May - 11, 1866.
John Glidden, I am real mad at you, would bite you If X could see
you* firstly, because you don't let me hear from you, secondly, because
you send me none of the all-powerful "root." Just fancy, for a moment,
your sister far away from all the friends of her youth, forsaken and penni-
less, obliged to borrow even a stamp to send a letter to her forgetful,
recreant, brother, to jog his memory, and refresh his mind on the subject
of his absent sister's wants. Picture this to your-self, and now it is proved
that "truth is stranger than fiction". Now if there was only a little more
romance connected with it, it would be quite fine, but there is most too
much hard reality about it to make it the basis of a novel. Suppose I should
write cne, and name it "The desertion of Ann Maria by her brother," and
render myself famous thereby, would not I be gloriously revenged, and heap
coals of fire on your head? X could tell how she borrowed until shame caused
her to cease, how she went without a spring hat for weeks and numerous
other trials, which this firm-hearted heroine endured, "too numerous to mention"
She now comes, beseeching you, for the last time, and, if you can resist this
heart-touching appeal, she gives you up, and X can not tell what rash deed she
may do. Answer forth-with, or the consequences may prove fatal. The time
soon draws nigh for her to return to the home of her younger days, six more
weeks only, and she is looking forward anxiously and with bright anticipations
to that happy time. She would like to know if her brother intends to come for
her, or if he means to have her, an unprotected "Vassar female" make her way
Dec. 25, 1865 - 583
aa bast she caa to the haunts ol former days. Should he think best* she
others
could go, la company with several from the same state, who will be journey-
ing that way.
But she would be highly gratified to learn by matt the opinion he has,
concerning the matter, so that her mind cauld be ia a settled state.
Not a line does she receive from him, and, though busied and hurried
by many cores, she Is constantly wishing to receive something, if but a line
from him* Che is very busy now, with her studies, and has some extra work
in surveying tha farm.
L lie would like to be kindly remembered to Mary, & Charlie, and to
have several, very many kisses bestowed on the young "olive-branch," on her
behalf. She wishes also to send much love to her brother, to be kindly renien&>
bered to Mr. Bell's family and all other friends. She would like to know the
state of Mr. Bell's health, aad also, when her brothers family expect to move,
and any other Item of news would be acceptable. Her earnest request and
entreaty Is that you write as soon as possible, and send tho sum specified In
a letter sent, well - some time the first of April, I believe, T sign myself.
Respectfully,
A.M.Q.
Her Amanuensis.
lAanle (Glidden) Heats, '69,