T2020.102.367

Newburgh, Ohio Dec. 13, 1892

Dear kind good sister Edith:

We received your express package yesterday. All o.k. I had to jump up and down for I was so tickled and pleased. I didn't know what to do. You couldn't have sent me anything that I needed worse and oh, that lovely coat and hat. Oh, they are just as handsome as they can be and Archie was glad too because he didn't have the money to spare to get me one and the corset is too large for me after, I laced it up as tight as I could. But Ma thinks that we

can exchange it here in the city. What do thinks about it? Oh, it is just what I have been wanting. It is just lovely and those drawers are just what I need. They are awful nice too. Everything is just handsome. I don't see how in the world I am ever going to pay you for your kindness. Edie, what do you want for Christmas? Write and tell me for I don't know what to send you. [Underlined: I think I will call those my Xmas presents.] I don't want anything more this Xmas. I am satisfied. The sleeves were a little too short and Ma has pieced them out with that piece of fur you left home. So it is all right now. Well, I am in

a awful hurry, for I have all the work to do for Ma is sick. She has been sick since last Friday and the Dr. called and said that she has taken a severe cold, but is better now and can or is up and around a little, but can't do anything hardly and K. goes to school and so you see I have all the work to do and there is so much to do. I don't know which way to turn and Ma to wait on too and there hasn't been any washing done 2 or 3 weeks and I wanted to do some washing today but Ma won't let me, mayby tomorrow though, I will. I will have to hurry for Archie

wants his dinner and I want him to mail this. He, [word crossed out}, missed his car the other night on his last trip and took the wrong car and his car went clear up to the city and back without any conductors on it. But they didn't do anything with him. It is a wonder, won't it? They have an ostrich in E.R. Hull and Duttons' show window and every purchaser is to give a guess on it. I will send you a clipping. Archie gave a guess on it, but none of the rest of us have. It is to stay in the window till Jan. 2. Then they are going to weigh it. I wish Archie would get the $200 goverment bond and me, the pony or bicycle, don't you? They have the show windows

downtown just fixed up grand and some so comical. Wished you could see them. I guess I will have to go since I have got a new coat and hat and britches and corset and etc., won't I? Edie, can't you come home Christmas? Oh, do then, mayby. I won't be sick. Hope not. Do, won't you? Oh yes, I, [easnt do ?], at by knitting a rug for Mrs. Autherhall. Katie clerking in Brown's Store or else going to college and we don't know which for she don't tell Ma and I everything. Well, I guess I will have to close. Hoping to hear from you soon. With love and kisses.