(The original envelope size is 6 inches by 3 1/2 inches. The original letter page size is 5 inches by 8 inches.)
Lexington June 8th, 1887
Dearest Annie
I embrace this
the first quiet moment that
has presented itself to reply
to your last welcomed letter.
It is with a sad heart
I write, for really the death
of your dear brother seems very
near me: more like one of my
own brothers than a nephew
whom I have never seen -
I learned to love him through
dear old Pa - who never
spoke of him save to praise
I had so hoped to meet him
(end page 1)
face to face where we could
hold sweet converse - but Alas!
he has gone the way of all
the earth, and we sorrowing
ones will soon follow.
God grant our prospects
for the life eternal may be
as bright [as} his. His poor old
Mother. I don't see how she
can bear it. Her only boy
upon whom she could lean
in her declining years.
I know she has the best
of daughters and you will all
try to fill his place but
it can never be done by
one living. My very heart bleeds
when I think of her. However
she has the consolation of
knowing it will not be long
til she is called to meet him.
(end page 2)
God's ways are certainly
inscrutible, but he is too wise
to err. Troubles never come
alone. The death of Sisi's name [sake](?)
was another sad trial
but not to compare with the
former that dear lamb
no doubt was taken from
some evil to come and is to-
day in the bosom of Jesus,
another attraction to draw
Mother and family to that
bright world where no more
tears will be shed.
A very sad death has
occured here in the past
three weeks. Annie's most
valued friend Mrs. Young
gave birth to twins and died
the 9th day following leaving
the little things in the care
(end page 3)
of their father and his sisters
Annie has been and still
is deeply grieved; her health
is better, rendered so by taking
cold bathes in the early morn.
I would so like you
to come see me
now. Walter has had the
house nicely papered and
painted and looks so fresh and
cool. I do hope your caps
are laid by as you will
have brain fever if exposed
to the sun in this month.
When you write tell
me all about your crops
and anything else that interests
you. I would like so much
to see Kate's beautiful flowers.
We have suffered here for rain
(end page 4)
and have not had one of any
value since the storm in
which you were caught
on you way from Vick-
burg. Vegetation is burnt
up in the hills around Lex.
while the swampers?
have had too much rain.
We have had to water
our stock from the well for
three weeks. Give my best
love to every member of
your family and write some
to your loving Aunt,
M.C. Durden
(This is Hester's sister, Matilda Caroline Selser Durden. She married J. A. Durden. She is buried in section 11 of the Lexington, MS Cemetery, also, Delia Selser, another sister, and first wife of Abram Whitaker Currie, is buried in this section of the same cemetery.)
This leaves us all well
N.B. Just as I finished this
c-11 my ink turned over and in
an effort to catch it got it all over
my letter and have not time to rewrite it
(end page 5)
so Please receive my apology
and write soon to your
old Auntie. I so often
wish I could hear you
sing again. Annie has
taken up her music prac
tices 2 hours daily. I sew
for her while she practices.
don't you think she is
well paid?
(end page 6)
(So, here we find another Annie in the family ... Also, we see that Aunt Annie is farming at age 27. Also, that Aunt Annie sang. I think I knew that from her music books and also from Mama.)
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