham Sullivan — December 30, 1866

Accession Number

2022.1.1.23

Accession Date

February 4, 2023

Accession Creator

David Lovegrove

Depositor

Shuman B. Gerald, III

Date

December 30, 1866

Storage Location

General Archive Box #7 Folder #5

Text

Pleasant Grove Dec 30th /866
My dear Sister
I have been thinking for several weeks that I would write to you but have postponed it from time to time and I this very cold snowy Sunday seat myself for the purpose,
We are having a very dull Christmas the weather has been so very unpleasant every one has kept themselves very close. We spent last Wednesday at our old home. Mother gave us a very nice dinner. we all talked about you and wished you could have been present but such was not the case. We all was to have gone to John’s yesterday but it being so cold I declined and very well I did. for it commenced snowing early in the afternoon and I and the baby would have been in a nice fix. I have not heard whether Pa & Mother went or not. Mother’s health is some better but I fear it will not continue so long her cook has left her, she left last Thursday was married the same evening. Mr. Shehan is living in the Cabbin his wife will assist her until they can get a cook. I think Pa has made a trade with Jack (Tom’s father) for another year. Tom is going to Mr. Hawkins. he has also a white man Mr. [Thehan?] on his place, right here I must say he has traded Old Sam off. Belton took a good cry. got another horse and Belt has a very nice Colt. Mother requested me, when I wrote to remember her to you all, and if you cant take time to write to her, get some one to do it for you,
John’s family is well as far as I know, he has cut his ankle with an axe he has to walk with a crutch, but is getting well Sarah is going to take her family and live with her daughter Harriet. [Tilder?] will stay with them, the children are going to school to Mr. Wood at P.G. and Mamie is the worst little girl that is now out, she has been sick, and does not grow much, Sophronia sais she is fearful she will never get to make that long talked of visit, but cant make it this weather, Belton and Frank was going to your house last week but the snow prevented them,
Mr. Bailey has not employed any freedmen as yet. our man Carter is going to leave for [Buncome?] N.C. his wife is our cook, we have to look out for another
Perhaps you would like to know what we are doing. Mr. Bailey is nursing and talking baby talk while I write, and now a word or two about our dear little baby, she is without any doubt the best and sweetest little creature that has ever been. she never has taken a cry yet sleeps all night never had to get up with her, at night, she is now laughing and crowing, and her Pa sais tell you it will not be long before she can write to you, and then you will hear from us often, her neck is about well but one of her ears is a little sore, Mother and I are going to try and make our visit as soon as the weather get warmer say March – or – April. I hope we will have a nice time as we anticipate a great deal of pleasure with you all. I think if I could see you this evening I could enjoy a social chat,
Mr. Bailey received a letter from Mr. [McClimon?] he has landed at his place of distination and is highly pleased with his move, he gives a very flowery description of his country and feels assured he will never regret the step he has taken, he says Mrs. Mc drove one waggon almost there she is no doubt perfectly delighted.
Baylis James & Sallie has moved to the Dr. [Trun?] place, Amanda is in a big way fixing off to Missippi. She will leave in February –
I had like to have forgotten to tell you Ben Morgan & Nan Westmoreland is Married they came down and spent a night with Mrs. Morgan, I have not heard where they will settle, We all spent a very pleasant day with Mrs. Morgan the day you left Ben was so bashful he could not come in, but said he wanted to see my baby, and sent Clarinda in and she carried it out to the kitchen,
And your friend Alfred Taylor & Sallie Goodlett is Married, I hear she is stepping around considerably.
Monday evening I have a chance to send this to Greenville. So I will Close all joins me in love to you all, the baby sends a kiss to you she now allup in her Cradle
Your Sister V, E Bailey

Relation

Etta Bailey Burgiss papers