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Title
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Letter from Jen, to Etta Bailey — January 10, 1885
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Accession Number
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2022.1.5.1
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Accession Date
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February 4, 2023
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Accession Creator
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David Lovegrove
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Depositor
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Shuman B. Gerald, III
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Description
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We don’t yet know who Jen is; however, the Tumbling Shoals address gives a hint, as that is the home of Victoria’s sister Margaret. Jen calls her “Aunt Margaret” in the letter, so Jen is not her daughter. Jen also, curiously, calls Victoria “Cousin Vic,” rather than the more expected “Aunt Vic.” Etta is 18 at the time of the first letter.
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Date
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January 10, 1885
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Storage Location
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General Archive Box #7 Folder #9
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Text
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Tumbling Shoals, S. C.,
January 10, 1885
My dearest “Ett,”
Your splendid “Greer’s Herald” was received and wonderfully enjoyed last Wednesday. I wish I had time to write you a long letter, but I am in a big hurry and can not. You may regard this as a business letter; I write now to know the exact time you are coming. We have promised Paul and Marian to carry you over there while you are here. They are going to get up a big party for us and want to know at what time we can be there. “Ett” do, please come soon, we want to see you dreadfully bad. Cousin Mary said for me to tell Rob “yes come.” Of course I would say yes very readily if I had my way and knew he was really in earnest. Please thank him very much for the compliment he paid me. I appreciate it sure. “Ett” I certainly like that boy.
Tell “Will” I have got a crow to pick with him; and a big one sure. I think he might let you love me as much as you can; for you know there are few who really love me. Tell him I would send him my picture, but I went to the artist in Laurens the other day, and he said I was so very ugly, he could not risk his glass. When I get pretty I will send him one sure. I wish I could have been with you [Yruas ?], you must have had a gay time. I am truly glad that you and Will have made up. When you come you must tell me all about it.
“Ett” I hope our neighborhood will be lively in about two weeks. Fannie Willis is to have a friend spend some time with her, and two girls are coming to see Mrs. [Gle___ ?]; and you will be here, I trust. “Ett” do please come right away, all say come!
I wish you had told Mr. Goodlett to pass on by when he goes to Laurens, I don’t care particularly about seeing him.
All are well as usual. Uncle Wash & Aunt Margaret have to stay by the fire most of the time during this cold weather. Cousin Mary left us Friday. They will have a bad time for moving.
Give much love to all the family for all of us. Love to Mamie & Sallie. Regards to “Rob & Will.” Fondly, “Jen.”
Let us know immediately.
Excuse the pencil, all the ink is frozen.
Come! Come!! Come!!!