HENDERSON COUNTY, TN - LETTERS - Mrs. W. Payne to Lucinda J. Payne Smith, 13 Sep 1857 ----¤¤¤---- NOTE: Written on pale blue lined paper folded in the middle like a book. From Mrs. W. Payne, apparently the widow of a brother of Lucinda J. Payne Smith. Pilgrims Rest, Sept 13th/57. Dear sister Luncinda, Some wiel (while) ago I was very much gratified at the arrival of a letter from you, bearing date June 21st, and I have wished to answer it ere this, but sickness in my father's family, and in my sister's which called me from home has prevented my doing so. I was very glad to hear from you, & through you, of members of the family. Your letter was the first intelligence I had had of any of you in Tennessee for several years. The last accounts I had of you, was a letter written by you [unknown] Lalina, which I answered & never heard more. Of course never knew of your marriage until you informed me of it. I am pleased with the description you give of your good man, and if he is pious, you can but be happy. You are not doubt pleased to have Lalina so near you, & I am glad to hear her health is good, for when she wrote me last it was very bad and she seemed to think she would never recover. If you know where Osborne is now, please let me hear, and I would be glad to know the Post Office of each of your brothers & sisters if you know them, as I wish to keep up intercourse with them by letter occasionally. My boys are very anxious to know the whereabouts of their Pa's relations, that they may after a while visit them. In May I had a letter from sister Margaret Meyer, which I (Page break) will enclose to you, & you will know where she is & how doing. I replied to it quite soon, & I hope it will not be long before I hear from her again. I am still living at my father's, Margaret, William & Edward with me. Willie assists his Grandpa, & Eddie is going to school in Grenada. Jonnie has gone into Bolivar County on the river, as Surveyor. He is much pleased with his business, & it suits him well for he is a fearless fellow, & does not mind hardships & I hope it will be profitable to him. He is very anxious that he may help his "Ma" & "Lis". I had a letter from him a few days ago which informed me of his having been sick from chills and I hope he will come out of the swamp in (unknown) winter & remain with me until after frost he makes his home with my youngest sister's, who married 3 years ago Dr. Shelby. At the time they were married the Dr was living in Clairbourne County, but last winter moved to Bolivar. She is now on a visit to us, but will return home next month. Willie is a very active boy & gives his Grandpa much assistance. My Eddie too is a noble boy I think, and I daughter you would love if you were to but know her. Her Grandpa says she is the best child he ever saw, & has ever been so. I feel I have much to be thankful for in my children, & if they will only be as near as Jonesville like their precious **** (here is an abbreviation of what I believe to be her husband's name) it is all I desire for the. The oldest B remember enough of him to try & be like him & Eddie hears him so often spoken of & his character so much revered that I think he will try to imitate him in his life. Margaret & Willie are members of the (Page break) church but Jonnie has not yet become one. Though I hope the time is not far distant when he will come out on the Lord's side. The children often speak of you & their other aunts & uncles & wish very much to see you. They are greatly gratified when I get a letter from any of you. My parents are now in feable health, particularly my mother, & I expect while they & I live to be with them. My oldest brother (Edward) died in Vicksburg 2 years ago this month, of yellow fever, leaving a wife & 4 children who still live there. A little daughter 2 years old died 3 days before he did. Brother Julius, now my only brother, lives near us, has a wife & 5 children having lost one. My sister Mary, who married Dr. Hughes lives in Grenada has 6 children (lost words) young (lost words) is now here has 2 children one only a month old. Father, Mother, Myself & 3 children constitute the family at the "Rest". Two years ago there was a mineral spring found on my Father's land which has been much visited to this summer by invalids. Julius has built near it & is prepared to accommodate visitors. The water has been beneficial to those suffering with Chronic Diarrhea & other dieases of the Stomach & Bowels, it is also food for Eruptions, Ulcers & Sore Eyes. So whenever you are troubled with any of these diseases, just come down here & you shall be furnished with the healing water. 14th Since looking over what I wrote last night, I am ashamed to send it to you, it is so badly done, but I fear if I attempt to write it over I may fail to send it soon & perhaps not better it. So here it goes, with a "please excuse" as it was written hastily with a very bad pen. I hope you will soon write to me again & I will try & be more prompt in replying to you. My parents, sister & children join me in much love to you, your husband, Laliner & family & other relatives you may see. Let me know if you have a copy of your brother William's obituary if you have not I will send you one. As ever your affectionate Sister Mrs. W. Payne (Addressed on the lower half of the last page) To Mrs. Lucinda J. Smith Scotts Hill PV Henderson Cty Tenn ___________________________________________________________________ Copyright. 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