Annie Armstrong Mounce Correspondence 1875-1892
Annie Elizabeth Armstrong was born Aug 24th 1842 in Avondale, daughter of Thomas Henry Armstrong and Melinda Ann Mosher. She married Captain George Richard Mounce on Dec 12th in 1876, becoming his second wife. They had two children together, Thomas Armstrong Mounce and Ralph Brecken Mounce.
A local school teacher, she lived in one of the two large historic houses in Avondale from the time of her marriage to her death on Apr 5th of 1928.
The house that Annie and her husband, Captain George R. Mounce lived in was originally a modest Georgian-style home. The second, larger house, just up the hill from the first, was built by their son, Thomas. Their son, Ralph subsequently expanded the original Mounce house, some say to compete with his brother. Annie's last years were spent living with her son, Ralph.
“This project has been made possible in part by the Documentary Heritage Communities Program offered by Library and Archives Canada / Ce projet a été rendu possible en partie grâce au Programme pour les collectivités du patrimoine documentaire offert par Bibliothèque et Archives Canada.”
A local school teacher, she lived in one of the two large historic houses in Avondale from the time of her marriage to her death on Apr 5th of 1928.
The house that Annie and her husband, Captain George R. Mounce lived in was originally a modest Georgian-style home. The second, larger house, just up the hill from the first, was built by their son, Thomas. Their son, Ralph subsequently expanded the original Mounce house, some say to compete with his brother. Annie's last years were spent living with her son, Ralph.
“This project has been made possible in part by the Documentary Heritage Communities Program offered by Library and Archives Canada / Ce projet a été rendu possible en partie grâce au Programme pour les collectivités du patrimoine documentaire offert par Bibliothèque et Archives Canada.”
Pork Cake (L-28)
“Pork Cake”
1 pound salt pork chopped fine.
1 pint boiling water
2 cups sugar,
I cup molasses,
2 teaspoons soda
As much fruit as you can afford and no more.
Season to taste
1 pound salt pork chopped fine.
1 pint boiling water
2 cups sugar,
I cup molasses,
2 teaspoons soda
As much fruit as you can afford and no more.
Season to taste
March 3rd, 1875 (L-8-ALT)
(Envelope)
Miss Annie Armstrong
Avondale
Newport
(Letter)
Mosherville
Mar. 3rd /75
Dear friend;
With much pleasure & surprise I was the recipient of a letter from you.
In consequence four(sic) long silence, I had ceased to enlist you amongst my numerous correspondents; but am pleased to have our correspondence again renewed.
Well dear friend I was pleased indeed, to hear from you, I was at Mrs Mosher’s the Saturday following your visit there & was rather indignant that you did not extend your drive, & visit me;
I am glad to hear you are well, & that your Sister is regaining her health - I have been informed of her indisposition, through Minnie Burgess.
I am sorry to hear of her father’s ill health again - In her last epistle she wrote rather encouragingly of him.
So you have abandoned the idea of teaching entirely.
I am still teaching, & enjoy it tolerably well - though I do think it monotonous at times especially when we have as disagreeable weather as we have experienced this term.
The pupils in this school I am attached too(sic) & the people are exceedingly kind: but yet it is a very dull place.
I was home a short time ago, & you can sympathize with my feeling, when a pleasure of that nature is granted.
They are well home, & Lennie goes to school occasionally, She is middling in health now, but not very strong-
She is so tall now, I am confident you could not recognize her as being the little one who attended your school.
Sammie is well, & has grown almost beyond recognition.
He has for the past year been a clerk in W.B. Shaw’s shop in Windsor & enjoys it much.
Jessie Harvie is teaching in Centre Rawdon this Winter & I hear is coming to our Singing C Friday Evening. Am sorry your wish could not have been granted the Evening you were in this vicinity.
Please remember me with love to Mrs Salter & Mrs Allison, & Accept a Share from your loving Friend Georgie Parhing.
hoping to hear from you soon,
Miss Annie Armstrong
Avondale
Newport
(Letter)
Mosherville
Mar. 3rd /75
Dear friend;
With much pleasure & surprise I was the recipient of a letter from you.
In consequence four(sic) long silence, I had ceased to enlist you amongst my numerous correspondents; but am pleased to have our correspondence again renewed.
Well dear friend I was pleased indeed, to hear from you, I was at Mrs Mosher’s the Saturday following your visit there & was rather indignant that you did not extend your drive, & visit me;
I am glad to hear you are well, & that your Sister is regaining her health - I have been informed of her indisposition, through Minnie Burgess.
I am sorry to hear of her father’s ill health again - In her last epistle she wrote rather encouragingly of him.
So you have abandoned the idea of teaching entirely.
I am still teaching, & enjoy it tolerably well - though I do think it monotonous at times especially when we have as disagreeable weather as we have experienced this term.
The pupils in this school I am attached too(sic) & the people are exceedingly kind: but yet it is a very dull place.
I was home a short time ago, & you can sympathize with my feeling, when a pleasure of that nature is granted.
They are well home, & Lennie goes to school occasionally, She is middling in health now, but not very strong-
She is so tall now, I am confident you could not recognize her as being the little one who attended your school.
Sammie is well, & has grown almost beyond recognition.
He has for the past year been a clerk in W.B. Shaw’s shop in Windsor & enjoys it much.
Jessie Harvie is teaching in Centre Rawdon this Winter & I hear is coming to our Singing C Friday Evening. Am sorry your wish could not have been granted the Evening you were in this vicinity.
Please remember me with love to Mrs Salter & Mrs Allison, & Accept a Share from your loving Friend Georgie Parhing.
hoping to hear from you soon,
October 1st, 1875 (L-20-ALT)
Waltham, Mass.
Oct 1 1875
My dear cousin Annie
Your mother says that in your last letter you ask if it is not almost time for me to answer your letter. Now there are people who write such nice letters that the (sic) expect their friends to write two to their one, and I am usually willing to do so. But this is a special case & as it is you who make the claim I will even this time write three for one. To be sure I don’t distinctly remember, but it is so long since I received your last that I must in the natural course of things have answered it twice at least before this.
Are you sure you ever replied to my note on the green paper?
One day last week I was the victim of an evidently unintentional practical joke, and all on your account. I took from the office two letters from Avondale one addressed to Mrs M.A Armstrong and the other to Mr T. H. Armstrong. Of course I opened the latter at once, and was prepared to receive the long looked for letter from you. but lo! It began “my dear sister Melinda”. I at once saw what the trouble was so I waited until I reached home and then told Aunt Melinda that if she would open the letter and give me my letter I would give her her’s, for you see, the letters had been placed in the wrong envelopes. Well! She tore open the envelope and found inside a letter for her and an envelope addressed to Miss A.E Armstrong. Abby took the envelope and went off “to read her own letter by herself” as she said. Poor Thomas had none, and boiled with indignation at the thought of how he had been [sold?]. If you could have seen him then he would have read you a lecture upon the danger of sending letters to other people under his address. He was soon joined by Abby who had found her letter addressed to Miss A.E Armstrong Avondale N.S. Then a further examination showed that the original cause of all our difficulty was addressed not to Mr T.H. Armstrong but to Mrs T.H. - I, being still unfortunately a single man, had no authority to open it.
You cannot expect me to write you a news - letter when Aunt writes two or three times a week, and a lady is so much better as a news monger than any such as I am. My forte too is in this line. If you were here I could ask you questions. If you don’t believe it just come on and see. How soon are you going to be married, Annie? Your Mother does not seem to know.
I wonder how many letters I owe Levie. Now that she is so well and has nothing else to do I think she might very well spend an hour in writing to her Yankee cousin. I can answer letters a great deal better than I can begin the correspondence. Give my love to Levie all that you do not care to keep yourself and please consider this and the former scrawls worthy a short answer-
From your cousin Thomas.
Oct 1 1875
My dear cousin Annie
Your mother says that in your last letter you ask if it is not almost time for me to answer your letter. Now there are people who write such nice letters that the (sic) expect their friends to write two to their one, and I am usually willing to do so. But this is a special case & as it is you who make the claim I will even this time write three for one. To be sure I don’t distinctly remember, but it is so long since I received your last that I must in the natural course of things have answered it twice at least before this.
Are you sure you ever replied to my note on the green paper?
One day last week I was the victim of an evidently unintentional practical joke, and all on your account. I took from the office two letters from Avondale one addressed to Mrs M.A Armstrong and the other to Mr T. H. Armstrong. Of course I opened the latter at once, and was prepared to receive the long looked for letter from you. but lo! It began “my dear sister Melinda”. I at once saw what the trouble was so I waited until I reached home and then told Aunt Melinda that if she would open the letter and give me my letter I would give her her’s, for you see, the letters had been placed in the wrong envelopes. Well! She tore open the envelope and found inside a letter for her and an envelope addressed to Miss A.E Armstrong. Abby took the envelope and went off “to read her own letter by herself” as she said. Poor Thomas had none, and boiled with indignation at the thought of how he had been [sold?]. If you could have seen him then he would have read you a lecture upon the danger of sending letters to other people under his address. He was soon joined by Abby who had found her letter addressed to Miss A.E Armstrong Avondale N.S. Then a further examination showed that the original cause of all our difficulty was addressed not to Mr T.H. Armstrong but to Mrs T.H. - I, being still unfortunately a single man, had no authority to open it.
You cannot expect me to write you a news - letter when Aunt writes two or three times a week, and a lady is so much better as a news monger than any such as I am. My forte too is in this line. If you were here I could ask you questions. If you don’t believe it just come on and see. How soon are you going to be married, Annie? Your Mother does not seem to know.
I wonder how many letters I owe Levie. Now that she is so well and has nothing else to do I think she might very well spend an hour in writing to her Yankee cousin. I can answer letters a great deal better than I can begin the correspondence. Give my love to Levie all that you do not care to keep yourself and please consider this and the former scrawls worthy a short answer-
From your cousin Thomas.
December 26th, 1875 (L-19-ALT)
Waltham Mass Dec 26th 1875
Dear Annie
As your Aunt is writing to your mother I have concluded to send a few line(sic), along with it. I suppose you have got home from your visit, well, strong, & happy. How pleasant it must be for you to see Elevia walking about doing light work, she will no doubt have to be very careful this winter and until she gets stronger, you must be very careful and not have your Mother exposed to much in the cold. I noticed on here that the cold did not agree with her you will have to take the blunt(sic) of the work. I don’t know how you will stand it but we read that as our day is. So shall our strength be,
How glad I am that your mother enjoyed her visit here. She certainly appeared happy and we were lonesome when she left. We have been quite busy and time passes rapidly. Thanksgiving went by with a rush. Christmas has just passed and the new year is approaching with rapid [illegible] are all well. Abby spent the last week with Emma, her Aunt Mariam is here now. will probably spend the most of the winter with us. Minnie Burgess came out and stoped (sic) one week with us. She is in Melrose Henry’s folk, came out. & she went back with them give my love to Matilda. tell her I was down to Newton day before Christmas. Her Mother was quite unwell. The Dr says she must [keep?] her [warm?] a few days.
There has not been much going on here except Christmas presents, everyone is interested what did you get.
I hope you will not wait as long as we have before writing. it is a miserable practice. I wish you all a happy new year from your Uncle E.B. Armstrong.
I suppose you have heard that Daniel Mosher and his son had their store burned. I hear they loose (sic) about $1,000, sorry for them. Mr Nauss has resigned his Police duties, and I hear is going into the fishing business. a poor change I think.
E.B A
Dear Annie
As your Aunt is writing to your mother I have concluded to send a few line(sic), along with it. I suppose you have got home from your visit, well, strong, & happy. How pleasant it must be for you to see Elevia walking about doing light work, she will no doubt have to be very careful this winter and until she gets stronger, you must be very careful and not have your Mother exposed to much in the cold. I noticed on here that the cold did not agree with her you will have to take the blunt(sic) of the work. I don’t know how you will stand it but we read that as our day is. So shall our strength be,
How glad I am that your mother enjoyed her visit here. She certainly appeared happy and we were lonesome when she left. We have been quite busy and time passes rapidly. Thanksgiving went by with a rush. Christmas has just passed and the new year is approaching with rapid [illegible] are all well. Abby spent the last week with Emma, her Aunt Mariam is here now. will probably spend the most of the winter with us. Minnie Burgess came out and stoped (sic) one week with us. She is in Melrose Henry’s folk, came out. & she went back with them give my love to Matilda. tell her I was down to Newton day before Christmas. Her Mother was quite unwell. The Dr says she must [keep?] her [warm?] a few days.
There has not been much going on here except Christmas presents, everyone is interested what did you get.
I hope you will not wait as long as we have before writing. it is a miserable practice. I wish you all a happy new year from your Uncle E.B. Armstrong.
I suppose you have heard that Daniel Mosher and his son had their store burned. I hear they loose (sic) about $1,000, sorry for them. Mr Nauss has resigned his Police duties, and I hear is going into the fishing business. a poor change I think.
E.B A
Wednesday the 12th, 1876 (L-3)
(Envelope)
Mrs Annie Armstrong
Avondale
Newport
Answered
(Letter)
Wednesday 12th, 1876
Dearest Annie
I received your kind and welcome letter and was sorry to hear your mother was not well, I hope she will get smart so as to help you, for you must be nearly done out. We heard that Levie was in a very strange way, we don’t know whether to believe it or not; Ma say’s she wished you would write and tell us all about it. Well I suppose I must tell you some of the new’s(sic), there is precious little to tell. I belong to the division it is called the Northern Star it is a pretty name don’t you think so. I do. we have splendid times it meets every Tuesday night at eight o clock. I will commence and see if I can proceed with my letter. I have to go to the door every five minutes, it makes one so mad. Jean talks about you every day she says you have gone to [bungey?], Ma is sewing on the Machine she says to tell you that she sewing and thinking about moving. Aunt Saddie(sic) is not well Ma says she must be lovesick she don’t(sic) know what else is the matter with her. Aunt Sadie says if we do move she will try and have a little room for you and if she cant(sic) have a room she says you can sleep with her and Reid in the middle. Jean is tormenting Ma for a lead pencil to write to you she says her’s went to [bungy?] we all send our love to Levie and your mother hoping that Levie will get better I send my love to you and all inquiring friends. I must stop writing so good bye from you (sic)
Effectionate(sic) friend,
Lena
Mrs Annie Armstrong
Avondale
Newport
Answered
(Letter)
Wednesday 12th, 1876
Dearest Annie
I received your kind and welcome letter and was sorry to hear your mother was not well, I hope she will get smart so as to help you, for you must be nearly done out. We heard that Levie was in a very strange way, we don’t know whether to believe it or not; Ma say’s she wished you would write and tell us all about it. Well I suppose I must tell you some of the new’s(sic), there is precious little to tell. I belong to the division it is called the Northern Star it is a pretty name don’t you think so. I do. we have splendid times it meets every Tuesday night at eight o clock. I will commence and see if I can proceed with my letter. I have to go to the door every five minutes, it makes one so mad. Jean talks about you every day she says you have gone to [bungey?], Ma is sewing on the Machine she says to tell you that she sewing and thinking about moving. Aunt Saddie(sic) is not well Ma says she must be lovesick she don’t(sic) know what else is the matter with her. Aunt Sadie says if we do move she will try and have a little room for you and if she cant(sic) have a room she says you can sleep with her and Reid in the middle. Jean is tormenting Ma for a lead pencil to write to you she says her’s went to [bungy?] we all send our love to Levie and your mother hoping that Levie will get better I send my love to you and all inquiring friends. I must stop writing so good bye from you (sic)
Effectionate(sic) friend,
Lena
Nov 5th, 1876 (L-17-ALT)
(Envelope)
Miss Annie Armstrong
(Letter)
Charlestown, Sunday
November 5th [76?]
Dear Annie
Please forgive me this once for not writing sooner. I would have done so but I have been thing(sic) Weather(sic) to stay or not but I think now I will stay hear(sic) this winter I can not say I like to stay hear(sic) but Mrs [Kimteall?] is very kind to me she does not Scolding me to deth(sic) I have bin(sic) around a good [deal?] and seen a good many things I never seen before I was on the common to Meeting one Sunday the band plade(sic) it was lovely i(sic) did not know the(sic) was so many people in the world before.
I (sic) doun’t(sic) now(sic) everybody it I go to meeting but I have never bin(sic) to class it I do not know where to go to Annie I think of class day home when you ar(sic) all thare(sic) I would like to see poor Elevia and your Mother I heard thay(sic) are better and I now(sic) you are well and I would like to see you to sum(sic) day. I think i(sic) will die i(sic) am so lonesome often wish i(sic) was learning with Mrs Altison i(sic) was very sick on the water all day Sunday i(sic) thought i(sic) would die I never was so sick in my live (sic) it raind(sic) most all the way it was every [illegible] Miss Kimball is showing me how to [soay?] on the sewing machine.
They go to meeting with me I never go out alone I think I am a better girl now and i(sic) was when i(sic) was in Avondale i spose(sic) you think the(sic) is a great [neade?] of it.
i(sic) have got a very sore finger but I must tell you what I seen last night torchlight procession of six hundred people and that was not half of them thay(sic) broak(sic) the sabbath. I set up till half past a twelve oclock it thunder and lighten(sic) hear(sic) on thursday(sic) it is like summer hear(sic) now it snow hear(sic) the 15 of October I cannot write very more this time my finger is so sore give my love to your mother [illegible] and to Elevira(sic) and all of inquiring friends except large share for yourself.
good night all
excuse very bad writing and spelling
i(sic) do not know how to spell Eleiva(sic) rite or not.
[Yannie?] Lake
92 High St
Charlistown(sic)
Mass.
Miss Annie Armstrong
(Letter)
Charlestown, Sunday
November 5th [76?]
Dear Annie
Please forgive me this once for not writing sooner. I would have done so but I have been thing(sic) Weather(sic) to stay or not but I think now I will stay hear(sic) this winter I can not say I like to stay hear(sic) but Mrs [Kimteall?] is very kind to me she does not Scolding me to deth(sic) I have bin(sic) around a good [deal?] and seen a good many things I never seen before I was on the common to Meeting one Sunday the band plade(sic) it was lovely i(sic) did not know the(sic) was so many people in the world before.
I (sic) doun’t(sic) now(sic) everybody it I go to meeting but I have never bin(sic) to class it I do not know where to go to Annie I think of class day home when you ar(sic) all thare(sic) I would like to see poor Elevia and your Mother I heard thay(sic) are better and I now(sic) you are well and I would like to see you to sum(sic) day. I think i(sic) will die i(sic) am so lonesome often wish i(sic) was learning with Mrs Altison i(sic) was very sick on the water all day Sunday i(sic) thought i(sic) would die I never was so sick in my live (sic) it raind(sic) most all the way it was every [illegible] Miss Kimball is showing me how to [soay?] on the sewing machine.
They go to meeting with me I never go out alone I think I am a better girl now and i(sic) was when i(sic) was in Avondale i spose(sic) you think the(sic) is a great [neade?] of it.
i(sic) have got a very sore finger but I must tell you what I seen last night torchlight procession of six hundred people and that was not half of them thay(sic) broak(sic) the sabbath. I set up till half past a twelve oclock it thunder and lighten(sic) hear(sic) on thursday(sic) it is like summer hear(sic) now it snow hear(sic) the 15 of October I cannot write very more this time my finger is so sore give my love to your mother [illegible] and to Elevira(sic) and all of inquiring friends except large share for yourself.
good night all
excuse very bad writing and spelling
i(sic) do not know how to spell Eleiva(sic) rite or not.
[Yannie?] Lake
92 High St
Charlistown(sic)
Mass.
1877 (L-19)
(Envelope)
Mrs Armstrong
Avondale
(Letter)
Mrs Armstrong
1877 To Fred. Best M.D. Dr
Mar. To Attendance of Self and med - 2.75
June “ Do Daug. Do 5.50
July “ Do Do Do 4.50
Aug “ Do Do Do 4.50
Sep “ Do Do Do 6.25
_______
23.50
Cr
June By Cash $4.00 _______
$19.50
Received payment
F. Best
Mrs Armstrong
Avondale
(Letter)
Mrs Armstrong
1877 To Fred. Best M.D. Dr
Mar. To Attendance of Self and med - 2.75
June “ Do Daug. Do 5.50
July “ Do Do Do 4.50
Aug “ Do Do Do 4.50
Sep “ Do Do Do 6.25
_______
23.50
Cr
June By Cash $4.00 _______
$19.50
Received payment
F. Best
March 18th, 1877 (L-27)
Glen Valle. California
March 18th 1877
My Dear Annie
Your long looked for letter came at last and I assure you I was pleased to hear from you once more. I had come to the conclusion we were forgotten, but was very pleased to see by your kind letter that it was not so.
Dear Annie things have greatly changed since we last wrote to each other, just think we are both married when I think about the many changes that have taken place since we left home it does not seem as though it were possible . Many thanks Annie for your kind wishes please accept the same yourself. May your new life be a very happy one indeed. Suppose I tell you about my wedding and myself & husband. To begin with I must tell you what my name is now it is Mrs Robert Maddux. We girls were fond of M’s, don’t you think so Ellen’s name you know is Meyers, Carrie’s [Mareom?] & mine, now I wonder if Lena’s will begin with the same letter too.
I some thinks it will. We were married Jan 21st at 6 O’clock at the Church. Then went to Ellen’s as she gave the wedding supper There were quite a number there and the evening passed off very pleasantly. About ten my husband took me home. Ellen, Carrie Lena, & Doug all went with us. We had a gay time I can tell you. I live about ½ mile from Ellen & Carrie so you see it makes it very pleasant for us as we can see each other so often. My husband is all that is good & noble all I could wish for. I have a nice pleasant home and as you say am happy & contented. Why Annie, I am sure I never knew what the word happiness meant till I was married and had someone to care for me & to care for. It must be pleasant to have little Willie to amuse you I suppose Georgia is not with you. she must be quite a girl by this time. Poor dear [Leevia?] how often have I though(sic) of her & wondered how she was getting along now. It does seem as if she was born to suffer but we know her reward is sure. I have often thought of writing to her again and then I thought perhaps she would not be able to read my letter and I had better not write. Please give her my kindest love and tell her I think about her every day and have got her picture in a small frame so I can see it all the time.
Is she confined to her bed & does she suffer much now
You must have had a sorrowful time when your mother was so sick how thankful you must have felt that she was spared to you a little longer. I trust you may never know what it is to lose a mother. I would give anything in the world could I have my dear mother here to see me in my new home. I sometimes imagine her as being here and I can hear her laugh as she used too(sic) but I do not wish her back to the cruel world for I know she is better off. There was a funeral at the Church today. A young fellow accidently fell into a deep ditch and was drowned. Ellen starts for a place called [Visalia?] tomorrow. her little girl Josie has been sick for some time and does not appear to be improving any so they are going to try a change of climate & Doctors to see if that will do any good. I like my new brother very much he is very jovial and full of fun. I will send you our picture just as soon as possible. And then I want you to please burn that other I sent short after I came. I think they are worse & worse every time I look at them. They look as if I was choking and nearly frightened to death.
Now Annie don’t you know you promised me you would send me one of your pictures a long time ago. won’t you please send me one now you don’t know how I long to see you. My husband says in a few years we will take a trip to Nova Scotia he, to see the place and I to see my friends. I am looking forward with great hopes. Well Annie as usual I am writing crossways. I never seem to know when to stop writing when I commence but I think I had better stop now as you will get tired of my wretched scribbling. please don’t be so long writing next time tell Levia I have commenced another tidy like the one I made and gave Aunt Annie with the [Loc’ly?] in the center. Please give my love to your mother and Ada and all the Folks and accept a large portion yourself from your ever loving friend.
Ida Maddux
Please address
Mrs Robert Maddux
Glenville P.O.
Kern Co
Cal
March 18th 1877
My Dear Annie
Your long looked for letter came at last and I assure you I was pleased to hear from you once more. I had come to the conclusion we were forgotten, but was very pleased to see by your kind letter that it was not so.
Dear Annie things have greatly changed since we last wrote to each other, just think we are both married when I think about the many changes that have taken place since we left home it does not seem as though it were possible . Many thanks Annie for your kind wishes please accept the same yourself. May your new life be a very happy one indeed. Suppose I tell you about my wedding and myself & husband. To begin with I must tell you what my name is now it is Mrs Robert Maddux. We girls were fond of M’s, don’t you think so Ellen’s name you know is Meyers, Carrie’s [Mareom?] & mine, now I wonder if Lena’s will begin with the same letter too.
I some thinks it will. We were married Jan 21st at 6 O’clock at the Church. Then went to Ellen’s as she gave the wedding supper There were quite a number there and the evening passed off very pleasantly. About ten my husband took me home. Ellen, Carrie Lena, & Doug all went with us. We had a gay time I can tell you. I live about ½ mile from Ellen & Carrie so you see it makes it very pleasant for us as we can see each other so often. My husband is all that is good & noble all I could wish for. I have a nice pleasant home and as you say am happy & contented. Why Annie, I am sure I never knew what the word happiness meant till I was married and had someone to care for me & to care for. It must be pleasant to have little Willie to amuse you I suppose Georgia is not with you. she must be quite a girl by this time. Poor dear [Leevia?] how often have I though(sic) of her & wondered how she was getting along now. It does seem as if she was born to suffer but we know her reward is sure. I have often thought of writing to her again and then I thought perhaps she would not be able to read my letter and I had better not write. Please give her my kindest love and tell her I think about her every day and have got her picture in a small frame so I can see it all the time.
Is she confined to her bed & does she suffer much now
You must have had a sorrowful time when your mother was so sick how thankful you must have felt that she was spared to you a little longer. I trust you may never know what it is to lose a mother. I would give anything in the world could I have my dear mother here to see me in my new home. I sometimes imagine her as being here and I can hear her laugh as she used too(sic) but I do not wish her back to the cruel world for I know she is better off. There was a funeral at the Church today. A young fellow accidently fell into a deep ditch and was drowned. Ellen starts for a place called [Visalia?] tomorrow. her little girl Josie has been sick for some time and does not appear to be improving any so they are going to try a change of climate & Doctors to see if that will do any good. I like my new brother very much he is very jovial and full of fun. I will send you our picture just as soon as possible. And then I want you to please burn that other I sent short after I came. I think they are worse & worse every time I look at them. They look as if I was choking and nearly frightened to death.
Now Annie don’t you know you promised me you would send me one of your pictures a long time ago. won’t you please send me one now you don’t know how I long to see you. My husband says in a few years we will take a trip to Nova Scotia he, to see the place and I to see my friends. I am looking forward with great hopes. Well Annie as usual I am writing crossways. I never seem to know when to stop writing when I commence but I think I had better stop now as you will get tired of my wretched scribbling. please don’t be so long writing next time tell Levia I have commenced another tidy like the one I made and gave Aunt Annie with the [Loc’ly?] in the center. Please give my love to your mother and Ada and all the Folks and accept a large portion yourself from your ever loving friend.
Ida Maddux
Please address
Mrs Robert Maddux
Glenville P.O.
Kern Co
Cal
May 27th, 1877 (L-24)
Waltham May 27th 1877
Dear Annie
I received a letter from you last year & have been thinking every week since I would write you, but one thing after another has prevented, & now I have commenced, & in the first place I want to congratulate you on your new position in life, I wish you much happiness with your husband, may you both live to enjoy much & be happy.
I need not tell you that I was surprised when I heard that you were married, which was about two days before I received your letter, I could not think why we did not hear from you, but when I got the letter I saw at once what the trouble was, your mind was all on one person, well I hope he is good, for I think you deserve a good one, why did nt(sic) you take a wedding trip on this way, we should have been very much pleased to see you & your husband, you can come this summer, & we should be just as glad to see you, I think your mother & Elevia must have missed you much, how do they do I want to hear from them very much, Emma [Muler?] was here last week, said she thought Elevia was some better then last fall, poor girl what a sight of sickness & suffering she has had, I hope she may yet have some comfort of her life & live to see many happy days.
We all keep along about as usual, your uncle has plenty to do with town business, & his garden. Abbie is at home & busy as usual, spring of the year brings it work, she says every little while I am going to write to Annie, but I think she has not yet. You will get a letter by & bye, there has been some exhibitions in our society & she has had considerable to to(sic) in that direction, Emma is not very well, but rather better then in the fall & last winter, Helen is well, Thomas & Nellie are well, we expect them out this week, Minnie expect to graduate next month, she has the valedictory to write so she is pretty busy.
The last week has been quite rainy, & everything looks beautiful, trees are in blossom, & the prospect is a full crop of pears, & other fruit, Henry Malcom has moved to Hyde Park, have not seen them since.
All wish to be remembered to yourself & husband.
Please write soon, to
Your Affectionate aunt.
Abigail A
Dear Annie
I received a letter from you last year & have been thinking every week since I would write you, but one thing after another has prevented, & now I have commenced, & in the first place I want to congratulate you on your new position in life, I wish you much happiness with your husband, may you both live to enjoy much & be happy.
I need not tell you that I was surprised when I heard that you were married, which was about two days before I received your letter, I could not think why we did not hear from you, but when I got the letter I saw at once what the trouble was, your mind was all on one person, well I hope he is good, for I think you deserve a good one, why did nt(sic) you take a wedding trip on this way, we should have been very much pleased to see you & your husband, you can come this summer, & we should be just as glad to see you, I think your mother & Elevia must have missed you much, how do they do I want to hear from them very much, Emma [Muler?] was here last week, said she thought Elevia was some better then last fall, poor girl what a sight of sickness & suffering she has had, I hope she may yet have some comfort of her life & live to see many happy days.
We all keep along about as usual, your uncle has plenty to do with town business, & his garden. Abbie is at home & busy as usual, spring of the year brings it work, she says every little while I am going to write to Annie, but I think she has not yet. You will get a letter by & bye, there has been some exhibitions in our society & she has had considerable to to(sic) in that direction, Emma is not very well, but rather better then in the fall & last winter, Helen is well, Thomas & Nellie are well, we expect them out this week, Minnie expect to graduate next month, she has the valedictory to write so she is pretty busy.
The last week has been quite rainy, & everything looks beautiful, trees are in blossom, & the prospect is a full crop of pears, & other fruit, Henry Malcom has moved to Hyde Park, have not seen them since.
All wish to be remembered to yourself & husband.
Please write soon, to
Your Affectionate aunt.
Abigail A
June 8th, 1877 (L-16)
[Glenvill?] June 8th, 1877
Dear kind Annie
I received your very welcome letter dated March 4 was very pleased to hear from your & that you was well & happy.
I intended answering your letter rite(sic) away but thare(sic) been so many things to [prevent?] that I have past it of(sic) till know(sic), I will try & scratch off a few lines.
When Ida roat(sic) Ellen had gone away with her little girl poor little thing she did not live to get back, it was a grate(sic) shock to her Father fore(sic) he had no idea but what she would get better, but we trust she is better off. but oh, Dear Annie it is hard to part with our friends, poor Dear Levie I hope she is better I hear she apears(sic) to be better sense(sic) you have done without a Doc how thay(sic) must miss you, I often say I don’t see how thay(sic) get along, fore your mother is not very strong how nice it must be to live so handy, oh Dear how thankful you aught to be to have your Mother [sparied?] to you fore I beleave(sic) thare(sic) is no loss like a mothers. I beleave I miss mother Dear as much as ever know that you have a home of your own it wont (sic) be so bad I don’t supose(sic).
Well Annie Dear I wish you a very grate(sic) deal of hapiness(sic) boath(sic) to you & your offspring as I hear thare(sic) is one on the Road, Ida & [Carie?] are boath(sic) married & settled thay(sic) seem to be very Happy in thare(sic) new Homes Ida has moved about 40 miles form (sic) GV thay(sic) live in a place called Bakersfield thay(sic) will spend the summer months up hea(sic) as that country is very bad fore Fevour(sic) & Ague. I spent a weak(sic) with her had a very nice time the Country down thare(sic) is beautiful you can see grain Fields fore(sic) Miles, & as high a your head. We went a fishing(sic) the River runs rite(sic) by the house, fresh water. The fish is very nice thay(sic) were the first I had tasted sense(sic) I came hear(sic) I had plenty of strobary(sic) thay(sic) was beautiful. Well Annie the write feelow(sic)has not come along yet just to think I am on the old mades(sic) list hear fore(sic) thay(sic) are counted Old Mades at [24?] I think prehaps(sic) I had better be the Maden(sic) Aunt & take care of the Babyes. What doe(sic) you think about it and soe(sic) Nely Mills that was has a little daughter at last thay(sic) wount(sic) be proud alot, he would have given half of himself fore(sic) a child, How does Alie MccArthy get along & her mother does she have thoes(sic) bad spells yet, I have not herd(sic) a word from them sence(sic) we came out hear(sic), I don’t supose(sic) she is married yet.
Well Dear Annie I must stop this scribbling by asking you to doe(sic) a favour fore(sic) me you remember that little Butter Print I lent you would you be so kind as to doe(sic) it up in a little box and send it to me we cant (sic) get eny(sic) thing of the kind hear(sic) & Mother used to think so much of it ore(sic) I should not ask you to goe(sic) to so much trouble if you will you will oblige me very much.
Please give my love to your Mother & Dear Levie & all inquiring Friends excepting a large share your self.
Your loving friend [Lina H?]
Dear kind Annie
I received your very welcome letter dated March 4 was very pleased to hear from your & that you was well & happy.
I intended answering your letter rite(sic) away but thare(sic) been so many things to [prevent?] that I have past it of(sic) till know(sic), I will try & scratch off a few lines.
When Ida roat(sic) Ellen had gone away with her little girl poor little thing she did not live to get back, it was a grate(sic) shock to her Father fore(sic) he had no idea but what she would get better, but we trust she is better off. but oh, Dear Annie it is hard to part with our friends, poor Dear Levie I hope she is better I hear she apears(sic) to be better sense(sic) you have done without a Doc how thay(sic) must miss you, I often say I don’t see how thay(sic) get along, fore your mother is not very strong how nice it must be to live so handy, oh Dear how thankful you aught to be to have your Mother [sparied?] to you fore I beleave(sic) thare(sic) is no loss like a mothers. I beleave I miss mother Dear as much as ever know that you have a home of your own it wont (sic) be so bad I don’t supose(sic).
Well Annie Dear I wish you a very grate(sic) deal of hapiness(sic) boath(sic) to you & your offspring as I hear thare(sic) is one on the Road, Ida & [Carie?] are boath(sic) married & settled thay(sic) seem to be very Happy in thare(sic) new Homes Ida has moved about 40 miles form (sic) GV thay(sic) live in a place called Bakersfield thay(sic) will spend the summer months up hea(sic) as that country is very bad fore Fevour(sic) & Ague. I spent a weak(sic) with her had a very nice time the Country down thare(sic) is beautiful you can see grain Fields fore(sic) Miles, & as high a your head. We went a fishing(sic) the River runs rite(sic) by the house, fresh water. The fish is very nice thay(sic) were the first I had tasted sense(sic) I came hear(sic) I had plenty of strobary(sic) thay(sic) was beautiful. Well Annie the write feelow(sic)has not come along yet just to think I am on the old mades(sic) list hear fore(sic) thay(sic) are counted Old Mades at [24?] I think prehaps(sic) I had better be the Maden(sic) Aunt & take care of the Babyes. What doe(sic) you think about it and soe(sic) Nely Mills that was has a little daughter at last thay(sic) wount(sic) be proud alot, he would have given half of himself fore(sic) a child, How does Alie MccArthy get along & her mother does she have thoes(sic) bad spells yet, I have not herd(sic) a word from them sence(sic) we came out hear(sic), I don’t supose(sic) she is married yet.
Well Dear Annie I must stop this scribbling by asking you to doe(sic) a favour fore(sic) me you remember that little Butter Print I lent you would you be so kind as to doe(sic) it up in a little box and send it to me we cant (sic) get eny(sic) thing of the kind hear(sic) & Mother used to think so much of it ore(sic) I should not ask you to goe(sic) to so much trouble if you will you will oblige me very much.
Please give my love to your Mother & Dear Levie & all inquiring Friends excepting a large share your self.
Your loving friend [Lina H?]
August 27th, 1877 (L-1-ALT)
(Envelope)
Mrs. Geo. Mounce,
Avondale,
Nova Scotia.
(Letter)
Waltham, Mass,
Aug. 27. 1877.
Dear cousin Annie,
At the outset, I humbly beg pardon for neglecting you so long. There has often been a verbal expression of a desire and an intention to write, if not a written testimony to that effect.
I thought I should certainly write while at Jaffrey, but Emma thought she must write and I felt you would rather have the letters scattering along, than all at once. It is now nearly three weeks since we came home.
Now that the preamble is finished, I desire, if not too late, to express my best wishes for you and your husband in your new home. You must by this time, have got over the newness, and realize to the fullest extent that you have a home of your own to look after and care for.
Care, however is not a new thing to you. I wonder almost how your mother gets along without you. Having you near is not really having you. I could scarcely believe my senses when I heard you were married. I thought they could not possibly spare you. Elevia was quite brave about it, wasn’t she? Poor Child! She is very sick again your mother writes. It is “hope against hope” in her case isn’t it? I suppose the days seem long when she can not see you.
Aren’t you going to bring your husband on to see us this summer. I have been trying to recollect if I saw him either time I was down but I think not; he must have been away. If I had seen him I doubt if I should have recollected him. He had no especial(sic) interest for me then. Perhaps you will be on sometime if not this summer.
I expect Minnie Burgess is at Avondale, visiting now. I had a letter from her a short time ago and she proposed going very soon.
Emma is still with us but is going back Wed. morning to commence house keeping. She has one of her old girls coming back, so she is saved the trouble of hunting one up. I shall miss her very much. We have been together nearly seven weeks.
Nellie and Thomas went back to their home last Thursday after a visit at the two [houses?] of nearly six weeks.
Minnie graduated from the High School last June. She has applied for a school, but as there are a great many applicants, and only one vacancy so far as we know, her chance of success is rather small.
The committee have a meeting tonight and if they give her a school she will probably know to-morrow or next day.
She wants a school very much. You have heard long before this that our family has dwindled down to four, Father, Mother, Minnie and I. The boys went away in Jan. All of the folks send love, Emma included.
Mother talks of putting in a little note for Aunt Melinda. Give ever so much love to Aunt Melinda and Elevia and accept much for your self. My compliments to your husband. Write me when you think I deserve it and tell me all about yourself.
The same as ever
Your cousin Abby
Mrs. Geo. Mounce,
Avondale,
Nova Scotia.
(Letter)
Waltham, Mass,
Aug. 27. 1877.
Dear cousin Annie,
At the outset, I humbly beg pardon for neglecting you so long. There has often been a verbal expression of a desire and an intention to write, if not a written testimony to that effect.
I thought I should certainly write while at Jaffrey, but Emma thought she must write and I felt you would rather have the letters scattering along, than all at once. It is now nearly three weeks since we came home.
Now that the preamble is finished, I desire, if not too late, to express my best wishes for you and your husband in your new home. You must by this time, have got over the newness, and realize to the fullest extent that you have a home of your own to look after and care for.
Care, however is not a new thing to you. I wonder almost how your mother gets along without you. Having you near is not really having you. I could scarcely believe my senses when I heard you were married. I thought they could not possibly spare you. Elevia was quite brave about it, wasn’t she? Poor Child! She is very sick again your mother writes. It is “hope against hope” in her case isn’t it? I suppose the days seem long when she can not see you.
Aren’t you going to bring your husband on to see us this summer. I have been trying to recollect if I saw him either time I was down but I think not; he must have been away. If I had seen him I doubt if I should have recollected him. He had no especial(sic) interest for me then. Perhaps you will be on sometime if not this summer.
I expect Minnie Burgess is at Avondale, visiting now. I had a letter from her a short time ago and she proposed going very soon.
Emma is still with us but is going back Wed. morning to commence house keeping. She has one of her old girls coming back, so she is saved the trouble of hunting one up. I shall miss her very much. We have been together nearly seven weeks.
Nellie and Thomas went back to their home last Thursday after a visit at the two [houses?] of nearly six weeks.
Minnie graduated from the High School last June. She has applied for a school, but as there are a great many applicants, and only one vacancy so far as we know, her chance of success is rather small.
The committee have a meeting tonight and if they give her a school she will probably know to-morrow or next day.
She wants a school very much. You have heard long before this that our family has dwindled down to four, Father, Mother, Minnie and I. The boys went away in Jan. All of the folks send love, Emma included.
Mother talks of putting in a little note for Aunt Melinda. Give ever so much love to Aunt Melinda and Elevia and accept much for your self. My compliments to your husband. Write me when you think I deserve it and tell me all about yourself.
The same as ever
Your cousin Abby
October 15th, 1877 (L-17)
(Envelope)
Mrs. Geo. Mounce
Avondale
Hants Co.
[illegible, torn]
Canning Octob- 15th 1877
My Dear Sister
Your valued communication we have just received and altho we had heard of Dear Levi’s death we felt deeply interested in all the particulars. It was indeed an event we had all long expected, and to the patient sufferer a Happy Release
Yet whenever death comes,we feel the gloom of loneliness in the home, where one second reminds us of the departed one.
But few of our [race?] have been called to suffer in youthfull(sic) life,the years of continued agony through which she was called to pass.
In her[illegible] the wonderful power of the supporting grace of God, man [illegible]
I have often with wonder witnessed the patience and [illegible] ever manifested by her during years of extreme suffering.
Who could doubt the power of the grace of God in the marvelous support and comfort imparted to her during such continuous sufferings.
Our poor humanity cannot endure much extream(sic) pain & suffering, without great mumerings if not with charging the Great creator, foolishly [illegible]
Dear Levi submitted to all, with so much patience & [illegible], as to [illegible] mind, rendered her a wonder and a living expression of what the Grace of God can accomplish even in our humanity.
Tho long coming, the hour of release has come, and the [mani?] [illegible] has gone to her glorious home. I want you and your dear Ma, always to think of her as no longer confined to a poor weak body but now free free(sic) forever, from all the sufferings and ills of life.
As you justly remark, how could we ever wish her back to this suffering state. No
no let us [illegible] be thankful for her happy release.
Your dear Ma & Yourself have the comforting reflections that for years, both by day and by night it was one few reasons to watch over & minister to this Dear ones wants.
Sure I am that no effort no means were left untried by you both, that kindness and the tenderest affection could [illegible].
Let us [illegible] to [“Lash”?] more by faith to this Home of the blest. We have many Dear ones there.Gone home [illegible], but they live more truly than they ever existed here on earth.
Mrs. Hennigar is with me in full sympathy with all I have written. She was a great favorite with us both, one has often been the object of our sympathies and prayers.
We now both unite in tendering to your Ma, of course of [illegible] Esq. Mounce our kindest regards.
[illegible] with us [illegible] warmly convey to you in person,what we now represent on paper.
[illegible] remember us to Capt & Mrs. [Curry?] K W & Mr [illegible] Allison, as well as to all who may inquire after us.
Yours in the bonds of Christian affection
James G. Hennigar
Mrs. Geo. Mounce
Avondale
Hants Co.
[illegible, torn]
Canning Octob- 15th 1877
My Dear Sister
Your valued communication we have just received and altho we had heard of Dear Levi’s death we felt deeply interested in all the particulars. It was indeed an event we had all long expected, and to the patient sufferer a Happy Release
Yet whenever death comes,we feel the gloom of loneliness in the home, where one second reminds us of the departed one.
But few of our [race?] have been called to suffer in youthfull(sic) life,the years of continued agony through which she was called to pass.
In her[illegible] the wonderful power of the supporting grace of God, man [illegible]
I have often with wonder witnessed the patience and [illegible] ever manifested by her during years of extreme suffering.
Who could doubt the power of the grace of God in the marvelous support and comfort imparted to her during such continuous sufferings.
Our poor humanity cannot endure much extream(sic) pain & suffering, without great mumerings if not with charging the Great creator, foolishly [illegible]
Dear Levi submitted to all, with so much patience & [illegible], as to [illegible] mind, rendered her a wonder and a living expression of what the Grace of God can accomplish even in our humanity.
Tho long coming, the hour of release has come, and the [mani?] [illegible] has gone to her glorious home. I want you and your dear Ma, always to think of her as no longer confined to a poor weak body but now free free(sic) forever, from all the sufferings and ills of life.
As you justly remark, how could we ever wish her back to this suffering state. No
no let us [illegible] be thankful for her happy release.
Your dear Ma & Yourself have the comforting reflections that for years, both by day and by night it was one few reasons to watch over & minister to this Dear ones wants.
Sure I am that no effort no means were left untried by you both, that kindness and the tenderest affection could [illegible].
Let us [illegible] to [“Lash”?] more by faith to this Home of the blest. We have many Dear ones there.Gone home [illegible], but they live more truly than they ever existed here on earth.
Mrs. Hennigar is with me in full sympathy with all I have written. She was a great favorite with us both, one has often been the object of our sympathies and prayers.
We now both unite in tendering to your Ma, of course of [illegible] Esq. Mounce our kindest regards.
[illegible] with us [illegible] warmly convey to you in person,what we now represent on paper.
[illegible] remember us to Capt & Mrs. [Curry?] K W & Mr [illegible] Allison, as well as to all who may inquire after us.
Yours in the bonds of Christian affection
James G. Hennigar
December 30th, 1880 (L-29)
Waltham Mass.
Dec 30 1880
My dear Annie: -
I was purposing(sic) to write you at New Years and send you one of the cards, when Aunt Melinda’s letter to Mother came with those pretty cards. They are very pretty and mine I like very much. I do not intend to be cheated out of my first intention and enclosed you will find a New Year’s card. We were very glad to hear from you. I think from what your mother writes that she and Thomas are excellent friends. I should like to see him very much as indeed I should the little one. Who does he look like? I like his name, anything but nicknames. Brother Thomas has named his boy Roger Wellington from the first American ancestor. I find it is very hard to think of you as the Mother of two boys. You will have lots of comfort from them if they are good boys and we will hope they will be.
We had a very quiet Christmas. Thomas’ family could not be here. Nellie’s mother was so sick. She died Monday morning; the funeral was yesterday. She was taken very suddenly with a rupture one week ago Tuesday. There was no help from the first. She was a beautiful woman and she will be much missed by those outside the family as well as by her family. She was very quiet in her manner. I think Nellie a good deal like her. We gave our presents as usual that morning. I had some very handsome ones among them a pair of opera glasses with which I am very much pleased. Our chapel is going to be dedicated next week Wednesday. Mother is on the carpet committee and she is going down today to see about having the floors washed in readiness for the carpets which are to be put down tomorrow. We are quite delighted with the little building and we know how to appreciate it after worshipping(sic) fifteen years in a hall and that not a very clean one. We had a pleasant visit from Mary, but I wonder they let her come on alone. She is very much changed, sadly so. Many Happy New Years for you and your mother. My Kind regards to Capt. Mounce, I hope to meet him some time.
If I do not write very often, I think of you all the same. With very much love I am your cousin
Abby E. Armstrong.
Dec 30 1880
My dear Annie: -
I was purposing(sic) to write you at New Years and send you one of the cards, when Aunt Melinda’s letter to Mother came with those pretty cards. They are very pretty and mine I like very much. I do not intend to be cheated out of my first intention and enclosed you will find a New Year’s card. We were very glad to hear from you. I think from what your mother writes that she and Thomas are excellent friends. I should like to see him very much as indeed I should the little one. Who does he look like? I like his name, anything but nicknames. Brother Thomas has named his boy Roger Wellington from the first American ancestor. I find it is very hard to think of you as the Mother of two boys. You will have lots of comfort from them if they are good boys and we will hope they will be.
We had a very quiet Christmas. Thomas’ family could not be here. Nellie’s mother was so sick. She died Monday morning; the funeral was yesterday. She was taken very suddenly with a rupture one week ago Tuesday. There was no help from the first. She was a beautiful woman and she will be much missed by those outside the family as well as by her family. She was very quiet in her manner. I think Nellie a good deal like her. We gave our presents as usual that morning. I had some very handsome ones among them a pair of opera glasses with which I am very much pleased. Our chapel is going to be dedicated next week Wednesday. Mother is on the carpet committee and she is going down today to see about having the floors washed in readiness for the carpets which are to be put down tomorrow. We are quite delighted with the little building and we know how to appreciate it after worshipping(sic) fifteen years in a hall and that not a very clean one. We had a pleasant visit from Mary, but I wonder they let her come on alone. She is very much changed, sadly so. Many Happy New Years for you and your mother. My Kind regards to Capt. Mounce, I hope to meet him some time.
If I do not write very often, I think of you all the same. With very much love I am your cousin
Abby E. Armstrong.
December 30th, 1880 (L-22-ALT)
Dear Annie
I hope you will forgive me, for not writing to you sooner, but I have so many to write too(sic), and not being very well, you will excuse me this time. I will be prompt the next.
Well Annie Xmas is over isn’t it, I expect you got a good many gifts and little Thomas and Ralph, I fared very well. better than I expected I got some very handsome ones among was a dressing case it is just splendid and a gold ring very nice. I had the blues awhile on Xmas day I am getting over them a little now. I do not like Maynard one bit, if I have to stay in it any longer than this winter I will run off to Nova Scotia again, one thing I supposed makes me feel so lonesome. I can not go out only to ride the Doctor say’s(sic) I must not put my feet to the ground. Pretty hard lines is it not.
I don’t know how long I am to stay this way I guess until warm weather. I have been to ride twice it is very cold here I feel it more than I did in home. Ask Ada if she hear’s(sic) any fog horn’s(sic) now.
Oh I wish I was there this winter I would torment them.
give my love to your Mother. I hope she is well my love to all enquiring friends. Write soon [from?]
Your Cousin [Lina?]
I hope you will forgive me, for not writing to you sooner, but I have so many to write too(sic), and not being very well, you will excuse me this time. I will be prompt the next.
Well Annie Xmas is over isn’t it, I expect you got a good many gifts and little Thomas and Ralph, I fared very well. better than I expected I got some very handsome ones among was a dressing case it is just splendid and a gold ring very nice. I had the blues awhile on Xmas day I am getting over them a little now. I do not like Maynard one bit, if I have to stay in it any longer than this winter I will run off to Nova Scotia again, one thing I supposed makes me feel so lonesome. I can not go out only to ride the Doctor say’s(sic) I must not put my feet to the ground. Pretty hard lines is it not.
I don’t know how long I am to stay this way I guess until warm weather. I have been to ride twice it is very cold here I feel it more than I did in home. Ask Ada if she hear’s(sic) any fog horn’s(sic) now.
Oh I wish I was there this winter I would torment them.
give my love to your Mother. I hope she is well my love to all enquiring friends. Write soon [from?]
Your Cousin [Lina?]
December 31st, 1882 (L-26-ALT)
89
Avondale NS
Mr M A Armstrong
To James Willaim Dr (note: abbreviation for debit)
1882
May 29th 4 pcs Costumes @ 20@ ----------- 80
Aug 2. 1 black crape ---------------------------- 1.60
15. ½ [Lt?] Starch 8 --------------------------- .8
Sept 19. 1 Roll Batting -------------------------- .12
Oct 31. 1 bot Chlorodyne -------------------------.90
Nov 11, 25 [lb?] ref. Sugar ----------------------2.40
Dec 2. 1 [?] Kerosene 30 2 qt. Molasses 24 .54
7. 1 [Lt?] Tea 40-------------------------------- .40
19. 2 ½ Butter @ 23 ¢-------------------------- .57
22. 2 [illegible] 10 ¢ 23rd [illegible] 30 --- .40
23. 2 ¼ yds red flannel @ 40 -------------.90
$ 8.71
Dec 31/82
Less Cash I [eligible] 83 5.00
$3.71
[Knitg Cott?] .85
[illegible] 2.25
$6.81
Paid March 17/83 J William
Avondale NS
Mr M A Armstrong
To James Willaim Dr (note: abbreviation for debit)
1882
May 29th 4 pcs Costumes @ 20@ ----------- 80
Aug 2. 1 black crape ---------------------------- 1.60
15. ½ [Lt?] Starch 8 --------------------------- .8
Sept 19. 1 Roll Batting -------------------------- .12
Oct 31. 1 bot Chlorodyne -------------------------.90
Nov 11, 25 [lb?] ref. Sugar ----------------------2.40
Dec 2. 1 [?] Kerosene 30 2 qt. Molasses 24 .54
7. 1 [Lt?] Tea 40-------------------------------- .40
19. 2 ½ Butter @ 23 ¢-------------------------- .57
22. 2 [illegible] 10 ¢ 23rd [illegible] 30 --- .40
23. 2 ¼ yds red flannel @ 40 -------------.90
$ 8.71
Dec 31/82
Less Cash I [eligible] 83 5.00
$3.71
[Knitg Cott?] .85
[illegible] 2.25
$6.81
Paid March 17/83 J William
August 28th, 1883 (L-5)
(Envelope)
Mrs. Geo. R. Mounce,
℅ E.B Armstrong Esq.
Waltham Ma
(Letter)
Avondale, N.S.
August 28th 1883
Dear Annie
As it is near the middle of the week I thought I would write you a short letter. I am sitting up in my room with Ada’s wool shawl around me so you can imagine what kind of weather we are having. Yesterday morning when I was over picking peas I nearly froze. Maria Harvie left this morning for St. John. Mrs Glass is there and they are going to start for Boston the last of the week if all’s well.
I was down there yesterday afternoon to tea. [Wood?] is an awful looking man. They don’t think there is much chance of his ever being any better.
I told father I was going to write to you and asked him if he had any word to send you He said no only to tell you to be sure and stay until they sent you home
They say the vessel is getting along nicely. They got some extra caulkers the other day. The spars are going up and she begins to look something like finishing: Mrs J [Eneae?) Mosher was here to dinner yesterday. She came in on her way down from the Creek and as it was near dinner time she stayed. She appeared out here, last Sunday night at the concert I thought she looked very nice what I could see of her. Her dress was grey trimmed with satin a shade lighter She had a little white straw bonnet with any amount of white bridle to it. But she did not have on the white vail, at which I was much surprised. Jim. looked as if he did not know, but he thought he could . She went to Windsor and stayed all night.
Lalia came down with her baby. I do not know where she stayed for her mother is at Tom’s. I suppose you know that Effie has a daughter. Ralphie does not seem to mind being alone now. The first few days he tagged around as if he were lonesome but he says now that he does not care if you stay all the time. He never goes away from home at all and is getting quite a respectable color from staying in the house. [Jhin?]. thinks he is fatter than when she saw him before.
You know that lump on father’s back, it has been bothering him fearfully lately, I rubbed it some with coal oil ; and then he got me to paint it with Iodine. I painted it until the skin almost came off, when he came to the conclusion that it didnt (sic) no good and only made it hurt worse. The pains shoot across under his shoulder blade. I am afraid it is more serious than he will let on. I told him he ought to see the doctor about it but I don’t believe he will. I wish he would. The Sunday School concert came off last Sunday evening. I think It was better than the one last year. In this one the children did the most of the singing. Jennie Allison and Helena Hamilton sang, “I am Jesus‘ little Lamb” together very nicely. Bessie Allison is down visiting Mary Tyler. Helen [Rathbern?] is helping Herb. Jen is at Marys while Georgie and the baby are at Kate’s and I don’t know where Han. is. Bess only went to stay a week so she will soon be home. Dr Harvie had to go home without seeing Mrs Wier. She is not coming home until October when Edith expects to come with her and bring an heir. Ada was wishing she knew when you intended coming home. She wants to go away when you come and wants to know when it will be. I don’t know whether she meant to be married when she said go away or not.
Carrie Johnson is to be married this next month. Willie has been informing me for some days past that tomorrow is his birthday.
Ada got him a Bible for a present and I have a puzzle, the blown up Steamboat for him. I did not know what to get him. There was nothing as I could see. Aunt Bell is real sick. She has had a Bilious attack, and is very low spirited. I don’t know whether there is anything the matter or not but her symptoms are very suspicious. Nellie and she had made their plans to go to St John on a visit but her getting sick upset all that. It has spoilt Aunt Tildie’s visit too. She was going down to see Bess Eaton.
Well I must close with love to all. Yours Georgia
Ralph told me to say not to forget his cane.
Mrs. Geo. R. Mounce,
℅ E.B Armstrong Esq.
Waltham Ma
(Letter)
Avondale, N.S.
August 28th 1883
Dear Annie
As it is near the middle of the week I thought I would write you a short letter. I am sitting up in my room with Ada’s wool shawl around me so you can imagine what kind of weather we are having. Yesterday morning when I was over picking peas I nearly froze. Maria Harvie left this morning for St. John. Mrs Glass is there and they are going to start for Boston the last of the week if all’s well.
I was down there yesterday afternoon to tea. [Wood?] is an awful looking man. They don’t think there is much chance of his ever being any better.
I told father I was going to write to you and asked him if he had any word to send you He said no only to tell you to be sure and stay until they sent you home
They say the vessel is getting along nicely. They got some extra caulkers the other day. The spars are going up and she begins to look something like finishing: Mrs J [Eneae?) Mosher was here to dinner yesterday. She came in on her way down from the Creek and as it was near dinner time she stayed. She appeared out here, last Sunday night at the concert I thought she looked very nice what I could see of her. Her dress was grey trimmed with satin a shade lighter She had a little white straw bonnet with any amount of white bridle to it. But she did not have on the white vail, at which I was much surprised. Jim. looked as if he did not know, but he thought he could . She went to Windsor and stayed all night.
Lalia came down with her baby. I do not know where she stayed for her mother is at Tom’s. I suppose you know that Effie has a daughter. Ralphie does not seem to mind being alone now. The first few days he tagged around as if he were lonesome but he says now that he does not care if you stay all the time. He never goes away from home at all and is getting quite a respectable color from staying in the house. [Jhin?]. thinks he is fatter than when she saw him before.
You know that lump on father’s back, it has been bothering him fearfully lately, I rubbed it some with coal oil ; and then he got me to paint it with Iodine. I painted it until the skin almost came off, when he came to the conclusion that it didnt (sic) no good and only made it hurt worse. The pains shoot across under his shoulder blade. I am afraid it is more serious than he will let on. I told him he ought to see the doctor about it but I don’t believe he will. I wish he would. The Sunday School concert came off last Sunday evening. I think It was better than the one last year. In this one the children did the most of the singing. Jennie Allison and Helena Hamilton sang, “I am Jesus‘ little Lamb” together very nicely. Bessie Allison is down visiting Mary Tyler. Helen [Rathbern?] is helping Herb. Jen is at Marys while Georgie and the baby are at Kate’s and I don’t know where Han. is. Bess only went to stay a week so she will soon be home. Dr Harvie had to go home without seeing Mrs Wier. She is not coming home until October when Edith expects to come with her and bring an heir. Ada was wishing she knew when you intended coming home. She wants to go away when you come and wants to know when it will be. I don’t know whether she meant to be married when she said go away or not.
Carrie Johnson is to be married this next month. Willie has been informing me for some days past that tomorrow is his birthday.
Ada got him a Bible for a present and I have a puzzle, the blown up Steamboat for him. I did not know what to get him. There was nothing as I could see. Aunt Bell is real sick. She has had a Bilious attack, and is very low spirited. I don’t know whether there is anything the matter or not but her symptoms are very suspicious. Nellie and she had made their plans to go to St John on a visit but her getting sick upset all that. It has spoilt Aunt Tildie’s visit too. She was going down to see Bess Eaton.
Well I must close with love to all. Yours Georgia
Ralph told me to say not to forget his cane.
October 8th, 1883 (L-14)
(Envelope)
Mrs. George Mounce
Avondale
Newport, Nova Scotia
(letter)
Waltham Oct 8, 1883
My dear Annie:
All last week I talked of writing; should have done so Wed. evening, if your telegram had not come in the morning. I thought then that I would wait until after my call on the bride. I went to the [Rearve?] House a few minutes after nine o’clock A.M. Thursday but “the birds had flown” . “I soar one day after the fair” etc, etc.
The case was like this when the despatch came, it was ten o’clock A.M. I could not get into the city until after twelve and they would in all probability be out sightseeing and I should miss them. The best way would be to take an early start the next morning and catch them before they went out. I supposed they came up in the boat the day before and would be here several days. Instead, they had been at the house since Oct 1st and had left on the five o’clock train the day before.
I do not quite forgive them putting off their wedding that you hurried home to see. I hope they had an excuse satisfactory to you for the postponement. It shortened your visit here by one week certainly. We were so glad to hear you had a more comfortable journey home than you anticipated. Have you caught your breath yet? Just think of Aunt Melinda not being sick! That was some compensation for her sickness here.
How is Tommie? How much we missed him. Those kisses came all right. See if he can find any in this letter? Tell him the hens are over here a good part of the time, but that he had them so well taught that all I have to do now is to stand in the doorway and “shoo” and off they start.
Lawrence has been here since you left and I have spent one night at [Brookln?]. Lawrence is in pants and is going to a Kinder Garten school. He is full of school they say. I have not seen him since he entered the school.
Mother forgot to write that Nellie was very much pleased with the stockings. She will prize them very highly. The tidy also, was just what she wanted for the new house. She said she was going to write but she is so very busy about moving that I cannot tell when she will.
I went into the new house today. It is very pretty. The dining room and kitchen are stained cherry which gives them a very cheerful look. The stairway is very handsome. It is nearly finished- the plumbers have a few hours work and the handles of the doors are yet to be put on. They are in hopes to move in Tuesday.
I am going to Dunstable, Tuesday for a few days. Since I sent word to them to meet me I have been asked to substitute for a teacher who is going South for the winter. To be sure I shall not have to go in until the middle of Nov, but there is a good deal I want to do before I do go in.
We have had winter weather for a week, and we feel rather stiff. It is milder today. I think there must have been some astonished looking people when that vessel went off into the water. Shall we not look for Capt. Mounce at Waltham if he goes as far as New York?
Father is going to send a letter enclosed in this, to some one. He has gone away to night to meet the minister who preached for us today.
Please offer my congratulations to the Bride. Love to your mother.
Don’t you think I have done very well? Let me hear from you before long.
Father has so many engagements for the first of the week, that he cannot say when he will write and had better send mine along.
I am with much love your cousin
Abby. E. Armstrong.
Mrs. George Mounce
Avondale
Newport, Nova Scotia
(letter)
Waltham Oct 8, 1883
My dear Annie:
All last week I talked of writing; should have done so Wed. evening, if your telegram had not come in the morning. I thought then that I would wait until after my call on the bride. I went to the [Rearve?] House a few minutes after nine o’clock A.M. Thursday but “the birds had flown” . “I soar one day after the fair” etc, etc.
The case was like this when the despatch came, it was ten o’clock A.M. I could not get into the city until after twelve and they would in all probability be out sightseeing and I should miss them. The best way would be to take an early start the next morning and catch them before they went out. I supposed they came up in the boat the day before and would be here several days. Instead, they had been at the house since Oct 1st and had left on the five o’clock train the day before.
I do not quite forgive them putting off their wedding that you hurried home to see. I hope they had an excuse satisfactory to you for the postponement. It shortened your visit here by one week certainly. We were so glad to hear you had a more comfortable journey home than you anticipated. Have you caught your breath yet? Just think of Aunt Melinda not being sick! That was some compensation for her sickness here.
How is Tommie? How much we missed him. Those kisses came all right. See if he can find any in this letter? Tell him the hens are over here a good part of the time, but that he had them so well taught that all I have to do now is to stand in the doorway and “shoo” and off they start.
Lawrence has been here since you left and I have spent one night at [Brookln?]. Lawrence is in pants and is going to a Kinder Garten school. He is full of school they say. I have not seen him since he entered the school.
Mother forgot to write that Nellie was very much pleased with the stockings. She will prize them very highly. The tidy also, was just what she wanted for the new house. She said she was going to write but she is so very busy about moving that I cannot tell when she will.
I went into the new house today. It is very pretty. The dining room and kitchen are stained cherry which gives them a very cheerful look. The stairway is very handsome. It is nearly finished- the plumbers have a few hours work and the handles of the doors are yet to be put on. They are in hopes to move in Tuesday.
I am going to Dunstable, Tuesday for a few days. Since I sent word to them to meet me I have been asked to substitute for a teacher who is going South for the winter. To be sure I shall not have to go in until the middle of Nov, but there is a good deal I want to do before I do go in.
We have had winter weather for a week, and we feel rather stiff. It is milder today. I think there must have been some astonished looking people when that vessel went off into the water. Shall we not look for Capt. Mounce at Waltham if he goes as far as New York?
Father is going to send a letter enclosed in this, to some one. He has gone away to night to meet the minister who preached for us today.
Please offer my congratulations to the Bride. Love to your mother.
Don’t you think I have done very well? Let me hear from you before long.
Father has so many engagements for the first of the week, that he cannot say when he will write and had better send mine along.
I am with much love your cousin
Abby. E. Armstrong.
December 16th, 1883 (L-5ALT)
Waltham, Dec. 16. 1883
My dear Annie : –
I send to you through the mail a box containing a neck arrangement to be worn especially over a cloak, although it could be worn over a dress if one chose. It is hooked behind. It is something just out here. Christmas is near at hand. It will be a sad Christmas for us. We never know one year who will be with us the next.
Laurence was with us part of the day last year. Thomas folks will be with us. Mother is going to send Laurence’s photo, to some of you before long. He was a good little boy, but it does seem as though we saw him very little the last year.
I am teaching now, but will have two weeks vacation through the holidays.
How is little Tommie and is he learning very fast at school?
How is Aunt Melinda? Love and good wishes. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New year
from Abby.
My dear Annie : –
I send to you through the mail a box containing a neck arrangement to be worn especially over a cloak, although it could be worn over a dress if one chose. It is hooked behind. It is something just out here. Christmas is near at hand. It will be a sad Christmas for us. We never know one year who will be with us the next.
Laurence was with us part of the day last year. Thomas folks will be with us. Mother is going to send Laurence’s photo, to some of you before long. He was a good little boy, but it does seem as though we saw him very little the last year.
I am teaching now, but will have two weeks vacation through the holidays.
How is little Tommie and is he learning very fast at school?
How is Aunt Melinda? Love and good wishes. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New year
from Abby.
June 24th 1884 (L-23-ALT)
West Chester, June 25/84
My dear Sister Annie,
It was very kind of you to write me of poor Willie Mounce’s death. No one had sent word. I dare say each one supposed some other would do it.
What a sad, sad surprise, and saddest of all that he must die alone in a Hospital. Hedly might surely have hired a nurse and had him taken care of when there was enough to pay for all.
Possibly they did the best they knew how, but it seems very hard. And what a broken home. Most of all I pity the two orphan girls . Ever since I was home I have wished it was possible for me to take them and give them a good education. They seemed so easy to manage that it would be little trouble to train them aright. I know Will was lonely, but with his fancy for Maggie and her peculiar ideas of things no one could help them much . Now husband and wife are united and the children must learn to care for themselves.How mysterious God’s dealings sometimes are and how strange to us it seems that the parents should both be taken from those who so particularly need their guidance. .
I had a feeling that Fred and Maggie would marry but they seem not to have done so . I shall be impatient to hear how they get along and shall be ever so glad to have you write me occasionally . I cannot tell you how much I prize the pretty things Will Sockhart brought me from you and Georgie; it was so kind of you to remember me, and George too gave me proof of his remembrance in a very unexpected way. You don’t know how comfortable I felt when he was here and what a pleasure it was to have him he seemed to(sic) bright and chatty, just as full of news about home as could be, and as much at ease in New York as if he had only been away a week instead of twenty years. We spoke of it after he had gone. Will is very proud of his uncle; is a good deal like him too I think. I hope he may be as successful in life.
I would like very much to see you all. It has only been five years since I was there but what changes have taken place. Your boys are springing along to manhood very fast. I trust they may grow up steady and good to be lots of comfort to you by and by. They were noble little fellows when I saw them. [Han?] when she was learning spoke of going home to spend August with her father, smited me to go too but I think it wouldn’t be best this summer . Am not sure whether I shall have this position after September so think it would be better to hold on while I can . In the meantime I hope to hear from you often.
I shall look for George’s letter soon. best love to Georgie and the boys shall write them next. Ada will be interested to know Lizzie Faulkner has gone to spend some time with her mother.
Affectionately your sister (M?)
My dear Sister Annie,
It was very kind of you to write me of poor Willie Mounce’s death. No one had sent word. I dare say each one supposed some other would do it.
What a sad, sad surprise, and saddest of all that he must die alone in a Hospital. Hedly might surely have hired a nurse and had him taken care of when there was enough to pay for all.
Possibly they did the best they knew how, but it seems very hard. And what a broken home. Most of all I pity the two orphan girls . Ever since I was home I have wished it was possible for me to take them and give them a good education. They seemed so easy to manage that it would be little trouble to train them aright. I know Will was lonely, but with his fancy for Maggie and her peculiar ideas of things no one could help them much . Now husband and wife are united and the children must learn to care for themselves.How mysterious God’s dealings sometimes are and how strange to us it seems that the parents should both be taken from those who so particularly need their guidance. .
I had a feeling that Fred and Maggie would marry but they seem not to have done so . I shall be impatient to hear how they get along and shall be ever so glad to have you write me occasionally . I cannot tell you how much I prize the pretty things Will Sockhart brought me from you and Georgie; it was so kind of you to remember me, and George too gave me proof of his remembrance in a very unexpected way. You don’t know how comfortable I felt when he was here and what a pleasure it was to have him he seemed to(sic) bright and chatty, just as full of news about home as could be, and as much at ease in New York as if he had only been away a week instead of twenty years. We spoke of it after he had gone. Will is very proud of his uncle; is a good deal like him too I think. I hope he may be as successful in life.
I would like very much to see you all. It has only been five years since I was there but what changes have taken place. Your boys are springing along to manhood very fast. I trust they may grow up steady and good to be lots of comfort to you by and by. They were noble little fellows when I saw them. [Han?] when she was learning spoke of going home to spend August with her father, smited me to go too but I think it wouldn’t be best this summer . Am not sure whether I shall have this position after September so think it would be better to hold on while I can . In the meantime I hope to hear from you often.
I shall look for George’s letter soon. best love to Georgie and the boys shall write them next. Ada will be interested to know Lizzie Faulkner has gone to spend some time with her mother.
Affectionately your sister (M?)
October 23rd, 1884 (L-6)
(Envelope)
Mrs George Mounce
Avondale
Hants County
(Letter)
Kempt Oct 23rd 1884
Dear Cousin Annie
I received your note with the sad news of your mother(sic) death. I did not think when i(sic) was In avondale last summer, it was the last time i(sic) should see her in the fleash(sic), But, our loss is her eternal gain and it has pleased God to take her away and we should be [aigust?] to his will. For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.
I know that it is very sad to lose our dear friends, but we mourn not as those who have no hope, for we believe that Jesus died and rose again even so these also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
And Annie dear it becometh us to put forth every effort to follow her who through Faith and patience is now inheriting the promises.
I would have up to funeral but was not able, I have not been scarcely been out of the house for five weeks, Magie tried hard to get up but failed she would have gone in the boat but could not get this in time for funeral.
I must now stop writing give my best respects to Capt Mounce and all inquiring friends.
Yours Truly
John Malcom
Mrs George Mounce
Avondale
Hants County
(Letter)
Kempt Oct 23rd 1884
Dear Cousin Annie
I received your note with the sad news of your mother(sic) death. I did not think when i(sic) was In avondale last summer, it was the last time i(sic) should see her in the fleash(sic), But, our loss is her eternal gain and it has pleased God to take her away and we should be [aigust?] to his will. For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.
I know that it is very sad to lose our dear friends, but we mourn not as those who have no hope, for we believe that Jesus died and rose again even so these also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
And Annie dear it becometh us to put forth every effort to follow her who through Faith and patience is now inheriting the promises.
I would have up to funeral but was not able, I have not been scarcely been out of the house for five weeks, Magie tried hard to get up but failed she would have gone in the boat but could not get this in time for funeral.
I must now stop writing give my best respects to Capt Mounce and all inquiring friends.
Yours Truly
John Malcom
October 26th, 1884 (L-18-ALT)
Address
℅ J. C. (Terrey?)
Mystic Avenue
E. Somerville Mass
East Somerville Mass
Oct. 26th /84
My dear cousin Annie
It was with much sorrow & deep sympathy for you, that I learned of your dear Mothers death. late last night I heard that she had passed away to join the loved ones gone before and I was a good deal surprised for the last I heard the Dr had given strong hope of her recovery. & I was hoping to hear she was getting better & would be spared many years but God has saved others [illegible] her [illegible] this world of living sorrow and suffering to himself. It is hard to part with our loved ones. And especially a Mother. No one can take a Mother’s place & we loose(sic) our best earthly friend when we are called to part with them. Yet it is not for us to [illegible] & say why it is so. “For what we know not now we shall know hereafter” & the darkest cloud has always a silver lining. What a blessing that you have your two dear children & a good home & kind Husband. You would indeed feel alone in the world if it were not for them. Yet you will be very lonely without your Mother. She has always been so near to you. That you could see her every day & as the days & weeks roll on you will still miss her more. But I was thinking this morning. What a Happy Meeling there would be when she crossed the dark river among so many of her friends & you have every comforting assurance Father, Mother and Sister. Safe in the arms of Jesus. Safe on his gentle brest.(sic)
You have my heartfelt sympathy in your affliction & while God is casting down with one hand may he sustain & comfort you with the other. May he take you up in his arms of love & mercy so that you may be enabled to say “Thy will not mine be done.”
[Emma?] said last night she was going to write you too. She would send her love if she knew I was writing. We are both near each other so we can run in often. I have a position as housekeeper and laundress. The lady is very sick. I have a great deal of care but not very hard word(sic) & I like up hear(sic) very much if I only could have Father & Mother with me. I will be pleased to hear from you when ever you feel like writing. Give my love to all inquiring friends. With very much for yourself I am still your loving cousin Sadie [Burgess?]
P.S. I spent Sunday at Waltham a fortnight [sinsce?]. They are all well Aleda is still near expect her in to see me this week.
℅ J. C. (Terrey?)
Mystic Avenue
E. Somerville Mass
East Somerville Mass
Oct. 26th /84
My dear cousin Annie
It was with much sorrow & deep sympathy for you, that I learned of your dear Mothers death. late last night I heard that she had passed away to join the loved ones gone before and I was a good deal surprised for the last I heard the Dr had given strong hope of her recovery. & I was hoping to hear she was getting better & would be spared many years but God has saved others [illegible] her [illegible] this world of living sorrow and suffering to himself. It is hard to part with our loved ones. And especially a Mother. No one can take a Mother’s place & we loose(sic) our best earthly friend when we are called to part with them. Yet it is not for us to [illegible] & say why it is so. “For what we know not now we shall know hereafter” & the darkest cloud has always a silver lining. What a blessing that you have your two dear children & a good home & kind Husband. You would indeed feel alone in the world if it were not for them. Yet you will be very lonely without your Mother. She has always been so near to you. That you could see her every day & as the days & weeks roll on you will still miss her more. But I was thinking this morning. What a Happy Meeling there would be when she crossed the dark river among so many of her friends & you have every comforting assurance Father, Mother and Sister. Safe in the arms of Jesus. Safe on his gentle brest.(sic)
You have my heartfelt sympathy in your affliction & while God is casting down with one hand may he sustain & comfort you with the other. May he take you up in his arms of love & mercy so that you may be enabled to say “Thy will not mine be done.”
[Emma?] said last night she was going to write you too. She would send her love if she knew I was writing. We are both near each other so we can run in often. I have a position as housekeeper and laundress. The lady is very sick. I have a great deal of care but not very hard word(sic) & I like up hear(sic) very much if I only could have Father & Mother with me. I will be pleased to hear from you when ever you feel like writing. Give my love to all inquiring friends. With very much for yourself I am still your loving cousin Sadie [Burgess?]
P.S. I spent Sunday at Waltham a fortnight [sinsce?]. They are all well Aleda is still near expect her in to see me this week.
October 28th, 1884 (L-6-ALT)
(Envelope)
Mrs George Mounce
Avondale, Newport
Nova Scotia
(Letter)
Waltham Oct 28th 1884
My Dear Annie
I hear by the way of Aledia that your dear mother is freed from her sufferings, & is at rest, we sympathise(sic) with you deeply in your affliction, & know you must be lonely without her, I often wonder why it is permitted for any one, to suffer so much, that has always been good, & done good, all there(sic) lives, the Lord only knows why it is so, “he doeth all things well.” Although you will miss her, you will feel thankful that her sufferings are over, & you could be with her, & know that every thing was done that could be for her comfort, when we parted with her at the boat, we said then, it was doubtful if we ever saw her again, she looked so frail, but we are thankful that we had that pleasant visit, with her & you, long will we remember it, when you feel that you can write, we shall be glad to hear of her last days, I hope you will not be sick, from worry & watching, you must remember you have a family that need your care, & that care will be a blessing to you now,
Your uncle has a cold that has troubled him the last few days, hope it will be no worse, I am much better then (sic) I was last summer, Abby is well they both join with me in love to you & family.
Yours affectionately,
Abigail A.
Mrs George Mounce
Avondale, Newport
Nova Scotia
(Letter)
Waltham Oct 28th 1884
My Dear Annie
I hear by the way of Aledia that your dear mother is freed from her sufferings, & is at rest, we sympathise(sic) with you deeply in your affliction, & know you must be lonely without her, I often wonder why it is permitted for any one, to suffer so much, that has always been good, & done good, all there(sic) lives, the Lord only knows why it is so, “he doeth all things well.” Although you will miss her, you will feel thankful that her sufferings are over, & you could be with her, & know that every thing was done that could be for her comfort, when we parted with her at the boat, we said then, it was doubtful if we ever saw her again, she looked so frail, but we are thankful that we had that pleasant visit, with her & you, long will we remember it, when you feel that you can write, we shall be glad to hear of her last days, I hope you will not be sick, from worry & watching, you must remember you have a family that need your care, & that care will be a blessing to you now,
Your uncle has a cold that has troubled him the last few days, hope it will be no worse, I am much better then (sic) I was last summer, Abby is well they both join with me in love to you & family.
Yours affectionately,
Abigail A.
October 31st, 1884 (L-4-ALT)
(Envelope)
Mrs Capt Mounce
Avondale
Hants Co
(Letter)
Mosherville Oct 31st 1884
Mrs Geroge Mounce
I have a fashion of interfearing (sic) with other folks business I gave Daniel my mind respecting the selling of his place to Major Greeno and I think set him to thinking and I expected to hear from them when I was at Avondale last but it may be they did not know I was so medlesom (sic)
Now to come to what I was going to say to you when I was down to Summerville to Launching and Tea meeting I saw Maggie Malcom she appeared very glad to see the friends from Mosherville and was very cheerful - I noticed her Sack and dress looked quite old and a little defaced and she had a poor appearance to what her sister Mrs Card had and since your mother died I was thinking of Maggie and John Malcom I concluded you would be giving some of your Mother’s clothes away to some of your poor friends and Maggie and John are very near related to you all and it is my wish you would remember them and give Maggie a Shawl or Sack or something of wearing apparel also tell Matilda [illegible] to give Maggie something this appears to be about the worst time with them the Boys will soon be able to earn something - you must excuse me for interfearing (sic) with your business but I felt hurt to see and know Maggie was so poor as I always liked her and wish her better provided for.
Yours truly
William Mosher.
Mrs Capt Mounce
Avondale
Hants Co
(Letter)
Mosherville Oct 31st 1884
Mrs Geroge Mounce
I have a fashion of interfearing (sic) with other folks business I gave Daniel my mind respecting the selling of his place to Major Greeno and I think set him to thinking and I expected to hear from them when I was at Avondale last but it may be they did not know I was so medlesom (sic)
Now to come to what I was going to say to you when I was down to Summerville to Launching and Tea meeting I saw Maggie Malcom she appeared very glad to see the friends from Mosherville and was very cheerful - I noticed her Sack and dress looked quite old and a little defaced and she had a poor appearance to what her sister Mrs Card had and since your mother died I was thinking of Maggie and John Malcom I concluded you would be giving some of your Mother’s clothes away to some of your poor friends and Maggie and John are very near related to you all and it is my wish you would remember them and give Maggie a Shawl or Sack or something of wearing apparel also tell Matilda [illegible] to give Maggie something this appears to be about the worst time with them the Boys will soon be able to earn something - you must excuse me for interfearing (sic) with your business but I felt hurt to see and know Maggie was so poor as I always liked her and wish her better provided for.
Yours truly
William Mosher.
October 31st, 1884 (L-7-ALT)
(Envelope)
Mrs George Mounce
Avondale
N.S.
(Letter)
Cheverie
Oct 31st 1884.
Dear Annie
I hope you are well. We all sympathise (sic) very deeply with you in the loss of your dear Mother for we know you are feeling very sad and lonely. I know you will miss her very much but you have every comfort in her death. she is taken from all her sufferings and sorrows and is where there is no sickness and is rejoicing now before the throne of God.
“On Jordan’s stormy bank she stood,
And heard the swelling waters roar;
Jesus conveyed her safely home,
To friends not lost but gone before”
Dear Annie I know you will mourn for these trials seem hard for us to bear but I hope the Lord will comfort and strengthen you and uphold you with the arms of His everlasting love, for He has promised to lay nothing on His children but what he will support them through. All these trials and bereavements are working together for good, to them that love God and our Heavenly Father doeth all things well. I can scarcely realize that I am never to see your Mother any more here. I should like to have seen her very much. I was always in hopes she would get better till it was too late for me to get to see her. Dear Annie I would like to see you. I wish you would come down. I think you must be nearly done out and the rest and change would do you good. I would like to have a long talk with you. I feel very much ashamed and guilty for not answering your very welcome letter that I was delighted to receive and thank you for your kind present. I hope you will accept the bit of knitting I sent you, not because it was nice for it was very coarse and home made looking but I felt I wanted to send you something to let you know I was grateful to you for your kindness to me. I hope the rest of our friends are all well. Please give my love to all enquiring(sic) friends. I would like to see them all. Dear Annie I wish you would write as often as you can and not wait for me to answer your letters for I would like to hear from you often.
They all join me in sending love to you. I send you my kindest love and a great deal of sympathy and ever believe me your loving Aunt Katie.
“My Mother”
“Ere yet the leaves all withered lie
Or to the earth so sadly fly
The first of all thou wert to die”
“My Mother”.
“Death claims thee loved one for his own
His icy arms are round thee thrown
Thy well known lips have silent grown
Dear Mother.”
“With gentle hands thy bed we’ve made
With many tears thy form have laid
To rest beneath the greenwood shade
Loved Mother”
“Sweet be thy sleep where soft winds play
And wild birds thrill their sweetest lay
Through all the live long summer day.
Dear Mother.”
Mrs George Mounce
Avondale
N.S.
(Letter)
Cheverie
Oct 31st 1884.
Dear Annie
I hope you are well. We all sympathise (sic) very deeply with you in the loss of your dear Mother for we know you are feeling very sad and lonely. I know you will miss her very much but you have every comfort in her death. she is taken from all her sufferings and sorrows and is where there is no sickness and is rejoicing now before the throne of God.
“On Jordan’s stormy bank she stood,
And heard the swelling waters roar;
Jesus conveyed her safely home,
To friends not lost but gone before”
Dear Annie I know you will mourn for these trials seem hard for us to bear but I hope the Lord will comfort and strengthen you and uphold you with the arms of His everlasting love, for He has promised to lay nothing on His children but what he will support them through. All these trials and bereavements are working together for good, to them that love God and our Heavenly Father doeth all things well. I can scarcely realize that I am never to see your Mother any more here. I should like to have seen her very much. I was always in hopes she would get better till it was too late for me to get to see her. Dear Annie I would like to see you. I wish you would come down. I think you must be nearly done out and the rest and change would do you good. I would like to have a long talk with you. I feel very much ashamed and guilty for not answering your very welcome letter that I was delighted to receive and thank you for your kind present. I hope you will accept the bit of knitting I sent you, not because it was nice for it was very coarse and home made looking but I felt I wanted to send you something to let you know I was grateful to you for your kindness to me. I hope the rest of our friends are all well. Please give my love to all enquiring(sic) friends. I would like to see them all. Dear Annie I wish you would write as often as you can and not wait for me to answer your letters for I would like to hear from you often.
They all join me in sending love to you. I send you my kindest love and a great deal of sympathy and ever believe me your loving Aunt Katie.
“My Mother”
“Ere yet the leaves all withered lie
Or to the earth so sadly fly
The first of all thou wert to die”
“My Mother”.
“Death claims thee loved one for his own
His icy arms are round thee thrown
Thy well known lips have silent grown
Dear Mother.”
“With gentle hands thy bed we’ve made
With many tears thy form have laid
To rest beneath the greenwood shade
Loved Mother”
“Sweet be thy sleep where soft winds play
And wild birds thrill their sweetest lay
Through all the live long summer day.
Dear Mother.”
December 12th, 1884 (L-21- ALT)
December 12, 1884
Windsor Forks
Dear Anna
I intended to write to you as soon as I came home but, Libby was getting ready to go away, it left me busy, I did not forget you. I am a lone with the Children, but I expect Libby will be home in a few weeks she did not go in the vessel, went to Boston, from [illegible] where she found Elias very sick she is going to stay with him while he gets better, I think by what she writes he is very sick, O what change we pass through, in this vale of tears, when we compare our lot, with these that have pass over, where storms never beat on that beautiful shore, It makes me feel to work and strive by Grace to be able to join our loved ones that have gone before. I was glad I went to see your dear mother, last spring, how you must miss such a kind Christian Mother but dear Anna she was [fited?]for the mansion alone, I had a letter from her about one year ago, it seemed good to read it, so full of Christian sympathy, & it made me feel as if I ought to try to live nearer to Jessus(sic), if I am spared till spring I want to come and see you kiss Tommy and Ralphe for me, give my kind regards to Cpt Mounce, I often feel as if I would like to talk to you about dear Auntie to know all about her sickness, but what matters she has pass through the Portals and to day is singing the song of the Reedeemed(sic), and tho tears will unbidden start, yet we can rejoice in that hope that through dying and Reedeeming(sic) love we will meet beyond the River Dear [illegible] may you and I with our loved ones be ready when the summons comes, is the prayer of your afectionate(sic) cozen(sic)
Cassie A Allen
Windsor Forks
Dear Anna
I intended to write to you as soon as I came home but, Libby was getting ready to go away, it left me busy, I did not forget you. I am a lone with the Children, but I expect Libby will be home in a few weeks she did not go in the vessel, went to Boston, from [illegible] where she found Elias very sick she is going to stay with him while he gets better, I think by what she writes he is very sick, O what change we pass through, in this vale of tears, when we compare our lot, with these that have pass over, where storms never beat on that beautiful shore, It makes me feel to work and strive by Grace to be able to join our loved ones that have gone before. I was glad I went to see your dear mother, last spring, how you must miss such a kind Christian Mother but dear Anna she was [fited?]for the mansion alone, I had a letter from her about one year ago, it seemed good to read it, so full of Christian sympathy, & it made me feel as if I ought to try to live nearer to Jessus(sic), if I am spared till spring I want to come and see you kiss Tommy and Ralphe for me, give my kind regards to Cpt Mounce, I often feel as if I would like to talk to you about dear Auntie to know all about her sickness, but what matters she has pass through the Portals and to day is singing the song of the Reedeemed(sic), and tho tears will unbidden start, yet we can rejoice in that hope that through dying and Reedeeming(sic) love we will meet beyond the River Dear [illegible] may you and I with our loved ones be ready when the summons comes, is the prayer of your afectionate(sic) cozen(sic)
Cassie A Allen
December 31st, 1884 (L-23)
Waltham, Dec. 31st 1884
My dear Annie: -
I hope you have not thought because I neglected writing, that I did not sympathize with you in your sorrow. I do feel for you keenly. You must feel her loss deeply, you were so much to each other. In the last years, besides being a companion to her, you have felt more or less care, to see that she was comfortable, living by herself as she did. Now, there is the remembrance of a lovely character and the hope of a reunion in a life where there shall be no more separation. How dark the world would seem to us if what we call “Death” were the end! Our grief is assuaged in the thought of the after life when Father, Mother and sisters will form a happy family. Aunt Melinda was very dear to us all. She was always a favorite of mine. I think Father thought as much of her as he did of his own sister. What good times they used to have when she visited us! She and Father would talk for hours about old times. Your boys will miss their Grandmother. Tommy especially is old enough to remember her. It will be very hard for us to visit Nova Scotia and not see Aunt Melinda. She was always so glad to see us. We miss our friends so much this holiday season. They are continually in our thoughts and we recall the happy times we used to have, but we have no right to neglect those we have with us. So we go on in the same routine, following the old time customs.
On Christmas morning there came cards for the family from you and yours for which many thanks. Tell Tommy I think everything of his dainty little card. In the same mail was a small box directed to me. There was quite a laugh at my expense when Nellie, Mother and Aunt Miriam received their collar and the box was emptied. We [had?] tried that same game at home that morning. It makes a good deal of sport. I think the box was from you because the handwriting was like that on the cards. What elegant work it is. They are all delighted with it. About a week before I received some lace ends in a newspaper. But there was no name signed. I think the handwriting was yours. The paper contained an obituary notice if I am mistaken I wish you would let me know. The lace is made very nicely. I think you very much. With many good wishes for the New Year.
I am your aff. cousin
Abby Armstrong.
My dear Annie: -
I hope you have not thought because I neglected writing, that I did not sympathize with you in your sorrow. I do feel for you keenly. You must feel her loss deeply, you were so much to each other. In the last years, besides being a companion to her, you have felt more or less care, to see that she was comfortable, living by herself as she did. Now, there is the remembrance of a lovely character and the hope of a reunion in a life where there shall be no more separation. How dark the world would seem to us if what we call “Death” were the end! Our grief is assuaged in the thought of the after life when Father, Mother and sisters will form a happy family. Aunt Melinda was very dear to us all. She was always a favorite of mine. I think Father thought as much of her as he did of his own sister. What good times they used to have when she visited us! She and Father would talk for hours about old times. Your boys will miss their Grandmother. Tommy especially is old enough to remember her. It will be very hard for us to visit Nova Scotia and not see Aunt Melinda. She was always so glad to see us. We miss our friends so much this holiday season. They are continually in our thoughts and we recall the happy times we used to have, but we have no right to neglect those we have with us. So we go on in the same routine, following the old time customs.
On Christmas morning there came cards for the family from you and yours for which many thanks. Tell Tommy I think everything of his dainty little card. In the same mail was a small box directed to me. There was quite a laugh at my expense when Nellie, Mother and Aunt Miriam received their collar and the box was emptied. We [had?] tried that same game at home that morning. It makes a good deal of sport. I think the box was from you because the handwriting was like that on the cards. What elegant work it is. They are all delighted with it. About a week before I received some lace ends in a newspaper. But there was no name signed. I think the handwriting was yours. The paper contained an obituary notice if I am mistaken I wish you would let me know. The lace is made very nicely. I think you very much. With many good wishes for the New Year.
I am your aff. cousin
Abby Armstrong.
February 2nd, 1885 (L-10-ALT)
(Envelope)
Mrs Capt. George Moun (envelope torn so unreadable)
Newport Landing
Hants Co. N.S
(letter)
Feb’y 2nd 1885
Mrs George Mounce
Avondale NS
Dear Cousin,
I send by this “Mail” the balance of your Photos. Hope that every thing will be satisfactory.
Your 15 Copies @ $5.00 per dozen he charged me 6.50 for and Uncle Daniel 2 copies cost $2.50. I have the bills which I will send to you if you want them. This whole amount only counts up $9.00 leaving to your Credit $8.00 which sum I will remit you if you wish or I will wait until I see you or I will Invest it for you.
Hoping these few lines will find You & Yours all well
I remain in haste
Yours Very Sincerely
John W.L. Armstrong.
Mrs Capt. George Moun (envelope torn so unreadable)
Newport Landing
Hants Co. N.S
(letter)
Feb’y 2nd 1885
Mrs George Mounce
Avondale NS
Dear Cousin,
I send by this “Mail” the balance of your Photos. Hope that every thing will be satisfactory.
Your 15 Copies @ $5.00 per dozen he charged me 6.50 for and Uncle Daniel 2 copies cost $2.50. I have the bills which I will send to you if you want them. This whole amount only counts up $9.00 leaving to your Credit $8.00 which sum I will remit you if you wish or I will wait until I see you or I will Invest it for you.
Hoping these few lines will find You & Yours all well
I remain in haste
Yours Very Sincerely
John W.L. Armstrong.
Wedding Invitation March 21st, 1885 (L-16-ALT)
Mr and Mrs Lockhart
desire your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Annie
To
George F. Squire
Saturday afternoon, March 21, 1885.
at 2 o’clock,
In the Methodist Church,
Avondale,
and after the ceremony,
at their residence.
desire your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Annie
To
George F. Squire
Saturday afternoon, March 21, 1885.
at 2 o’clock,
In the Methodist Church,
Avondale,
and after the ceremony,
at their residence.
April 14th, 1885 (L-15-ALT)
[Mines?], April 14th 1885
Dear Annie
I received your letter and was very glad to hear you got home so nicely. I suppose the children have found their knives and got mama home and are quite happy.
Mrs. Kempton stoped(sic) until Yesiday(sic) and then we were alone and felt quite lonesome.
John was taken sick the next day after you left and is only now getting better. Mr [illegible] left on Saturday for Debert was there one week but is now at Amherst I expect he is holding forth there now and asking what they are frightened for.
Well Annie you will be surprised but very glad to know that I have got my skirt done and my spring mending almost done. [Drape?] has her mat in and hooking away as though she intended to take it out some day but I thinking it will be house cleaning time before it comes out the snow has all gone now and it is knee deep in mud here but now if we stay here you must come in the summer and have a good time and see all there is to be seen. [Mr Johnsmans?] are going away. They are packing now and expect to go next week. We are very sorry to loose (sic) them.
I hope you may be able to read this. I am writing by lamp light and I don’t know what it will look like in day light, but I could not get time in the day.
Give my love to George and a kiss to the children. [Drape?] sends love and says she will write some day, John sends love to all and with love for yourself. I am your unworthy aunt.
Dear Annie
I received your letter and was very glad to hear you got home so nicely. I suppose the children have found their knives and got mama home and are quite happy.
Mrs. Kempton stoped(sic) until Yesiday(sic) and then we were alone and felt quite lonesome.
John was taken sick the next day after you left and is only now getting better. Mr [illegible] left on Saturday for Debert was there one week but is now at Amherst I expect he is holding forth there now and asking what they are frightened for.
Well Annie you will be surprised but very glad to know that I have got my skirt done and my spring mending almost done. [Drape?] has her mat in and hooking away as though she intended to take it out some day but I thinking it will be house cleaning time before it comes out the snow has all gone now and it is knee deep in mud here but now if we stay here you must come in the summer and have a good time and see all there is to be seen. [Mr Johnsmans?] are going away. They are packing now and expect to go next week. We are very sorry to loose (sic) them.
I hope you may be able to read this. I am writing by lamp light and I don’t know what it will look like in day light, but I could not get time in the day.
Give my love to George and a kiss to the children. [Drape?] sends love and says she will write some day, John sends love to all and with love for yourself. I am your unworthy aunt.
April 15th, 1885 (L-9)
Fay DeViller March 14, 2022 Proofed
(Envelope)
Mrs George Mounce
Avondale
Hants Co.
Nova Scotia
(Letter)
Nappan, April 14th, 1885
My dear Mrs Mounce,
Please Excuse my tardiness, in not acknowledging your pretty gift, before this; I have been so poorly all along, that I have not had the heart, to attend to anything but what I have been obliged to about the house.
I feel so discouraged that I do not know what to do with myself, however, that is wrong & I must shake such feelings off.
You need not say anything about me to anyone unless to your aunts because the others will know soon enough.
I am afraid my visit to Avondale will have to be postponed this time also.
There now, I have gone off to other things without thanking you! Well, I really am much obliged to you for your gift & above that, the motive that prompted such kindness. I can never forget your kindness to me, when in Avondale, and that of your now Sainted Mother also.
May the Lord bless & reward you here & hereafter.
The children are well and often refer to your short stay with us. Poor things they were real glad to see you in their own way.
Mr Mc Arthur & Sister Fannie send kind regards to you & family.
We had a sociable the other day, in aid of the parsonage, I realized $14.50
Up at Maccan, they collected $16.00 for the same purpose.
When is Aunt Tillie going off? I am tired of watching the Wesleyan. Please give her my love.
If not too much trouble would you please give your Aunt Tillie the enclosed note.
I do not mean “Mrs Henniger” but the aunt who was here with you.
Burn this as soon as you read please.
With love & kind wishes,
I am your loving friend
L. Mc Arthur
Mrs Armstrong
Mrs Armstrong to F Lavers Dr
To 9 ½ lbs veal at 7¢ .67
paid
(Envelope)
Mrs George Mounce
Avondale
Hants Co.
Nova Scotia
(Letter)
Nappan, April 14th, 1885
My dear Mrs Mounce,
Please Excuse my tardiness, in not acknowledging your pretty gift, before this; I have been so poorly all along, that I have not had the heart, to attend to anything but what I have been obliged to about the house.
I feel so discouraged that I do not know what to do with myself, however, that is wrong & I must shake such feelings off.
You need not say anything about me to anyone unless to your aunts because the others will know soon enough.
I am afraid my visit to Avondale will have to be postponed this time also.
There now, I have gone off to other things without thanking you! Well, I really am much obliged to you for your gift & above that, the motive that prompted such kindness. I can never forget your kindness to me, when in Avondale, and that of your now Sainted Mother also.
May the Lord bless & reward you here & hereafter.
The children are well and often refer to your short stay with us. Poor things they were real glad to see you in their own way.
Mr Mc Arthur & Sister Fannie send kind regards to you & family.
We had a sociable the other day, in aid of the parsonage, I realized $14.50
Up at Maccan, they collected $16.00 for the same purpose.
When is Aunt Tillie going off? I am tired of watching the Wesleyan. Please give her my love.
If not too much trouble would you please give your Aunt Tillie the enclosed note.
I do not mean “Mrs Henniger” but the aunt who was here with you.
Burn this as soon as you read please.
With love & kind wishes,
I am your loving friend
L. Mc Arthur
Mrs Armstrong
Mrs Armstrong to F Lavers Dr
To 9 ½ lbs veal at 7¢ .67
paid
May 17th, 1888 (L-14-ALT)
(Envelope)
Mrs Capt Mounce
Avondale
Nova Scotia
(Small card with writing on one side)
Asthma [Cure?]
2 oz. Iodide of Potassium
1 oz. Ethereal Tincture of Lobelia
1 oz. Tincture of Asafoetida
1 oz. Tincture of Opium
1 oz. Simple Syrup
mix
Dose from 1/2 to 1 teaspoonful morning and evening.
(Letter)
Waltham, Mass.
May 17, 1888
My Dear Annie:
Do you still feel the rheumatism in your arm and hand? If you do I hope you have it easy. Father had a touch of a very acute nature early this spring, in his arm, lasting several days and making him really sick. It was different from any rheumatism he ever had before. His arm is a little weak yet. I know very little about it myself; my chief trouble is laziness and it is a very slow disease to recover from. I think I am a little better than I was a year ago this time but I had a very poor winter; did not go out of the house for three months. Does Ralph seem any better this Spring? How is Thomas? What nice great boys they are getting to be. You wrote about sending your photograph, but we have not seen it.
We heard of the death of Aunt Katie Harvie in the winter. I recollect her as a very pleasant old lady. Father thought a great deal of her. She was quite feeble when I saw her.
Sadie is at Winchester, Mass. with Mrs H. A. Wilder; the lady she has been with so long. Probably she has written to you before this. They were staying at a hotel last summer. She is planning to go home this summer to meet Minnie and her baby.
Are you having any kind of Spring weather? It is as cold as October weather here; not much planting done yet, there has been so much rain. We have not heard from Silas’ family for some time. It must seem very strange to her to live shut up in the city. I think if they stay she, Sarah, will be homesick for the country .
Strange that people will crowd in to the cities. Mary Jane York has been here twice this winter. She has been sailing with her husband. Cassie has spent the winter in Boston; will visit us the first of June. She is quite feeble.
Let me hear from you soon. Do not take pattern by me. Remember us to your husband.
Love to the boys. Father and Mother write with me in love to you.
From your Cousin,
Abby E. Armstrong
488 Lexington St.
Mrs Capt Mounce
Avondale
Nova Scotia
(Small card with writing on one side)
Asthma [Cure?]
2 oz. Iodide of Potassium
1 oz. Ethereal Tincture of Lobelia
1 oz. Tincture of Asafoetida
1 oz. Tincture of Opium
1 oz. Simple Syrup
mix
Dose from 1/2 to 1 teaspoonful morning and evening.
(Letter)
Waltham, Mass.
May 17, 1888
My Dear Annie:
Do you still feel the rheumatism in your arm and hand? If you do I hope you have it easy. Father had a touch of a very acute nature early this spring, in his arm, lasting several days and making him really sick. It was different from any rheumatism he ever had before. His arm is a little weak yet. I know very little about it myself; my chief trouble is laziness and it is a very slow disease to recover from. I think I am a little better than I was a year ago this time but I had a very poor winter; did not go out of the house for three months. Does Ralph seem any better this Spring? How is Thomas? What nice great boys they are getting to be. You wrote about sending your photograph, but we have not seen it.
We heard of the death of Aunt Katie Harvie in the winter. I recollect her as a very pleasant old lady. Father thought a great deal of her. She was quite feeble when I saw her.
Sadie is at Winchester, Mass. with Mrs H. A. Wilder; the lady she has been with so long. Probably she has written to you before this. They were staying at a hotel last summer. She is planning to go home this summer to meet Minnie and her baby.
Are you having any kind of Spring weather? It is as cold as October weather here; not much planting done yet, there has been so much rain. We have not heard from Silas’ family for some time. It must seem very strange to her to live shut up in the city. I think if they stay she, Sarah, will be homesick for the country .
Strange that people will crowd in to the cities. Mary Jane York has been here twice this winter. She has been sailing with her husband. Cassie has spent the winter in Boston; will visit us the first of June. She is quite feeble.
Let me hear from you soon. Do not take pattern by me. Remember us to your husband.
Love to the boys. Father and Mother write with me in love to you.
From your Cousin,
Abby E. Armstrong
488 Lexington St.
June 16th, 1888 (L-8)
(Envelope)
Mrs Mounce
Avondale
(Letter)
Halifax N.S.
June 16th
Received from Mrs Mounce the sum of Twenty nine dollars and five cents for cake.
I. Fenerty
(Invoice)
Halifax NS
25 Argyle St
Mrs Mounce
1888 To Mrs Fenerty
June 22nd 2 Fruit Cakes 26 lbs at 70¢ - 18-20
1 Plain Cake 8 lbs -70 - 5-60
1 Plain 6 ¼ lbs - 60 - 3-75
Packing box 1 50
____
$29-05
Mrs Mounce
Avondale
(Letter)
Halifax N.S.
June 16th
Received from Mrs Mounce the sum of Twenty nine dollars and five cents for cake.
I. Fenerty
(Invoice)
Halifax NS
25 Argyle St
Mrs Mounce
1888 To Mrs Fenerty
June 22nd 2 Fruit Cakes 26 lbs at 70¢ - 18-20
1 Plain Cake 8 lbs -70 - 5-60
1 Plain 6 ¼ lbs - 60 - 3-75
Packing box 1 50
____
$29-05
October 18th, 1888 (L-7)
(Envelope)
Mrs Capt George Mounce
Avondale
Hants Co
N.S
(Letter)
Canning N.S.
18th October 1888
Mrs George Mounce
Dear Sister in Christ
No doubt you will wonder what I am writing to you for, but when I was in Windsor at the Branch meeting of the W.M.S. I asked a young lady for the names of two of the most influential women on your Circuit and yours was given me. I write to enlist your sympathy in this grand work that is so successfully spreading through our beloved Methodism. “That of woman’s work for woman” Our Woman’s Missionary Society has become part of our Church work. And God has so abundantly blessed the work our Society is doing, that we take fresh courage and go forward, hoping to do better work this year than in any year since our formation. I see by the report that you have not an Auxiliary, and I am sure did you but know the blessed influence that our meetings have upon ourselves, to say nothing of the souls that are being saved, and brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God, you would organize at once. We all have to learn and I know for myself I was a slow Scholar. The argument is often used, that the parent Society can do the work, there is no need for two. It can and is doing its own work, but it can not do our work. As christian woman the master has given us this work to do for Him and will we not do it, Yes, womans heart and womans hands has ever responded to the cry of the needy and helpless, And O, how needy are our Sisters in Unchristianized lands. And then the “inasmuch(sic) as ye did it with me of the least of these ye did it with me” comes to inspire us in our work. Doors have been opened for our womans work in the last ten years that would not have been opened were it not that our christian women at home are raising funds to send consecrated females to tell the Story of “Jesus and His love.”
We hope to have a large number of new auxiliaries organized this year, and that before very long every circuit in our Conference will have a W.M.S. Let yours be the first this year. God will bless you in the work.
“I am with the(sic)”. He hath said it. In His truth and tender grace, Sealed the promise, grandly spoken, With how many a mighty taken, Of His love and faithfulness.
My dear Sister I believe God has put His hands upon you to do this work for Him.
Your Paster (sic)
Mrs Capt George Mounce
Avondale
Hants Co
N.S
(Letter)
Canning N.S.
18th October 1888
Mrs George Mounce
Dear Sister in Christ
No doubt you will wonder what I am writing to you for, but when I was in Windsor at the Branch meeting of the W.M.S. I asked a young lady for the names of two of the most influential women on your Circuit and yours was given me. I write to enlist your sympathy in this grand work that is so successfully spreading through our beloved Methodism. “That of woman’s work for woman” Our Woman’s Missionary Society has become part of our Church work. And God has so abundantly blessed the work our Society is doing, that we take fresh courage and go forward, hoping to do better work this year than in any year since our formation. I see by the report that you have not an Auxiliary, and I am sure did you but know the blessed influence that our meetings have upon ourselves, to say nothing of the souls that are being saved, and brought into the glorious liberty of the children of God, you would organize at once. We all have to learn and I know for myself I was a slow Scholar. The argument is often used, that the parent Society can do the work, there is no need for two. It can and is doing its own work, but it can not do our work. As christian woman the master has given us this work to do for Him and will we not do it, Yes, womans heart and womans hands has ever responded to the cry of the needy and helpless, And O, how needy are our Sisters in Unchristianized lands. And then the “inasmuch(sic) as ye did it with me of the least of these ye did it with me” comes to inspire us in our work. Doors have been opened for our womans work in the last ten years that would not have been opened were it not that our christian women at home are raising funds to send consecrated females to tell the Story of “Jesus and His love.”
We hope to have a large number of new auxiliaries organized this year, and that before very long every circuit in our Conference will have a W.M.S. Let yours be the first this year. God will bless you in the work.
“I am with the(sic)”. He hath said it. In His truth and tender grace, Sealed the promise, grandly spoken, With how many a mighty taken, Of His love and faithfulness.
My dear Sister I believe God has put His hands upon you to do this work for Him.
Your Paster (sic)
August 21st, 1889 (L-2-ALT)
(Envelope)
Answered
Mrs. Annie E. Mounce
Avondale,
Newport,
Nova Scotia.
(Letter)
488 Lexington St.
Waltham. Mass.
Aug. 21. 1889.
My Dear Annie.
What better time for writing than when one is alone. Father and Mother started for Hudson, this morning at six o'clock, a drive of eighteen miles. They will be back this evening. So I am “monarch of all I survey” unless “callers” put in an appearance.
It Is by no means quiet, for a house is in process of erection just opposite our gate and there is “blow on blow”. It seems very odd to have our easterly view broken, and as one has started, we may look out for others. It seems you are to have Sadie for a neighbor. She did not write whereabouts, at Avondale she was to settle, so she may not be a near neighbor.
What a surprise she gave us. I hope she has done well. Minnie writes very pleasantly of Mr. Mosher.
Well, Annie, Hannah Armstrong of Uxbridge Ont. is married and been here on her wedding trip and gone to her new home on the shores of Lake Huron. It is four years since they were here and in Nova Scotia - four years this fall. She was married to James Heveron, a printer, on the sixth of this month. You asked about Susan Malcom. She married Mr. Cunningham of Wakefield, for whom she had been keeping house, last year. This last month, he died of apoplexy I think. He was several years older than she, but father, who met him at Lillian's wedding, thought him a very good kind of a man. I am sorry for Susan. Do not know under what circumstances she is left; have not seen or heard from her since her husband's death, am particularly sorry for Clarence as it made a good home for him. Tell Sadie if you see her. How is Ralph this summer? I wish he could be strong and well. Is Capt. Mounce as busy as ever farming? I wonder if he has been thrown from a wagon since he and Father tried it. What an escape that was! We often speak of it. I suppose Tommie is taller than his mother by this time. How are you yourself now-a-days? Are you working as hard as ever? I am not very robust yet but in some respects better than at this time last summer. Father and Mother are pretty well now, but they have to take care of themselves. Much love to you and yours.
From your cousin,
Abby E. Armstrong.
Emma Malcom is in Chelsea. We look for her here before long.
Answered
Mrs. Annie E. Mounce
Avondale,
Newport,
Nova Scotia.
(Letter)
488 Lexington St.
Waltham. Mass.
Aug. 21. 1889.
My Dear Annie.
What better time for writing than when one is alone. Father and Mother started for Hudson, this morning at six o'clock, a drive of eighteen miles. They will be back this evening. So I am “monarch of all I survey” unless “callers” put in an appearance.
It Is by no means quiet, for a house is in process of erection just opposite our gate and there is “blow on blow”. It seems very odd to have our easterly view broken, and as one has started, we may look out for others. It seems you are to have Sadie for a neighbor. She did not write whereabouts, at Avondale she was to settle, so she may not be a near neighbor.
What a surprise she gave us. I hope she has done well. Minnie writes very pleasantly of Mr. Mosher.
Well, Annie, Hannah Armstrong of Uxbridge Ont. is married and been here on her wedding trip and gone to her new home on the shores of Lake Huron. It is four years since they were here and in Nova Scotia - four years this fall. She was married to James Heveron, a printer, on the sixth of this month. You asked about Susan Malcom. She married Mr. Cunningham of Wakefield, for whom she had been keeping house, last year. This last month, he died of apoplexy I think. He was several years older than she, but father, who met him at Lillian's wedding, thought him a very good kind of a man. I am sorry for Susan. Do not know under what circumstances she is left; have not seen or heard from her since her husband's death, am particularly sorry for Clarence as it made a good home for him. Tell Sadie if you see her. How is Ralph this summer? I wish he could be strong and well. Is Capt. Mounce as busy as ever farming? I wonder if he has been thrown from a wagon since he and Father tried it. What an escape that was! We often speak of it. I suppose Tommie is taller than his mother by this time. How are you yourself now-a-days? Are you working as hard as ever? I am not very robust yet but in some respects better than at this time last summer. Father and Mother are pretty well now, but they have to take care of themselves. Much love to you and yours.
From your cousin,
Abby E. Armstrong.
Emma Malcom is in Chelsea. We look for her here before long.
September 24th, 1889 (L-9-ALT)
(Envelope)
Mrs Mounce
Avondale
(Letter)
Sept 24th / 89
Dear Annie,
I do not feel like going to say good bye to you this morning, so will send a line instead I thank you for great kindness so unexpected to me.
I have had a very pleasant visit with you all & have enjoyed my visit very much but now comes the parting.
I hope you will soon be better in every way and try to make up your mind to come & spend a winter with us. Tell Mrs Forest & Genie good bye for me & your husband & children too. With much love
Cousin Jo
I could not get your Mother’s picture with the frame in my trunk but did not know it till too late to get the picture without
do pray excuse the mistakes
Mrs Mounce
Avondale
(Letter)
Sept 24th / 89
Dear Annie,
I do not feel like going to say good bye to you this morning, so will send a line instead I thank you for great kindness so unexpected to me.
I have had a very pleasant visit with you all & have enjoyed my visit very much but now comes the parting.
I hope you will soon be better in every way and try to make up your mind to come & spend a winter with us. Tell Mrs Forest & Genie good bye for me & your husband & children too. With much love
Cousin Jo
I could not get your Mother’s picture with the frame in my trunk but did not know it till too late to get the picture without
do pray excuse the mistakes
April 30th, 1890 (L-2)
(Envelope)
Mrs Capt. Geo. Mounce
Newport Landing
Nova Scotia
Answered
(Letter)
Toronto Apr 30th 1890
Mrs Capt. Geo. Mounce
Avondale
Dear Cousin
Mother wishes me to answer your kind letter to her. As she has not written for years not since we have begun to write, we have done it all. I should of(sic) written sooner but I neglected it and I hope you will forgive me. Mother thanks you very much for the kind letter and pictures which you sent. It was very kind of you to think of us away off here. We shall remember you whenever we have any pictures take(sic). Mother has not had any taken for years. but I want her to have some taken this summer if possible. We are all pretty well at present except Grandpa, he is very poorly. He does not seem to suffer much pain but is getting weaker every day. He goes to bed every day quite early in the afternoon. yesterday he went at half-past two. seems as if he get so weak and tire(sic) that he feels better in bed than up. he has failed very much this last two months. He was 89 years the 28th of last month. so you see he is pretty old, He is very contented, never hear him complain or say a word I do not think there are many at his age who are so good to get along with as he is old people are generally fretful but he is not. but we do not expect to have him with us long. we do not know what a week may bring forth. How and where is [Sabre?] Harvey and family are they well. we hardly ever hear from them we heard that they had left Newport. Please remember us all to them and how is Aunt Tilley I think she has almost forgotten her friends in Canada. I use(sic) to get such nice letters from her. but now, for some reason or other it is very seldom I get one. Has Uncle Silas and Aunt Sarah arrived at Newport yet. I wrote a long letter to Uncle before he left California. but did not receive any answer. Well cousin Annie I do not know that I have any particular news to write at present. I think so far as I know the friends in Canada are all well. There are three of ma’s brothers in Toronto now. they all live quite near to us. Uncle Joseph, Uncle Wille, and Uncle John. so you see there is quite a collection of us here. How is Uncle Daniel remember us all to him and would you please tell him that Uncle Robert O’Brien is buried today He has been ill for more than a month. Mother says with your means she thinks you might ship over to Canada some fine summer and see. She should like very much to have you come of course it is not likely you would find the same comforts that you have in your own home. Yet we should be please(sic) to do all in our power to make you comfortable and enjoy yourself. you have two nice little boys. are they all the family you have. I think I must close. hoping I shall have the pleasure of writing to you again. Please write whenever you find it convenient. hoping these lines to(sic) find you all enjoying good health. Grandpa, mother, father and all join me in ending love to you all and all enquiring friends.
I am ever Your loving Cousin.
Kate. Bell. O’Brien
Address 25 Saulter St Toronto
P.S. Mother would like if you could get her one of the papers which had the history of the Mosher family if it would not be too much trouble. She would like to have one so much.
Mrs Capt. Geo. Mounce
Newport Landing
Nova Scotia
Answered
(Letter)
Toronto Apr 30th 1890
Mrs Capt. Geo. Mounce
Avondale
Dear Cousin
Mother wishes me to answer your kind letter to her. As she has not written for years not since we have begun to write, we have done it all. I should of(sic) written sooner but I neglected it and I hope you will forgive me. Mother thanks you very much for the kind letter and pictures which you sent. It was very kind of you to think of us away off here. We shall remember you whenever we have any pictures take(sic). Mother has not had any taken for years. but I want her to have some taken this summer if possible. We are all pretty well at present except Grandpa, he is very poorly. He does not seem to suffer much pain but is getting weaker every day. He goes to bed every day quite early in the afternoon. yesterday he went at half-past two. seems as if he get so weak and tire(sic) that he feels better in bed than up. he has failed very much this last two months. He was 89 years the 28th of last month. so you see he is pretty old, He is very contented, never hear him complain or say a word I do not think there are many at his age who are so good to get along with as he is old people are generally fretful but he is not. but we do not expect to have him with us long. we do not know what a week may bring forth. How and where is [Sabre?] Harvey and family are they well. we hardly ever hear from them we heard that they had left Newport. Please remember us all to them and how is Aunt Tilley I think she has almost forgotten her friends in Canada. I use(sic) to get such nice letters from her. but now, for some reason or other it is very seldom I get one. Has Uncle Silas and Aunt Sarah arrived at Newport yet. I wrote a long letter to Uncle before he left California. but did not receive any answer. Well cousin Annie I do not know that I have any particular news to write at present. I think so far as I know the friends in Canada are all well. There are three of ma’s brothers in Toronto now. they all live quite near to us. Uncle Joseph, Uncle Wille, and Uncle John. so you see there is quite a collection of us here. How is Uncle Daniel remember us all to him and would you please tell him that Uncle Robert O’Brien is buried today He has been ill for more than a month. Mother says with your means she thinks you might ship over to Canada some fine summer and see. She should like very much to have you come of course it is not likely you would find the same comforts that you have in your own home. Yet we should be please(sic) to do all in our power to make you comfortable and enjoy yourself. you have two nice little boys. are they all the family you have. I think I must close. hoping I shall have the pleasure of writing to you again. Please write whenever you find it convenient. hoping these lines to(sic) find you all enjoying good health. Grandpa, mother, father and all join me in ending love to you all and all enquiring friends.
I am ever Your loving Cousin.
Kate. Bell. O’Brien
Address 25 Saulter St Toronto
P.S. Mother would like if you could get her one of the papers which had the history of the Mosher family if it would not be too much trouble. She would like to have one so much.
July 14th, 1890 (L-13)
(Envelope)
Answered
Mrs Capt. Geo. Mounce
Newport Landing
Nova Scotia.
(Letter)
Mt Albert, July 14th 1890
Mrs. Capt Geo. Mounce
My Dear cousin
I received your nice long letter and also the papers which I thank you very much for these. I should of written before but my health was poorly and I had to give up every work which I was sorry to do for I had plenty of it and we needed it so much. The Dr was afraid of my lungs but thought if I took perfect rest and came to the country I would wear it off. and so I’ve taken his advice and I came out here [timy ?] Grandpa’s on the farm. and I hope I may so(sic) back looking so well that they will not know me. Dressmaking does not agree with me I often wish I would only speak plain so I could do anything. I had one dentist to tell me he could put a plate in my mouth so that I could speak as plain as anyone. but It takes a great deal to go through an operation and I did not think I could afford to have it done. so perhaps it is all for the best I do not know. My sister grave is right across the road from me. I enjoy myself so much there. it seems as if I am nearer to her.
Mother and Father and all the rest were all well when I left home. Grandpa got so well that he was able to go to Uxbridge. and is quite [illegible] for him. I want to try and go over to see him and that is why I am not writing to Aunt Tilley and you can tell her I will write to her and give her all the news about Him and Mrs Shields. how is Uncle Daniel Mosher and how is Uncle Silas and family. would you asked(sic) Uncle if he got my letter I wrote him such a long one and never got one back. Well Annie I think I must close. if you write inside of three or four weeks which I hope you will please. Send my letters to Mt Albert. Ont. as I expect to be here. hoping this will find you and your(sic) enjoying good health.
goodbye from your loving cousin
Kate. Bell. O’Brien
Answered
Mrs Capt. Geo. Mounce
Newport Landing
Nova Scotia.
(Letter)
Mt Albert, July 14th 1890
Mrs. Capt Geo. Mounce
My Dear cousin
I received your nice long letter and also the papers which I thank you very much for these. I should of written before but my health was poorly and I had to give up every work which I was sorry to do for I had plenty of it and we needed it so much. The Dr was afraid of my lungs but thought if I took perfect rest and came to the country I would wear it off. and so I’ve taken his advice and I came out here [timy ?] Grandpa’s on the farm. and I hope I may so(sic) back looking so well that they will not know me. Dressmaking does not agree with me I often wish I would only speak plain so I could do anything. I had one dentist to tell me he could put a plate in my mouth so that I could speak as plain as anyone. but It takes a great deal to go through an operation and I did not think I could afford to have it done. so perhaps it is all for the best I do not know. My sister grave is right across the road from me. I enjoy myself so much there. it seems as if I am nearer to her.
Mother and Father and all the rest were all well when I left home. Grandpa got so well that he was able to go to Uxbridge. and is quite [illegible] for him. I want to try and go over to see him and that is why I am not writing to Aunt Tilley and you can tell her I will write to her and give her all the news about Him and Mrs Shields. how is Uncle Daniel Mosher and how is Uncle Silas and family. would you asked(sic) Uncle if he got my letter I wrote him such a long one and never got one back. Well Annie I think I must close. if you write inside of three or four weeks which I hope you will please. Send my letters to Mt Albert. Ont. as I expect to be here. hoping this will find you and your(sic) enjoying good health.
goodbye from your loving cousin
Kate. Bell. O’Brien
July 21st, 1890 (L-12)
(Envelope)
Mrs Geo Mounce
Avondale
N.S
(Letter)
Hantsport July 21/90
Dear Mrs Mounce
I would like very much to organize a Woman’s Christian Temperance Union in Avondale. I meant last Fall to try what could be done, but had to go away & have been away the most of my time since. but have a few weeks at home now & could give you an evening as well as not & would only be too happy to do so. I am very sorry you have been out of the work so long I do not know who is to blame. Perhaps I am.
At any rate, God is loudly calling all Christian Women into this Gospel Temperance work & among the rest, the women of Avondale. & we cannot afford to sit idle when He is “needing hands”
Every temperance woman in the community should be enlisted in this war “for God Home & Native Land”
Will you not agitate the matter in Avondale & let me know soon. I would like very much to organize in time to have you affiliate with the Maritimes & send your delegates to Convention which meets in Amherst on Sept 17th. It will not be as near again for a long time perhaps next year it will be in New Brunswick.
Please see all the friends you can, & if you could arrange to organize next week or last of this, It would suit me very well. Your plan will be to announce a public meeting - that gives you a good send off. I will address it on the origin, method of work & aims of the W.C.T.U. & so get the interest & sympathy of your public - which you will find helpful.
I could organize at close of meeting. the afternoon before. or the next day as may suit you.
I take the collection of the public meeting, whatever it may be. So you see the times are easy.
I will send you our minutes of Convention for the last 4 years. I will also include a constitution.
Hoping you will decide to organize soon. We so much need workers.
I Remain
Yours
“In His name”
Ivan Trenholm
M.W.C.T.U. Organizer
Mrs Geo Mounce
Avondale
N.S
(Letter)
Hantsport July 21/90
Dear Mrs Mounce
I would like very much to organize a Woman’s Christian Temperance Union in Avondale. I meant last Fall to try what could be done, but had to go away & have been away the most of my time since. but have a few weeks at home now & could give you an evening as well as not & would only be too happy to do so. I am very sorry you have been out of the work so long I do not know who is to blame. Perhaps I am.
At any rate, God is loudly calling all Christian Women into this Gospel Temperance work & among the rest, the women of Avondale. & we cannot afford to sit idle when He is “needing hands”
Every temperance woman in the community should be enlisted in this war “for God Home & Native Land”
Will you not agitate the matter in Avondale & let me know soon. I would like very much to organize in time to have you affiliate with the Maritimes & send your delegates to Convention which meets in Amherst on Sept 17th. It will not be as near again for a long time perhaps next year it will be in New Brunswick.
Please see all the friends you can, & if you could arrange to organize next week or last of this, It would suit me very well. Your plan will be to announce a public meeting - that gives you a good send off. I will address it on the origin, method of work & aims of the W.C.T.U. & so get the interest & sympathy of your public - which you will find helpful.
I could organize at close of meeting. the afternoon before. or the next day as may suit you.
I take the collection of the public meeting, whatever it may be. So you see the times are easy.
I will send you our minutes of Convention for the last 4 years. I will also include a constitution.
Hoping you will decide to organize soon. We so much need workers.
I Remain
Yours
“In His name”
Ivan Trenholm
M.W.C.T.U. Organizer
November 24th, 1890 (L-25-ALT)
Waltham Mass. Nov 24th 1890
My dear niece Annie
As Abigail wrote to you yesterday, I will run you a few line and send along with them that she has written. 1st I must tell you that Emmia Malcom, made us a visit recently. She was well. I never see her when she looked better She brought me two pair of very nice stockings which I certainly thank you for very kindly, then the remembrance to know that someone thinks of you is worth more than the gift itself. It is very gratifying to most people as they grow old to know that some dear ones think of them and that they are not lost sight of by everyone. We are all pretty well now. Abby is getting to be quite herself again and I hope in another year you and the boys will come on and make us a visit and the Capt to(sic) if you can prevail upon him to come. It would give me pleasure to go about with him. Thomas & family are well. They were up here a short time ago, he had his Camera with him snaping (sic) around, taking pictures. I had just come in from work in the garden was resting on the lawn, he thought it was a grand time to take my picture, I will send you one, and you must tell me how you like it.
We have just passed through an exciting Election State, next Monday we have our City Election, I hope we will come out better than we did in the state.
There Rum, Romanism, and Rebellion prevailed.
This month has been fine we picked flowers in the garden up to the 20th [mot?] It is colder now. I hope this will find you well. How is your Uncle James & Daniel and the rest of my old friends, when you write please let me know, is David [Lelachum?] still with you. please remember me to him and what has become of Thomas [Wallaver?] does he live in Newport. I frequently think of these old Friends give my kind regard to all enquiring friends and with much love for yourself & family I remain your Uncle.
E.B Armstrong
To his Niece Annie E Mounce.
Annie E Mounce
Thomas H. A. M
Answered
[Tho?]
Thomas
Avondale
Co [is?] N.S.
Mrs Geo Mounce
Ralph B Mounce
Adaele
[illegible]
1235567
Ralph B Mounce Geo
Avondale
NS
My dear niece Annie
As Abigail wrote to you yesterday, I will run you a few line and send along with them that she has written. 1st I must tell you that Emmia Malcom, made us a visit recently. She was well. I never see her when she looked better She brought me two pair of very nice stockings which I certainly thank you for very kindly, then the remembrance to know that someone thinks of you is worth more than the gift itself. It is very gratifying to most people as they grow old to know that some dear ones think of them and that they are not lost sight of by everyone. We are all pretty well now. Abby is getting to be quite herself again and I hope in another year you and the boys will come on and make us a visit and the Capt to(sic) if you can prevail upon him to come. It would give me pleasure to go about with him. Thomas & family are well. They were up here a short time ago, he had his Camera with him snaping (sic) around, taking pictures. I had just come in from work in the garden was resting on the lawn, he thought it was a grand time to take my picture, I will send you one, and you must tell me how you like it.
We have just passed through an exciting Election State, next Monday we have our City Election, I hope we will come out better than we did in the state.
There Rum, Romanism, and Rebellion prevailed.
This month has been fine we picked flowers in the garden up to the 20th [mot?] It is colder now. I hope this will find you well. How is your Uncle James & Daniel and the rest of my old friends, when you write please let me know, is David [Lelachum?] still with you. please remember me to him and what has become of Thomas [Wallaver?] does he live in Newport. I frequently think of these old Friends give my kind regard to all enquiring friends and with much love for yourself & family I remain your Uncle.
E.B Armstrong
To his Niece Annie E Mounce.
Annie E Mounce
Thomas H. A. M
Answered
[Tho?]
Thomas
Avondale
Co [is?] N.S.
Mrs Geo Mounce
Ralph B Mounce
Adaele
[illegible]
1235567
Ralph B Mounce Geo
Avondale
NS
December 5th, 1890 (L-12-ALT)
Answered
Mrs Capt. Geo Mounce
Newport Landing
Nova Scotia
Address
Kate. Bell. O’Brien
37 De. Grassi St
Toronto
Do not forget to write for I enjoy your letters so much
37 De Grassi St
Toronto Dec
Mrs Mounce
Newport Landing
Dear cousin.
I hope you will not think I am getting lazy about writing to you. but I must say I have been neglectful. I have not had very good health was very poorly after we moved for three or four weeks. But I am better now except I have colds all the time. I have not been free of a cold for two months or more, but I am well to what I have been so I hope you will excuse me for not writing. I wrote a letter to Aunt Tilly the first of October. I hope she is well, we all send our love to her. How are you and your family. I trust you are all well and doing well. Times are very dull here. I never saw dressmaking so slack before. Ma is real well, she was poorly all summer. Paul is real well and works hard every day. Grandpa is here with us again. He is real well. Goes out for quite a long walk every day, of course we cannot expect him to be very smart at his age. He will be 90 years in March if he lives. If all is well next week we intend have a prayer meeting at our place on purpose for him for he never gets to church. Uncle Joseph and family, Uncle Willie and family also Uncle John's family are all well. We all live quite near to each other. I was out to West Toronto Junction. A small town about 8 Miles to cousin Sadie's, she is Aunt Franny's daughter. Her(?) is Frankish she is living out there. I was there for a week had a nice time. Well Annie, I think I have told you all I know of that would interest you, well in fact I have not much time for this is Lodge night and I belong and it is soon time for me to be getting ready. It is a Temperance Lodge. Ma is going to a Lady's Missionary meeting as she is a member there. So you see we are both at work trying to do something. Well I think I must close hoping these few lines will find you and your all enjoying the best of health. With love to you all from all, please tell Aunt Tilly she owes me a letter. I suppose she is paying me back. I hope you will forgive me for taking the liberty of calling you Annie as you are almost a stranger. Yet you seem very near to me. And I can write much free-er than I could. And I hope you will call me just plain Katie for we are cousins and I like to be free. Write soon do you not as I have done. From your loving cousin Kate Bell O-Brien. Wishing you a merry Xmas and a Happy New Year."
Mrs Capt. Geo Mounce
Newport Landing
Nova Scotia
Address
Kate. Bell. O’Brien
37 De. Grassi St
Toronto
Do not forget to write for I enjoy your letters so much
37 De Grassi St
Toronto Dec
Mrs Mounce
Newport Landing
Dear cousin.
I hope you will not think I am getting lazy about writing to you. but I must say I have been neglectful. I have not had very good health was very poorly after we moved for three or four weeks. But I am better now except I have colds all the time. I have not been free of a cold for two months or more, but I am well to what I have been so I hope you will excuse me for not writing. I wrote a letter to Aunt Tilly the first of October. I hope she is well, we all send our love to her. How are you and your family. I trust you are all well and doing well. Times are very dull here. I never saw dressmaking so slack before. Ma is real well, she was poorly all summer. Paul is real well and works hard every day. Grandpa is here with us again. He is real well. Goes out for quite a long walk every day, of course we cannot expect him to be very smart at his age. He will be 90 years in March if he lives. If all is well next week we intend have a prayer meeting at our place on purpose for him for he never gets to church. Uncle Joseph and family, Uncle Willie and family also Uncle John's family are all well. We all live quite near to each other. I was out to West Toronto Junction. A small town about 8 Miles to cousin Sadie's, she is Aunt Franny's daughter. Her(?) is Frankish she is living out there. I was there for a week had a nice time. Well Annie, I think I have told you all I know of that would interest you, well in fact I have not much time for this is Lodge night and I belong and it is soon time for me to be getting ready. It is a Temperance Lodge. Ma is going to a Lady's Missionary meeting as she is a member there. So you see we are both at work trying to do something. Well I think I must close hoping these few lines will find you and your all enjoying the best of health. With love to you all from all, please tell Aunt Tilly she owes me a letter. I suppose she is paying me back. I hope you will forgive me for taking the liberty of calling you Annie as you are almost a stranger. Yet you seem very near to me. And I can write much free-er than I could. And I hope you will call me just plain Katie for we are cousins and I like to be free. Write soon do you not as I have done. From your loving cousin Kate Bell O-Brien. Wishing you a merry Xmas and a Happy New Year."
July 5th, 1891 (L-1)
(Envelope)
Mrs George Mounce
Avondale
Newport
Nova Scotia
(Letter)
Waltham July 5th 1891
488 Lexington Sth
My Dear Annie
Neglected, not forgotten, I can’t enunerate(sic) the reasons for not writing you before, your very welcome letter was received a long time ago, so long that I do not like to hunt it up, to see the date, I was so glad to hear about yourself, I hope you are much better now, & your little boy too. I presume he would not like to be called little now, time flies so fast, that boys are young men before you know it, I want to hear that you are much better, I thought you seemed to look on the dark side of things, I hope you have gotten over that, I know that if folks are not well, everything is likely to look gloomy, but you must not harbor any such feelings, as the poet says “look on the bright side”,
Your uncl(sic) Elias was quite sick with the la gripe the last part of the winter, & did not get over it very well, & has not seemed as well since, altho(sic) he is about, & takes care of his garden, but gets tired easiely (sic), & has to come in often & rest & some times he forgets, & we have to call him in, he is just as uneasy as ever, he thinks he cannot rest long at a time.
I followed with the la grippe, & I did not like it very well, as I had it the year before, & thought one was enough, of that kind of a disease, but I have got pretty well over it now, feel a little lazy yet, Abby is better, but not well, her nerves have not got settled yet, but little by little, I see that she improves.
How are all the friends in N.P. I heard that Mrs Curry was not well. I hope Sadie gets along well with her little family, the children will soon be large enough to help her. We hear by the way of [I.A.?] that Silas & his wife, have been quite sick, & also that John had another son, well Annie, when are you coming on to see us, has’nt (sic) your husband got to a stoping(sic) place, so that he can take his family & make us a visit, push him up a little, & see if he will start, I heard your girl was going to get married, have you found another as good, I think it is very nice, that you can have your Aunt in your mothers house, to take care of it, & be such good neighbors for
you,there is always some things that happen well, & I should think that was one of them, & so nice for you to run in.
Our fourth of July has just past, with
as much noise, & hurrah as ever, altho(sic) there was showers occasionly (sic) through the day, in our city the trades were represented, in a possesion (sic) in the morning, & music, speaking, boat racing, & other thing(sic) to amuse the young through the day, & fireworks in the evening, & all seemed well pleased with the sports, Elas (sic) & Abby & a friend went in the morn, to see the sights, & the rest of the day we all spent at home, I presume you know that Molly Mosher was married last fall & boards with her mother. We hear from brother John A in Canada once in a while he remains well the last we heard is ninety years old.
We have had very cold weather most all the spring two or three very hot days & then cold which has caused much sickness but vegitation(sic) seems to get along about as usual some things were hurt by the frost in the early spring & dry weather later but rains have revived all.
Abby sends her love to you & says tell you that you owe her a letter don’t take a pattern by me I must stop with much love to you & yours & inquiring friends from Elias
Affectionately yours
Abigail Armstrong.
Mrs George Mounce
Avondale
Newport
Nova Scotia
(Letter)
Waltham July 5th 1891
488 Lexington Sth
My Dear Annie
Neglected, not forgotten, I can’t enunerate(sic) the reasons for not writing you before, your very welcome letter was received a long time ago, so long that I do not like to hunt it up, to see the date, I was so glad to hear about yourself, I hope you are much better now, & your little boy too. I presume he would not like to be called little now, time flies so fast, that boys are young men before you know it, I want to hear that you are much better, I thought you seemed to look on the dark side of things, I hope you have gotten over that, I know that if folks are not well, everything is likely to look gloomy, but you must not harbor any such feelings, as the poet says “look on the bright side”,
Your uncl(sic) Elias was quite sick with the la gripe the last part of the winter, & did not get over it very well, & has not seemed as well since, altho(sic) he is about, & takes care of his garden, but gets tired easiely (sic), & has to come in often & rest & some times he forgets, & we have to call him in, he is just as uneasy as ever, he thinks he cannot rest long at a time.
I followed with the la grippe, & I did not like it very well, as I had it the year before, & thought one was enough, of that kind of a disease, but I have got pretty well over it now, feel a little lazy yet, Abby is better, but not well, her nerves have not got settled yet, but little by little, I see that she improves.
How are all the friends in N.P. I heard that Mrs Curry was not well. I hope Sadie gets along well with her little family, the children will soon be large enough to help her. We hear by the way of [I.A.?] that Silas & his wife, have been quite sick, & also that John had another son, well Annie, when are you coming on to see us, has’nt (sic) your husband got to a stoping(sic) place, so that he can take his family & make us a visit, push him up a little, & see if he will start, I heard your girl was going to get married, have you found another as good, I think it is very nice, that you can have your Aunt in your mothers house, to take care of it, & be such good neighbors for
you,there is always some things that happen well, & I should think that was one of them, & so nice for you to run in.
Our fourth of July has just past, with
as much noise, & hurrah as ever, altho(sic) there was showers occasionly (sic) through the day, in our city the trades were represented, in a possesion (sic) in the morning, & music, speaking, boat racing, & other thing(sic) to amuse the young through the day, & fireworks in the evening, & all seemed well pleased with the sports, Elas (sic) & Abby & a friend went in the morn, to see the sights, & the rest of the day we all spent at home, I presume you know that Molly Mosher was married last fall & boards with her mother. We hear from brother John A in Canada once in a while he remains well the last we heard is ninety years old.
We have had very cold weather most all the spring two or three very hot days & then cold which has caused much sickness but vegitation(sic) seems to get along about as usual some things were hurt by the frost in the early spring & dry weather later but rains have revived all.
Abby sends her love to you & says tell you that you owe her a letter don’t take a pattern by me I must stop with much love to you & yours & inquiring friends from Elias
Affectionately yours
Abigail Armstrong.
July 7th, 1891 (L-11)
(Envelope)
Mrs George Mounce
Avondale
Hants Co
Nova Scotia
(Letter)
New Westminster July 7th 1891
Dear Aunt Annie,
I have been waiting so long for a letter from you until at last I have decided not to wait any longer. Well how are you all down to Avondale anyway? Are you better this summer than you were? I think it must be your turn to be well again soon. I suppose Bertha is out in [Fal?] by this time and you are trying to get used to a new girl.
Are cherries ripe down home yet. They are just [illegible] out here. I have had such lots this summer. Our neighbor has about a dozen trees and he told me to eat all I could of them & I go in every day and help myself.
Remember what a feast of them we had just before we left Avondale. They have new potatoes and green peas and I suppose you will be having them too by the time you receive this. They say that everything is about a month later here this year than usual
I have been quite busy this last three weeks. Annie has been sick, was in bed a fortnight and I have been taking care of Jamie and running to the house. He was so good when I had him all to myself but now whenever she comes where we are he lets up a “Yah-yah” and will not stop it until she takes him up. I expect he missed her while she was sick. She is going down home soon if all goes well and you will be surprised I think to see how well and strong she looks. I think she is almost as strong as before.
Jamie came [two?]. She is not as good looking though for she looks so much older and then the short hair is not becoming. They are planning to move out to their new house this week.
[Hedley?] is staying with us yet. He expected Bessie and the children this week but they are going to wait until the 12th for an excurtion(sic) train.
I am scribbling this off while Jamie is asleep
Tillie and her three children were over to Lewis’ for a visit this summer. Baby was four months old and he was so fat and good she would wash and dress him and put him to sleep and when he would wake give him a drink and set him up in the clothes basket and he would just laugh and crow all the time. She has very pretty children and so good.
Tell Georgie if you see her soon that I want to write to her as soon as I get settled down at Wellington again.
Effie and I were thinking of going up to Comox (where there(sic) other [mill?] ) is but I expect it will be too late when I can get away from here. How I would love to go back home with Annie.
I expect I will be real homesick when she starts but what is the use, girls without any homes should not get homesick should they and I don’t only sometimes I feel as if I would like just to run in and see you all. How is Uncle George I suppose he is as smart as ever and takes his daily ride to Mantua as of old.
I suppose you miss Aunt [Nan?] and [Draper?] now.
Annie tells me that your has failed, how did that happen.? Bidding at too low a figure?
Now I must close this for I want to write to Effie this afternoon and baby does not sleep very long.
Give my love to all enquiring friends and please write soon to your loving Niece
Lillie Mounce
Wellington BC
P.S. We heard Uncle G sold the place. I felt sorry but of course it had to be done. It is very much like back east here but still so different.
Lill
Mrs George Mounce
Avondale
Hants Co
Nova Scotia
(Letter)
New Westminster July 7th 1891
Dear Aunt Annie,
I have been waiting so long for a letter from you until at last I have decided not to wait any longer. Well how are you all down to Avondale anyway? Are you better this summer than you were? I think it must be your turn to be well again soon. I suppose Bertha is out in [Fal?] by this time and you are trying to get used to a new girl.
Are cherries ripe down home yet. They are just [illegible] out here. I have had such lots this summer. Our neighbor has about a dozen trees and he told me to eat all I could of them & I go in every day and help myself.
Remember what a feast of them we had just before we left Avondale. They have new potatoes and green peas and I suppose you will be having them too by the time you receive this. They say that everything is about a month later here this year than usual
I have been quite busy this last three weeks. Annie has been sick, was in bed a fortnight and I have been taking care of Jamie and running to the house. He was so good when I had him all to myself but now whenever she comes where we are he lets up a “Yah-yah” and will not stop it until she takes him up. I expect he missed her while she was sick. She is going down home soon if all goes well and you will be surprised I think to see how well and strong she looks. I think she is almost as strong as before.
Jamie came [two?]. She is not as good looking though for she looks so much older and then the short hair is not becoming. They are planning to move out to their new house this week.
[Hedley?] is staying with us yet. He expected Bessie and the children this week but they are going to wait until the 12th for an excurtion(sic) train.
I am scribbling this off while Jamie is asleep
Tillie and her three children were over to Lewis’ for a visit this summer. Baby was four months old and he was so fat and good she would wash and dress him and put him to sleep and when he would wake give him a drink and set him up in the clothes basket and he would just laugh and crow all the time. She has very pretty children and so good.
Tell Georgie if you see her soon that I want to write to her as soon as I get settled down at Wellington again.
Effie and I were thinking of going up to Comox (where there(sic) other [mill?] ) is but I expect it will be too late when I can get away from here. How I would love to go back home with Annie.
I expect I will be real homesick when she starts but what is the use, girls without any homes should not get homesick should they and I don’t only sometimes I feel as if I would like just to run in and see you all. How is Uncle George I suppose he is as smart as ever and takes his daily ride to Mantua as of old.
I suppose you miss Aunt [Nan?] and [Draper?] now.
Annie tells me that your has failed, how did that happen.? Bidding at too low a figure?
Now I must close this for I want to write to Effie this afternoon and baby does not sleep very long.
Give my love to all enquiring friends and please write soon to your loving Niece
Lillie Mounce
Wellington BC
P.S. We heard Uncle G sold the place. I felt sorry but of course it had to be done. It is very much like back east here but still so different.
Lill
February 21st, 1892 (L-10)
(Envelope)
Mrs George Mounce
Avondale
Hants County
Nova Scotia
Answered Feb 28th
(Letter)
New York
Feb 21st 1892
Dear Cousin Annie
I received your very welcome letter the morning of our arrival here. I thought at that time I would answer right away, but you see I have not, I had some letters to write home & that about all I have written since I came here.
Was so sorry you did not get down Monday was such a lovely day that I looked for you some.
I tell you the sleighing was great going to the station.
I was rather tired when I got here, but we made so many stops on our way that it made it very tiresome we were in Boston from Thursday morning till Saturday at 5 PM. We went right to Mr Marsters Sile’s uncle & stayed one day. The Sleighing was good there so we had a another drive & called to see Emma, but she was at Waltham I felt rather disappointed & expect she will too when she hears of us being there.
The rest of our time in Boston we spent at [Fosters?] I don’t know which acted the worse [Fors?] or I. We were so pleased to see each other, I have been having just a grand time since I came here. We have had lots of callers mostly Capts & their wives. We have been over to the [Cavara?] since she arrived. Tillie & Win are pretty tickled to get back again, but my Tillie does look old, her hair is as white as snow & she looks very thin they expect to go home soon. I expect Rachel & the boys will have to take up there (sic) abode some place else then.
Sile & I were invited to a wedding in the church of [Atonement?] I tell you it was quite a [tmey?] affair.
The bride was Capt Crosby’s daughter from Yarmouth, she married a Dr. I hope Bertha is better, & will not make any more fun of poor old Tillie.
How does she get along anyway. I suppose she visits just the same. Sile says to tell Bertha that his Jibboons alright and alway(sic) was and he wants to know if Charley Thompson is the same and if she has any hope of carryin(sic), it away or springing it.
It has been raining here ever since Friday night: I am afraid we will not be able to get to church to night, Last Sunday we were over to Hannah Lockhart’s to tea & went to hear [Falmage?] in the evening.
Hannah, Fred her brother & Mrs Thompson her niece were on board one day this week, Annie you were very kind indeed to get me another present. I am afraid you are doing more than your share. I have got some very nice ones since I came to New York. We will sail about Wednesday or Thursday. I would like very much to hear from you in Africa. Will send you our address; I like the vessel real well & feel quite at home. have not been homesick yet, Sile wishes to be remembered to all.
I remain your loving cousin.
Carrie Marsters
British Bkt [Lillian?]
℅ H J Jones Ship Broker
Port Elizabeth
Algoa Bay South Africa
Mrs George Mounce
Avondale
Hants County
Nova Scotia
Answered Feb 28th
(Letter)
New York
Feb 21st 1892
Dear Cousin Annie
I received your very welcome letter the morning of our arrival here. I thought at that time I would answer right away, but you see I have not, I had some letters to write home & that about all I have written since I came here.
Was so sorry you did not get down Monday was such a lovely day that I looked for you some.
I tell you the sleighing was great going to the station.
I was rather tired when I got here, but we made so many stops on our way that it made it very tiresome we were in Boston from Thursday morning till Saturday at 5 PM. We went right to Mr Marsters Sile’s uncle & stayed one day. The Sleighing was good there so we had a another drive & called to see Emma, but she was at Waltham I felt rather disappointed & expect she will too when she hears of us being there.
The rest of our time in Boston we spent at [Fosters?] I don’t know which acted the worse [Fors?] or I. We were so pleased to see each other, I have been having just a grand time since I came here. We have had lots of callers mostly Capts & their wives. We have been over to the [Cavara?] since she arrived. Tillie & Win are pretty tickled to get back again, but my Tillie does look old, her hair is as white as snow & she looks very thin they expect to go home soon. I expect Rachel & the boys will have to take up there (sic) abode some place else then.
Sile & I were invited to a wedding in the church of [Atonement?] I tell you it was quite a [tmey?] affair.
The bride was Capt Crosby’s daughter from Yarmouth, she married a Dr. I hope Bertha is better, & will not make any more fun of poor old Tillie.
How does she get along anyway. I suppose she visits just the same. Sile says to tell Bertha that his Jibboons alright and alway(sic) was and he wants to know if Charley Thompson is the same and if she has any hope of carryin(sic), it away or springing it.
It has been raining here ever since Friday night: I am afraid we will not be able to get to church to night, Last Sunday we were over to Hannah Lockhart’s to tea & went to hear [Falmage?] in the evening.
Hannah, Fred her brother & Mrs Thompson her niece were on board one day this week, Annie you were very kind indeed to get me another present. I am afraid you are doing more than your share. I have got some very nice ones since I came to New York. We will sail about Wednesday or Thursday. I would like very much to hear from you in Africa. Will send you our address; I like the vessel real well & feel quite at home. have not been homesick yet, Sile wishes to be remembered to all.
I remain your loving cousin.
Carrie Marsters
British Bkt [Lillian?]
℅ H J Jones Ship Broker
Port Elizabeth
Algoa Bay South Africa
June 6th, 1892 (L-13-ALT)
(Envelope)
Young’s Hotel
Boston Mass.
Mrs George Mounce
Newport Landing
Hants Co
Nova Scotia
(envelope has many, possibly unrelated numbers written on it.)
(letter)
Young’s Hotel, Boston stationary
June 6th, 1892
Dear Annie,
We arrived safely Thursday fore noon. Had as smooth a crossing as could be wished for. We left Yarmouth in a thick fog, but after we got out a few hours it cleared off beautifully. I do not think even you could have been frightened. Georgie Morris came with us and at Yarmouth I found Carrie and Mr. Killam Mr & Mrs Medcalfe & Marie at the station and “Ted” Taylor coming over to her work in the Hospital. She is a nurse you know, but has been home for a year. Mrs Medcalfe is awfully homesick, though she says she likes Yarmouth very much. We went out to Waltham yesterday afternoon for a little while and found Aunt Abbie sick in bed. She has been ill with fever for two weeks, and only yesterday morning, I think it was, that there was the least improvement. They think she is now over the worst but so very weak, that they have to tend her like a child. They have not been able to get a nurse until now. Today there is one to go, I believe.
Uncle Elias looks as well as can be just as smart as a cat, but he is real childish in his talk, says things over two or three times.
Abbie looks quite well. I do not think she has changed very much. her hair is a good deal gray. She says she had quite intended going down to Nova Scotia this summer. Wanted to go this month but, of course now she does not expect she will be able to go at all for if her mother does get well right away she will not feel safe in leaving her.
Thomas and his wife had intended to go down for his vacation, but that of course was stopped, for Abbie says that he will not care to go alone.
He is still keeping house, his sister in law stays with him. I saw him yesterday as he came in just before we started for home. Of course we only made a call, as Aunt Abbie was so ill.
They told her we were there and Abbie said it seemed to excite her so much to think she could not see us and ask all about N.S that she had to go sit with her. Now Annie I must say good by(sic) for this time.
Hoping you are all well
I am yours
Georgia
Young’s Hotel
Boston Mass.
Mrs George Mounce
Newport Landing
Hants Co
Nova Scotia
(envelope has many, possibly unrelated numbers written on it.)
(letter)
Young’s Hotel, Boston stationary
June 6th, 1892
Dear Annie,
We arrived safely Thursday fore noon. Had as smooth a crossing as could be wished for. We left Yarmouth in a thick fog, but after we got out a few hours it cleared off beautifully. I do not think even you could have been frightened. Georgie Morris came with us and at Yarmouth I found Carrie and Mr. Killam Mr & Mrs Medcalfe & Marie at the station and “Ted” Taylor coming over to her work in the Hospital. She is a nurse you know, but has been home for a year. Mrs Medcalfe is awfully homesick, though she says she likes Yarmouth very much. We went out to Waltham yesterday afternoon for a little while and found Aunt Abbie sick in bed. She has been ill with fever for two weeks, and only yesterday morning, I think it was, that there was the least improvement. They think she is now over the worst but so very weak, that they have to tend her like a child. They have not been able to get a nurse until now. Today there is one to go, I believe.
Uncle Elias looks as well as can be just as smart as a cat, but he is real childish in his talk, says things over two or three times.
Abbie looks quite well. I do not think she has changed very much. her hair is a good deal gray. She says she had quite intended going down to Nova Scotia this summer. Wanted to go this month but, of course now she does not expect she will be able to go at all for if her mother does get well right away she will not feel safe in leaving her.
Thomas and his wife had intended to go down for his vacation, but that of course was stopped, for Abbie says that he will not care to go alone.
He is still keeping house, his sister in law stays with him. I saw him yesterday as he came in just before we started for home. Of course we only made a call, as Aunt Abbie was so ill.
They told her we were there and Abbie said it seemed to excite her so much to think she could not see us and ask all about N.S that she had to go sit with her. Now Annie I must say good by(sic) for this time.
Hoping you are all well
I am yours
Georgia
April 2nd (L-15)
Maynard April 2
Dear Cousin Annie
Can I write and not say dear Lena has gone from us so soon. Yes dear Annie she has gone we will never see her in this world, hir(sic) last sickness was short she went like the dew she was confined to hir(sic) room five weeks but able to help hirself(sic) till about three days before she died calmly she lived calmly she died she could not talk mutch(sic) she lost hir(sic) voice for some time before she died but she could talk to me she died without one strugle(sic) or one groan I was bending over hir(sic) she looked up and said [ma?] I am dying I said yes dear ar(sic) you afraid to die she said Ah no and smiled and said don’t mourn for me just a little while and we shall meet again and laid hir(sic) little hands down and fell asleep.
It did not seen like death dear Annie the smile never left hir(sic) sweet face & she looked lovely one of hir(sic) Doc was with hir(sic) till the last he exclaimed how lovely & dear Annie if we could die as dear Lena died it would be a glorious death but can I give hir(sic) up & how can I it is like breaking my heartstrings sometimes I think they ar(sic) broken.
We laid hir(sic) in a tomb we want to take hir(sic) home just as soon as we can you know dear Annie it has cost us a great deal of mony(sic) for dear Lena sickness for we spared nothing everything thing was done to save hir(sic) we had too Doc(sic) to hir(sic) all the time then we called the third one nothing could save hir(sic) death had marked hir(sic) for his victim long ago.
I want to go down with george when he goes if I can it will cost us a good deal of monny(sic) but I want to go so mutch(sic) if we go we will be the first of June the(sic) I can tell you all I will stay a while for dear Annie I feel myself going down very fast I am afraid this very heavy blow is to(sic) mutch(sic) for me I am afraid I will be like your dear Mother was [&?] may the Lord keep me.
I know Annie you will excuse this dreadful scratch for the tears they blind my sight so I can scarce see to write but I thought I would try and scratch you a few lines hoping you will write soon
I remain your afflicted
Cousin
Melinda [illegible]
Dear Cousin Annie
Can I write and not say dear Lena has gone from us so soon. Yes dear Annie she has gone we will never see her in this world, hir(sic) last sickness was short she went like the dew she was confined to hir(sic) room five weeks but able to help hirself(sic) till about three days before she died calmly she lived calmly she died she could not talk mutch(sic) she lost hir(sic) voice for some time before she died but she could talk to me she died without one strugle(sic) or one groan I was bending over hir(sic) she looked up and said [ma?] I am dying I said yes dear ar(sic) you afraid to die she said Ah no and smiled and said don’t mourn for me just a little while and we shall meet again and laid hir(sic) little hands down and fell asleep.
It did not seen like death dear Annie the smile never left hir(sic) sweet face & she looked lovely one of hir(sic) Doc was with hir(sic) till the last he exclaimed how lovely & dear Annie if we could die as dear Lena died it would be a glorious death but can I give hir(sic) up & how can I it is like breaking my heartstrings sometimes I think they ar(sic) broken.
We laid hir(sic) in a tomb we want to take hir(sic) home just as soon as we can you know dear Annie it has cost us a great deal of mony(sic) for dear Lena sickness for we spared nothing everything thing was done to save hir(sic) we had too Doc(sic) to hir(sic) all the time then we called the third one nothing could save hir(sic) death had marked hir(sic) for his victim long ago.
I want to go down with george when he goes if I can it will cost us a good deal of monny(sic) but I want to go so mutch(sic) if we go we will be the first of June the(sic) I can tell you all I will stay a while for dear Annie I feel myself going down very fast I am afraid this very heavy blow is to(sic) mutch(sic) for me I am afraid I will be like your dear Mother was [&?] may the Lord keep me.
I know Annie you will excuse this dreadful scratch for the tears they blind my sight so I can scarce see to write but I thought I would try and scratch you a few lines hoping you will write soon
I remain your afflicted
Cousin
Melinda [illegible]
Thursday the 15th (L-4)
Thursday 15th
Dear Annie.
I just heard some great news I tore open my letter to tell you. What do you think it is? I will tell you! Mr. Johnson the minister is going to the States tomorrow. What do you think for? You know he had a girl in England was engaged to her he wrote a letter to her the other day asking her to forgive him but he could not marry her, She wrote back that she could forgive him but she did not think God would. The worst is to come yet he is engaged to Miss Seaman here, she is down from some part of the country staying at he(sic) Uncle's and they are going to be married. You know that he is not ordained yet. He is in such a hurry to
Second page is missing
Dear Annie.
I just heard some great news I tore open my letter to tell you. What do you think it is? I will tell you! Mr. Johnson the minister is going to the States tomorrow. What do you think for? You know he had a girl in England was engaged to her he wrote a letter to her the other day asking her to forgive him but he could not marry her, She wrote back that she could forgive him but she did not think God would. The worst is to come yet he is engaged to Miss Seaman here, she is down from some part of the country staying at he(sic) Uncle's and they are going to be married. You know that he is not ordained yet. He is in such a hurry to
Second page is missing
(L-18)
My Dear Niece Annie
I have been writing to [Tommy?]. I put a few lines to you and say that we are all about house but not real well, Mrs A. has been in house most of the winter, the weather is fine now, and we hope she will be better. I hope you are better than when you wrote, we got the pictures, the boys grow. I saw quite a number of Armstrongs at the funeral of Nicholas. It was sad breaking up the family as they did, I heard that Isaiah & Elias came on. got there soon after the services, the remains were placed in a Tomb that day, expecting Isaiah on. I hear that the next day there was a large number at the burial, none of them came up to see me, I felt hurt when I heard Elias was on and did not come to see us. I have always tried to use them well.
With love from your Uncle Elias.
I have been writing to [Tommy?]. I put a few lines to you and say that we are all about house but not real well, Mrs A. has been in house most of the winter, the weather is fine now, and we hope she will be better. I hope you are better than when you wrote, we got the pictures, the boys grow. I saw quite a number of Armstrongs at the funeral of Nicholas. It was sad breaking up the family as they did, I heard that Isaiah & Elias came on. got there soon after the services, the remains were placed in a Tomb that day, expecting Isaiah on. I hear that the next day there was a large number at the burial, none of them came up to see me, I felt hurt when I heard Elias was on and did not come to see us. I have always tried to use them well.
With love from your Uncle Elias.
(L-20)
Her sufferings all are o’re
Her conflicks (sic) now are past
She rests on that bright happy shore
Where all is joy and peace.
Her sorrows and sufferings
Are forever done. She rests with
Her saviour(sic) and wears a bright crown.
She is free from all pain
All sorrow, all care.
And is now with her saviour(sic)
Oh how belest(sic) she is then to be
Her conflicks (sic) now are past
She rests on that bright happy shore
Where all is joy and peace.
Her sorrows and sufferings
Are forever done. She rests with
Her saviour(sic) and wears a bright crown.
She is free from all pain
All sorrow, all care.
And is now with her saviour(sic)
Oh how belest(sic) she is then to be
(L-22-ALT)
(L-3-ALT)
(Envelope)
Mrs G. Mounce
[illegible]
(Letter)
Dear Mrs. Mounce
Can we have the pleasure of yours and Capt Mounce’s company sociably to tea this evening
In verbal answer to the boy [illegible]
Yours Sincerely
Alice B. [illegible]
Avondale [Parsonage?]
Thursday
Mrs G. Mounce
[illegible]
(Letter)
Dear Mrs. Mounce
Can we have the pleasure of yours and Capt Mounce’s company sociably to tea this evening
In verbal answer to the boy [illegible]
Yours Sincerely
Alice B. [illegible]
Avondale [Parsonage?]
Thursday
(L-5A-ALT)
A notice in our death list recalls the memory of the late Nicholas Mosher [illegible] of Avondale.
His eldest daughter, to whose decease we refer, has been well known as the worthy child of a worthy parent, and is deserving of more extended notice.
At Avondale, Newport, on the 21st October in the 68th year of her age, Melinda Ann widow of the late Capt Thomas H. Armstrong, and eldest daughter of the late Nicholas Mosher.
[illegible] Esq. of the that place.
His eldest daughter, to whose decease we refer, has been well known as the worthy child of a worthy parent, and is deserving of more extended notice.
At Avondale, Newport, on the 21st October in the 68th year of her age, Melinda Ann widow of the late Capt Thomas H. Armstrong, and eldest daughter of the late Nicholas Mosher.
[illegible] Esq. of the that place.
Aunt Maggies Hair & Aunt Elena's Hair (L-11-ALT)
(Envelope 1)
Aunt Maggie’s hair (enclosed a lock of dark hair)
(Envelope 2)
Aunt Elenia’s Hair (enclosed a lock of brown hair)
(Letter)
To get a good picture is to have a large one taken in India Ink. In that the features would be brought out quite distinctly and then smaller ones could be taken from that. The large one would cost six or seven dollars and the smaller ones would be four dollars a dozen or two dollars and a half for half a dozen. If you will send word what you want done, we will attend to it right away. We were down to the photographers yesterday with the baby. He was as good as a kitten. He is seventeen weeks old and weighs eighteen pounds.
I enclosed a piece of Emma’s hair with much love for Annie and yourself
I remain your affectionate Niece
Abby E. Armstrong
Aunt Maggie’s hair (enclosed a lock of dark hair)
(Envelope 2)
Aunt Elenia’s Hair (enclosed a lock of brown hair)
(Letter)
To get a good picture is to have a large one taken in India Ink. In that the features would be brought out quite distinctly and then smaller ones could be taken from that. The large one would cost six or seven dollars and the smaller ones would be four dollars a dozen or two dollars and a half for half a dozen. If you will send word what you want done, we will attend to it right away. We were down to the photographers yesterday with the baby. He was as good as a kitten. He is seventeen weeks old and weighs eighteen pounds.
I enclosed a piece of Emma’s hair with much love for Annie and yourself
I remain your affectionate Niece
Abby E. Armstrong
“This project has been made possible in part by the Documentary Heritage Communities Program offered by Library and Archives Canada / Ce projet a été rendu possible en partie grâce au Programme pour les collectivités du patrimoine documentaire offert par Bibliothèque et Archives Canada.”