Lenoir Institute 18th Nov. 1865

Messrs. Robt. & Wm. Daily:

                                 I feel it is my duty to communicate
with you, regarding the board of your daughters.  When you engaged board
for them, I thought that I had meat below, which was raised on my farm,
& that would enable me, after reserving enough for my family, to sell
enough to furnish me in sugar, molasses, & other necessaries.  When I
sent for the meat I found it had been so entirely eaten up with worms,
that it was obliged to be sold at very low prices.  This was caused by
its having to be packed away, for fear of the yankees, before it was
sufficiently smoked.  The money I received for it I have purchased bacon
and beef with, but when you consider the difference in the price which I
paid and that which I received, you may readily imagine that it would
buy but little.  I am now entirely without meat, or lard.  I can not
conscientiously take boarders & feed them on  bread alone.  As long as I
could get butter I did so, but have not been able to buy any for several
weeks, besides that is very expensive, as we consume about six pounds a
week.  Unless I can make arrangements to live better, & of that I see no
prospect now, I shall have to decline taking the girls until the hogs
are fat enough to kill, which will not be before January.  It makes me
really unhappy when I go to the table to think I cannot give boarders
better fare.  You know Mr. Dailys that persons boarding expect to have
something they can relish, & are not willing to put up with such fare as
they could make out with, under other circumstances, and it is perfectly
right that they should feel so to a certain extent.  Do not think the
girls have been complaining.  I have never heard a word of complaint, or
seen any dissatisfaction expressed.  They are the most pleasant boarders
I've ever had, outside of my immediate family.  They are very studious
and are learning well.  I think if you desire it, I can get board for a
month for them in the village, and if you know where I can procure bacon
for a reasonable price, I will do so, and there will be no necessity for
their removal.  I do not wish to buy bacon unless it is good.  The last
I bought was so rancid none of us could eat it.

Respectfully,

Sue M. Patrick


Mr. Robert Daily
         &
Mr. Wm. Daily


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