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Title
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Letter from Jen, to Etta Bailey — February 11, 1886
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Accession Number
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2022.1.5.4
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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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Date
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February 11, 1886
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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.,
Feb. 11, 1886.
My Darling “Ett”:–
Your Mother’s letter to Belton was received a few minutes ago; and I feel like it is my “religious duty” to write at once to my poor, sick Etta. We have all been saying all kind of mean things about you for not writing; but we take every word of it back, since we hear that you have not been at Home, and non-sick. You don’t know how sorry I am that you have measles: trust you will soon be your self again. Now you see Etta if you had come down here and not have gone to Greenville all this might not have happened. You must not say that you caught measles from Ham. He is just too nice for any thing. Did you see the last letter he wrote me? He thoughtfully informed me that he had been unwell for a week; and wished I was there. He really says he is going to send me his monogram, I was only joking when I asked him for it, but of course if he does send it, I will be awfully glad of it. He said that Miss Elephant’s Breath, had her “Elephant’s Breath,” and Miss Mamie had a “burnt biscuit;” and that Mrs. Sasson was at last married. Of course I did not reply to his last letter. You can see I am dreadfully “mashed” on him. Etta for mercy’s sake don’t cut me out. What about Will? You have not mentioned his name in your letters in a “coon’s age.” Nor “Mr. Ferv’s” either. I do wish I was there to nurse you; “Ett” try to drive away the blues, and you will get well lots sooner. Be sure to keep your head bound up in that identical, blue handkerchief. You know it cured it once. Look here old girl hurry up and get well; for we all want you down here. Just as soon as you get able appoint a day and we will gladly meet you at Laurens. I had a letter from Sister Marian a few days since, asking if you had come down, and wanting to know when we would be over. Says they have a big party made up for us; and have engaged a splendid violinist for the occasion. I am sure we can have a jolly time. There is to be a big Ball in Laurens tomorrow night. Belt is crazy to go: so am I; but guess I can not. I had my ears pierced yesterday; and they are so sore, I can not think of going any where. I have applied at several different places for a school; but failed to get one, as all were engaged. So guess, for the present, I will remain at Home. Perhaps, I may return to school in April; though I can not say positively what I will do. Fannie Willis has gone over to Mountain Shoals to take charge of the school there. I miss her a great deal, have been right lonely since she left. She and Warren Bolt, I think, will surely marry before a great while. It is right funny to think of her marrying.
We had a letter from Cousin Mary today. She seems to like her new Home very much. Maida says she is highly pleased: that very “young un” will be a bird one of these “long-come-shorts;” don’t you say so?
“Ett” I get terribly lonely these days: have finished most of my serving; and I scarcely know what to do with myself. I’ve got one old hen; and I watch her every morning ‘till she lays. You can’t guess where the nest is. I think I am as foolish about her as Will is about Lady Kimball – I call her Madame Holcombe. Ask him if he don’t want to trade. She is quite religious, won’t lay on Sunday.
Janie Featherstone has gone back to Williamston: “peace go with her. “Ett” that is one consolation, and a great one too, we won’t be troubled with her, when you come down; I guess I ought not say that; but really “Ett” she did not make herself pleasant in the Summer, did she? By-the-way I saw Will Gambrell not long ago; and Dr. Smith. Tuesday. They are both as nice as ever. I wrote to Cyp to come down while you are here. I know you will like him better than his sister.
Aunt Margaret is as well as usual. She tries to walk about in the sun-shine these warm days. I think she will certainly get better, when she can get out more. She says tell you to take good care of your fat self; and not take cold; and tell Cousin Vic she wants her to write her a long letter.
“Ett” I do hope you will soon be all right. Write me as soon as you are able. Tell your Ma to please let us know right away how you are.
With much love to you and all the family,
Yours,
Now and evermore,
“Jen.”