| dc.description.transcription | Bonham, Texas Apl 13th, 1869.
Dear Sallie
Your truly welcome letter of 30th Mar was rec’d a little more than a week ago and this is the chance I have had of answering it. I enjoyed your letter very much indeed; yet you say you “have not an item of news,” I am sure I found many interesting items in it, and sincerely thank you for it. Your caution in regard to my permitting “every body” to read your letters, will be duly heeded, though I assure you such caution was unnecessary, you know such is not my practice, though I used to let you see nearly every letter I rec’d. It is a great consolation to me, to think you have a little more confidence in me than you have in every body.
At present, I think it will be out of my power to take your advice, as regards going North. I regret this especially, as I am “inclined to go in that direction.” (I am quoting your language, but, bear in mind, I am not endorsing it.) I trust I have your sympathy in my disappointment.
I am beginning to fear that you will not see me & “the little widow” up this summer, as, from present indications, a gallant Knight is about to supplant me in that direction. Thus it is: every widow I get, some fellow comes along and takes her away. I expect, after all, I will be compelled to go North. But, if I can get “this little widow” to come up with me, I know I can get somebody else. So you may ‘look out,’ I hope the river will not be too low for fishing when I come.
I am glad to learn that you are well pleased with your new acquaintances, I was sure you would like Dr. VanZant & his wife. I presume it is a little strange to you to be invited around to dinners, but I suppose you will get accustomed to it after awhile. The Preacher’s Wife! What an exacting position it is; people expect so much of her. She is expected to be a pattern of modesty, kindness, hospitality, charity and indeed of all the graces, either supposed or real. It is a responsible position, and hard to fill, but from my knowledge of your character & disposition, and I think no one knows you any better than I do, I believe you will fill the place better than any one I am acquainted with. When I say this, I want you to understand that I am not flattering; you have often accused me of flattery, but if the charge ever was true; it is not in this instance.
I am glad to hear that Add. did so well in his first preaching efforts at Ft. Worth. But I had no fears of his doing otherwise. I rec’d a letter from Will Lemmon a day or two ago; he heard Add’s sermon and was highly pleased.
I had a letter from Forny Sunday night: he is improving wonderfully in punctuality. Just think, I have had two letters in the last month. He seems to be terribly smitten with Fannie Moss. He wrote to her, got no answer, and came up to see why she didn’t write to him. I rather like that plan, thought it may be a little inconvenient.
He reports that he is highly pleased with the whole family. We know not “where unto this thing may grow.” The poor fellow is in a quandary. He cant decide whether he will drive cattle to Mo. horses to Tenn, or get married. He asks my advice. I shall advise him to marry on one condition – the yes of some deluded woman.
I rec’d a letter from Mollie last week. She is tolerably well only, she has a chill occasionally. She is looking for me to come to see my namesake. I don’t know when I can go, though I am anxious to see the little fellow. But I am opposed to her calling naming him for me. One Frank is enough, unless he was of more account.
In my last letter, Sallie, I forgot to tell you that I had sent for the Children’s Hour, for Henry Evans. I had entirely forgotten it, until you called my attention to it. I then ordered it immediately. I am sorry that I kept him in suspense so long.
It comes of my forgetfulness, which, I find, increases as I get older. - - For the last three or four weeks my reading matter has accumulated on my hands so rapidly, that I doubt whether I shall be able to catch up again. I have at least a dozen magazines awaiting my perusal, and any quantity of papers. Come over and help me read. Has Mrs. Clark rec’d the Monitor? I suppose she has, as Ma’s has come. I like it very well.
I have but little space left, to give you the City news. Every thing is moving on quietly & harmoniously as far as I know. A relative of Miss Mollie Roberts from Alabama is attracting the attention of the Gallants, and causing some little stir among the ladies on account the “style” she puts on; especially the ‘Grecian Bend’ - The only item of City news, deserving notice is that the “Union Sunday School” are getting up a Fair for the purpose of buying an Organ for their school. They say that the children are getting tired of coming, and they want something to draw them. (I suggest that they buy & present to each scholar a copy of the New Testament, and select a Superintendent, who can interest & instruct the children) What a humiliating confession! Ought they not hide their months in dust?
I wish you could be here next Sunday. Mr. Carlton is to preach on the Setting up of The Kingdom. If the day is favorable, I think there will be a large audience. Your sincere friend,
F.J. Abernathy.
My kindest regards to the “Professor!” Please write immediately if not sooner. | |
