Augusta County: (probably L. [Letitia?] R. Smiley)
to Writer's sister (Mary?), November 24, 1866
Summary:
This letter discusses wedding arrangements (and dresses!) and provides several
health updates. The letter also discusses a potential teaching position.
Nov 24 th 1866
A F Seminary
Dear Sister
I had intended writing to Ma this time, but never mind. My cold has gotten a
good deal better. but it is might bad yet. Mary Betty Griner has had diptheria
in a mild form...is better now. Mag & Laura Howard, Bettie Guy Hannie
Groch & Maysie all went out to Maggie Eidson's this morning. May
& Laura were both laid up with the cold this week. Colonel East is to be married the 12
th
December They are to have four attendants apiece ..
start to Niagra. next morning after they are married. Miss Ginnie Dudley is to
be one of hers. & Doctor Trevy & McNutt are two of his.
Miss Lancy Howell and Miss Dudley came up to Captain
Byers yesterday evening. & Mary went up there too [deleted: yesterday evening] Miss Howell was down street this morning buying her
wedding fixings, got two elegant silk dresses cloak, set of furs, bonnet, and a great many other
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things in
proportion. I reckon we will hear all the news when Mag comes home this evening.
M
r
Jim Lusk was married last Thursday to some lady from Highland. They had a
very large infer. at M
r
Turk's last night. Lucy & Mary didn't know anything about that
until this morning & they certainly have been quarreling today because
their Uncle Rudolph didn't send for them. I think it will [added: be] real mean if Fulton's don't
invite you to their weddings, and living so close too. Oh well, If they do ask
you it will be well and good & if they don't it
will be no odds. who will keep house for Bill now? I suppose he will try
& get Becca now. I think every person must be going to get married this
winter. Miss Mary has concluded to have the Cantanta Thursday night before
Christmas. The girls are all to be dressed in white. They are to be divided into
two parts. Zephyrs & Gelowers all the tall girls are Flowers, each girl
to impersonate a flower. the dresses are to tbe
trimmed in green. Miss Anna says it is might
pretty.
I think I'll get some black velvet to trim my hat in. Have you seen M rs Lank's/Lanks' bonnet yet? and what did you think of the fashion of Lucy's & Mary's. They have a heap of talk about Mr C. Charlie & Billie. since they come back, like as if no person else ever had any beans. I certainly do laugh in my sleeves sometimes.
Miss Mary sent for me [added: to go] over to her room
today. I tell you I was scared thought maybe she must
be a going to take my head off. But she told me M
rs
Hayser had been to see her today
[added: in][deleted: and]quiring for a
teacher for some of her friends in [deleted: Va] V
a
. She said she couldn't think of anyone but you
& asked me if you would teach. I told her you would like to teach but
didn't know whether you could leave home this winter or not. The salary would be
$200. there were five children in the family & you could take in
day-scholars. that would make it 100 more. said it was in a very retired place.
and thought you could have a very pleasant home there. She said she
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thought it was in Alleghany County, & told me to write to you. So you
can consider the offer. She said if you had been an advanced Latin scholar, she
could [added: get] you almost any situation. was very
sorry you couldn't come another session. etc.
etc.
