Contributed by Judy Liskey
Here are two letters from J.J. (Jake) Souder to Dorcas. The first one is an invitation to an entertainment at his home. He suggested a couple of ways she could get there so she would have no excuse not to come.
At home. 2-8th. ‘83
Miss Dorcas: – Dear Friend
We are to have a social entertainment at our place Sat. night, and wish (I wish above all), for you to be here. Be ready and come up with the mail-carrier, and you shall not go home alone. My school has increased again. Looking for you every day. Now since you cant come to school, be sure you come Sat. night, for I anticipate much fun.
We all extend the invitation to you. Also to your uncle; Come, for the comfort of your devote friend –
J.J. Souder
“Come”
The next letter is longer and was written in answer to one from Dorcas.
At home – 2 -23rd, ‘83
Dear Dorcas:
Excuse pencil, and I will write a few lines in answer to your welcome letter I rec’d Monday evening. I don’t guess George Wittig knows I rec’d it Harvey R. gave it to me. And I have had no chance to find out what A–? Said about the party, as I haven’t talked to either of J.D.’s girls since. I saw Vin at church but didn’t talk to her. There was singing at the church Sun. night, but I didn’t go, – was not well.
Dorcas: (Here he changed from writing with a pencil to writing with pen and ink.)
(Pen is better)
Do you know I had to go for Doctor for Sarah Sunday night? I tell you she was sick, but is well as usual again. Dock didn’t come – sent medicine. I think he went to get on a drunk Monday. Now I must say I cant teach the school: I know it is just what you looked to hear, but don’t cry, Honey, for you can go to school anyway; Kate Campbell – formerly Pence, is going to teach it so Dock told me.
Thank you for the compliment, Dorcas, glad if I have been as a brother to you—wish I could be nearer. Father says it is well to be kind to the Widow & Orphan.
Certainly, you can have any of my books that may be of service to you. I think it is a pity that Charley didn’t rent your place; Of course Harvey is a good renter, but it will not be half the company to you, for I do think the more anyone is with him (Char) the better you like him; he is so kind and good-natured, much more so than any of his cousins that I know. So you enjoyed H. Dashers company? Go it, I say!
Yes, we have plenty sugar, but I think you had better come and eat for yourself, for I am afraid if I were to eat for anyone else, I might get sick, for I eat considerable for myself. Don’t let “Over the River” crack your ears, if you can hear it yet. I have learned two more, which I think equally as good as that. I guess I will take the organ on the River to the singing convention tomorrow. George Mattias bought an organ. He wanted the worst kind to take this one, but I couldn’t think to spare it; thought he might as well wait on me. School is keeping up well. I think I will close two weeks from Monday. That will be on the 19th of March.
Don’t be afraid of me wearying of your scribe, but whenever you wish, write me, and I will answer if consistent with you.
Wish you pleasant dreams of your fellows—of course I dream of E–?—every night—ha! Ha! This leaves me well, but a cold.
As ever—–
J.J. Souder
