Polo, April 16th 1869

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Dearest Brother

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You don't know how glad we all were to hear from you. Ma sent us the last letter she received from you a few weeks ago and I then intended to write to you at once but amid family cares I find but little time for letter writing and a duty so seldom performed becomes quite a task. I leave most of the writing to Fordyce and Elvira. You perhaps have heard by way of home that Elvira has been with us some years, six last January I think since she first came west, has been with us most of the time since. Brother I see my memory is better than yours about our correspondence. Soon after we were married we wrote to you and received an answer. I have that letter now. Perhaps my good memory is due to the ridicule of our delicate, precise, and neatly folded little note, as you called it. We enjoyed the fun and for several years wrote quite often to you but received no answers until becoming discouraged, and thinking it of no use to attempt to reach you by letters for a few years past I have not written though Mary scolds me every time I see her for my neglect. You wish to know whether I have had fair sailing through these many years. I may say yes. ‘Tis true we must all encounter some storms, but I have nothing to complain of, rather much to be thankful for. With the exception of one summer, I have had uninterrupted health, a good husband, stout healthy children and a pleasant home, and though Fortune has not smiled on us, yet I am content, desiring not all my good things in this life. I have often thought of the lonely life you must lead all by yourself as it were. Don’t you believe if you should sacrifice something on your property there and locate somewhere on the line of the Pacific R.R. you would realize more for it in a shorter space of time. A great many about here are going on West and if we were otherwise situated we perhaps might follow the trail, but as long as father lives I suppose Polo will be our home. We sold the farm while Fordyce was in the army and now live in town, or city as it now is. We have a very pleasant place close by school and church and nothing could please us better than to have you step in upon us one of these days. Uncle Samuel’s folks also live in the city, all living and well. Cousin Maria is Maria Waterbury still. She has been nearly two years in the South teaching the Freedmen, I believe is now at Mobile. Annistine’s name is Waterbury also though she has changed Miss to Mrs. having married a cousin. I considered her proof against Cupid’s darts and was greatly surprised to receive an invitation over to the church last New Year’s morning to see her united in wedlock to a cousin from Schukerrie (Schoharie?). Daniel is married and lives a half mile from town. I believe there are no others living about here with whom you were ever acquainted. Sister Mary and her family were all well when last heard from, they live about thirty miles from here. I believe you get a letter from eastern friends occasionally and why can’t our letters reach you as well. I haven’t told you particularly about our family. We have four children, three girls, one boy, all of a size and nearly of an age. All go to school. If you receive this letter, in my next I will send the group, have none on hand now. Answer this soon as received for it takes so long for a letter to come and as soon as you can, dispose of your property there turn your back upon those heathen shores and return to the home of your childhood and friends of other days.

 

Ade