Letter Jen, to Etta Bailey (with a note from W. W. Burgess) — March, 1886 · Greer Heritage Museum collection

Title

Letter Jen, to Etta Bailey (with a note from W. W. Burgess) — March, 1886

Accession Number

2022.1.5.5

Accession Date

February 4, 2023

Accession Creator

David Lovegrove

Depositor

Shuman B. Gerald, III

Description

The mysterious note from Will is quite puzzling; it appears to be written from Will to Jen, though the letter is from Jen to Etta.

Date

March, 1886

Storage Location

General Archive Box #7 Folder #9

Text

Babbtown, S.C.,
March, 1886.

My dearest “Ett”:–
I just know you are giving me a regular “blessing out.” I do feel real mean about not writing to you, but I haven’t written to any one besides “home folks” in three weeks. I have been teaching hear four weeks. I can not say that I dislike teaching; though my school is uncomfortably large. Until this week I had fifty eight on the roll. I now have about forty. Some of my pupils are three or four years older than me. “Ett” you should see me whipping the little fellows – have to use the hickory nearly every day. This neighborhood is very pleasant – the people are plain, hard workers, but very kind. I board at a Mr. Babb’s – a nice family – I used to go to school with his daughter at Williamston, and of course it is pleasant to have her as an associate. There are a good many young people around here – though I have met but few.
I went Home last Friday; and staid untill Sunday. All were very well. Cousin Mamie and the children came up on Saturday.
How are you all and measles getting along? Hope you have entirely gotten over it. What about you and Will? “Ett” you must come to see me as soon as I give vacation. I am nearly crazy to see you.
By the way, I have two beautiful new monograms, Belton gave me one – and dear little Wilcox the other. I had no idea he would send it. He wrote the dearest little note with it. I am “head over heels” in love with him.
I wish I had time to write you a long letter, but it is mail day, and this will be my only chance of mailing a letter this week. It is past time to “take in,” as I must tell you good-bye.
With much love to all,
From, Your friend,
“Jen.”

P.S. Did you know Bettie Peden when she went to school at Greer’s? She is a niece of Mr. Stewart I think. She is a pupil of mine.
Jen.

Direct your letters to:
Babbtown,
S. C.

[the following is added to the end of the page; it is clearly in Will’s writing]
Bless your sweet soul Why don’t you come up Miss Etta treats me real mean
Yours respc’t
W.W.B
Bob sends kind regards [there was a previous sentence written under this, then erased]