McFarland-Russell Letter, September 24, 1871

[Envelope 2 cent stamp bullseye cancel postmarked Orange Texas Sep 23 1871]

Miss K. McFarland Bleakwood Newton Co Texas

Orange. Orange Co. Texas, Sept, 24, 1871

Miss Kirrie Mc Farland

Dearest Friend

your most kind and welcome letter of the 20th came to hand in oun time and you can say to your Father that I also received his but will not answer it this time. The time which you have set will suit. Ma says that she will come. Pa says that it will be impossible for him to come. Tom talks like he would go and Aunt Sue & Uncle Henry will come I guess. Tell Mag that Clark says that he should like very well to wait with her but it will be impossible for him to have her business, do you think it will be necessary for us to have any waiters if you do let me know and I will try and find some one else Well I guess thats enough of that for the present, you did not say whether you would come home with me or not please let me know by return mail. try and persuade your Ma to come down to Orange and I think she will get well. I think Ma can talk her into the notion of leaving home for a while. Have you said any thing to Thomas yet, I will be up there a few days before hand I may go up to the Fair. Will. Stark. and I will come up together we will start up about the 9, or, 10. I will go on up home with him and we will go from there to the Fair you ought to be here the first of the month the Thespean Society are going to give a Ball in the Hannah Hall and if you were here you could see what a fine turnout Orange afford I think it can beat any other little town in Texas. I tell you Orange is coming out all the while. tell your Pa that Pa says he would like very much to come up but all hands cant leave home at once, he has just got his shingle Machine started and he cannot leave on that account, and then he has to be in Houston the first of November so you see it will be impossible for him to come. has Gus & H arrived yet. I would like very much to see them while I am up there

I did think of sending for a set of furniture but I will wait a while and let you see what kind you had rather have. I want you to suit your self about all such as that you know you can suit your self better than I can, you did not say whether you would need any thing or not if you do and do not get it it is your own fault. tell Mag that I am going to have Henry for my waiter and see what she will say to that. you can tease her a while about that and then tell her better I would not have her wait with any one she does not like tell her if Tom comes up that he will stand up with her and see how she will like that. well Kate believe I have told you all the news that I can think of at present. please excuse all errors and mistakes as I have been writing in a hurry I spent the day with Uncle Henry & Aunt Sue and did not get home as soon as I ought to have, so you must excuse this short letter and I will try and do better next time. write soon and tell me all the news and tell all of them folks if they dont quit teasing you I will settle with them when I come present my kindest regards to all the family write me soon

I remain yours forever Robert. E. Russell

Please excuse all blots R.E.R