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-Mary D. Edwards Summer 2000

Rose Dale July 23rd 66

My dear friend

I have been waiting for a letter from you but have waited in vain[;] have come to the conclusion that you have forgoten [sic] me or must perhaps chainged [sic] again ha ha [.] if so Willie let me know; you know I cant think you that ficle [sic]. Your brother B said he would carry this ____ or I reckon I would still wait for to hear from you[.] why have you not ridden [written] or been down[?] do come down Saturday & & [sic] bring me some good news for I havent got any good news but I have bad news something that gave me the blues for three or 4 days but I am quite cheerful now was a little sick this eve[,] was gathering cheeries [sic] & almost fell off of the tree[.] the ___ maid [sic] me sick. I can not tell you what gave me the blues, but I am all right if you are. one ____ from thee will drive that gloom away[.] Willie[,] I have not got anything yet for my [here is left several blanks, i.e. ____ ___ ____ ]will not untill [sic] I hear from you or see you & would much rather see you[.] the girls think best for us to have _____ & then for you & I to take a trip to Rockingham[,] Ronoak [sic][,] or Buckingham[.] I think myself it would be very nice but of corse[sic] if it does not suit you I will not insist[.] Charles has put me in the notion of visiting Buckingham but enough of this. Dear Willie I am very anxious to see you[.] I hope you will not loos [lose] what Mr. C owes you but if you do [,] dont let it greave [sic] you we can make a liven [living] of corse[sic] we will have to commence unable in life but we must trust in God[.] he will help us if we be energetick[sic] & have faith[.] Willie dont promise yourself anything but me[.] I have got nothing but I mean to strive to have you value me more than you wou [would] value any other earthly thing[.] I know Dear one you are not going to marry me for wealth for I cannot promis [sic] myself anything from any the things that are mine now but I about think that will make any difference with you but I must close[.] we are all well & I hope that will find you well & happy [.] Oh yes[,] happy in Christ Jes[.] Oh dear one strive to be a good boy & let us be happy together[.] there is harley [hardly] an hour of the day but what I think of those secret promises[.] may God in his mersy [sic] help you to keep them[.] this is my daly [sic] prayer[.] O he is good[.] Let us trust in him & pray to him for more faith[.] Willie do come down with C on Saturday _____pleas [sic] excuse all imperfections[.] accept much love from your ever true Kate[.] My love & kisses K

Wednesday eve[.] Dear Willie I have a Kiss for you that was sent from Rockingham from one that I expect to have here. Sis Lizzie & Annie are going to Staunton Friday[.] they say they are going to get my things[.] I would much rather have seen you or heard from you before I get home but they think best to get them[.] pleas [sic] excuse this short note[.] your Midie do come Saturday[.] I shal [sic] look for you[.]

[Attached to this letter is an envelope addressed to "Mr. William F. Brand, Alone Mills, Rockbridge Co., Virginia". It is postmarked Greenville, Va. and has the notation "Please forward Immediately", written in script.]