Susan Emma Dennis to Louisa Wylie Boisen, 18 August 1873

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Emma Dennis, Bloomington, Ind. to Louisa Boisen, Germany (no envelope) 

Bloomington, Ind

August 18^th 1873

My very dear Lou,

            So very long a time has passed and no letter from you and I am so anxious, so very anxious to hear how you got over that great ocean, whether Hermann had to nurse you all the time or you him, which latter would have been almost as bad, would it not? But they say no news is good news so I will try and imagine you safe at the end of your journey surrounded by kind, loving friends, but oh how strange must everything appear to you. You must try and free that little head of yours as Hermann did his box, treasuring up in it every little scrap of oddity you come across for the benefit of your home bound friends. There is the supper bell, (can you hear it?) I must go. Our family is so small now every one is missed.

Supper over and a letter from our dear absent one, read and reread. How thankful I am you had so pleasant a voyage and you are so happy in your new life. May God’s blessing be with you throughout it. Your fear for your Father was groundless. His trip West I think was of service to him. He seemed to enjoy better health and spirits after his return. He and your Mother went to Kansas City and Wyandotte. Had a very pleasant visit at your Aunt Adelaide’s. Mr. Cornell procured passes for them to Lawrence. Annie and her babe being of the party there they visited the StateUniversity, General Fraiser President. He took them over the building and showed them all that was worth seeing. The accommodations are far superior to what we have here but your father will tell you all about it himself better than I can do from their description. Your Mother went to the park at St. Louis and Shaw’s garden with both of which she was delighted. Calvin was taken sick in St. Louis so he and Maggie went no further but returned to Muncie. The conductor refusing to give them a lay over ticket at Greencastle, and Maggie thinking Calvin too sick to leave, they concluded to go directly home and leave the children until your Father went to Muncie, as he had promised Calvin to lecture before the Institute at that place when he returned from Kansas. So I acted as mother to the two little ones until last Wednesday when your Father and Brown took them home, to my regret, for two better children than baby and Charley one does not often meet. Arthur was quite sick for a few days with his teeth but left in his usual good health. Charley said before he left, “I want some of you to come to Muncie.” Here I replied you will have your wish for Grandpa and Brown are both going. “Well,” said he, “but I want some of you women folks to come. Grandma and you and Lizzie when she can.” I was at church yesterday. Saw Prof. Ballantine in the pulpit as I entered and anticipated a treat in consequence, but was doomed to disappointment as Mr. Moore gave us one of his discourses. Annie enquired after you as did many friends. But when Mrs. Turner came up in her quiet impressive way and inquired if we had heard from Mrs. Boisen, I had to think a moment before I replied to her as it was the first time I had heard you so called. Dory is getting along splendidly as a gardener at present, Levi having taken himself off. The weeds were too much for him I imagine, but Do has made such havoc among them the place begins to look natural. We have several fine stalks of gladiola in bloom just now. I wish you could see them. But the beautiful egg gourd that was to have covered the old pine has turned out to be a common squash. It almost covers it with green however, and will remain a little longer, and then give place to the rose again, which I think will cover it next season if the winter proves mild. Lizzie Quick was made the happy mother of a young son on last Sabbath week in the afternoon and her sister Emma of the same in the morning. Lizzie is at her mother’s but would have no one but your mother with her. All doing well. Did you see your Aunt Cornelia or Caroline when in Philadelphia? I hope you did the latter. Lizzie is in Philadelphia. She thinks it very hard you did not tell her of your matrimonial intentions so I had to explain for you. Your Mother is calling me so I must stop. Ever your loving

Aunt Emma

Theophilus Adam Wylie Family Correspondence, 1806 - 1930, (bulk 1850 - 1930), Collection 2005.003.2849, Wylie House Museum, Indiana University, Bloomington.