Contributed by Judy Liskey
Jake wrote this long letter in answer to one from Dorcas. Life seemed busy but Billy and Clara’s new house was almost ready to move into. The woman who had said such bad things apologized and admitted she was wrong. He wasn’t working with the sawmill as much as he planned to come back to his home in Dovesville soon. I have no idea who the “Black-eyed Widow” was.
Damascus Md. June 22nd ‘83
Miss Dorcas:——–Dear friend
It has been some time since I rec’d your letter, but never forgot that I ough answer. I was glad indeed to hear from you, glad you are going to school, but why couldn’t you tell me whom the teacher is, but I guess Kate.
Well Dorcas, I was so glad you attended Cateschising & church for I know you could not help enjoying both: Father wrote me you were there, and attending church: he wrote while you were there. This world can afford but little pleasure. Compared with the joys of heaven. And it is evident we can’t reach it outside of the Church.
Well it was funny for you girls to quarrel over one fellow. I hope you did not let Nancy best you.
You ask me to let you know about our trip to Emma’s GrandMas. We did not go, but went to her Uncle’s. had a grand time, and plenty fun: her uncle William Mount, is so lively and has such a good woman.
Emma has been away to a Normal school & examination for the last two weeks. So last Sunday evening Fannie & I started to church about 3 miles from here, but about the time we got near the church we changed our mind, and went to “uncle Billi” again, and of all the fun, and strawberries were ripe there too. Last Sunday week Phil & I went to Baltimore to church, and Saturday night I went out to Naglis to see Carrie, and such a time! And the woman that tried to do me so much injury, has told several persons that she was sorry for what she said, and Sunday evening I passed there in the buggy, and her sister was in the yard. When I told her to get in and have a ride she did, and came home with me. Then I went to prayer meeting with her. And she begged me to stop as I used to but I said “no indeed. I can never put myself in Margets way.” I tell you I act stout.
Well, the house is almost ready to go in, and as nice a house as you ever saw. And we are fencing the yard so nicely, and when I get my organ how pleasantly I will spend the time: then I want you to think of nothing but to come and help me enjoy it. And we will go buggy riding real often. But we have plenty hard work to do, and I have been doing my part. I have not run the mill regular for some time, as we have had so much to do about the house. The Black-eyed Widow has been in town for some time, but left today for a while. O I have so much fun with her. The Female Bible class of the S.S. of which I am assistant Teacher meets at the teacher’s house at this end of town every Thursday night, and after we go over the lesson we have a grand time going home. I guess Clara told you a lot and I will tell no more till next time. I must say that your letter was more than interesting to me, and would be delighted to hear from you soon again: write inside of 3 weeks, for I expect to go to Va. To help Will awhile.
This leaves us well. Remember me kindly to your Ma, and all my friends. Write as soon as you wish, and believe me. Your true friend J.J, Souder
