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Hemans, Nancy A. (b. 1843) to Alexander Shiras

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02429.51 Author/Creator: Hemans, Nancy A. (b. 1843) Place Written: Nebraska Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 November 1881 Pagination: 6 p. ; 17.7 x 21.9 cm. Order a Copy

Explains that she did not intend to alienate her friends in the east by re-marrying and justifies the re-marriage. Discusses the children, her two and her sister's three, who also live with them, the four oldest of which are in school. Thanks an unnamed woman for money. Indicates that she has not moved from her home, as Daniel and her deceased children are buried there. Inquires about Mrs. Shiras and discusses her own health, which has improved with the coming of winter. Notes that her new husband would like to write a long letter, but cannot write well in English. Two short notes on separate paper explain how her money should be spent in the East for supplies, because it is less expensive.

Quotes

"I feel as I am a stranger to all my friends here east when I was married over because all my friends here seems to forget me I wrote to them all little before the marriage and told them all but got no answers but they must all know I still be their friend if they like to. I love them all."
"I look for one just like him [Daniel]. but there is no one exactly like him in mind. but when I know James Pay Pay. his cousin. I find that he will be like him kind to the children. and I find him as I expected. we live happy."
"I did not move any where. I will never leave my old dear home. we staid in my home. as my Bishop charged me. and the Agent too. I want go to some other place [Santee] where Daniel first died. and how the people neglected me. but their Agent and the Bishop say. since my dear husband and children in buried here in the pretty place I ought not to leave the place. so I kept that word ever since."
-Mrs. Shiras hasn't written

Hemans, Nancy A., 1843-?
Shiras, Alexander, 1813-1894

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