31 January 1873 Letter from Elizabeth A. Manning Smith to James M. Smith, Sr. Submitted by: Dr. Robert S. Hendrick Date of Submission: 11/2008 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ ================================================================================== ================================================================================== 31 January 1873 Letter from Elizabeth A. Manning Smith to James M. Smith, Sr. Materials from the Personal Collection of Dr. Robert S. Hendrick, Jr. Transcribed and submitted by Robert S. Hendrick, Jr. Smith was at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge at the time he received this letter. He became the Union Parish Clerk of Court in 1879 and served until 1900, when he resigned to serve as a Louisiana State Senator. ================================================================================== ================================================================================== Jan. 31, 1873 Farmerville, Union Parish, LA Mr. James M. Smith, Dear son as it has been several days since I have written you a letter I will take the pleasure of addressing you this beautiful evening. We have had some very severe weather for the last week. The snow has been on the ground a week. It is nearly off now. There has been no school the last three days on account of the snow was so deep on the ground. Mr. Lott (Arthur T. Lott- married to younger sister (Virginia Manning) of Elizabeth Manning Smith) has moved to the hotel. He has been gone several days. He comes to see us every few days. I heard him say he had written to you last week. I do not know whether he sent it or not. The children have all gone to the hotel this evening to see Mr. Lott. Jimmie you say you do not get letters from home like you did at first. This is the second one I have written to you since I have received one from you. Your sister got one from you dated the 22nd. She had written to you the day before she received yours. The mail has missed a trip or two this week on account of the weather. We were glad to hear from you and hear you were well. Jimmie I spoke of sending you a cake for your birthday but your Pa told me I had better wait till I heard from you whether you will remain the balance of the session or not. If you do I will send it to you. You did not say anything about the school in Molly’s (Mary E. Smith- James’ sister). We would like to know if you have heard any more about what has been done in regard to the school- whether you will have to remain or not. Jimmie we would all like very much to see you, but it is in your interest to go to school if you can, but if you have to come home try your best as long as you can stay. Do not let them have it to say that my son was an idle boy. I believe that you will do your best. You know we are anxious for you to be smart. I want it to be said that you are one of the best boys and students in the school. Try to obey all of your teachers and try to keep the goodwill of them. Jimmie you know we are anxious for you to do well. My son you must write often. We are all glad to hear from you any time. The little children often speak of you and wonder what you will bring them when you come. You know how children are. This leaves all well except bad colds. Your Pa wrote to you last week. He has so much writing to do; he does not have time to write often to you. Nothing more at present. I remain Your Mother. E. A. Smith #######################################################################################