McFarland-Russell Letter, August 13, 1871 - Page 1

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]

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

Do you think
I am foredetermined to write at this time. and
no [illegible]. it could not be call negliglence 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 [Maj Sertee?] and [Sister Anna?] 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]