Letter from Rebecca Margaret Jones to Her Namesake
Rebecca Margaret Jones Jones
Rebecca Margaret Jones Hart
The date of this letter presents a problem, as she is obviously talking about her husband Lewis Jones, who died in October 1892. My conjecture is that it was written in 1891 and that, because it was the last day of the year, Mrs. Jones had in her mind that it was almost 1892 and erroneously wrote the year as '92.
Edgefield Dec31st 92
My Darling Mag
I received your very sweet letter while at home and was so sorry I couldn't get to see you all, but hope I may live to see you all again. The weather was so bad I could not venture out. I thought of going down with Lewis but he was quite disappointed as it rained, but I think it all for the best, he was complaining very much that morning he was quite broken down. I feel quite anxious about him as I have not heard from him yet. I do sincerely hope you all will have a happy new year and be doubly blessed(?) in all your works. I did appreciate your dear presents and was so sorry I did not have anything for you, but all understand how I am situated. Bess went home with Eliza Thursday, though[t] she was coming home this afternoon, but she has not come yet and it is snowing very fast. I hope it won't make her sick. Jamie also went to Sallie's, he has just driven up, when she left Sam and Bettie came, and spent the day. I did not know what I should do, could not get any help, but I made out a very good dinner, and they seemed to enjoy it. Since Bess left there has been a family of ten or more in the old kitchen, men, women and children of all sizes. I fear they won't be very pleasant neighbours. I mean they are white folks. I can't write any more, I am so uneasy about Bess, do hope she has not started yet. I am sorry you all will have such bad weather to leave home, let me hear from [you] when ever you can, remember me kindly to your aunt and uncle. I much hoping (?) with the prospect of three daughters and appreciate the kind invitation. God bless you and take care of you is the preare [sic] of
Your affectionate,
Grandma.
P.S. Since finishing this I have been able to get out of Jamie, that he had been to see you all and that is about all I could learn. I think he is one of the most disagreeable boys I have ever seen. I didn't get a letter from Lewis as I hoped, I am very uneasy about him, as he looked so badly when he left.
Edgefield Dec31st 92
My Darling Mag
I received your very sweet letter while at home and was so sorry I couldn't get to see you all, but hope I may live to see you all again. The weather was so bad I could not venture out. I thought of going down with Lewis but he was quite disappointed as it rained, but I think it all for the best, he was complaining very much that morning he was quite broken down. I feel quite anxious about him as I have not heard from him yet. I do sincerely hope you all will have a happy new year and be doubly blessed(?) in all your works. I did appreciate your dear presents and was so sorry I did not have anything for you, but all understand how I am situated. Bess went home with Eliza Thursday, though she was coming home this afternoon, but she has not come yet and it is snowing very fast. I hope it won't make her sick. Jamie also went to Sallie's, he had just driven up the she left. Sam and Bettie came, and spent the day. I did not know what I should do, could not get any help, but I made out a very good dinner, and they seemed to enjoy it. Since Bess left there has been a family of ten or more in the old kitchen, men, women and children of all sizes. I fear they won't be very pleasant neighbours. I mean they are white folks. I can't write any more, I am so uneasy about Bess, do hope she has not started yet. I am sorry you all will have such bad weather to leave home, let me hear from [you] when ever you can, remember me kindly to your aunt and uncle. I much hoping (?) with the prospect of three daughters and appreciate the kind invitation. God bless you and take care of you is the preare [sic] of
You affectionate,
Grandma.
P.S. Since finishing this I have been able to get out of Jamie, that he had been to see you all and that is about all I could learn. I think he is one of the most disagreeable boys I have ever seen. I didn't get a letter from Lewis as I hoped, I am very uneasy about him, as he looked so badly when he left.
