McFarland-Russell Letter, September 26, 1871

[envelope with embossed 3 cent stamp not postmarked]

Bleakwood Tex Sept 27th

Mr. R. E. Russell Orange Orange County Texas

Bleakwood Newton Co. Texas Sept 26th 1871

Mr R. E. Russell,

Dear Friend,

I received your welcome though brief letter today and will answer it tonight, but must confess I have nothing very interesting in the way of news to write.

I was glad to know your Mother could come and that the time suited. I will be ready to go with you in Oct if Ma is no worse, if she is you would not want me to go I am very glad Clark refused to wait. for Hoag would not have waited with him I am sorry for the mistake I made but she will wait with any body else. I do not see much use for waiting but will have her any how.

I see my candle burns down faster thatn I can write so I must write fast if I expect to have it last. Well Mr Steve and Miss Sue have married at last; I was sorry oh so very much only because I was not there it was forsaking not to know it untill it was over.

You said it would be my fault if I needed any thing down there and not send for it. I do not know of any particular article. Those paltry stores in Newton never have whats wanted

It is very neat deal father to Burkeville but generally fare better I wish I did have something to send for them I would put you to the trouble to get it. You wanted to know if I had said any thing to

Thomas yet. oh Yes I told him last week and what do suppose he said, well he said this. I am very well pleasant but still I do not like to see you go off. he says he does not know how they all will stand it, I had almost thought he had become reconciled to his being gone so long but when he comes home, he always says he has got home. I had hoped that Gus and H would have got here by this time. but will still look for them a while longer. "Hope on hope ever." I have written and bloted so many pieces of paper that I had almost got cheated of getting a piece large enough to make a good letter. You see I am offended by your not writing me a longer letter and remembering your remark a bout envelops. I had an idea I wanted put my letter in yellow envelop. but as you have forgotten it I will have done with the subject. I think if time would do any good in writing. I am sure I have had ample time to do so, but you see it doesn't improve me in the least, I have just got in the humor of writing when I find both paper and light have about expired and I think for too much work is too much, present my best regards to your Mother. Write me soon and bring letters then. I will be in a good humor (as I will contradict myself) and say as I am to night as ever, Yours forever

Kate McFarland