[MANUSCRIPT SCAN PENDING]

The original March 26, 1858 manuscript is currently being processed for the digital archive.

White Oak, Mar 26, 1858

My Dear Leaner

What is the reason that you have not ritten to me as I told Byron to tell you to ever since the week after I left brothers is it because I am so far off that you have forgotten me or is it because you are to happy to think it worth your while to write me a few lines to let me know that I am still remembered by my dear Sister, it is seldom that I have an opportunity to the Po. Of. from hear and as T said at supper that he was going to Kingstree tomorrow (I have deviated from my rule of not writing at night) and concluded to write you a few lines to accompany a history of my travel hear which I promiced the Girls to write when you have read it and laughed enough you must send it to Beth it will sure to amuse them a little.

I suppose you will want to know how I am pleased down hear Tody and Thomas is very kind to me I have a large nice room although it is not sealed with a fire it is very comfortable all I lack to make me satisfied is some way of making moneye, there is no chance hear for a school, and the dear baby is a great sorse of pleasure to me she has so many little tricks and winning ways she is very fond of me and is in my room every morning by times and very often before she is dressed.

I have been down to Mrs McConnell’s and staid nearly three weeks you will think I made them a visitation they are all the kindest people I ever was among I dont wonder at Tody’s thinking so much of them I am sorry that brother is labouring under such a mistake about Zebula for he has changed Zuele name again he misconstrued my meaning altogether where I spoke of his polightness and would you believe he had the face to Joke me in a letter he rote me not long ago he has surtanly forgotten the disparity in our ages and I having no moneye to induse him to make the sacrifice Tode and I laughed hartily when we got his letter.

Cally rote me that you were going to spend April at brothers what is that for it is not the time of year for vacation but did not say when you intinded visiting us Tody and I look forward to the time with very pleasant anticipations and Leaner when you come bring me a yard of black silk for the dollar that is due me and a pound of snuff I will pay you for that when you come for I am so affraid that I will get out and then what will become of me for none of the fowk about hear us it they seem to look on it as rather a disgrace and if I were to out I could not send for any and then you’d have a crazy sister.

Thomas asked me the other day when you were coming I told him I did not know that I had not heard from you so long that I was not posted up with regard to your movements these times and if marriage has made as great a change in your looks as it has in your conduct I am affriad I will not know you when I see you I would not have believed that you would have treated me so it has been nearly two months since you have ritten me a line but hope you will make amens for the past by being more punctual in future, Oh if I only had a plenty of moneye I would pay you all a visit every two months I do love to go on the cars.

I nearly died about two weeks ago with croup Tody sat up with me until nearly daylight she would have sent for the Doctor but there was no one hear that knew the way Thomas was down at his Mothers and the only negro that knew the way was gon to see his wife we were in a pretty bad fix Tody call Elvira in so that if I died she would not be all alone she was very much alarmed and so was I,

I must close by sending Tody & Thomas love to you and respects to Mr B. give my respects to Mrs Fogler and write soon to your affectionate Sister, Addy

Dear Leany Addy tells me you have promised yourself & me the pleasure of a visit this summer, and as you intend to give vacation next month why not come at that time, it will be more pleasant travelling & equally so to me. Do come Dearest! You see I have not forgotten my old love.

I did not intend to write to you again, but those few lines in Addy’s letter reminds me so much of old times that I must say more, come & let us talk of the sweet old times that will never have their like again. I want you to see our little Girl & make her love you as I do. You must give my respects to (Uncle John) & tell him he must come with you & give T some lessons in Farming, for he is so inexperienced in that line of business that he needs instruction. You must excuse this for E.A. is in my lap and will not let me or the paper be still. She is going to be just like you a very bad child. Write soon to sister Mary

EA astonished us the other morning I said to her darling granpapa want to see baby so, and when I got that far she finished the sentence by saying baddy, one day I went to wash her she ran off and I said nevermind my Lady & she said mine Lady I am very sorry we will have no fruit there are a few trees hear but the peaches are not larger than a shelled hickorynut all wormy and no watermelons, and the drinking water very bad, I dont know what is to become of us