Letter from Henrietta Brown to James Park Brown - February 12, 1884:
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Butler, Feb 12th, 1884.

My dear James

Your Sunday letter came this evening and as I am anxious to write you one more letter before the term expires I shall hasten to answer. I am [unknown] over that. I did not put in that evening writing letters instead of ques. but I thought at the time I was doing a a greater kindness. Had my inclination been consulted I should have spent the time in composing rather that copying but the thing is done now and we'll waive regrets. I should have told you that your old playmate Beltie McQuowin has launched her bark on the sea Matrimonial with Hal Hoffman for Capt. that Emma Webber played a joke on Mr. Boxberger the day beforeshe was to have married him, by going off

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with a younger and handsomer man. Perhaps you saw the account in the H. papers. George Burnett and Frank, are to live in the John Cooper house so you see we are to be neighbors. We are having sickness all round us, Aunt W. called in Dr. Moyer last evening but she is much better to night and was able to get supper this eve. It was a case of billeiousness, Mrs Ida Hoes the same. Little Fay Hoes has Lung fever. I hear of some new case every few days. Mrs. Steere is quite sick. These spells of sickness are much worse than the 'blues" because the remedy for these is so much harder to swallow. Am sorry you feel blue but would feel badly if you were too sanguine. It is much better to be a little depressed and tired than too sure of sucess the disappointment is easier borne, if you are defeated and the joy will be all the sweeter if you are the winner. Don't I hope you may be though. I shall be so thankful when the "agony is over". I suppose there will be 

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a goodly array of competitors but have not heard of any of them being sick. They may possibly have the shakes but quinine will set them straight. Joking aside, we'll hope and pray for the best and if our side is not the lucky one be able to wish the other success, and do it with as good a grace as we can command. Frank and I are awaiting you, the spirit of communication seems to have laid a heavy hand on these as they are scratching away for dear life only pausing now and then to address a few remarks or ask a question, their distracted Mother as usual being the target. Charlie is having a matinee over his arithmetic - Papa, general manager. I dont think he likes that theatre of actors. Rollie has gone to bed or he would be at my side, bidding me write a line or so of machine poetry for him. Do you start home Sunday morning 2 A.M.? Are you sure that there is such an one? We will all be glad to see you I am sure - What would you particularly desire for dinner? Oat meal

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pudding with coal oil flaming? or will that I am too much of normal. Winnie says she is saving her self to ask you questions and will write when you get to W.P. Is she not kind, I have not seen grandma or Aunt Cam since you went away - but then I have been at home all the time and they have to - so it is small wonder. The baby grows I hear and is very cute. Birdie is very good too and is about well. Have not heard from Aunt Lena since the 30th of Dec. Am quite anxious to hear, the high water contributing largely to my anxiety. Barrington is well under water and your father is very much afraid it will interfere with Uncle Arthurs business for awhile anyhow, he says some floating house or something of the kind may strike the shop and damage it some and you know Uncle A has a pecuniary interest there aside from his work. I would like to see the water but am sorry for the distress. Rollie is serenading us, my such a wail. I think he has a truck of the "nocturnal horse of the feminine gender." The roads are in a terrible condition and we had had quite a rainy spell, the air seems getting colder and the wind is changing round to the north, but I dont anticipate much of a freeze. Papa says he'll send you the money tomorrow if Aunt Camilla is ready and he will by the next day anyhow. Will send you a money order in this he says and then you can get your money in time to square up with the world and leave a clean record. Did Uncle Dick tell you that Aunt Bessie had gone to [unknown] and the Mr Light was the new Apr. here It is much pleasanter for him since the change, as Mr B and Uncle d were not very sweet on each other. Well time is on the wing and papa is suggesting, Apples, so I shall hurry and get to the bottom of the page. Am sorry I have no news that is interesting, but I am not a reporter and have no time to get out and hunt up spicy items, even if our 'burg could furnish such trash. Well good night, success attend you, and God bless you in all your undertakings. Love to Nettie and regards to the rest. With love I remain your Aff. Mother

Postscript upside down on top of pages two and three:

Dont answer this but let us know on a Postal if you get your order, I am terribly sleepy - & you should be weary if you are not you must have acquired patience.