letter from Malissa Spurlock Foster to her youngest son Abraham Foster at the time of his marriage to Alice Mae Johnston

Evergreen Aug. 9, 1906

My Dear Children,

My dear boy and you really are going to be married tonight - I can't hardly realize I'm going to gain another daughter. Corrie and all of us are rejoicing together. Dear Alice, I am so glad to take you into my arms of love as I do my other children. I know you and Abie will be (in) happiness in taking this step. I have been looking for this for some time but didn't know you were ingaged until my last letter from Abie. I gave the letter to Emma to read, she was so rejoiced. She said thank the Lord. Abie ought to marry,.the best thing he ever did. Dear Alice, come right into the church now with Abie and go to work now in the Lord's vineyard. Take the Lord into partnership with you, love and serve Him, keep His commandments. He will never leave us or forsake us. I reckon I have a letter at home now. As Abie said in his letter he had to hurry up and get off another letter.

Marion wanted to visit his kinfolks so much before he leaves. The middle of next month he asked me if I wouldn't go with him. I really won't (be) able to take the trip. The heat was so great. I felt like I was growing weaker all the time. But I hated to say no. When I get to a stopping place I am keeping my quiet (rest and) am getting along very well. Paul told me he didn't approve of me taking this trip. But if I would stop long enough at places and rest up I could stand it.

I('m) sitting in Frank's big hall writing. You know what a pleasant place it is. And the dear ones are so loving and kind to me. I am feeling so well. Dear Abie it makes me think so much of the time when we was here together. What a happy time we all had.

Well Abie, I hope we will get you and Alice over here with us yet. I know she wouldn't object coming back to old La. But I know the folks there will hate to give you up. How I wish I was there to help you and Alice fix up your housekeeping. I don't know what two rooms upstairs unless your room and sewing room which would be room enough for new beginners. I don't want you to buy much in that line till you decide where you are going. For we may get your own home in our new town. I didn't get (a) chance to go out there while I was at home but will go when I get back. We will go back sometime next week.

I know Trust will be surprised. I wrote her a postal this morn after reading your letter to Corrie. I carried Mamie out to Paul's with me. When I went home our meeting was going on. I stayed at Trust's a week to attend the (camp)meeting. It went on 5 or6 weeks and Paul told Brother Holden if he didn't close that he would have to call on him to preach his horses funerals for they were nearly run to death. Mamie is getting better. Getting some color in her face.

I am still writing in the big hall, Corrie and Marion by me. C. had been laughing and happy and it all this time. Then she got to looking back how long she and you had been corresponding so long. It makes (her) feel so lonely but must not (think) that and (should) stop thinking about it.

Well Abie, if you and Alice come back we will help you all we can. You shall have plenty (of) milk and butter. I have 4 young calves now. Running out we don't (of) milk. Burtie milks and we are getting plenty (of) milk.

I reckon you and Alice are getting pretty nervous as it's only a few hours till the knot will be tied. You didn't tell us whether you would be married in the church or at Ida's?

Will leave here Monday 13 for Red Fish and if I can want to see ? and? this time.

May God's richest blessing ever be with you and Alice. Love to all of our dear ones there. How I wish I was with you all now. God bless you all. Your devoted

Mother