"Letter, Eliza Woodruff to Harriet Woodruff Jabine" by Eliza Woodruff

Little Rock January 14 1856
My Dear Daughter,
I have really seated myself to answ-
er your letters, which have been on hand some time, I mu-
st now beg pardon for my seeming negligence in not an-
swering them sooner. I am well aware of your impatience in
such matters, but trust you will attribute it to the proper
cause, and always remember the many hindrances which
I am at all times subject too[sic], and my want of strength
from nervous debility, which is very much the case this morning
for I can scarcely control my pen at this time. It is very cold
this morning and has been so ever since the change in the weather
on Christmas eve which was a very sudden one indeed[.] It gave
me a very severe cold which I have been suffering for several
weeks, though it is much better now,[sic] for three weeks it has
been intensely cold[,] so much so that the river is frozen over
at this time, and the people have been crossing over to the oppo-
site side, and skating, which affords considerable sport for the
older, as well as the younger portion of community[.] [T]his
would pass for winter in a more northern climate[.] [H]ow
would you like to sit by one of our cheerful wood fires this
cold weather[.] [D]on't you think it would be more pleasant than coal
fires? You was[sic] very much (?) in your trip
to Louisville, for with the exception of your stay at Miss Percivals[sic][,] you
must have had a very pleasant time, Hattie I cannot tell you how
much we all miss you at home and we want to see you so much[.]
I wish we could all be together, but that I know is impossible at
present[.] [Y]ou say your are perfectly happy but for your separa-
tion from home, that is as it should be, and the thought is a very
pleasing one to me[,] I assure you, for who so is the woman that could
leave home and kind friends as readily and go abroad to dwell amo-
ng strangers, as one who goes under the care and protection of a
kind and loving husband, whose every wish should be your greatest
pleasure[.] [R]emember me affectionately to Cousin Eliza and tell her that
it has been so long since we haave seen each other that I scarcely kno-
w what to say to her, except that the "tie that binds us now
is much stronger and that Cousin John appears to me already
as my own son[.] I hope to see her, though, before a great while
at any rate, I will try[.] I possibly can in the spring make you a visit no-
thing preventing me, however, I will wait patiently until the time
arrives when I hope not to be disappointed, for it will afford me a
great deal of satisfaction to see you, and my relatives once more[.]
[K]iss Georgie for me, and tell her I am very glad to hear of her improved
state of health, and hope it may continue so[.] [I]s she a good girl and not trouble-
some in wanting everything her unaccustomed eye sees[.] I shall expect to
hear a good account of her when we see her again, which may not be a very
long while, though it seems an since you left home[.] I can scarcely
realize that your have been absent nearly three months, but it is even
so[.] Chester is standing by my side, and told him I was writing to you
and asked him what I should say for him, he (?) a moment and said
well, just tell Sis Hattie I want to see her mighty bad and she must
come over and see us whenever she can, he will not forget you very soon[.]
[H]e talks about you and brother Johnny and Sis Georgie.
I wish you could be with us if but for a short time[.] [G]ive my very
best respects to Uncle Reel with many wishes for his health and length
of years, also much love to Cousin Eliza, and an earnest desire for a speedy recovery,
to better health than she now has, and a hope that by spring, she will be very
much improved or at least a change in her favour; I forgot to mention
and you dear Hattie must be as a child to them in their declining
years and also anticipate their wants and wishes, humor their
whims if need be
(?) that Mr. Picket has been here, he only remained two weeks, and
regretted very much he (?) to your here, and that if he had known that
you were in Louisvill,[sic] he certainly would have called to see you
and would on his return home[.] I asked him to do so, knowing that
you would be delighted to see anyone (?) from home, so he
will give you all of the news of our city, and what is going on
better than I can, though everything I believe is very much after
the old way, though there is one piece of news that probably you
have not heard and may surprise you a little[.] Fanny Trigg was
to have been married to her Brother-Law[sic], Mr. Benjamin,
on last Thursday evening but for the illness of Nap. Trigg
which proceeded from pneumonia, I believe it has been put off
until he gets better, after which it will certainly take place[.]
I understand that he and John Trigg are engaged or will be in carrying on
farm somewhere across the river, though enough of this[.]
I have the love of a great many of friends and acquaintances to send
you[;] all that I see wish to be remembered by you among them[.] your old
friend Mrs. Hooper, she requested me to tell you that she intends sending you
birds in the spring, so as Will used to say[,] you must watch
out for them[.] [A]s I am very much (?) of the habit of writing[,] I hope you will
excuse the many blots and mistakes I have made[.] It is getting late and so cold
that I can scarcely write, and I am (?) to bring my letter to a close[.]
I must say that we are all enjoying excellent health this winter[,]
no sickness except colds, but that you know is very common every-
where[.] Ches says kiss Sis Georgie and Minnie and Harvey and all of them
for him, not excepting yourself[.] [G]ive my love all of my cousins
your Pa and all join in love to all with many wishes for yo-
ur well-fare[sic], from your affectionate mother
Jane Eliza Woodruff
the servants all send their
love to you

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