Transcription of 2004.035.

002 Doc-009
Transcribed with assistance from FromThePage.com user kelseydchung
85 Lincoln Ave. Chicago
Jan. 13th, [18]84.

Dear Sister E.

I am indebted to you
for several delightful letters (as
Mother always speaks of them, cheery
letters) and numberless apologies, for
not sooner acknowledging love tokens
received. I fear I am becoming spoiled
by the fact that George and some others
are so indulgent of my faults and
failures and expect the same
indulgence from all. Please forgive,
it is never intentional, but sometimes
I feel as though my hands were oh
so full.

The very pretty and so opportune

neck scarf came New Year morning,
for which a warm hug.

The package Mother returned came

all right a few days later, containing
Gracie's dear little sack, she thinks it
is so pretty. She is beginning to make
noticable progress now bodily and
mentally. Propels herself over the
room in some way other than
walking. The children almost smother
her with attentions they think she
is so cute.

Frankie's very acceptable gift of that

excellent paper, "for a whole year" as
he says, pleases old and young
equally. Frankie is quite a good
reader, says they are soon to be
examined for Fourth Reader.
He is unusually good in numbers
as he has had so much practical work
with his Papa in the S. S. work, which
has now ceased. George has now been
home two Sabbath afternoons, and
it does seem so nice. Frankie starts
off alone. May and Faye will go
when it comes warmer.

Lula was down yesterday afternoon

the first time since New Year night.
Oh we had three of the coldest days,
beyond any inhabitant. She said she
thought she would freeze in her
tracks going from one room to another.
Hughes had been having a boil on neck
very painful.

Emmett was with us a little while

today looking well.

As for the circle of relatives outside

the Fisher name, we are not very
well informed. The boys not
making any New Year calls we have
no late news from any of them.
Shubal Hawes was married on Christmas
day, to the house keeper who was in
charge during cousin Lou's last sickness.
He said the girls were quite anxious for
it. Coz. Mary Norton still remains so
broken up by their great loss. I
fear her health will fail her.

When Mother and you come next

summer, you shall stir us up to
a little more intercourse. Lay your
plans to that end.

I am glad you enjoy school duties

so much, for how irksome they can
become. I begin to live old scenes of
schoolrooms over again (through Frankie's
studies and a few trials. Geo. said you
would have the reading of Mother's letter from
us, so I have not gone into Holiday details.

May none but Happy Bells for you this, and many years.
Wishes with love
Sister Mary