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Augusta County: Emma W. Brady to Mary Anna Sibert, December 4, 1866

Summary:
Brady reports on matters of local interest, including a mining operation, the health of a neighbor, and the family's new sewing machine. A brief note from Sibert's sister Rennie is appended.

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Dec 4th /66

Buffalo Forge

My Dear Miss Sibert

I received your letter by your Papa, and was very much pleased to hear from you, as we missed you very much.

Well the "[unclear: Potoss] mine," has proved a grand thing, and Mr. Sibert says the best opening for [unclear: Barytes], he has ever seen. He dined with us to day, and desires me to say that he will not return, until he can realise a pocket full, and that the finding of this new bed of mineral, will detain him three weeks at least over his alloted time He is in jubilant spirits, and has invited Nan and myself to visit the mine this week: he has five or six miners, and is throwing out

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the mineral beautifully. Nan will answer your letter very soon, she begs to be remember'd to you. Sadie, Min and Ellie send a kiss. Rex & Miller have removed their entire stock of dry goods &c, in the store house on this place, over the creek. Will is as much devoted to his store as ever, and is as lively as ever.

There have been several weddings around us since you left, Nan attended quite a large wedding party at Fancy Hill, and expects to attend one at Botetout next week. We have been confined pretty closely to the house, the roads have been too heavy to make riding plesant, and as to walking--you know how much we do of that.

Our Sewing Machine has proved a treasure, and we

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have been kept pretty busy with it, and have accomplished a great deal with it. I have been writing several letters, and I believe ought to write as many more this evening, so as I have nothing very interesting to tell you, will make my letter very short. Nan will write you after the wedding of next week is over. Much love in which Nan joins from

your friend

Emma W. Brady

I saw Mrs Cupp last evening after she returned from her fathers, says he is doing well but is weak and very much fatigued from travelling Mr. Hites limb was taken off at the knee. The amputation was done in Washington City. Mrs Cupp says he does not seem to suffer any pain

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Dear Sister, I found Ma & the children all well. I was almost frozen when I got home. Old Mt Solon looks horrible. I wish I had staid in Bridgewater. I would have staid But I knew what work I had to do at home. This letter was here when I returned. Have you sent for your clothes that I left at Mrs Whites? You must not get home sick it will not be long till the Capt. will come home & Cousin David will bring you home. Had Ella heard from home lately her father was hurt at the oil wells and had to have his leg amputated They have brought him home & I suppose is doing well
Mrs. Cupp went up this morning to see him. She says she don't want Ella to know it yet a while But I think she ought to know it she must hope for the best & not distress her self too much. If he was in much danger they could not have moved him home. He has much in his favor the cold weather & many other favors. Try & cheer Ella up this is a duty we owe to our fellow creatures. You must not get the blues your self. I haven't time to write any more. All send love to you & Ella kiss the babe for me Good bye
Truly your sister
Rennie
David please give this to Sister Mary