Louisa Wylie Boisen to Hermann B. Boisen, 10 April 1875

Louisa W. Boisen, Bloomington to Hermann Boisen 

Bloomington, April 10, 1875 [Saturday]

My dear Hermann:

            Yesterday I sent you a long letter, but a very poor one. Whether this will be any improvement on it remains to be seen.

            Anton has just come into the room looking for his wagon. When I asked him what I should tell Uncle Hermann for him, he said, “Tell him I’m a good boy and I send him three big kisses.” He often says he is Uncle Hermann’s boy. We shall miss him very much when he goes. He said the other day, “What will you do without me?” I said, “I don’t know.” He said, “You’ll have to get a little colored baby.” I don’t know what ever put such an idea in his head. [German sentence.] That is wrong isn’t it? Should be subj. should it not? [referring to the German]

            I have not yet quite finished assorting my old letters, but I hope to finish today. I do not like the work. It makes me feel sad to look over the letters of friends that are dead or far away. I shall burn most of them, though I dislike to do so.

            This is a cool, bright day. I suppose you are spending the morning at the Normal, as you usually do on Saturday. Have you many of the new scholars in your classes? And have you still the same five classes that you had last session and the Institute class in addition? I do not exactly understand what is meant by an Institute class. How is Mr. Wilson succeeding?

            I had just written so far, dearest Hermann, when Ma received a dispatch from Muncie saying, “Come on first train. Maggie has dysentery and we fear fever.” How I feel, how we all feel you may know. I stopped writing immediately in order to help Ma get ready and now I have only time to finish this letter very hurriedly. I shall try my best to get the books off today, but I cannot send you Fritz Renter. I asked Pa yesterday to see about it and he forgot and he promised to do it this morning, but in his distress when we sent for him, of course he did not think of it. If you still desire it, I can send it next week by mail.

            I feel only too anxious about Mag. She must be very sick for Arthur to send for Ma. She was not well before she went into the country to see and help when old Mr. Mellette was sick and I suppose she has over exerted herself. I am so much afraid that I cannot write it. My dear, only sister, my good unselfish, precious Mag. Oh Hermann, the shadow of a great sorrow rests over us. I must not write more. I am sure you will write to me immediately and I will keep you informed of all we hear. My dearest Hermann, my beloved husband, your love is my most precious treasure. Love me always. Do not forget me. You are always in my thoughts.

Ever faithfully and truly

Your Lou

I hoped to have written you a cheerful happy letter today, but I know you will feel as I do. All send love. You can imagine, dear Hermann, what a commotion we are in. Ma is just going and I have only time to say again, Good bye. Write soon, dearest Hermann

Lou

Monday I will look for a good, long letter. You will have time on Sabbath to write

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