December 13, 1895
Derby, New Brunswick



Dear Cousin,

	I suppose you think I have forgotten you but such is not the case.  I got your letter in town but it was wrote a month before I got it and then I was getting some pictures taken and I came up before they were finished and I was waiting to get then before I wrote.  They are very poor the hat threw a shade over my face.  But I was out one afternoon with the children and I just ran in for fun, but I will do better next time.
	Well  Tommie, everything is dull around hear now the ice froze in, but there is no skating it is so rough we can hardly cross.  All the fellows are away except Jimmie Delano he and Alic Fearns is all the men we have around this winter.  Mr. Robinson has a camp in on the Semmawagon for Walter Palmer and a few of the best of the S.J. Quality but I guess Walter is running it.  They will be out at Christmas .  Well Tommie, I had a pretty good time in town.  I was down three months, they want me to go back to stay for the winter, but I don't think I will.  I left her without a girl, but Lizzie Doran is down there now but I don't think she will stay.  I liked Mrs. Davidson well enough but I did not like Ann or the pay Mr. Bois from Blackville was down for me to go to him yesterday he said he would give seven or eight dollars a month but I guess the work is pretty hard.  I did not give him a decided answer he is coming again on Wednesday.  Annie Doran and her new mash Ulike Hall drove up the other Sunday there is no fear of him unless she spoiles him there is not that much good in him.  He was with her at the station that night he is a nice little fellow just the same.
	Nellie Donovan from Renous is down at Con's this week.  I was down the other night and asking about you she sends her love.I have not been down to Harrigans since I came from town.  I did not see Jannie, but I guess she is just blooming.  Annie Jane is living at Jim Crockers now.  Agnes sends her love, Phil also.  Did Calvin Clark go to see you yet, he said he was just seven miles from you and he was going to           give him my best respects also andrew when you see them.
	Well Tommie, this is all the news I have as Mother is going to send a pie.  I am going to send you my photo it will make you think of the good old times we had together although it is a very poor one, but the next will be better.  Excuse this writing for the pen and paper are poor.  

So good bye once more from your loving little cousin,
Mary A Kelly xxxxxxxxxxx
Adieu

Ps. When you write , let me know if you got the photo.  Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  I remain ever your cousin.  I think we are going to have a pretty dull Christmas.  I wish I could see you to liven it up a little.  Good bye once more don't say I did not fill this letter you will have to take a Sunday and read it you              sea runs dry, Polly