Sarah Seabrook Mitchell Wylie to Louisa Wylie Boisen, 31 May 1896

Sarah Seabrook M. Wylie, Boston, Mass to Mrs. Louise Boisen, Bloomington, Monroe Co, Indiana

[postmarked May 31, 1896]

My dear Lou

            Your letter containing the sad news of Mr. Mellette’s death reached me this Thursday. It does not seem possible! All the homes are now broken up except the dear old homestead, all mother’s children are left alone. I am so sorry that Mr. Mellette’s life could not have been longer. He seemed so much needed, both for Mother and Maggie. When he was here, it was hard for him to go up the three flights to my room. He had to stop a few minutes and rest. He then said something about his heart and I felt anxious. Poor Maggie, I feel so sorry for her. He was such a devoted husband. I will write to Maggie, or shall I wait until I hear from you. Write soon, please and tell me where to direct a letter to her. Please send me papers concerning his death.

            Will Maggie come home? Please tell me if she has anything for her support. I understood that he carried a large life insurance for her. Her boys too have been taught to be so devoted to their mother. They will not let her want for anything. I am so glad that she has such nice boys. I do hope that Charlie will grow strong. Is he better? Mother will miss Mr. Mellette’s advice and thoughtfulness of her these late years.

            So much has come to our family that all seems uncertain and almost useless. If our dear Mother only keeps well and strong, all else can be endured. Today is “Memorial Day” and I have been much alone. I was thinking that this is the first Memorial Day since dear father’s death and I wondered who carried the flowers to the graves, our dear ones! I know that you all have been sad to day and my heart has been sad with yours. In fact, I have spent the day in living over the sad things of my life, even from the time I stood with my own papa, a little child, and watched the Southern soldiers march by, over my own Mother’s death, over all the things that have been worse than death and I wonder why I live to even think of these. Will the effort I make now result in any good. Each seems marked with failure and I am not happy. I can not be. I am sad always at heart but not always so to others. I try so hard not to be.

            I am going through much just now and may be thrown out of my position in a month. The future looks dismal. We have the Bancroft house for five months and fuel and gas and Theo’s five dollars. We must live on that until I can decide what to do. Lou, I can not come home. The children are safe with you and Mother. I must stay with Theo. He needs me these years of all others. He is good now but must not be left alone here. I am trying to save my furniture. I have plans for the fall, if I can only pull through until then. Why all this trouble? Cause: Miss Tucker. Because of her, I resigned. I could no longer remain with her and do justice to the Department. My resignation had the effect I anticipated. Down deep Miss Tucker is right, wants to be, but such an unhappy disposition, selfish, yet generous. She has done all she could to make wrong right but too late. My committee respect me and many nice things have been said—too late I fear, yet all hangs in the air. It is thought that they will not let me go, but I feel sure of one thing only. The most unexpected is sure to come. I have worked hard for the Union and I am most popular with the employers and employees. My friends are urging me to go into business alone. There is certainly a fine opening for me in Boston. But I am losing all courage. I have ability and it is recognized. I have many friends, yet I am even losing faith in people. After a rest my courage will start anew. I am tired and worried, you see. Do not expect me home this summer. My promise now is with Mrs. Bancroft, to remain until Nov in her house. This is on

            The first of July will decide my fate. I must work hard until then. We expect to go to the B house next Saturday. Direct your next letter to the Union. W.E.& I. Union,

            I have a box to send to Sam again. Another collection. These will be his long trousers. I think that there will be enough for fall and part winter. I’ll put in all I can find and if they can be used I’ll be so glad. I send a black skirt that was mine. I thought that it could be fixed for Reba or Mary. It is old, an underskirt. I do wish that I could send you all something. No, it is not nice to real poor. I could stand a little. I am out of everything most. Have now only one dress, a made over dress. I must have something next week. If can only be a challis. I am out of black completely. I thought it best. It does not seem natural tho. I was so pleased with Reba’s letter. It was a sweet little letter. Urge them to write me often. It helps me! Sometimes it seems that I must see them, my darlings. I feel sick sometimes about it, and the time seems so far off. I can’t tell when. Kiss them every day for me. Don’t let them forget me.

            Tell Mary to write me all about her commencement when it is over. Send me her “poem” and a piece of her dress. Don’t let her forget this request. Please don’t mention any circumstances in this letter outside of home. You know what I mean.

            Lovingly

            Seabrook

Destroy this

I am sorry that you sent the 25, I did not mean for you to.

Everything is cheap here. Can’t you send for something for yourself, Lou?

Much love to Mother and all. This letter is for Mother too.

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