McFarland-Russell Letter, August 13, 1871

Bleakwood. Newton Co. Texas August 13th, 1871 Mr. Robt. E. Russell Esteemed Friend.

Do you think I am predetermined to write at this time. and no sooner. it could not be call negligence for I got ^an^ answer to your very welcome letter almost finish when I took the fever. as I have missed and almost forgotten it. I will try and write you the news. I have looked all the morning for [Miss?] [Kittie?] and Sister [Ann?] until I have come to the conclusion they are not coming, and I will spend the Evening in writing to some friends I have some letters that has been wanting five weeks for an answer well may they call me negligent, but - today I will try and [illegible] myself.

I must surely write to Isabella [pencilled in notation "1" inserted here] & [Geo?] this evening or catch a good scolding from them soon. we received letters from them

[pencilled in notation "1 Westhard? inserted here]

last week telling us of nothing prevented they would start out this fall. I look to that time with the greatest pleasure and delight: although I know it will make the next separation tenfold worse, they may stay with us until the last of the winter. even now I do not like to think of his going back.

Mr Clark called to see us yesterday though did not stay long. he was going over to his Uncle's he said I did not much believe him. he thought he could get a good joke on me. I shall tell him the next time he undertakes or teases me that I will not mail another letter to him, ungrateful Clark: he told me Miss Dora Frances was to be married soon. so you will have another chance to enjoy yourself and "swing them right& lef". " There was a marriage in Mrs. [H. Kelly's?] family last week. [Mrs.?] S. Wright - a cousin to Clark W---. Miss [Mary?]. Kelly. must have been a very pretty bride. though she is [six?] years

his senior. that has got to be a common incident of late, Please do tender my thanks to Capt & Mrs. [Moor?] for their remembrance of me when they were being so happy at their union. They expect me to be a neighbor to them, [sure?]. I did not understand . are they thinking of coming up to New -ton? if not I fear they will be disapoinnted [sic] for not one down there has ever asked me to share their heart and house.

as I could not see the look how could I say what kind of a Judge you were. now if I were to guess how would I know when I was right,

The ring you spoke of sending for by Capt Lancaster as it is a gift from you keep it - Mr. Russell until you come up as you say you will come up in Oct., I hope you may have a pleas anter time than you had in the summer. Sunday is I do believe the loneliest day in the week and this one has more than it's share. I think I shall go over the river soon. as I have not been to see Thomas for six or seven months it is time I was going that -is if Ma don't

get any worse. I think Ma is some better. she sat up more and has more strength though she is very week[sic] yet. It isnt so far to go for a Dr now Dr Alston has come back to Newton to practice he [crossed out "is"] boards at Judge Wingates.

I would like very much ^to get^ and be thankful to you for a cutting of the Geranium

I had almost forgotten ^to^ ask about & your friends Miss Fannie and Bee, all Fannie can do is to "bear up [bear?] [on?]". Mrs S. will relent after while as there is nothing I want - in Orange I will thank you for your assistance. I think I have written quite enought of my nonsense for I intend to leave a place for my name if I have to leave a sentence unfinished. if I did not feel as lonesome I would write a long letter this little note will lengthen before you finish it, though. Write me a good long letter if you want to please your true friend

K.C. McFarland