Jake Souder’s sister Clara, married Dorcus’ cousin, Billy Brake. The Brakes moved to Damascus, Maryland. Clara’s siblings came to visit often and some of the brothers even stayed long enough to find a wife. Two of them even found wives with the same first name.
Damascus, MD
March 7, 1863
Dear Cousin Dorcus,
Yours received last week with much pleasure. I watched the mails for several weeks before I recd it. As it was you I thought I must get an answer at once as you are always so prompt about answering. Your letter was of much Satisfaction to me to hear from you all & all Surrounding friends. Sorrow to hear of so much sickness in that neighborhood. There is less Sickness in this neighborhood than I have heard of since I have been in Md. We are all perfectly well. Phil & Billy was in Baltimore last week & was vaccinated. Their arms was real soar but did not stop them from work. Emma vaccinated herself from Phils arm. I think I Shall do the same. the Drs. Charges 1 dollar for vaccinating a person here.
I suppose everybody in the gap is busy boiling sugar now. Though it is very cold cold here today. Yesterday it snowed & rained all day. Tonight we are going to make some taffy when the men gets home. Emma & I make it rite often we have lots of fun I wish you could be with us awhile. I suppose your Ma has plenty of tomatoes plants up by this time. last week it looked like spring weather but it looks quite indifferent now. I guess Jake will soon bring his school to a close as he wrote us he would be to see us next week. I will be so glad to see him. Though I no Ma & all of them will miss him at home.
You wrote if Billy’s father building. I wish him all the good luck. Dorcas what have you been doing this winter. I have had Some time to Idol away lately I have come to the conclusion it don’t pay to buy calico to piece quilts & I have no sewing to do at this time. The men is very busy have so much work on the mill to do. Billy is now working on the house whenever the weather suits O don’t think Doctor is going to hive his little boy avery pretty name I Suppose Doctor has forgot us he hasn’t wrote to us for so long.
How well I would like to see he & his family. Where is angeline Riggleman & Evy Baker at now. Have you heard from George Miller & family Since they are west. Billy wrote to Cousin Harvy & Billy I suppose 2 months ago we never heard from them. Well I must close for this time as it is time to get supper. Give my love to Uncle & Aunt. Dorcus don’t forget to write to me soon & often.
Love to all, from Clara
