Sarah Seabrook Mitchell Wylie to Louisa Wylie Boisen, 18 December 1880

Seabrook M. Wylie, Bloomington, Indiana to Mrs. H. B. Boisen, Williamstown, Mass

Bloomington, Dec 1880 [postmarked De. 18]

Dear Lou,

            I am almost afraid to write to you tonight as my hands are all covered with polygraph ink and I expect my paper will bear the marks of said ink. I have just finished copying five examination papers for Brown. ‘Tis too late to commence sewing so I decided that the noblest thing I could do would be to write to you. I would much prefer to sit down and talk to you. “Firstly,” don’t let Professor get hold of my letter and criticize it. If he does, I shall immediately write him a lecture on Money and then I’ll know it would be criticized from the beginning to the end and finally find its destination in the stove. I expect his memory is getting a little rusty on the money question as he has not had me there to remind him of its existence—the money’s not his memory’s.

            It is needless for me to say that I was ever and ever so glad to get your letter. I felt quite compliment that you took the trouble to write me such a long one and write this in hopes I’ll get just such another. I want you to write me everything you do, where you go and what you see, all about the children and Professor, and in short everything. I hardly know where to commence in telling you home news. I expect your own home news (what little there is) would interest you most of all. Mother wrote you last week and sent your things. I suppose she told you all about herself. She is now busy trying to make a calico dress for herself. Father is well, and that is all I can tell about him. Examinations have now commenced in College and suppose his thoughts are altogether on Optics &c, &c now. Charlie and Wylie are both well and are now out on a two week’s vacation to torment our lives out of us. Brown is quite well and at present is busy in thought with telephones and telegraphing. Mr. Spangler and himself have put up a wire connecting our room with Mr. S’s and Mr. Gillum’s—by sound I am thankful to say and not by sight.  The telegraphing is no pleasure to me whatever, but the use of the telephones is. You are able to hear very distinctly through them. Brown is just as busy as ever and I don’t expect anything else now. Baby is very well—no cold, no cough, no diphtheria and no scarlet fever, but plenty of mischief and badness. Everyone remarks how healthy he looks. I am taking him out now. I was afraid to when the scarlet fever and diphtheria were so bad, but now the danger seems all over. Baby plays with Anton or “Danton” and Yorgie (Georgie) every day. He plays that they are here and playing with him. He talks about “Dant Lou” and “Danton’s papa.” I could write pages about this young gentleman of ours, but you would throw away my letter in disgust before you finished reading it. As for myself I am the same and I expect I’ll always be, although there is plenty room for improvement. I have been sewing, sewing, sewing. Have finished my grey polynaise and black silk skirt and it makes a real pretty suit. Am fixing black cashmere over now. Have two calicoes to make and a hundred other things to do. Went up to see Annie Buskirk and stopped a while to see Mrs. Clark. Her baby had the scarlet fever, but is well now. Annie B. is progressing finely. These are the only two places I have been since you left. Have not called on the new Profs yet, or rather their wives. Have not met Mrs. Richardson. I am really ashamed to go now it is so long since they came.

            Lizzie (our Liz) is well and good as ever. She has been cleaning the front room and putting down the new carpet. It makes the room look so nicely. We have a boy and he’s about the same as all the others. Now I have told you about the whole family, unless you want to know about the cats and birds and lizards. If you do you can tell me in your next letter.

            As to town gossip, I know little, not but what I listen when I hear any but I have been out but seldom and Fannie T. is about my only visitor. You knew before you left here that Mary Maxwell was to be the next bride, so ‘tis no news to you. “When will wonders cease”!!! To think of Mary Maxwell—well I can say no more, only nothing in the matrimony line will surprise me hereafter. But perhaps I can tell you something that will surprise you. Mr. Adams (Lena Beck’s father) is married!!! More—married a young woman of twenty-eight! More—married a dressy, (old gold cardinal silk velvet skirt and bangs) woman!!!! He went to Kentucky for his bride. They say that she is very lady-like and pretty. Lena, herself, wonders why she married her father. I expect she will make a good deal of change in their home. Everyone inquires after you. They all want to know how you like your new home and how the children are. Mr. McCalla told me to tell you that he missed you and he also said you were the best little woman he knew, but he didn’t tell me to tell you that. You have left many warm friends here.

            College is going on as usual. They like Profs Richardson and Jackson much, both as teachers and gentlemen. Prof Jordan goes to Washington next week. They give two weeks vacation this year. Mama was quite well when she wrote. She always sends so much love to you and the children. She would like so much to hear from you. She liked the Autumn Leaves so much and thanks you for them.

            Dode and Fannie are still very good friends and correspond. She had a letter from him the other day saying that there had been  an accident on his road and he was slightly hurt and would be home the next day—yesterday—but he has not come. He does not know that we know about it. I feel anxious to hear how he is. I do wish he was off the road altogether. Fannie is really a noble girl, Lou. She has changed so much. She comes up to see me every week and tells me a good deal about her affairs.

Private

            Annie Dennis has been sick, but is better and teaching again. She has enrolled her name for the summer tramp. Mrs. Y. will help pay her expenses. Are you going? Aunt Emma seems quite well now. Aunt Addie is not at all well. She is at Aunt Emma’s. Has only spent a night and day here. She is very good company and I like her very much. Aunt Lizzie is well. My sister is married. I am so thankful. They are now in Maine. I wrote “private” at the top of this page because I wished to write you this and do not want anyone to know the circumstances but you. That is all.

            I am ashamed to send this but if I don’t it will be a long while before I write another and it has been long enough now, so I send it blots and all.

            Give my love to Professor and kisses to the children. Does little Lou talk yet? How do you like your dress? And the skirt too? I thought it would be so warm and nice. It was $2.00. Please write soon and do excuse my letter, the writing and composition too. I am very tired and it is nearly twelve. Ever and ever so much love

            Sedie

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