This letter is from Amy to Annie. It seems that her and Matt's mission is to get Annie and Jack to the U.S. as quickly as possible. It's funny, because Amy talks about what an easy decision it was for their family to pack up and leave in the beginning of her letter. How quickly she forgets that she didn't want to leave England, originally.
We learn a few things in this letter. Jack, it turns out, is deaf. We don't know how deaf, or if it only affects one or both of his ears. We also find out that he's a big guy. Bigger than "the tall men". Amy suggests the reason her sister and brother in law might not want to leave England is due to Jack's insecurities. Whether that was the case or not, I don't have the proof.
We also learn that Amy is a very spiritual woman. My dad had told me before that Amy used to read tea leaves. I'm not sure if that's what she's referring to when she tells her sister that she hopes her "fortune comes true", or if she just hoping Annie and Jack make more money. In a very sad part of the letter where she mentions that John died a year ago, she tells Annie that he used to see him every night after he died until Margaret was born (who she calls "baby").
Finally, I originally thought the "stock" that Amy writes about in the letter was money stocks, but I think she's writing about live stock. But in a way, buying local cows can be considered an investment.
We learn a few things in this letter. Jack, it turns out, is deaf. We don't know how deaf, or if it only affects one or both of his ears. We also find out that he's a big guy. Bigger than "the tall men". Amy suggests the reason her sister and brother in law might not want to leave England is due to Jack's insecurities. Whether that was the case or not, I don't have the proof.
We also learn that Amy is a very spiritual woman. My dad had told me before that Amy used to read tea leaves. I'm not sure if that's what she's referring to when she tells her sister that she hopes her "fortune comes true", or if she just hoping Annie and Jack make more money. In a very sad part of the letter where she mentions that John died a year ago, she tells Annie that he used to see him every night after he died until Margaret was born (who she calls "baby").
Finally, I originally thought the "stock" that Amy writes about in the letter was money stocks, but I think she's writing about live stock. But in a way, buying local cows can be considered an investment.
Dear Sister
Just a few lines in answer to your letter. We expected a letter from you last week but of course it takes time to think thinks out. Not like us, we made our minds up all at once, but we have got on all right. So far we landed on the Monday and Matt got work the end of the week and now in business for himself. Of course it takes a lot to make a stock. Most of what they have made has had to go out on the place and buying stock but we shall feel more of the benefit next year. Of course they don't run the car here in the winter as there is too much snow. It has been snowing here since Saturday night. Of course we have not got much of a home together yet but you can't get everything all at once.
Dear, I do hope you will come. I could hardly wait till I got in the house & open your letter. It was too cold outside & read it so I had to wait. But I was disappointed when Jack had not made up his mind. It won't matter about his deafness as long as he is a good worker. I think Jack thinks he is deafer than what he is. No, (at) his size, Matt says he can do twice the work a some of the tall men. Matt says he would not have to plough but if he did any time, you just sit on the seat and the horse does the ploughing. You only have to drive. We had our ground ploughed and it seemed quite easy but this was only a small plough. The horse pulled it and the man just guided it straight. Jack would not have to hire for twelve months unless he ... of course if he does not care to take it, Matt could try and get him something else in the meantime. Matt says Mr. Lewis is a very nice man. He does not rush them. Tom work(ed) for him for a few days. He said he is very nice. I don't know how many men he keeps, I forgot to ask Matt before he went to the Lodge, but I will ask him when he come back.
They don't think so very much of Sunday here. You can go to a theatre here on a Sunday. Of course you could go out to work as well. It is about 1/2 an hour's walk from town but you can go in a few minutes in the car.
(Have you heard anything about my watch? I would like you to bring it with you if you come.
I expect Luoise will be jumping sky high when she knows you are thinking of coming.)
Matt will get to know about the fares. I don't know whether it is only through farmers you can get cheap rates. I know it is cheaper to get tickets sent from here because Tom sent a ticket to one of his pals just before we came out. You won't have to pay any duty on your bed clothes. You can bring quite a lot with you. You could get some ... like we did and you would be surprised what a lot you can pack in them. You are allowed so much for each one. Our baskets was not opened at all and we were not asked what was in them. I am so sorry you will be having such a hard time again this winter. We know what it is to have hard times so we can feel sorry for you. We brought all our bed clothes with (us), of course we had not got as much as you.
Dear, there are no mines near here. There is about 18 milking cows. Matt says he only want a man to look after the stock. I expect Matt will write again. I don't know what other stock he has, I forgot to ask him before he went out.
Dear, I do hope your fortune comes true for I am longing to put my arms around you and give you a good big kiss. I think it is a six-roomed house.
Dear Annie, I'm so pleased the children are getting on so well. They will be quite a help to you. It is 12 months since this coming Saturday that my boy fell down those stairs. I feel as if I can see him now with that big cut in his forehead. He would have been quite a big boy now if he had been living. I feel as if I must write about him, it seems to ease my mind. Nobody knows how I sit and think about him. I used to have him with me every night till baby came but I have not seen him since.
Dear Annie, we had quite a storm here, Saturday. Such wind I thought it was going to blow the house down. Thundered and lightened and oh it just teamed with rain. It was quite warm on Saturday and just before midnight the snow came on. It was a drop I can tell you, freezing as well. I tell you I was jolly cold in bed. I had let the stove out for it had been so warm through the day.
Dear Annie, the church people here are very nice. There is always some of them coming to see me. I have not been since I had baby christened. I have not been able to go since baby has been so cross since she started to cut her teeth. I don't know what to do with her. She does not half cry, she squeals. Raises the dickens! You can't hear yourself talk when she starts.
I think I have told you all and will get Matt to write in a day or two. I got your letter at noon 14th.
From your loving sister Amy Write soon XXXXX
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