McFarland-Russell Letter, October 3, 1871

[Envelope embossed 3 cent stamp struck through, not cancelled]

Bleakwood Tex

Mr. Robert E Russell Orange Orange Co Texas

Bleakwood Newton Co Texas Oct 3rd 1871

Mr Robert E. Russell

Dear Bob

Your letter of the 2nd reached here at four this evening and I think I have improved greatly to be answering it at so early a period. as I have been very busy this evening writing will be a pleasant recreation. And while I am in such a good humor I ought to write an interesting letter, but for all that I will miss it. You wanted to know who would be here none but just the family. Brother Thomas and Ferika will come over I guess, we will just have a family affair of it. as you first proposed to do. Ma's health is too bad to have a wedding and for my part I do not care to have any. You need not put yourself to any trouble to get any one for a waiter. we will not have any Now sure Mrs Russell did you really think I was in correct about the envelope. one is just as good as an other. I see you do not like my jokes as I will quit before you tell me to and as I can not write any way but the drill way. I intend now not to write a long letter. I have been trying my best to get some of the girls off to the wedding but I find it is no use to try to persuade them on the 5th of this month