Hemans, Nancy A. (b. 1843) to Alexander Shiras
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02429.47 Author/Creator: Hemans, Nancy A. (b. 1843) Place Written: Nebraska Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 January 1880 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 24.8 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Explains that her health and taking care of her new baby has prevented her from writing sooner. Discusses how the baby keeps her up at night and how she and her other son were both sick recently. Compares her son's two schools, preferring the one far away (Rigg's School) but explains that she is not able to spare his help around the house. Notes a collection for a headstone for her late husband. Discusses her insurance money from the Bishop. Thanks Mrs. Shiras for a dress she sent and hopes she is well.
Quotes
"We were all alone, live alone I don't mean all alone but one of my sister is stayed with me no man work for us she is widow too. she has done all things out doors and I do the housework. So you see out hands are full"
"the baby is keep awake through all night…so I feel very tired and weak in daytime ever body says I look sick. yes it is true I feel like sick. it seems I will never get a rest."
"Allie go to school again in this place. he go to School at Mr Riggs School last winter. he does improve very at that School. he learn multiplication and partly divission and he reads correctly. but here in our School children dont seemes improve because the teachers can not read English very well themselves. and I wish Allie would go to school at Riggs School…but I can not spare him…he helps me all he can do."
"The people of the Santee is stur them up by the Bishop. he remind them of my husbands death. gravestone is going to set up in the grave. so they getting up collection…I put one dollar in."
"I draw money from insurance now in last November.
Bishop says I might get money twice in one year November and May."
Thanks wife for dress "for she did not write me. but I hope she is well. I hope she will write to me and I will try to write sooner this time."
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