Hemans, Nancy A. (b. 1843) to Frances B. Shiras
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02429.14 Author/Creator: Hemans, Nancy A. (b. 1843) Place Written: South Dakota Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 January 1872 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 12.8 cm. Order a Copy
Writes about how they are getting along, discussing her health. Comments on a potential visit by Shiras. Explains why her upbringing (part with Indians, part with whites) has resulted in her only being to make Santee moccasins with beads and not porcupine quills. Mentions that they have a girl in their house who only speaks Dakota. Discusses their women prayer meetings.
Quotes
"I am getting along pretty well about the house keeping"
"I cannot say my health is good. I dont feel well as I use to and besides I had so much to do, and always tired."
"You ask Dan where and what place shall I give you when you come out to the country. I am sure I won't give you place in the kitchen, but I will place you nicest place in out room, perhaps you may have our bed and Dan & I sleep on the floor in the kitchen. You know we had only two rooms."
"…you ask if I could make mocassins. but No indeed.
I cant make such things. I only can make Santee mocassins made with beads. I never make slippers made with porcupine quills, some times use bead but I don't like that way…
"I lived with white folks before I did any Dakota women sewing so that is the reason I couldn't make such things I was fourteen years old when first I begin lived with white folks
We had a girl in our house she is about eleven year old she is halfbreed she never talk Indian to me so she and I talk English to each other. I use to talk English to Dan but he never talk English to me. So I did stop. I like to help my poor Indian manner"
"We had a women Prayer meeting in the Thirsday afternoon Miss West & I do it together she read the Prayers and Bible and I speak to them. And I like to did. I like to help my poor Indian women."
"I wish I could see you or a picture of yours"
"…this is Saturday my work is all done, and clean myself and sat down to write"
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