(14) Letter: Edith Hallowell and Sarah Miller Hallowell to Mary Hallowell, April 1st, 1894.

"Rockland" Sandy Spring, Mont. Co., Md.

Ap. 1st 1894

Dear Mary:

We were prepared for the news in thy letters as Cornelia had told us of what transpired at the [Com?] Meeting at [Cloverley?]. It was very complimentary, the way they spoke of thee. We have not had a regular talk about it as after tea Dr. M came in and is still here. I could not hear a word they were saying and concluded to write to thee. We (especially Frank) think the salary is entirely too small. Thee is there only one hour less than the others and F. says – if anything should call Miss H. away – all the responsibility would rest upon thee. Edith thinks thee right to rest and Eliza too, only Edith seems to think two of you ought not to be home - not earning a salary. I think it would not be anything very dreadful*! See end of letter. I think they could do enough to make thy mind easy – and let Edith and me have a little let-up – not that we are over-worked but we are kept pretty steadily occupied –

Eliza says thee has been in school ever since thee was eight years old and ought to have a year off. Cornelia thinks thee ought not to let such a good opportunity pass – and she wants thee to teach her children! I have not heard John's opinion. Frank Mrs. Young and I took tea there last eve in honor of John's Birthday – (42). We had a very nice evening tho – it was short – as I felt anxious to get back to father – who had too bad a cold to go out. He is rather better today, but has a trouble-some cough. Frank has a cold and a pain in his eye. Does the know he cannot read a word with the eye that was struck? I am very much worried about it, but do not allude to it. We heard today that James has pneumonia. I fear it will go hard with him as his lungs are weak and his stomach suffering from his drinking habits. Tho he has not taken whiskey for ten months. I would like to get to see him, but it it is not possible I fear. Eliza and I did not get to Wash as we planned. Hallowell's stomach was out of order and he had some fever & she had a bad cold, so we gave it out and as it turned out a rainy aft, we were very glad we were at home. I spent

"Rockland" Sandy Spring, Mont. Co., Md.

Thursday night there and left there very bright the next aft. Hallowell is a charmer – and Robert is lovely. Eliza likes her new cook very much, she is a great improvement over Carrie. We have no cook for the summer – Elizabeth leaves the last of May. We have tried [?] – but failed – we do not know of any boarders.

We heard yesterday of the arrival of Little Dorothy Stabler – Clara's – child. Aunt Connie was in a great state of suspense as it has been expected for more than a week. They are doing very well. Walter says he has not had much experience in babies, but he cannot say it is pretty. Aunt Connie expects to go in as soon as the nurse leaves, and will look after Walter while Clara and baby are in the country this summer.

2nd day – Eliza wrote for Mother this morn as all of them have colds; none of them much sick. Will write a card. I did not say [?] of us ought not to be home without earning anything. I said right away thee ought to rest. If either

of us went away it ought to be me – but as it is not likely I could get anything to do, I proposed to Mother some time ago that I should be cook, then house girl next winter. We could have lots of fun. I got breakfast today and enjoyed. I think thee ought not to teach next winter.

Edith