These letters were transcribed by Mary Olive Rucker in the 1930s. The words in italics are hers, and all relationships referred to are hers. It took her three months to complete these letters, typed, with carbon. The original letters are with Phillip Lunsford. This is taken from a copy of the carbon. Much of it is hard to read, and there are many typos. I cannot tell if the inserted parenthetical statements are hers, or those of the author. The spelling throughout seems to be excellent. I do not know if she corrected it. I corrected many typos, where obvious, and tried to remain true to the documents. limitations of my program expanded "Bro.", a religious title, to "Brother" and expanded state names from 2 letter abbreviations and "altho" to "although". I have tried to arrange the letters chronologically. but have included the original page numbers for reference

Well Aunt Joda, I will write you all the news that I know. Well there was a company of Secessionists pased by here this evening. Ma would not let me holler for Jeff Davis, but I stood in the door and waved the towel at them and they hollowed and waved their hats at me. They went on and met Grandma and the children, and Sis Kendrick in the Wagon. They stopped up on the hill and waited till they all had passed and Granny hollowed and waved her bonnet, and Sis told them Trust in God and keep their powder dry. Hurrah for Jeff Davis! There was Grandma this evening when the Secessionists passed. Some of them say she was bunged up between two barrels. How she did look when she had her bonnet off waving and hollowing for Jeff Davis! and the men telling her to put on her bonnet; that they would drive Love and Morgan in a hole; and one man told her he would shake his cloak while she put on her bonnet. Poor old thing! She has a hard time. When they came through DeWitt they could find but three men, and they Secesh. Jimmy is here, and Gilbert and Archer, Sis and all the balance of them. Aunt Joda I have not got a bit of sensense. They say tell you they have a goose on for Jeff Davis - it will get done about the time he gets herre, Ma says it is the soundest meat you ever saw, Aunt Joda you must look over the scribbling you find here, for I didn't do it. I can't write a syllable without being bothered. They are all a-talking so much, shaking me and looking over my shoulder. There was 400 Federals in Dewitt Sat. night. they took the Secesh as they went. Done everything they could think of . They took Mr. Ball and all his consigned(?) hay. They went on down to Mr. Williams store; took nearly all the goods he had, but some of the officers made them take them back. Ma was down the other day and saw the destruction. She says they had baby shoes, and a fine pink silk bonnet. They took everything they could think of. Then went on down in the Bottom and knocked at one poor man's house and took his wife's bed and carried it up the street by the four corners. Well I can't write any more. Granma got me to write for her. She says don't be uneasy; these threats have have been made down here, but killed nobody yet. Aunt Jo, you must excuse my bad writing and mistakes: for I could not write atall hardly. Well I must stop. I remain your neice, Fannie.

P. S. Ma says tell you both Armies have been here in sight, and she wasn't scared a bit. Thee Federals fired their cannon off 2 times Saturday. Grandma says you come down here and get livened up and she thinks you would get better.

Good bye, from Fannie

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Mouth of the Atchafalaya April 28,1874

My dear Sister Sue:

I was surprised and delighted at the reception of your kind little letter I had concluded you had forgotten like the others to write to me, but anyway it is all right. I shall not forget any of you. I was very glad to receive a piece of your hair; it is not very long. We have had some fun here on the river with April Fool's. Did you receive any? You must be at an excellent school, and dear Sue, you must study and improve yourself. Remember how limited your time is; and what may depend on you in after years.

Do not waste one moment for time is precious. We are about to have one of the most distressing over flows here that has been experienced for years; it is dreadful Sue, you can form no idea. Want and starvation will in years to come, be chronicled as the events of this years results. The levees are giving away at every point; the grand levee, that protects so many thousand persons broke two days since, and by now the country is deluged. We are not safe here; the water is nearly over the levee on front, besides it is backing up from back over the fields, and there were no crops raised last year. What the people are to do is more than I can tell. The kind Father who protects us all will provide a way for his people. I am glad indeed you have joined the church. It does not matter with me what denomination any one belongs to if they try to do right. It is not the church, but faith, that carries us to the abode of peace and happiness. Well dear Sue, I received a long letter yesterday from Aunt Fannie Major: she was well, and they were all doing well; she said that ? was for sale, and I think though she did not say so, U. S. after they ? put. I also received a letter from Cousin Sally and Aunt Sally Frank ? me to go to San Francisco to live; I have not decided that; it would ? is a long way to take alone. I shall ask Grandma's advice. Sue, do you write to dear Grandma? You ought to. And do you ever write to ma? Why is it Mollie never writes to me-she never does. If I had a photograph of myself I would sooner send it to my dear big-eyed little sister than anyone I know of. You must send me one of yours, and you must write often to your big sister. I will write to Aunt Joan this eve, but do not show this, for Lizzie is here asking questions. Miss Joe is talking and Jeff Davis is pulling at Mama and trying to take my pen. It is a Babel around me, so you must make some allowance for this scribble. Kiss Mollie for me, and tell me where she is at, and what she is doing.

your affectionate sister- Mary.

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Oct. 4th, 1854 Bellmont, Somerset County

(I think this is from Sarah Ann to Grandma Guillet)

My Dear Sister:

I received yours of the 17th on the 19th and was glad to hear from you and Frances and John, with the little ones, but was sorry to hear of your bad health since you have been in New York. I stayed 16 days in Baltimore and was expecting to see you and Frances when I received your letter. Henry and Sarah Ann and their companions would have been glad to see you at their houses I believe, if Henry had not been so much engaged at home so that he could not leave. He would have gone to New York-he has such a desire to see John and to see you all in this world once more. Captain Griffith was here when I came home on his last visit as he expects to go to Baltimore today; from there to Charleston, from there to Kentucky. I have received a letter from Columbus since I wrote to you, and they are all well; some have gone to California, and he with the rest, expects to go soon. I wish them all well, and hope they may find the health and happiness in California that they cannot enjoy in Maryland. When they all leave for that place, I shall give up all hope of ever meeting them again in this world, but will look forward with a blessed hope of meeting them at the right hand of God, where I expect to meet some of my other friends, with my dear little babes, where we shall meet and part no more. This hope has raised me up when I have been cast down. Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why art thou disquieted within me? Susan is better than she has been, and has gone to Baltimore to stay a month or more with Sarah Ann. I do not look for her before the last of the month. I had my likeness taken, and I send it to you with this letter. I would have written to you and sent it from Baltimore, but I forgot what street and no. to direct it to. I am alone except Sara Cornelia and little Emma, and they join me in love to , Frances and Sophia and Jane. Mary Martha is in Baltimore and expects to go to school this winter. I must conclude by saying, as ever I remain your affectionate sister

Sarah Ann Brattan

to Mrs. Mary Jane Guilet

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( from step-mother Lizzie to Grandma Guillet) Oct.6, 1872

My Dear Mother:

I received yours of the third of last month two weeks ago, but could not answer sooner. Dear little Hugo has been very sick again; he had a very hard spasm since I wrote to you, and when he has these spells he is so fretful that I cannot get to do much besides attend to him. The doctor said that he had an enlarged liver and spleen, and he is liable to have spasms as long as that is the case. He is giving him medicine for it now. I hope now the weather is getting cooler that his health will improve. Mother I couldn't send the children that money I promised, because Mr.Mudd stopped me from getting wood the very next day after I sent my letter. As for my crop, it is not turning out nearly so well as we expected. Pa thinks we will make seven or eight bales. Owing to the drouth we have sold four bales at 18 and 1/2. Mother, you did not understand my proposition. It was that I would take the place at $2500.00, and send to you to the money of the first payment, but you know that Dr. Hade's debt has to come out of the first payment. I think it doubtful about me having enough to make the first payment. I thought at first, with what was coming to me and Hugo, and with my cotton money, I could make the payment. I think it best for the place to be put up and sold in December at the highest bidder; and you or brother Columbus be certain to come for I do not want the money to get in stranger's hands. We never know who to trust. I think Mr. Mudd is trying to get hold of the children's part. If he does, I am fearful they will never get it. When I go to Ma, Miss Betty is very distant with me. I suppose it is because I changed my part of the business out of Mr. Frank's hands to Mr. Garland. I think the friendship of such people is not worth much, when they would take the last and put a poor woman out-a beggar. We have not finished gathering corn yet. I had three wagon loads of corn to my part of the solid corn. They have the corn in the cotton to gather, and two hundred I suppose to Mr. Anderson's that I forgot to mention. I must tell you about my chickens. I have about 150 young chickens, and have very good luck with them, but have no garden. I have tried hard to have cabbage plants, but cannot, so far, and Pa has sowed turnips, but they did no good. Old Mr. Millspaugh killed young Mr. Traner. He was engaged to Grace, and Mrs. Millspaugh tried to break it off. He walked in the store, and Mrs. Millspaugh spit in young Traner's face, and he turned and spit in Mr. Millspaugh's face, and he shot and killed him, but he is cleared; they kept him in jail three or four days. Give my love to Mollie and Sue and write sewn and tell me when you or bro Columbus will be here. Good night dear mother, and believe me,

Your affectionate daughter,

Lizzie Guillet

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Eastern Shore Maryland Dec..27, 1850

Dear Cousin:

After a long time I seat myself down to write to you. If you have thought enough of me to write, I have never receive a letter from you, nor your sister Betsy, since you left the eastern shore of Maryland, although it would give me great satisfaction to hear from one I so highly esteem. I often inquire of Mr. Lankford's family for you. I saw Louis Lankford a few days ago, and he said the family were well. Dear cousin, there have been so many occurrences taken place since you left that I scarce know how to commence any subject. My step-mother died in October faith 1841; my father died in March 1842. Since that two of my children have died,-Maryette and Albert. I am glad that they are freed from a troublesome world, for I know not the end of those that are living. John Louis is now 21, and Priscilla is married to Charles Marshall; she has a little girl 3 months old; she is in bad health at this time, and I don't think she will be in this world a great while. William James is a promising boy. Amanda is in her 14th year; my youngest child living ( my youngest is dead) is three. Samuel Porter is dead, also William Stevenson. Henrietta has three boys, and is making out well. Mary Ann married James Dickenson in Newton, and is doing well. She has a little girl that is a great pet. Samuel's widow is married again, she has 2 children. We have had 10, and seven are living. Mrs. Porter is living and has as good health as one in her age. John Louis lives with her. We moved from there the year that my father died, and live now at the farm he left me. Sister Betsy lives at the place where he died. Harriet lives near the old house that you once lived in. Mr. Porter's sisters and mine are well at this time. Our family are well at present, through the mercy of kind Providence who is the giver of all blessings, both temporal and spiritual. Dear cousin, I want you to write and tell me how you like the country you live in, and if you think it a better place than we live in for the rising generation. Here we enjoy religion privileges and can enjoy the things of this world, but we are imposed on by the heavy taxes and the laboring class has to keep up idlers. Write me how your children are making out, and if any of them are in the service of their Heavenly Master. My children are all as yet, in the open world; which above all things it would give me the greatest satisfaction to see them Christians. Your cousin William goes to church, but does not belong to any. As to my part I am still trying to be a Methodist, and belong to Curtis's chapel. Since you left here, a great many have died, and more have joined. We have good meetings. Mr. Peter Megee and his wife belong there, and I think are useful. Mr. and Mrs. William Anderson, Mr. John Anderson, Mrs. Eliza Smith, Mrs. Adams are dead, also miss Mary Adams also Henry Broughton and Edward are dead. Both I think died in perfect peace; old aunt is yet living. I don't know that I had better close my letter for fear of tiring you, but I could set and read if it was a dozen pages from you; but I should be gladder to see you. Do you think of ever reaching Somerset county again? If so, let me know when you write, and as soon as you can after receiving this please write. Mr. Porter and my children ??? more at present but if I am not permitted to see you in this world I hope we shall meet on Jordan's shores, where sorrow and trouble can reach us no more; where adieus will never be spoken and Christian ties be broken.

This from your old friend and cousin,

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Washington Louisiana Aug.10, 1865

My own dear Sister;

I wrote you last week and told you I would write to some of the others next, but you are so good to write to me I always feel like answering right off. We received yours with Orlando's today, and you know my dear sister, my I know how - and do sympathize with you in nursing your poor sick babe. I would be so glad to be with you and help you nurse him, the dear little boy. God grant he may be well before now. Indeed I would like to be near our dear good ma to cheer her and comfort her in her old age, and pray that I shall see her dear sweet face more. How I want you and her to come. I feel too sickly, but as soon as it turns a little cooler you must be ready to come when Mr. Findley comes to St. Louis. It would be so pleasant to have her to travel with. I do hope that she will be well again soon - that she is not as bad off as her friends fear. Tell her I know Mr. Guillet is the best man in the world, and don't she think he is too good to go back over amongst them Rads(?). I think there are a good many there that are too good, to be with them, such as Bro. Johnny, Dr. Tull, and many others you can mention. You say everything is very quiet, but you know persons at a distance always hear things first. As we take the Republican, we were reading about a Radical preacher that was trying to keep up a fuss at Myles Point. I do wish people would attend to their own business, and let other business alone.--- (one line clear gone)---we meet you at the boat as you land at Washington. We will come some street or road that has the grass patted down, then some that the dog fennel has, but hold up your dress as the cattle come to town to be at night, and watch for Dutchman razors. Just come on under some pretty shade trees or magnolia and mulberry, and turn down an out of the way street, and under some nice mulberry and walnuts, you may see a little house. Just walk in and take a seat in Mother's little rocking chair that is covered with an old saddle cover; in one corner of the room is a little cottage bedstead with the quilt Ma gave me on it. In one corner a large goods box for a center table; in another corner of the room another goods box -large- with a trunk on it to make more room. In the other corner one large bunk on top of the others, and two more setting around on the mouth piece(?), the looking glass, bake (?) and bottle of medicine. The room is papered with very pretty flowered paper. Another little shed room with no shutter between is the kitchen with another cottage bedstead and breakfast table, cooking vessels, and a fireplace in both rooms, and a half dozen Avensor(?) chairs, and three like Mr. Hudson made, only they have raw hide bottoms. We have another bedstead, but the house is to small to put it up. We have a sack of coffee and a bag of candles under the bed, and a box of sugar. We have 100 pounds of bacon and a barrel of flour. We have a little store house in the yard to keep such as that in. Have no corn yet. Get a quart of milk for 10 cents. They bring vegetables around in carts. Gilbert kills some squirrels and catches some fish sometimes. We get beef at the market every morning, and make biscuits with out milk or lard, so you see it is a tolerable hard road yet, but I am contented. We will get another house before mother and you come, for this will not do in cold weather. The people are friendly and kind - those that I have got acquainted with, but as we are not able to live without work, I do not expect to go with the upper ten, as they look on work as degrading, though they have nearly all lost their property, they are not willing to work. There was a lady came and spent the day with me this week; she is from Maryland; says the country only needs a few enterprising people that are not afraid nor ashamed to work to bring it out. Jsnie was right sick yesterday; she had something like nettle rash; is much better and up today.----says they look something like shingles------. I think it is warm out here. Now Joda I have written such a lot of stuff you will think I was out of a job, but I want to tell you so many things, and when it is put on paper it looks so foolish and I could tell ???

I can't tell you what I want to. I have lost another front bottom tooth. I talk just like Sissie did after her teeth were pulled out. Gilbert laughs sometimes when I lisp, and I get the broom stick after him. Fannie says if she were rich, the first thing she would get would be a set of teeth for me and Gilbert says, never mind; when he raises a big crop of cotton he will get them. You don't know how it bothers me when I am talking to lisp. There is very little fruit here. The people thought if they raised it their little negroes would get it when it was green and make them sick, and negroes were more profitable them fruit. Give my love to all the friends and relations, and accept a large portion for yourself.

From Your Sister

Harriet

Tell Ella I am very glad to hear she is making trimming for her skirt, and she must see who will have the next skirt of their own ----, Sarah has one tucked, but has no trimming on it yet, but she has been helping Janie make some for hers. She and Fannie made some and sold it, and got ribbon and trimmed their caps, but we can't get any sewing of any kind to do now. The children all send a great deal of love to you. Tell Ella that Mollie is getting quite large. The other day while she was gone out there was a little boy come to bring her a book to get her Sunday school lesson in. He said "Is Miss Mollie at home? Here is a book for her. How old is Miss Mollie? What does Miss Mollie study? Miss Mollie is head at S. S." and came next morn. Ella, don't you think she is just cutting around? I reckon you have read enough such as this, so goodbye for this time. Your affectionate sister Harriet. (This from Grandpa Guillet, John)

Well, Joda, Harriet did not tell you all. She has got a pony, saddle, bridle, a barrel of syrup, sure enough syrup - not sorghum - a barrel of sifted meal, a barrel of potatoes, and a barrel of soap. So you see we are going to attend to the outward men and keep clean as well as keep their stomachs full and the pony is to be used in shaking down. Well don't I wish I could just grow fat even in hot weather. You had better all come down here and cool off. Before the election comes off. There is considerable cholera in New Orleans and I also here it was in St. Louis. Hope it won't come here, nor any of our friends get it, in Carroll. I can't pray for the Rads yet, and I leave them to God Almighty, and after he gets done with them I surmise(?) it orthoxy------------ John.

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Washington, Louisia

June 22nd, 1870

My dear Mother:

Yours of the 7th just came to hand. I had been trying to get an opportunity to write you for several days and when I got ready the paper was out, and I only had chance to get some today. Well dear mother, I know you will be surprised when I till you Bro. Adams is with us tonight and for the purpose of performing a marriage ceremony. Gilbert is to be married to Miss Mary Carruth. Lizzie and Sue are going down on the boat with them this morning and will return on the boat Friday. We and intended to put the big pot in the little one and have all the young and old folks to dine with us Saturday, but about 10 days ago it commenced raining, and the grass began to jump; consequently we could not give him a wedding, and shall have no company unless they come in, which I do not expect in this country. I think he has made a good selection, and that she will make him an excellent wife. Bro. Hayslip, the minister at Opelousas, says that he advised Gilbert to go to school, but instead of going to school he is going to marry the teacher. I shall be lonesome now for 2 days, as I shall have to keep house, -unless Lizzie gives out going at the last moment. Ann, the negro woman that I have, is to have things all right when they come home. I suppose you read Fannie's letter, and Janie's that I sent you. I can answer only about her not getting your letters only that I suppose your Post Master takes off the stamps, or that they are all off, for unless you put other stickumfast on the stamps than what the government puts on, they will fall off and your letter is thrown aside. Fannie wrote to me about them being taken off or lost, and she had to pay double postage on the same letter that I had paid for, making three postages on each letter. I now always put them on with a wafer or a superior kind of gum. The postage must always be prepaid, and mark on the letter the mail route, but I will send you the address as I have put on the letter. Dear Mother, did I not always tell you that Louisiana was a cooler place than Missouri? We have had no very warm weather yet and the nights are always pleasant here, except perhaps 1/2 dozen nights in the course of the summer. I often wish you were back with us here, but O how I do dread to ask you to take that, to me, horrible long ride. But when it gets too warm for you there, write to me when and where I must meet you, and I will do so, if it can possibly be so. I have had no news from Missouri since March only through the Carrollton paper that John William continues to send. My cotton is not yet sold, and cotton has gone down a good deal in price in the last few weeks. At present prices, I shall hardly come out even, after paying for Mollie and paying Anderson for my mill. Gilbert went to town today and yesterday, and broke me flat. Well poor dear boy, I wish I had a thousand for him to splurge on for a while. It will soon be time for Mollie to be home ( last of July) and how glad I will be to see her. Miss Cordelia says she has been very healthy since she has been there. My crop looks very well except the tie-vines and co-co, and I am striking at them all the time mud or no mud. I have never received the money for the cows I sold last spring. The negroes could not pay, and Benny Mudd was so behind hand he could not either. Times are very hard here now and will continue so until the present crop comes in. I am killing off our hens, they are terrible bad; am also going to kill up the turkeys. Am thoroughly disgusted with poultry. They have eat up my sweet potatoes, water melons, Irish potatoes, and are eating my cabbage. --put up corn as fast as a crow. I send you one of our photos- laugh at them all you can. Lizzie and I laughed at them, she at me for having my head so far back, and I at her big stomach. She has the tooth ache very bad now. Sends love to you and Sarah Ann, and says she is so glad to think you may get to come back with us.

your son, John Guillet

P. S. Gilbert will live with me till next winter when he expects to build just above me.

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Washington Louisiana Oct.9, 1870

My own dear Mother:

My heart is full - or rather, I am heartsick, almost weary of life and long to die. It seems as though my troubles are more than I can bear. I wrote you a few lines last Sunday telling you of the death of my dear Gilbert, the only human being on this earth besides my dear old mother that I could call my friend. He was taken with a chill on Saturday 24th at about three o'clock. He had confined to his bed for eight days, with a rising on his leg and chills, but thought the chills were broken. Dr. Hadden of Opelousas was attending him. On Saturday night about 9 o'clock he called me and said it he did not get relief he must die, as he was smothering to death. I put mustard plaster on his chest, stomach, and bowels, between his shoulders, on his wrists and ankles. In a few minutes he was relieved and broke out in a profuse perspiration and went to sleep. On Sunday morning his fever was still high. I went after Dr. Hadden, who came and treated as common fever. On Monday he came and was puzzled, but said it was assuming a typhoid character: made inquiry it he had been exposed to influence of yellow fever. I hooted the idea of his having that, as he and I had not been outside of the barn(?) for 10 days, or more, and had been working side by side. On Tuesday the doctor asked more questions, and finally settled on typhoid and said he could break it up in a short time he thought. On Wednesday it had changed for the worse, and the doctor said it was congestive typhus fever, and would like to see Dr. Cook. Thursday morning Dr. Cook met him in consultation and they said it was yellow fever. We were all thunderstruck. Lizzie frightened nearly to death. Lewis Knox, Morgan and Tom Cook, who had been helping to nurse him, quit. Ben Mudd stuck by him, Mrs. Mudd also. I was worn out. On Friday I wrote to Brother White, Hayslip and Adams that he wanted to see them. Brother Adams was gone to Iberia. White and Hayslip said that they had never had the yellow fever and the quarantine would not let them pass. Neither would they let brother Muller. One of the Howards wanted to come, but were not permitted. Father Raymore, the priest at Opelousas said he would come and see him if he desired it. Ben Mudd went after him and told him to come and see Gilbert as a minister of Christ, and not to talk anything about Catholics, or saints etc.. He came, and Father Raymore recited with him the confession of Faith, the Lord's Prayer, and offered to God a prayer to spare his servant if it was his will, went off to himself and prayed for him. Stayed several hours by the bedside nursing him and consoling and giving us all advice. On Saturday morning, Mass was said for his recovery in the church at Opelousas. He came back on Saturday and brought many little things for him cologne hops, nitre, chloride of lime, carbolic acid, etc., and gave us good advice to prevent the other ones from taking it. Brother Mullet came out Friday night and nursed him. Frank Hardesty also proved himself a friend in deed nursed him like a brother, but all, all was in vain. He was too good for this world, and his pure spirit took its flight at 10 minutes to 12 Saturday night, 1st Oct.?---. Oh dear Mother, he looked so natural, as though he were asleep - nurses all said it was not yellow fever, and he had not been treated for the right disease. About 10 o'clock Sunday he turned yellow. Frank Hardesty attended to burying him and Bro Mullet to funeral ceremonies. I was so worn out, and heartsick, they told me I must not go. He was buried at the feet of Fannie and Janie. They came for him about 3 o'clock Sunday, Oct.2nd, at 5 Mollie and Lizzie were taken. I worked with them till Monday morning when Dr. Hadden came and struck for yellow fever. Their symptoms corresponded with Gilbert's. On Wednesday he pronounced Mollie's case as hopeless - the whole mucous membrane of mouth, throat and bowels almost in a state of mortification. He left a long prescription. I only gave quinin, charcoal, and nitre. Yesterday he brought out Dr. Little, who thought it was a hopeless case-Mollie's-but Lizzie perhaps might recover. Today the Dr. was out and was astonished at the change, and was in great hopes that both cases might be favorable. But Alas, my poor Mary was taken today and is very sick. May God in his providence help us. The Howards sent me a female nurse last Thursday, who is an excellent and most attentive nurse, but cannot speak a word of English. Poor little Sue and myself are the only ones on our feet, and it was, I believe poor dear Gilbert's foresight that kept us up. He said when the doctor first came "Pa, get the doctor to do something for Sue's nose". He gave her chloride of lime to wash with three times a day, and I think this disinfectant so far has saved her from that terrible - oh how terrible disease. I have not had, for the last 12 days, 24 hours sleep and cannot sleep when even I have an opportunity. I don't expect I should have written tonight, but Oh, My. The fever is spreading all over the country. We are isolated, almost completely. Mrs. Mudd and Frank Hardesty the only ones who came to see us.

( There must have been another page but it is lost. From grandfather John Guillet to his mother, Mary Jane Porter Guillet)

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Panjim, Goa May 30, 1875

My dear Dear Mother:

Your letter 31st March reached me yesterday, and I must say I feel worried to think you have not received at least one of my two letters I have written you since Christmas. I fully intended to write you on my birthday as usual, but Hugo came up with a gentleman from Bombay to the estate on that same morning, and not having any cook,---? servant but one old Azak, I had not one moment to myself, and I was not feeling as well as usual. So much alone on the estate with the worryment of those coolies and not being able to speak in their language, my nerves with fatigue, altogether I could not write as cheerful as I always wish to do. The gentlemen who came with Pa owns the estate next to ours, and Hugo looks after it for him, and he said I must come down to Paryg Inn at once - that I must not stop up there alone so much, so I came down with them. Poor Hugo has no assistance at all, and I try to do more than I can. Hugo is continually talking about sending for Phocion to take charge of the estate, so he can go home or to Europe for a change. Oh, he so needs it Mother, you would not know him; he is looking so old, and has to work so hard, riding (?) in the hot sun too. Only last week he had an attack (bilious) from riding in the sun, although he is so persisting in saying he feels good, just as strong and young as he---? --but I know, so do others, that he is not. In a few days he is going to the estate to remain during the hard rains. He must go to rent his lands and estimate crops etc., or he would be robbed right and left. I shall remain in Panjim (?) as he can come down now and again after the first burst of the monsoon: wherein if I go now, I should not be able to get down before the middle of Oct. Heavens knows it is sad enough in Panjim, no society, never go out, see no one but ourselves, but Jenny and I live within ourselves; and with my household affairs, keep myself busy, as well as doing many other things "out of my line" to help Hugo, and feel thankful for the health and strength I have to support me at times. What can be the matter with Sister, she does not write to you? If not herself, one of the little girls surely might do so. Never what her trouble is, she should not neglect you, dear old Mother. I know full well we do not like to write our troubles to those we love to trouble them, as our mother, no one could feel for us as she does, and when I have those little tuggings at the heart strings, my thoughts always fly to her - and if I put them not down on paper, I know she prays and thinks of me - as we all have our troubles. No one is without them in some way. And when I think of some of my friends I feel self condemned for murmuring. Yesterday I read also a letter from Cordelia Parkinson telling me of the death of their poor old mother. Poor girls. All alone, as they say, in the wide, wide world. Poor old lady, she died so suddenly - was well in the afternoon, sewing on a patch-work quilt, and at 3 o'clock next morning died without a struggle, just as quietly as going to sleep - Congestion of the lungs. Hugo has just called and asked me who I am writing to. Says to tell her my everlasting love, and tell her I love the ground she steps on, and says I wish I had her and d--d if she should ever part from me until we part for good. Thank you for the sage seed.

Frances

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I some times think my feelings must be like the poor pilgrim whose sole aim and wish in life is to make the pilgrimage to Mecca before he dies. We shall see. Your Uncle Hugo is growing cotton now which has the appearance of being a success. It is not the American cotton, but is called the sacred cotton tree; lives 20 years and bears six months in the year, and a fine cotton. He will have considerable this year. The last two years the drouth has killed our coffee trees. Suppose you heard about the famine all over India. It is something dreadful. Hundreds of thousands - poor men, women, and children died of starvation. All business is at a standstill in Bombay and other commercial cities in India on account of this famine throughout the length and breadth of the land. God has blessed this place in sending the rain before it was too late, or we should have had a famine here too. Even as it is, every thing is doubly dear to what it has been, and costs as much again to live. It is sad. I hope you will send me your photograph, and tell brother Phocion I do want his photo so much, to see if he has changed. Give my love to him and to your Aunt Yina (?) and Phocion Jr.. I should like his photo too, if he has one to spare. Write me when you can. All send love to you as well as

your affectionate Aunt Fannie

---( this last seems to be part of another letter-- no date on it)---

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Panjim Goa, Jan.27, 1880

A few words to thee; my precious old mother. Full well do I know your thoughts and prayers are centered on me this day, and what a comfort it is to me to know that too! And how thankful and grateful I feel to our Heavenly Father for all His goodness and mercies He has given me, which I feel I do not deserve; nor even merit the consideration and love of those who know me in this world; which I believe, and often wonder why I should be blessed as I am. And after passing fifteen years in an Indian clime, to still posess the energy and spirit I have. I wonder over things sometimes, my Mother. If I could see you, I could speak my thoughts as they come in my head which tell me that I have yet my task to perform before me, although I am 65 (69), and the cares of life are still to be performed by me, which I have been exempt from in the past. My poor Hugo is well - as I could wish in health, but dear Mother, he has lost his memory, so that if it were not for my assistance, which is so poor in way of business, he would neglect it so for want of memory that he would be badly off. My entire time is taken up with him, - to get his correspondence, which must be done at the proper time. To give up business he can't, as we must live, and we have nothing to fall back on. We live with the strictest economy which you, dear Mother know no one can do more in that way than I, and we could not live anywhere as cheaply as we do here in Goa. The climate does not rate require the clothing we should need at home. No society to need dress of any expensive kind. So as we are so situated, we must make the best of all we have, and be thankful Hugo cannot live in a cold climate, and I fear I could not either, but a few months our blood is so poor and weak, as all people experience the same who live for many years in India. I read in the papers of the intense cold in England and on the Continent as well. Jenny writes the cold is severe on them. Poor Jenny and Osorio. How sad it is for them to lose their little one again. Such a lovely little creature, so intelligent and sweet she was. I felt it so much, for I was so glad to have a grand-daughter, and for these dear ones to lose it is so sad. But He knows best, and we must try to think and feel so, with our hearts broken when snatched from us. Yes, He knoweth best, and doeth all for the best. I am so happy to hear Sue has married so happily. Hope and trust Mollie will do the same. Thank you so much for the Pink seed; they are growing so well now. The seed all came up, but was cut at the roots by ants or something. Please send me some agerium, and any other seed convenient, parsley, sage, and thyme. Our old doctor who is a native of Goa - a most excellent man, and my best friends are he and his wife - they are both so fond of me - He is so delighted with the sweet smelling Pinks; I sent him a pot full grown. He has a pretty flower garden, and takes so much pleasure in getting what no one else has got. Said to me "Now Mrs. Major, don't you give anyone any of those Pinks but me". I told him my dear old mother sent them to me, and any other Pink - sweet smelling - do for Mercy sake, send to me; some for him; he is particularly fond of Pinks - and those you have do smell. Sweet Williams are plentiful here, very common.----- rest seems to be lost-----

DeWitt Missouri Oct.3, 1869

My dear Janie:

I have the sad news to tell you of your Uncle Horace's death. He died last Thursday morning and was buried the same day because they could not keep him longer. O Janie, what a blessed thing it is to know that when our friends depart they are gone to a better land. I was out to see him on Tuesday and almost the first thing he said was that his spiritual house was in order, and he was very glad to go. He was so glad to see me, and requested me to move my seat where he could look at me. Your uncle Dudley was there; he had been telling him about his business, and requested your aunt Louisa to administer on his estate, and ---? his children. ---?. Your dear old Grandma took it very hard; she fainted twice. Out of nine children he has only two left her, and though she is so feeble, she may live to see them all gone. Your uncle Dudley is in very bad health; he sent for Dr. Logan yesterday to go and see him. Your aunt Joan (Clinkscales) was down, and Fannie ???? was over. It rained so hard I could not go out. Brother ???? was to preach his funeral, but he did not come on account of the rain. Now my dear Janie, please to write to me as soon as you receive this, and tell me if your spiritual house is in order. For my part, I know that I can not stay much longer in this world of Sorrow and Trouble but I thank God that I can say with St. Paul "I know that if my earthly tabernacle were destroyed, I have building of God, which is not made with hands, but eternally in the heavens". I have been hearing some very pretty hymns,-" Sweet Hour Of Prayer""We're Marching Along", "We're Homeward Bound", and a beautiful chorus " There Will Be No More Sorrowing There". In the Haven Above where all is love, there will be no more sorrowing there. "Rest for the Weary". These I have learned to sing. Tell Gilbert that I think that if he would put by the melodeon, and learn the Sabbath School children to sing the Hymns with the spirit and understanding also, there would be more growth in true piety and religion. Does Mollie and Sue still go in the Cotton House on Sabbath evening and sing their songs of Xion? Rosa is here with me, and has been for two weeks: I shall hate to part with her. Your Uncle Lafitte and aunt Susan (?) came over today, (are coming), and I shall have to go through the same ordeal of bidding them Goodbye as when I left you all, but not with the same hope of seeing them here on earth as I had when I left you. But let us look forward to that day when parting words will be no more. I expect to start on to California. I have been thinking that I shall be at your uncle Jesse this day a week. Columbus is going with me as far as Omaha. Your uncle Jesse has sent me $100, and said that he would send me $50 more the next day, but it has not come yet. The mail has not come down for several days, I shall write your letters to Vacobelle Salam Cal, Overland Route.

Give my regards to all inquiring friends. Kiss your Pa and Ma, and all, and believe me, Ever your affectionate Grandma

M. J. Guillet.

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Letter from Harriet to Aunt Joe Tuesday a.m.

My dear Sister:

Ma got home last night safe and sound. Mr. Guillet stopped to see her; I haven't seen her yet, but am going today. She said she would stay at home and see who would come to see her first. We are all well; Coop can get about better the last two weeks than for a long time. Pete and Ella have both been sick, but better Sunday. I expect Coop will go to see Ma today, as she could hardly going to meet her. I went to DeWitt Sunday to hear Mr.Garner preach Mrs. McKinley's funeral. He preached about the rich man and Lazarus, and it was a real hell fire sermon, the other denominations were very much tickled to hear him come down so hard on us - poor little scrap of a church, hardly worth noticing, and not worth going to hear what we have to say for what we do or believe - but our intentions are good, and if we are wrong we will never prosper, but God will not forsake those who put their trust in Him. But I am afraid that none of have Charity enough but all selfish. I want to see you very than and I have got my gingham dress made and maybe I can go to see you next Saturday. But do not be disappointed if I do not get there, as there are so many things to hinder me; I am afraid to promise. In the hope of seeing you soon, I will close this epistle. From your Affectionate Sister, Harriet F. Guillet.

Mr. Guillet is ready to start, or I'd say more.

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Baltimore, June 1st, 1847

My dear Sister:

I received your letter of the 13th inst, and I was low spirited before, but I feel a great deal more so now. I wrote to you yesterday, and mailed my letter this morning, and about an hour afterwards the postman brought me yours, so this will be two letters in one day. But I must tell you, my Dear Sister, you have wronged me very much when you for a moment think that I have forgotten you, or neglected you intentionally. I have never had my feelings wounded so before, as when I read those lines penned by you. Can you for a moment think in your own heart that I do not love you as I always have done? I acknowledged that I did not write to you particularly, but I intended for to write to you soon as I returned to give you a complete history of my travels, although I have not done it. I must say that I thought a little hard of you for not having written to me sooner than you did about your marriage, but I said nothing about it, because I knew it was not neglect. The reason I thought it was what you wrote me you had not made up your mind, but do not think I never thought of you, for you would think very wrong; and I hope you will not let such thoughts get in your head again. If you do, I will send Mr. Major down after you, because you know better. You will make Brother Franklin have a very singular opinion of us the way you go on, so do not let me hear any more such talk. You hear that, Missy? For I must scold you, as unhappy as I feel about it. I am very glad to hear of your being married, and would dearly love to have been there, but that was impossible. I am very sorry to hear of you all being discouraged at farming, for Mr. Major talks of going up there in a short time to buy a farm. He is determined on it; he was so pleased when he was up there three years ago, but if you do go to New Orleans we will be together and happy once more. I had an idea of coming here to live, but if you go to New Orleans, nothing could induce me to live here. I wrote you about the death of my little boy. When I read your letter this morning I thought my heart would break to think how little did you think that he would be in his little grave when I would receive your letter. It seems to me that if I could only see your dear little one, it would relieve my poor sad heart. O my dear sister, it is the greatest affliction I have ever met with. I sometimes think we idolized it too much. It was such a beautiful large baby, it looked like a piece of wax when it was laid out. But why should I grieve? It is better off than in this world of sorrow and troubles. It has escaped a great deal, and I ought to be thankful that my others are spared, and I in good health. Little Jane is large and fat, and talking this eight months: and Sally can spell in two syllables. I learn her myself, and tell my sweet little nephew that he is a very smart little fellow and his uncle Major will take him for a mate; but he must write a little plainer next time, for I could not understand what it was he wanted to play with, but be what it will, he shall have it, and something else too. O the dear little urchin! I would squeeze him to death if I had hold of him. But tell him his cousin Sally sucks her thumb and I cannot break her of it. And I would like to hear what he thinks of his little cousin. She sends her love to him and a thousand kisses. I know he is pretty. My poor little one had blue eyes and dark brown hair and fair skin, and the prettiest shaped face I ever saw. I will not talk any more about him to you now, for I know you will feel for me and Oh may you never have the feelings to contend with that I now have. Give my love to Brother Franklin, and all of Mother's, and tell Columbus and Lafitte, and Phocion they really ought to write to me. Tell Mother if you see her I will write in a few days to her and John, soon as I hear when I am going,- if I go at all. I will write to you but it will not be of any use for you to write to this place until I write you where to direct my letters. Mr. Major is in Vera Cruze, and will most probably go to New Orleans. I hope so, for I expect all my furniture is ruined, besides my negro woman is hired out, and the people have not paid one cent nor do I expect ever will. It is too bad to be cheated as we are on all tasks. Mr. Major had to lose $500 he had in the vessel to get rid of the owner that sold him here two months ago. If he had not done that the people would not pay what the man asked for the vessel, and Mr. Major paid the difference himself, and he would have been out of employment. Isn't it too hard for him to --- get a little together, and have to lose it that way but if he gets good business he will do very well. He owns one quarter of the Park (bank?) and he got a very good freight out; he will certainly write to you when he comes, and do not ever think as you have been thinking of your only sister who loves you with the deepest affection one sister can think of the other. So farewell and think of the affections of Your affectionate sister,

Mary Frances Major

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