Hemans, Nancy A. (b. 1843) to Frances B. Shiras
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02429.23 Author/Creator: Hemans, Nancy A. (b. 1843) Place Written: South Dakota Type: Autograph letter Date: 12 May 1872 Pagination: 2 p. ; 20.8 x 13.6 cm. Order a Copy
Apologizes for not writing and explains how various chores have kept her too busy. Notes that Cecelia, the half-Indian girl living with her has gone to live with Reverend James Cook. Discusses separation from her husband Daniel. Apologizes for not naming their baby after Frances. Mentions Paul, who is sick and attempting to recuperate. Notes that Convocation is coming up.
Quotes
"I know I am very bad girl for I have not answer it your letter…Its because I have so much to do, sewing take care of the baby wash him every morning put on clean clothes, cooking sweeping up the rooms and other thing that is the way goes every day. And scareslay had any time to write[.] Cecelia is went to live with Mr Cook now so you see I have no one to help me now. And also I had not have good health ever since baby was born."
"I write this letter when I was with Mrs Hinmans I have such as good time down here…nothing to do here except take care of the baby…I leave Daniel all alone up there. I guess he is lonesome by this time…Oh. I wish I could see him now. I will be down here about two or three weeks. I will get rested a little while."
"Oh! Mrs Shiras we are very sorry about the babys name. But we can't change it now of course not. I want to be call Francis Shiras they don't do it before he was baptized we thought we will please you call the baby Alexander. I thought Alexander that his first name. What shall I do we were very sorry call the baby Joseph Alexander"
"Paul dont live in the Agency now he was lived on his land now to firm…he dont look well"
"This Santee going to have Convocation next Wednesday[.] Mr Cook and Dan will be down. How glad I shall be if he is going to come down"
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