The
Fassett Letters - Letter #32
Date:
9/3/1856
Place:
Placerville
From: Ann
To: Sister Sarah
Placerville
Sept 3rd /56
Dear Sister
Sarah
Have you made up your mind that Ann never will write to you, no wonder
if you have, but I have no excuse to offer as I really cannot help it.
And now if it pleases you, I should like to have some knowledge of your
whereabouts, that is how long you intend to stay at home, dear home,
and where you are going to next. do you ever intend to settle down like
other married folks, please make us a long visit first, and not be so
partial to Mother that cannot visit a sister. I will show you the
prettiest, best natured, little namesake you ever saw, but cannot send
you her picture yet as this artist here takes such poor ones, and his
charges are “bamnable” high. I am talking some of
going to San Francisco with Chitt, if I do will have one taken there.
For the three last summers, my health has been quite poor through the
hot weather, and Parker is anxious for me to go to the bay and recruit.
When C– was down last he saw Dr Cruthers, who very kindly
sent a pressing invitation for me to stay with them till I get well. I
am anxious to visit Mrs Harker who has settled at San Francisco, and if
I had no babe to take would go. The weather is now cooler, and I am
better, and as I dread the jaunt of 50 miles by stage in half a day,
then right on the boat and a child to carry, have some doubts about
going. The rest are all well, Guy & Clara at school, P- in the
old tunnel. Dwight has been at home all summer helping me, but will go
soon. Clara reads and spells better than Guy now, and I think Willie
must study hard to keep ahead of his little niece. Guy, poor boy,
(Begin
page 2.)
became so
discouraged that we began to
think of sending him to another school away from here. I saw Mrs Cole
about it and she put him in a Natural Philosophy for beginners. that
pleased him as C– is always boasting. he studies well but
cannot learn fast, while C– learns without trying. But Miss
Clara is well satisfied for she takes music lessons on the piano. You
would laugh to hear her tongue go, and see her fingers fly over the
chair showing me where the letters are. Mrs Cole says 10 is generally
the right age to commence, but considers Clara as old at 6 as others
are at 10. Mrs C– says Clara has such an ear for music that
she wants her to attend to nothing but that & reading. Parker
laughs and says Mrs. C– wants the fun of seeing her learn so
fast. The terms are 50 cts a lesson and when she masters the key board,
and uses the piano daily, 100 per week for the use of it. Considerable
for us to pay but P– says he never can give his children
anything but an education, and if he lives they shall have a good one.
Perhaps you all laugh at me for writing so much about myself and
children, but I think it will interest you more than anything else. if
not give me a hint & I’ll ‘dry
up.’ Jane’s last letter threatens vengeance on all
that dont write to her once in 6 months. I dont know as it is that long
since I wrote to her, but for fear it is will notice her next month, as
I wish to keep peace in the family. Chitts new fireproof building is
nearly done. Hale, & Fassett are going on swimmingly, selling
‘lots’ of goods. The town is nearly built up again,
the most of it better than before. My love to Mr C– and tell
him we are always glad to hear from him, but would be gladder, gladdest
to see him. Father, Mother, brothers, & sisters, Grandmothers,
Uncles, Aunts, & cousins, are always remembered by me, but (I
beg their pardon for saying so) they are too numerous to mention.
[The
following is written upside down on the first page at the bottom]
Be
sure to give my love to Harry & Willie, when shall I see them.
[The
following is written upside down on the first page at the top]
I
really intended writing to Aunt Delia but could not. will she favor me
with a good letter. Cant Mary & ’Lida find time to
write a little to me, and Ann Hale too if she feels disposed. I will
try & answer. Sarah do write often. I wonder if my letters give
as much pleasure as yours. accept much love to your own dear self. from
Sister, Ann.
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