Franklin County: Kate Scott to Edward McPherson,
June 21, 1860
Summary:
In writing to her brother, Edward McPherson, Kate Scott talks of the health and
travel of friends and family.
June 21st 18/60
Hagerstown
My Dear Brother
I imagine you are wondering what - has become of me. I have been silent so long.
I can plead no excuse but my old and bad habit of Procrastination, I can get
very few letters written, I seem to be always busy through the day and in the
evening am out or have company, and I determined as it is a rainy evening I
would devote it to letter writing. We are still in confusion with our building
but- hope soon to be over the worst. We have had a very uncomfortable time and
also very incon
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venient but I think we will be repaid when it is done
it will add so much to our comfort and convenience. I see by the papers Congress
will soon adjourn, you will then be at leisure and must come to see us. I see
you are moving about a little making speeches already if it
were only for the Union Party it would be all right. I cannot
be a Republican. Mary Emma was here yesterday looking remarkably well, as she
grows older she grows handsomer, [deleted: There ever] a fine thing
isnt it. she had a charming trip both to Philadelphia and Pittsburg. They expect the bride and
groom next week I must try and get to see them. I wish you could see them in
Washington. Jinnie will not be home until they come from the Virginia Springs,
Nannie [added: Findley] is going to make her a visit
next week-- They have poor Mary [unclear: Shunk's] baby at January
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and are all perfectly devoted to it and would like to keep it but
Mrs [unclear: Shunk] claims it and will take it home on Saturday. I am
told it is like its Mother -- Poor Mary, her end was a sad one. Mary Alvey came
home two weeks ago, very much broken in health, she was very sick at her
Father's and Dr thinks if she had remained another week she would have died. she
looks dreadfully and was too unwell to travel but- would come home, he thinks
her symptoms are more favorable now. I wrote to Lizzie before she left Baltimore but have not heard from her. I am afraid she
did not get the letter. I will write her a few lines tonight-- she promised to write me when she heard from Lizzie but she
has not done it--. I begged her to come to see us this summer but I don't- know what her plans are. Write soon and let me know
when you will come to see us. Dr has
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been complaining very much with
a pain in his back but is better today I hope it- is
nothing serious. The children are well and grow very fast. Lillie is devoted to
school and learns very fast she reads quite well-- I must close and write a few
lines to Lizzie, write soon
Yours truly
Kate --
Dr says if you have a copy of Sumner's speech please send it to him he would like to see it, Mr Heandy is very anxious to see it also.
