University of Virginia Library

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Mama received Aunt Mary Jane's letter this evening saying
that you had some thought of coming over to see us in a week or two,
and I cannot lose any time in begging you to do so by all means. We
were just consulting as to how we could get you to come, and I was
so delighted when it was mentioned that you would probably do the
very thing we wished. I am afraid you will think me very selfish in
this, and in some degree I am for I shall be very thankful to get
your assistance in some things, but I trust you know us all well
enough to know that we all want very much to see you for your company
alone. Most of my heavy work is done, but then there are so many
nice little things to be made that take time, and I have so completely
broken myself down with work, that even a little thing seems to
me a heavy undertaking. Here there are so many interruptions that it
quite discourages me. I cannot do a quarter as much as I did while
I stayed with Aunt Maria, and I am quite in despair when I look forward
to the near approach of speeches etc. when any steady application
to wirk is so difficult. Knowing how rapidly you use your needle
and how ready you are always to lend a helping hand, my thoughts
turned directly to you, and I hope that your engagements will allow
of your leaving home soon. I hope you will not be alarmed at the
prospect of so much time, for I am sure you would not think what remains
to be done anything very great, and if we both work some, I
am sure there will be ample leisure for recreation too. We are all
glad to hear that Grandma is in the main better, but very sorry that
she still suffers so much. I hope dear little Willie is better. Aunt
Mary Jane did not say that Aunt Margaret had any thoughts of coming
over. I wish you could all be here, but that I suppose is not possible
in Grandma's state of health. Grandpa & Grandma Tucker will be
influenced in their movements by the time of my marriage and as no
precise time can be named for that until after the 29th, I suppose
they cannot yet say exactly when they will pass through the valley.
I was very much shocked to hear of Mrs. Douglass Gray's death. She
was a lovely woman, and her loss must be deeply felt by her family.
I suppose you have heard of the death of Mrs. Courtenay's twins.
They were nearly six weeks old when they died and were buried in the
same coffin. I have not seen Mrs. Stevens for a long time, when you
come I daresay I shall be able to go to see her oftener. Mama & Maria
returned Wednesday from Mr. Rives' where they stayed a week, and as
I had the housekeeping to do, I was but too delighted when they got
home. Bob had the measles very badly during their absence, and as, in
addition I made a good many preserves, I was pretty well worn out in
that short while. Bob is now quite well again, and the hair is actually
coming out on his head at last. Flora is not yet able to do anything,
but is recovering slowly. I went to see Lucy Grattan the other
day, she is staying now at Mrs. Gilmer's in town. She seems to be a
remarkably amiable girl. We have been going out strawberry gathering
lately, and in two evenings got about 10 quarts. I think that was doing
very well for the boys, I only went once. Pa, Ma, & Maria join me
in a great deal of love to Yourself, Garndma, Aunt Mary Jane, Aunt
Mary, Aunt Margaret, Aunt Caroline. Remember me to Mrs. Rodes if she
is with you and kiss all the children.