Sadly, this letter is undated. Edward’s wife Ida is mentioned, so I presume it was written sometime after April 1886. For the purposes of filing the document, I have estimated the date as January 1, 1887.
Ann, ever the entrepreneur, is buying and selling pigs. It sounds like she may have gotten a free pig from someone, and she has nursed him back to better health. She also wants one of Edward’s sows but seems to feel awkward about it since its market value is so high.
She closes the letter with a little note in the margin to Ida that comes across as kind of snotty. Perhaps the new bride is not on Ann’s good side…
[undated]
Dear Ed,
Did you get the paper with Ella’s dollie’s dress? Ella made up her mind to go to Lincoln in the morning. I did not have time to write & forgot to send the postal note & get a one dollar bill. I will send the bill instead of the crate. I sent a card last Saturday. Sent for the farm field and fireside and the Hyaglun[?]. I would like the book after you read it.
I like the pig real well. The hair came off bad. Makes him look racey. His eyes are scurvy. It has been so cold I have not greased him but twice. He looks lots better. I like his disposition. That man must have taken poor care of him.
Well Ed I intended when I was down to have bought a sow of yours but when there was such demand and prices so high I did not say anything. So unless your offer to sell is strickly personal if so all right if not I would like her but I did not get my hogs away. I kept thinking they would come to 85. I am going to let them go as soon as the roads get good so I can I could not go for a hog now if it was goold[?]. The roads are terrible. Write soon from Mother.
Well Ida I expected to hear from you before this.
