Fairchild--Correspondence to and from Frances Bull Fairchild (Lucius Fairchild Papers, 1819-1943; Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, Box 50, Folder 5)

a confused state, that I could not sleep, or think.

We had quite a comfortable time coming home during the heat and rail road smash, which however did not trouble us much as we were in the last car.

I had the good fortune to lose my hat box, and I am fearful that I shant get it as it has not some yet. There was a Mr Clark from Milwaukee come in company with us, and was very polite to us, I dont think he will be anxious to take charge of ladies again he seemed to feel so anxious to do every thing for our comfort that I know it must have been a trouble.

I saw Mrs Blair and she said she would send you a thin dress, which I presume you have before this time. there is not much new in the way of dress making, their waists a little full without a point, and belts, the sleeves flowing with two or three

ruffles, but here is a pattern. The pattern that Sarah sent is very near the shape most worn, and one of black berage with puffs of the same would be very pretty for you, a mantilla I mean if I did not say so, as to any other fashions there is such an infinate variety that you cannot get far out of the mode.

Sarah says she hopes you will come east and visit her, as indeed all the rest do. George has a beautiful place a little out of town, down the river, the house is actually covered with roses, we have spent a day there and enjoyed it very much. Mothers health is better than it has been. I was down to see her this morning and she wished me to send love, Louisa also. Chasten is going home tomorrow. Mr Rollins came for her tonight, her twins are the wisest boys I ever saw. We are all quite delighted with them. We are all

going to Charleys to spend the day to-morrow. I have taken tea with them once. They live as nice as can be, and I like very much. his sister is staying with them so there is a perfect host of Woolvertons in town. I dont know that all this will interest you very much, but the fact is that I can not collect my thoughts enough yet to speak of any thing but what is going on around me. and I must do that in haste, as there are two or three waiting for me down stairs. Give my love to Mr Fairchild Cash, Charley, the Dr. Mr. Burdick, Mr & Mrs Collins and Mrs Ward, has Deal gone yet. Tell Mr Burdick I hope he will write to me, as he promised, and the rest of the people too, but he will write every thing more than any one else. Please write yourself soon, and if you will excuse this I will try and do better next time. With much affection yours Libby

If you see Mrs Ward or Deal tell them to write to me and not wait for me. I have so much to present.

Albany March 14th

My dear Mrs Fairchild I suppose you will be somewhat surprised to have this reminder of my existance after so long a silence between us, and the explanation of it is that I got to thinking of you all so strongly to-night that I determined to have a little chat with you even if it was a one sided affair, and if I could not, get a response from you. Sarah has failed me most unkindly, and in fact I know about as little of Madison and its people as tho they belonged to the moon, aside from the Burdicks and they are not famous for furnishing news if it were not for their good kind letters I should feel utterly cut off from my Madison friends.

I wrote to Sarah some two months ago but she has never answered me. I heard they talked of going to Cleveland, have they gone? And how long to remain? So tell me something about her and the baby. I do so long to hear. how is her health? have they gone for that, or for Mr Dean? (That is, if they have gone) and tell me some other things you know I would feel anxious about. Where is Cassius now? Laurine and Charley I hear about. how lonely it must be for you this winter if Sarah is away, I hope Mr Fairchild is at home the most of the time.

I hear through Duane that Mrs Lawrence and family are going to Washington this spring - another pleasant link gone from our home associations. I fear it will not be an agreeable change for her, she has such a pleasant home there, but then its better to be with ones husband if the surroundings are not all one would wish.

I would willingly share Duanes log cabin if he thought it best. Please give my love to Mrs Lawrence, and tell her I hope to see her before the year ends if she comes east, and if she comes through Albany she must let me know. How is Lillie Nages? I have heard nothing of her this winter. and Jessie & Kittie how I would like to see them all.

How did you enjoy your visit in Washington? I have been so sorry you were not there when I was. do tell me about Mrs Ward, I hear she is in such a depressed state of mind. what do you think of her? She has never answered my letter written just after Jessie's death, and I never have felt like writing again. I fell very sorry for her. she looks so on the dark side of things. and seems to have no consolation within herself.

I have gone through all the phases of loneliness, depression and blues, brightened by a little of the hopefulness of my nature, and

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