(10) Letter: Lettie (likely Letitia Kummer) to her sister, 1863

Bethlehem April 19th 63

My dear Sister;

We were glad to see your familiar writing again, your missive came yesterday with the article from the American, and also the letter of Aggie's in your direction. Edward is fully satisfied that you have a good Governor.

He wishes to know Cousin Edward's opinion with regard to the Union Leagues formed throughout the North. He was elected recording Secretary of the one formed here.

I am very sorry you have had such a trying time with your little Mary, but hope with you she

will give you little trouble after she has completed her third month. She appears to be very much like our Mary was as a little baby. I expect you bear the constant nursing of your babe more patiently than I did. I used to think it more tiresome than doing a hard days work. We rather expect to have our house cleaning done this week if we can get a man to whitewash. The Professor is too much engaged this season to attend to that part of the work and I expect to have Mrs. Lelansky to clean paint, windows &c. I could not do it all myself very well with Mary about. I shall have my hands full enough with

what will fall to my share, particularly as it is our wash week. But I would just as lieve or rather have one busy week and then be able to take the next easy. Everything is so sweet and fresh after housecleaning that it is much easier to do ones housework for a time afterwards.

Edward seems likely to have as much extra teaching as he could desire, and was obliged to decline an application made to him to day, for desides the Powells he has a scholar here at home two hours a week, and he cannot possibly attend to more teaching.

It is encouraging however that he seems to be gaining a reputation

as private instructor. His health does not appear to have suffered in the least, and now that Spring has really come, he has plenty of exercise in the open air in gardening and botanical tramps. He expected to hire some one to dig our garden, but as Robert Cartright (a neighbor and one of his boys) has volunteered his services and has worked with spirit when the weather would permit, it may not be necessary to get any one else.

We feel as tho' the time of our annual visit to you were drawing near and with all that we have to do before we leave home the time will pass quickly.

The London Times shall be sent at the same time as this. You will probably think "better late than never."

Edward joins me in much love to Carrie Cousin E. & yourself, and kisses for the little ones, Your affec. Lettie