RK-370

Anna July 20th '57

My dear Bob

I hasten to answer your last - consider me still indebted for the first

I was glad indeed to hear from you but pained to learn that you'd not been in good health. Those Hats are still invisible to any longing eyes, and I have but slight hopes of them in the future

Consider me your life long friend for the trouble you have taken to get them for us - and if ever I can do a like favor for you just let me know and "I'll be thar" -

Yes, tell Tom ever so many good things about me - reserving the "Fibs" till he finds you out as I've done - I'll tell him what a quarrelsome teasing "fellow" you are, and "of course" he won't

believe one word of it - I did intend writing you lots of news, but am in a hurry (as usual) and its awfully warm - The Thermometer at about one hundred -

All of your friends here are just as you left them - with nothing to disturb the "even tenor of their ways" - with the exception of Mr Gow - his family have arrived and are "keeping house" - one of his children was buried last week, & three are at present sick with the Measles - Your friends here (and you have many) often speak of you. Dr. Mc'Gran has three or four Snakes - I don't know what your friend Cyrus is doing - but he has us doubt some fine specimins

I sing the "Old Elm Tree" often, and as often think of you - it is my favorite, decidedly - "Dreams" is very beautiful - but I can't do it justice -

Enclosed you will

find a letter for Brother - Mr & Mrs - Ashley and the children wish to be affectremembered to you - Frank often brings in a Bug or a Flower to save for "Bob Ken" - Adieu! and believe me

Your sincere friend Lydia D. Barnes

- Alice Condon is teaching School five miles from town - When will you get to somewhere; that I may write you a readable letter? L -