Margaret Wylie Mellette to Louisa Wylie Boisen, 20 May 1881

Margaret W. Mellette, Watertown, Dakota Territory to Mrs. Louisa W. Boisen, Williamstown, Mass Care  Prof H. Boisen

Watertown, D. T.

May 20^th 1881

My dear Sister Lou,

            Your letter was received and ought to have been answered before now, but I got so many letters at the same time—about 25—and some of them had to be attended to at once, then 2 have been sick for a few days—the same old cold or cough. There are a hundred and one questions I would like to ask and I hardly know where to commence. How much I would love to sit down and have a good old talk.

            Winter is at last gone, the road was opened last week, bridges were washed away and the trains did not run until a week ago. We got along better than you would expect. One week, in April I think, the roads were so that wagons could not go and as we had been blockaded for 4 months and supplies were gone, I actually thought I would starve. It was hard getting a meal without meat, butter, eggs, and sugar. I got weak and sick and have not felt so well since. I need very nourishing food. There is no house large enough for two families. Mr. Updyke’s family only staid two weeks. They have hard children to live with.

            We got a letter from Christian that A. will answer soon as the rush is over so he has breathing time. He has far too much to do and yet is not allowed clerks enough. I want him to send for Christian and pay him out of his own pocket so he can have an easier time.

            Am sorry you are not going to Germany though if you are not well perhaps it is better for you. You will have a nice quiet time at home. I should not let Anton go if it were me but you know best. He is so young that he could not remember his visit and it is too much anxiety for you. It will not be good for you. I look for the boys the first of next month. I have written to Dory to try and have him bring them but fear he cannot come. Charlie thinks he could come alone but I would not like him to try. When you go to Philadelphia I want you to keep your eyes open and tell me what kind of summer wraps are worn, if any. I have a little black cape I could have trimmed with fringe and jets or I might have my lace cape made into a sack. I have seal and a cloth coat but nothing for now. I guess I will have to send to Mother for a bonnet. I am trying hard to get a girl.

            How long do you expect to stay at home. Mother wrote but did not tell me why Aunt Addie’s children treated her so. She may have lost her mind but there is something back of that. They never would have let her go to Florida alone in that condition. Write me when you get home about it. I would like to see your children. I suppose Mary is commencing to talk. Is she as fat and good natured as she used to be. Dick is a wonderful boy, everyone knows him and they all seem to like him too. Anton does well in school, is trying hard to get more head marks than any one in his room.

            I had a nice long letter from Mrs. McColloch. Aunt N stopped there on her way from B- to the East. Bun and Mag Dodds called on her and were “charmed.” Mag is going home to spend commencement. Si and Rose have gone out of partnership. Go and see Aunt Susan if you go to Philadelphia. I would like to send for some things but had better just send to Wanemaker and save trouble.

            People are coming into our town very fast. I suppose 1000 have come since the blockade. Tell Christian we did not receive his photograph until last Friday, about the same time that we got his letter. It is very good, many thanks. Some of the letters we got were written in Jan and Feb.

            It is very late and I must stop. I have no time to read this but know you can make out any thing so have not done ever so well as I might. Remember me kindly to Hermann and Christian and kisses for the children. Do write soon. I like to hear. All send love

            Maggie

Did Parke ever answer your letter. I see they are to stay in Russia till Jan. Where are they going then?

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