McFarland-Russell Letter, March 22, 1892

[postmarked Manchaca Tex Mar 26 1892]

Mr. R. E. Russell Orange Texas

Manchaca March 22nd / 1892

Mr R E Russel

Dear Cousin

I have thought every day since I sent you my pictur I would answer your letter but some thing always prevented. I have been frollicing around ever since Xmas day. I stayed in Austin nearly three months thens Mama Papa and I went to Bastrop stay there two weeks got home last Sunday eve. I am very favourably impressed with B-- expecially the Pine Hills they are just beautiful the Pine trees were in full bloom when we were there. don't think I would ever get tired of looking at them

the country between here and B is very rought we had to go right through the Post Oaks and sand Hills of all the dreary desolate God forsaken countries on earth it is down in those Post oaks it is inhabited by the very roughest and most illiterate class of people there is. I was actually afraid of them Cousin Bob you ought to come to Austin now and see the dam it is a grand sight. the Du[ ? ] cars run out here now I have been out there several times am going again Sunday eve if it doesn't rain, but from the looks of the weather at present I am afraid I will be denied that pleasure Do you still correspond with Katie? Poor child she has a rough time. her father drinks as hard as ever he has been drunk for three weeks. he got in to a

fight last week. came very near getting killed received several very painful wounds--had to pay a $20 fine. I don't know what is to become of his family they are bound to starve if he doesn't do better Aunt Bell is not able to sew any more and Katie can't leave her so what are they to do? Did you get the cane see I think Papa sent them white I was in Austin Papa say please send another box of that salve you sent me and he will pay all charges. send price and he will send back the money. Do you ever hear from Aunt Laua Vaughan & folks? I haven't seen any of them since last summer. I will close Love to all

I remain as ever

Edward