Gray Family Letters
Gray Family Letters
(Wesley, Maine)
1893
[G1893 ; last modified 21April10 March 11296September 2013]
[In this series of electronic transcriptions, StephenRobbins presents one chronological compilation, drawn from several collectionsof letters. The primary writers are theextended families and friends of James Gray, Junior; his son L. Austin Gray,Senior; L. Austin's wife Nan (Howe) Gray; Austin and Nan's son Roger Gray; andRoger's wife Minerva (Sharman) Gray.
[The “provenance” note references each letter to thelocation where Stephen Robbins found it to photocopy or transcribe. Most of the original letters were found amongthe papers of the Roger A. Gray estate, which are now (2013) in the care ofRoger's daughter, Mrs. Maxine (Gray) Robbins of East Vassalboro, Maine. Stephen Robbins made photocopies of thoseletters, from which he prepared this electronic transcription in 2013. Stephen plans to donate his photocopies,along with a copy of the electronic transcription, to Wesley Historical Society,Wesley, Maine.
[The transcription below preserves the spelling andgrammar of the original documents. However, it has not yet been proofread tocorrect any of the transcriber's unintentional misspellings. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
[Stephen Robbins’ added information and notes areenclosed within square brackets
“[ ]”.]
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1893 January 01. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 01 January 1893
From: L. Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley[Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., Manchester, N.H.
Postmark: Wesley, Maine, 02 January 1893;also postmarked on reverse: Manchester, New Hampshire, 04January 1893, 11 AM
Note: Theenvelope corner with the stamp has been torn off.
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Jan. 1. 1893.
Dear Nan:
I wish you a Happy Newyear [sic]. Am much obliged for yourpresent[.] It is very pretty and I ammuch pleased with it. Am glad you likedyour book of poems[.] [I] did not knowwhat work you preferred[,] so got T. [i.e., Tenneyson's] complete work[,] or atleast they said it was his complete work[.] I did not have time to examine [it, because] I had so much to do. Beside[s] your present I had a diary and apicture of a young lady in a silk frame nearly the color of the rib[b]on in thecalendar. It was presented by NellieCampbell and is a fine picture of her. Now[,] you must not be jealous[,] for we can hang it in our room so[that] you will see as much of it as I.
I received yourfirst letter in the woods last Sunday night[.] I was not out [of the woods on] Xmas [sic; i.e., Christmas] but staid[sic; i.e., stayed] in Camp[.] some[men] were out and some were hunting[,] but Claude [i.e., Claudius"Claude" Archer] and I staid [sic; i.e., stayed] in camp[.] I made molasses candy and it was fine. When the boys came in they brought in a treatof candy[,] nuts and cigars. There areeight of us in the crew but we will let part of them go in a bout [sic] threeweeks[,] as we will be about done yarding and will not want so many. No[,] Nan[,] I do not wish to take back anything [sic] I have ever written unless you wish it. I do not know why you should think I wastiard [sic; i.e., tired] of writting [sic; i.e., writing] so often[.] I write every time [sic] I am home. It is not very convenient to write in camp[.]
Yes[,] I rememberwhat I said a bout [sic] saying ["]my dear[."] [I] think I was correct then[,] but thingshave changed since[.] Oh yes[,] Idreamed last night [that] I played on my banjo guitar [and] calender[sic] thought it was fine.
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[Stephen Robbins'note, 05 January 2013. Austin wasprobably referring to the calendar which Nan gave him as a Christmas gift (seemention of it in Nan's letter dated 08 January 1893). Callender is not a common surname. Several Callenders lived in the more westernparts of Maine. There was also aCallender family listed in the 1881 Canada census of Carleton, Kent County, NewBrunswick.]
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We have a violin inthe camp[,] so have music most every night.
Was much pleasedwith your letter [which] you wrote last[.] it seemed like the letters you used to write[,] and not quite so cool asseveral of your last [letters]. Asregard to my plans for spring[,] of course I have thought of it often but madeno definit[e] plans. I trust it willbring no sadness but much happiness.
I do not remember offeeling very sad when I wrote last[.] IfI could but see you while I am home. Youmust be getting tiard [sic; i.e., tired]. Well[,] I must close[,] eat dinner and go into the woods[.] I never have been with May [i.e., Mary E."May" Driscoll] a lone [sic] since she came home[,] so we are notvery thick[.]
yours withlove[,] Austin
[P.S.] Am sorry [that] your mother is poorly[.] I see by the paper [i.e., newspaper] [that]Bill S. [i.e., William W. "Bill" Sadler] has cuthim self [sic].
you should have gotthe letter and book both at once[.]
bye bye[,]
Austin.
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1893 January 08. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 08 January 1893
From: L. Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley[Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., Manchester, N.H.
Postmark: Wesley, Maine, 09 January 1892;also postmarked on reverse (partly illegible): "[MANCHE]STER,N.[H.]" 11 January 1893, 9 AM
Note: Theenvelope corner with the stamp has been torn off.
Enclosure: Ashort poem on a scrap of paper.
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Jan. 8. 1893.
Dear Nan:
Am home to day [sic][,] soguess I will write a line[,] although I wrote last[.] but then[,] I am not so part[i]cular a bout[sic] such things[.] but Nan will notwrite[,] only when she receives a letter.
Well[,] Nan[,]another week has past [sic; i.e., passed] and gone[.] how time is flying[.] it will be spring before we realizeit[.] The winter is passing very quicklyto me[.] of course[,] I am anxious todo as well as I can and am so occupied busy that time flies. There were 3 of us came down lastnight[.] we came six miles onskates[.] it would have been fine if ithad not been so rough on the lakes[.] itwas just like glass on the stream[.] last week was the first time I have had skates on for 13 years. It seemed strange to me at first[,] but itsoon came back to me[.] I used to skatelots in my younger days before Nan ever saw. Am going back this afternoon[.] Hayward [i.e., probably Ebenezer S. "Eben" Hayward]is quite poorly yet he sits up some. Hannah [i.e., Hannah "Anna" (Gray) Burnham] met me there[i.e., at Hayward's][.] I did not seeMay [i.e., Mary E. "May" Driscoll][.] she was out home but I say [sic; i.e., possibly "saw" ?] Mrs.Hayward [i.e., probably Mary Amanda "Mandy" (Porter) Hayward] andthat is just as well[,] you know[.] Ithink lots of her. Lots of cold weatherbut not snow enough f for sleighing. I do not want snow for 2 or 3 weeks yet. We had a very powerful rain last Sunday night and Mondayforenoon[.] probably it rained where youare [on] Sunday[.] We did not workMonday forenoon[.]
I should not havecome home last night[.] but I thoughtHenry [i.e., Henry H. Gray] would be up last night and I would see him[.] but he did not get through with hisbusiness[,] I suppose.
Well[,] Nan[,] Itwill not be long before we see each other[,] if nothing happens and Nan doesnot go back on me. Spring will soon behere.
This is a lovely daybut quite cold.
Do you get mad atany thing [sic] I write now[?] I do notknow of any thing [sic][,] but you do not take every thing [sic] just as it isme[a]nt. you remember the last time Iwas over to see you [at Cooper, Maine][,] you thought I did not appear the samefor some time as at other times. youmust have imagined it[,] for I never thought of such a thing[.] I do not much expect to come out [of thewoods] next Sunday[,] so probably you will not get a letter from Austin[.]
I must close[,] soGoodbye from
Austin.
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[Enclosure: A shortpoem written on a scrap of paper. Thepaper has some dark staining, perhaps from spruce gum. (There was no spruce gum found with thisletter in 2013).]
When this you chew,
Just think of me:
And that will do.
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1893 08 January. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 08 January 1893
From: Nan Howe
Return address: Manchester[New Hampshire]
Addressedto: MrL A Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: Manchester [illegible state], 11 January[18]93, 7:30 AM; also postmarked on reverse [mostlyillegible town, state and date]: January 1893
Enclosure: Apoem, clipped from a publication
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Manchester Jan[.] 8, 1893.
Dear friendAustin[,]
I wish you a happy Newyear[,] as this is my first latter of [18]93 and in answer to your last[letter] which I rec[eived] with pleasure[,] as I always do. This is a lovley [sic; i.e., lovely] day butcold. we have had no snow as yet tospeak of[.] but [the weather] has beenawful cold for the last three weeks[.] One year ago to day [sic] I was home[;] also Ev [i.e., Everett Howe][,]and how many changes has taken place since then[.] he has been married all most [sic; i.e., almost]a year. and it is allmost [sic; i.e.,almost] a year since I saw you[.] itwill be one year [on the] 23[rd] of Jan[uary] since you come over to Cooper[Maine] first when I was home[.] do youremember[?] or was it a week later[?] I almost forget. but how your mind has changed sincethen[.] you did not think but verylittle of Nan on your way to Howe's[.] [You] was only going for pass time [sic; i.e., a pastime] and to foolher[,] as you only had a sisterly af[f]ection for me then[.] she was not your dear then[.] There was some one [sic] else that was dearerto you then [sic; i.e., than] she[.] butwhat changed your mind[,] Austin[,] my boy. When last we mett [sic; i.e., met][,] I never thought I would ever seeyou again[.] you seemed to be so furm[sic; i.e., firm] minded[.] but I havethought lots of times and wandered [sic; i.e., wondered] why or what reason youchanged your Ideas[.] but sometime youwill tell me all about it perhaps. Ioften think of the hours we spent to gather [sic; i.e., together] and what anice time I had to Wesley[.] but I didnot ever expect to get another inver tation [sic; i.e., invitation] there. Oh[,] I must tell you [that] I rec[eived] aletter from May [i.e., Florence Mary "May" Howe] last week[.] she was telling me all the news[.] [May] said her (hens layed well) and how gladshe was to think your colt was not there this winter to eat her eggs. see how much more she would have tosell[.] I wrote back and told her Isup[po]sed Austin's colt was eating eggs some place [sic] else thiswinter[.] you remember her fooling aboutthe hens nest last winter[;] that is what she me[a]nt. I never thought Bill S. [i.e., William W."Bill" Sadler] would ever prosper after using me as he did (taintright[,] you know)[.] Angie [i.e., Angie(Conant) Sadler] is sick[,] to[o][.] Ohyes[,] your old love Ada H. [i.e., Ada (Henderson) Hitchings] is sick[,]to[o][.] you will feel sad to hearthat. well[,] I guess I have writtenenough fool ishness [sic]. I wander[sic; i.e., wonder] if you are home to day [sic]. am glad you liked your Calinder [sic; i.e.,calendar][.] my poems are lovley [sic;i.e., lovely][.] I have read lots ofthem and think them nice[.] I am fond ofTemuson's [sic; i.e., Tennyson's] poems as much so as any othe[r][.]
I am not Jealousbecause you was remembered by Nell [i.e., Nellie Campbell][.] am glad she thinks lots of you and you her ifyou wish. perhaps she did not intend foryou and I to hang it in our room and for me to see as much of it as you. I hardly think I was in it[.] in her mind[,] it was Austin alone she wishedto admire it[.] of co[u]rse[,] I wouldbe perfectly willing for you to hang all of your girls['] photoes [sic; i.e.,photos] in our room[,] and little treasures they have given you[.] and[,] of co[u]rse[,] I have the samepriverlidge [sic; i.e., privilege] or can have[.] it is a poor rool [sic; i.e., rule] that willnot work two ways.
It will not be longbefore we can see each other if you wish. then we will understand each other better than we do now. only a few months longer[.] Yes[,] I do get tiard [sic; i.e., tired] sometimes[,] but I want to work till May[.] so I have made up my mind not to give up at trifles[.] and I get rested thinking about the future[.] by and by I can go home and all will belovley [sic; i.e., lovely][.] want [sic;i.e., won't] that be nice[?]
Did you ever thinkwhat a burden Nan will be to you[?] Ioften wish we could live some place [sic] whare [sic; i.e., where] I could earnmy own spending money. how I would loveto see you to day [sic] and have a long talk[.]
you say my lettersare cool[.] that is a bout [sic] the wayI have felt about yours[.] but then[,] Iwill forgive you[,] as you have so little time and must be very tiard [sic; i.e.,tired] and have so much to look after when home[.] only see [that] if you had a wife you wouldnot have a minete [sic; i.e., minute] to your self [sic][.] now real[l]y[,] are you not glad you havenot[?] I must close for this time[.] hoping to hear from you soon[.] I am[,] as ever[,] your loving Nan[,] orsisterley [sic; i.e., sisterly] affectionate Nan
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[Enclosure. A printed poem, probably clipped from aManchester, New Hampshire newspaper. Onthe reverse side is an advertisement from Manchester Electric Light Co.]
Until Death.
Makeme no vows of constancy, my friend,
To love me, though I die, the wholelifelong,
Andlove no other till thy days shall end--
Nay, it were rash and wrong.
Itwould not make me sleep more peacefully
That thou were wasting all thy life in woe
Formy poor sake. What love thou hast for me
Bestow it ere I go!
Carvenot upon a stone when I am dead
The praises which remorseful mourners give
Towomen's graves--a tardy recompense--
But speak them while I live.
Heapnot the heavy marble on my head
To shut away the sunshine and the dew;
Letsmall blooms grow there, and let grasses
wave,
And raindrops filter through.
Thouwilt meet many fairer and more gay
Than I; but, trust me, thou canst neverfind
Onewho will love and serve thee night and day
With a more single mind.
Forgetme when I die! The violets
Above my rest will blossom just as blue,
Normiss thy tears--e'en Nature's self forgets--
But while I live, be true!
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1893 January 17. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Tuesday, 17 January 1893
From: L. Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley[Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., Manchester, N.H.
Postmark: Wesley, Maine, [illegible date] January1893; also postmarked on reverse: "REC'D." at Manchester[illegible state], 18 January [18]93, 6 PM
Note: Theenvelope corner with the stamp has been torn off.
Enclosures: Twoclippings from unidentified publications.
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Jan. 17 / [18]93.
Tuesday morn[.]
Just before the riseof the beautiful sun.
Dear Nan:
I received yourletter while in the woods Sunday night[.] I did not come out until yesterday[.] I came out after hay and the sled[.] am going back after dinner. Weare about done yarding[.] have let oneman go and will send 2 more soon[.]
Henry [i.e., HenryH. Gray] was home last week [and] went home yesterday morning before I gothome[.] so[,] I did not see him[.] he started for the camp last Sat. but it wasso cold [that] he gave it up[,] as he had a bad cold. It is quite good sleighing here where it[i.e., the snow] did not blow off. Wehave a bout [sic] 7 inches of snow[.] but[,] my! has it not been cold since Xmas [sic; i.e., Christmas]. Henry made me a Xmas [sic; i.e., Christmas]present of a box of cigars[.] wish youwere here to see me enjoy them. I expectyou will be before they are all gone.
I do not suppose myletters have been very interesting. I amhome but a short time & have lots to see too [sic; i.e., to][,] so am in ahurry when I write.
So[,] Nan has putoff coming until May[.] I did not say Ihad consented to wait until then.
Am glad May [i.e.,Florence Mary "May" Howe] is doing so well with her hens[.] she can afford to feed my colt well on eggsnext Summer when they are cheep [sic; i.e., cheap].
Am sorry poor Ada H.[i.e., Ada (Henderson) Hitchings] is sick[.] perhaps if I could only see her it would be a comfort to her. Linnie [i.e., Annie Linnie Gray] is cominghome this week. I do not remember thedate I went to Cooper [Maine][,] but I do remember spending most of the winterthere[;] also that Nan would not ask me over but said I could come if Iwished[.] No[,] I did not expect[,] whenlast we met[,] that we would ever be married[.] but things have changed since then[.] yes[,] my mind was firm and would have continued so[,] had nothing comeup to change my mind[.] I should havejust gone right a head [sic] and no one would ever had none [sic; i.e., known]any thing [sic] but you and I. But whatchanged my mind[,] I can never tell any one [sic][.] it was something I had no part in[,] but Ipromised never to mention a word[.] andI hold a promise sacred. It issufficient to say [that] it can never mar our happiness.
If you wish spendingmoney[,] that is[,] to earn it your self [sic][,] you might raise turkeys forthe hollidays [sic; i.e., holidays]. Iam a fraid [sic] you will not be contented to live in Wesley [Maine] but hopeyou will[,] for it will be pleasenter [sic; i.e., pleasanter] for both. I may always live here. I should not enjoy myself if you werediscontented. you may hang all [photos]you wis[h] in our room[.] and then[,] ifthere are any thing[s] your best fellow gave you [that] I want[,] it will behandy[.] ha! ha!
I would write morebut must close[,] as I have some work to do before going to the woods[.]
Your futuremaster[,]
Austin
P.S. My family horse I bought last fall is fat asa pig & looks fine[.] you will beproud of her. I made a good trade when Igot her[.] bye bye[,] Austin
[P.P.S.] Poetry was good[.]
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[Enclosure 1. Several printed humorous items in oneclipping from an unidentified publication. Austin wrote above the first paragraph: "Just so". He drew one large "X" across thesecond and third paragraphs. And hewrote "Poor girl" above the fourth paragraph.]
Every time a wife scolds her husband she
adds a wrinkle to herface--provided there's
room enough for any morewrinkles.
The difference between an optimist and a
pessimist is only the difference between a
tight and an easy shoe.
A good deed may be better than gold, but
at the bank counter it's no go, because not
negotiable.
A young man had been arrested for kiss-
ing a pretty girl as she was on the witness
stand.
"You say," said the attorney for the de-
fendant, "that the young man kissed you
against your will?"
"Yes, he did, and he did it a dozen times,
too?"
"Well, now, is it not true that you also
kissed him during the affray?"
Objected to ; objection overruled.
"Now answer my question,"continued the
attorney. "Did you not kiss the defendant
also?"
"Yes, I did," replied the witness, indig-
nantly, "but I did it in self-defense."
"Case dismissed."
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[Enclosure 2. A printed poem, clipped from an unidentifiedpublication. Austin wrote along the leftmargin: "Just the way with women".]
Reconsidered Love.
----
"Five years towait!" Don't do it,
My innocent blue-eyed maid,
For the years may last alifetime,
While your youthful roses fade,
While your eyes are red withweeping
And watching the treacherous sea;
Till you sing the song of thelone one,
"He never came back to me."
Five years to wait, while others
Are dancing the dance of youth,
And perhaps the one you aretrusting
Is breaking his vows, forsooth.
"I shall wait for my love,my darling,
Who has sailed far over the sea,
Five years or ten ortwenty,"
Said the blue-eyed maid to me.
She wrote her sweet loveletters,
Or tended her garden flowers,
Or watched the restless billows
On the beetling cliff for hours;
While she turned her suitorspining
Away from the cottage door,
And waited, patiently waited,
One long, long year or more.
* * * * * * *
" 'Tis very wearywaiting,"
Said the blue-eyed maid to me,
And she glanced at her last newsuitor
And then at the restless sea;
As she glanced at the rosesfading
In her garden fair and bright,
Twice come, twice gone since heleft her
Two years before that night.
And she married her last newsuitor
Before the winter sped;
And she wrote to her absentlover
On the day that she was wed :
She "hoped he would notsuffer,
That the shock would soon be o'er,"
And the answer soon informed her
He had married a year before!
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1893 January 22. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 22 January 1893
From: L. Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley[Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., Manchester, N.H.
Postmark: Wesley, Maine, 23 January 1893;also postmarked on reverse [mostly illegible]: "REC'D"at "[M]ANCHE[STER, N.H.]" [remainder is illegible]
Note: Theenvelope corner with the stamp has been torn off.
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Jan[.] 22[,] 1893
Dear Nan:
I expected to find aletter from you last night but was disappointed[.] I had a mind not to write[,] as I havewritten since I received a letter[.] butperhaps Nan has another fellow and can not find time to write[.] so all the way I know of punishing her is bywriting often[,] and by so doing heap coles [sic; i.e., coals] of fire on herhead[.] and[,] in time[,] she may besorry how she has used poor little Austin[.]
Linnie [i.e., AnnieLinnie Gray] got home last night. Ohyes[,] when I went into the woods last I broke down before I got to the corner[i.e., Wesley Corner][.] and while repairing [sic][,] who should come a long [sic] but Charles Parmeter [sic; i.e.,Charles F. Palmeter][.] I made him helpme. I asked where he had been since Isaw him last[.] he said [that] he hadbee[n] to Tomiston [sic; i.e., Thomaston, Maine] and in jail [i.e., probably inMaine State Prison at Thomaston, Maine][.] I heard [that] he had but did not beleave [sic; i.e., believe] itbefore. You would smile to knou [sic;i.e., know] what I dreamed a bout [sic] you last night. Loie [sic; perhaps Lois Edith"Lola" Gray ?] was down and stayed with mother [i.e., Ann (Pollard)Gray] while Hannah [i.e., Hannah "Anna" (Gray) Burnham] was toMachias. I came out after anotherhorse[;] we are going to work 3 now[.] Iexpected them to meet me at Hayward[']s last night[,] but Hannah did not gethome [in] time enough[.] I called &May [i.e., Mary E. "May" Driscoll] said she had just come from ourhouse & H. [i.e., Hannah] had not got home. They offered me their team to go down with[,] but I would not takeit[.] then Eben [i.e., Ebenezer S."Eben" Hayward] said [that] if I would stay until morning[,] Maycould bring me down[.] Ideclined[.] then May said she couldbring me a piece[.] I said ["]youmight go down and stay all night[."] but a team came a long [sic][,] so I got a ride without botheringthem[.] I met Hannah before I gothome[.]
Eben is lotsbetter[.]
Probably you aretired of reading this[,] so I had better close and give you a rest. Wish I could see your smiling countenance today [sic][.] I would make yousmile. They were intending to go intothe camp next Sat[.][,] but I taking the horse disappointed them. Guess they will wait until it iswarmer[.] your trouble[,]
Austin
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1893 January 22. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 22 January 1893
From: Nan Howe
Return address: Manchester[New Hampshire]
Addressedto: MrL A Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "MANCHES[TER, N.H.]",25 January [18]93. 2 PM; also postmarked on reverse: [bottom halfof town is illegible] [Wesley], Maine,27 January 1893
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Manchester Jan[.] 22. 1893
Dear friendAustin[,]
I find my self [sic] asusual[,] seated to write to you in answer to your letters which I rec[eived]Jan[.] 11. and Jan[.] 19. and was pleased to hear from you[.] I did not ex pect [sic] one last week[,] asyou told me [that] you was not or didnot ex pect [sic] to come out that week[.] but Thursday noon I did not come home at noon but went right back to[the] Mill[.] and when Kate [i.e., KateNixon] come in[,] she had a letter for me from you[.] so[,] you see [that] I was happerly [sic;i.e., happily] surprised[.] I sup[p]ose[that] you are disap[p]ointed not to get a letter last week from me[,] but Ihave had a sore finger and I could not hold a pencil[.] and I guess you will do well to readthis[.] it bothers me now some[,] but isever so nuch [sic; i.e., much] better[.] Kate has had to hook my close [sic; i.e., clothes] for me and do lotsfor me[.] and perhaps she would ofwritten to you for me if I had of asked her[.] but I thought that would please you both to[o] well[,] and would not doit[.] I do not like to please peoplethat like to be pleased. oh[,] buthasent [sic; i.e., hasn't] it been cold for the last six weeks[!] it has been the coldest here that has beenfor years[;] every thing [sic] most [sic; i.e., almost] is frozen up. I have almost froze but not intirely [sic;i.e., entirely][.] I tutched [sic; i.e.,touched] my ear some time but do not know when it was[.] but it all pealed [sic; i.e., peeled] and wasawful sore[.] so I come to the conclusion [sic] [that] I had froze it some time [sic]. I hope the cold weather is all most [sic;i.e., almost] over[.] we have had butvery little snow[:] enough to make sleighing for a few days[,] but now it isneither one thing or another[.]
I sup[p]ose [that]Linnie [i.e., Annie Linnie Gray] is home by this tine [sic; i.e., time]. have your friends visited you at your campyet. [sic; i.e., ?] I wish I could go[,]Kate and I[.] how we would make youhusttle [sic; i.e., hustle] around and get us something to eat. I wish you was here this eve to have some ofour pop corn [sic] and some of my candy [which] I made to day [sic][.] it is sunday [i.e., Sunday][,] but not wickedto make candy[.] it is Just fine if Idid make it sunday [i.e., Sunday][.] Ihave had three compliments on it [which] said it was the best they ever seen[.] Last friday [i.e., Friday] eve I went to lodge[:] D Poccahontas [sic;i.e., Minnehaha Council, No.6, Degree of Pocahontas, of the Improved Order ofRed Men, Manchester, New Hampshire][.] had a fine time[.] there was fournew members took in[.] had CoffeeCake[,] Singing and playing[,] after[.] had a fine time[.] got home at11-45 P.M. that was not late[.] and the friday [i.e., Friday] eve before[,]Kate and I went to a Camp fire[:] G. A. R. [i.e., Grand Army of the Republic]public installation of of[f]icers of Rebels Core [sic; i.e., Corps] and G[.] A.R. of[f]icers[.] and after[,] had aintertainment [sic; i.e., entertainment][,] Cake and Coffee[.] it was real nice[.] I enjoyed it real well[.] and I guess I told you about us going over toGeorge D[']s [i.e., possibly the George Davis of Manchester, N.H. mentioned inNan's letters of 03 April 1892 and 24 April 1892; or possibly George Drew or George Day of Wesley, Maine?][,] dident [sic;i.e., didn't] I[,] in my other letter[?] I sup[p]ose you are saying [that] Nan is getting wild[.] but not so[;] she is as steady as a mill[.] but once in a while I like to get out and seewhat is going on and how people act[.] We was going to Church this eve [and] was all ready[,] but Mrs[.] Dick[i.e., Catherine "Katie" (Suitor) Dick] called and we did not go[,]as it has been a long time since she has been over[.] had a nice visit from hur [sic; i.e.,her][.] she has left the Mill now and isonly keeping house[,] and he [i.e., her husband, Herbert J. Dick] is paying thebills now. Fred Colby[']s wife [i.e.,Harriet M. "Hattie" (Minor) Colby] is having a very hard time thiswinter[.] she has not been able to situp but very little since the first of Dec[ember] and is in bed yet[.] they have a nice baby [i.e., Cassie MinorColby, born 05 December 1892 in Manchester, New Hampshire]. and he [i.e., Fred Colby] is very proud ofit. you spoke of skating[.] how I wish I could skate[.] you also spoke of thinking so much of Mrs[.]Hayward [i.e., Mary Amanda "Mandie" (Porter) Hayward] and he [i.e.,Ebenezer S. "Eben" Hayward] beingvery poorley [sic; i.e., poorly][.] perhaps if she should happen to be a widdow [sic; i.e., widow][,] youhad rather not see Nan and had Just as soon she [i.e., Nan] would go back onyou as not[.]
I guess Nan does notget Mad at what you write unless she has reasons for it[.] perhaps I do not take every thing [sic] as itis me[a]nt[.] and perhaps you do nottake all I write as it is me[a]nt[.] although[,] we will not quarrel if we do not understand each other[']smeaning by writing[.] it will not belong now before we can see each other[.] and then we[,] I hope[,] will understand fully either way[,] rather[i.e., whether] it is for the best or not[.]
I had rather spendmoney that some one [sic] else earned[,] if I could only find some one [sic]that would furnish it for me. you spokeof being afraid of me not being contented to live in Wesley [Maine][.] I do not think I could promis[e] you that Iwould[,] as I can[n]ot say[.] but[,]Austin[,] I wish to be candid[.] I haveasked my self [sic] that qu[e]stion many times[,] but find no answer[.] and I could try. but if you are afraid to risk it and think itwill make you unhappy[,] that ends all[.] for[,] I do not wish for one moment to be the cause of making youunhappy or discontented[.] I wouldnot[,] for all the world[,] cause you one minute[']s unhappiness[,] not if Iknew it and could help it[.] but[,]Austin[,] we can[n]ot always see and tell what is before us. you also sa[i]d you had not given yourconsent to wait till May[.] I knowthat[.] but[,] as you sa[i]d in one ofyour letters[,] you had made no plans for the future[,] it would not matter toyou[,] as I wished to work till then and that one or two month[s] would notmake very much dference [sic; i.e., difference] any way [sic][.]
and besides[,] Isaid last fall [that] I would not promis[e] to go home before spring[;] and Mayis spring[,] now[,] isent [sic; i.e., ,isn't] it[?]
but[,] as I told youlast fall[,] you know [that] you are not oblidged [sic; i.e., obliged] to waitfor me[.] but you know [that] you havenever told me what your vish [sic; i.e., wish] was[,] so how am I to know[?] I have told you [that] I would like to worktill May[,] and then I will go home. andif that is not ac[c]ording to your vish [sic; i.e., wish][,] tell me and I willplease you if I can[.] but if Ican[n]ot[,] I sup[p]ose there is (some one else who can)[.]
the poetry wasgood[,] and how real[.] but I hardlyknew how to take it. you said[,]["]Just the way with women.["] I say[,] ["]Just the way with men.["] the gumm [sic; i.e., gum (possibly sprucegum)] was good[;] many thanks[,] Dear[.] I had not aught to say that[,] had I. oh[,] I must tell you [that] there was a Man and wife[,] and I went homewith a nother [sic] man[']s wife[.] shemade us go in and her man was there alone[.] she introduced me[.] they wasfooling[.] he asked if I was married[;]they told him ["]no.["] hesaid[,] ["]if I was only a single man[."] but he isent [sic; i.e., isn't][,] has a wifeand two children[.] he is a undertaker[and] wares [sic; i.e., wears] a tall hat[.] ha ha ha -- wild oats are over[.]
well[,] I guess Ihad better close[.] how I would like tosee you[.] there is lotts [sic; i.e.,lots] I would like to tell you[,] besides seeing you[,] and I would enjoy agood chat[.] I did see you one year agoto morrow [sic] eve[.] write to me soonand tell me if you are not willing for me to stay [t]ill May or howlong[.] but I know you will if I wantto[,] won[']t you[,] now[?]
love to you
by by [i.e., bye-bye] from
Nan
[P.S.] I tried to get a best fellow to give me a watchchain but could not[,] so guess I will have to buy it me self [sic] by andby[.]
[P.P.S.] How is my horse Floy[?] is she fat[?] you can keep your fam[i]ly horse[;] I do not want it[.] I have one of my own [illegible underlinedword; looks like: ahom][.]
[P.P.P.S.] I never had a master in my life and I do notbelieve I ever vill [sic; i.e., will] have one[.] I am to[o] sulkey [sic; i.e., sulky][.]
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1893 January 29. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 29 January 1893
From: L. Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley[Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., Manchester, N.H.
Postmark: Machias, Maine, 30 January [noyear], 12 PM; also postmarked on reverse: Manchester, NewHampshire, 01 February 1892, 9:30 A[M]
Note: Theenvelope corner with the stamp has been torn off.
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Jan. 29, [18]93.
Dear Nan:
I have just beenenjoying the fragrance of a fine cigar[,] and now I will continue my pleasureby writing a line to you.
I came out [of thewoods] last night and am not going back until Wed. morning[,] as I have to goto Machias for a load.
I received your letterlast night with pleasure. Will pardonyou for not writing be fore [sic] if you were a cripple[,] but you might havelet Kate [i.e., Kate Nixon] write. Theyhave not been up to the camp yet[.] Theyplanned to go yesterday but I came out and got the horse. I do not know when they will go but probablyin March[,] as it will be warmer and we will be in a camp nearer home where wewere at work in the fall. I wish youcould go with them.
Floy [the horse] isjust as fat as a pig and looks fine. Ihave had neither of the colts harnessed since last fall. E. S. Hayward [i.e., Ebenezer Smith."Eben" Hayward] is getting real smart[,] so I guess I will not getMandy [i.e., Eben's wife, Mary Amanda "Mandy" (Porter) Hayward]. Yes[,] May is spring[;] so is March. I can not say whether you would be contentedto live in Wesley or not[;] that[,] you will have to deside [sic; i.e.,decide]. How nice it would be if welived in Manchester[,] so you could work in the mill all the time and maintainme[.] so I could dress up and buzz [sic;i.e., buss?] the nice looking girls while you were at work. So you are real steady[.]
well[,] Nan[,] Iwant you to enjoy yourself[.] I do notwish you to drag through the winter as throug [sic; i.e., though] you were anun[.] but I guess I need not worry about [sic] that[,] as that is not Nan.
It is raining veryhard but I hope it will not spoil the going[.] every day counts with us now[,] while in the woods on expense.
Should like to havesome of your candy[,] but b[e]t you can not beat me making it. I can cure the sulks. I have driven balky horses. I do not know when I will be out [of thewoods] a gain [sic]. I shall have towalk or take a horse out of the team[,] and I do not want to do that. Mother [i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray] would notwant me to let any one [sic] else drive her horse[.] so I shall have to come out after I get donework. I had to smile last Sundaynight[.] I called for Claude [i.e.,Claudius "Claude" Archer] a bout [sic] 4 [o'clock] and his wife[i.e., Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" (Gray) Archer] cried because he wouldnot stay until after supper[.] howchildish[!] I did not see her[,] but hesaid she did[.] I had to smile. I thought ["]would Nan cry at such asilly thing. No[.] she would be glad to get me a way [sic] soshe would not have to bother.["]
I have got to writeto Mr. Young [i.e., the Reverend Sidney O. Young] to night [sic][,] so willclose[.]
yours with love -ly
Austin
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1893 January 29. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 29 January 1893
From: Nan Howe
Return address: Manchester[New Hampshire]
Addressedto: MrL A Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: Manchester, New Hampshire, 30January [18]93, 7:30 AM; also postmarked on reverse: Wesley,Maine, 01 February [year illegible]
Enclosure: newspaperclipping
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Manchester Jan[.] 29. 1893
My Dear friendAustin[,]
I am awful sor[r]y [that]you was disap[p]ointed not to rec[eive] a letter from me[.] and how good of you to write to me when I wasso neglectful in writing to you[.] butit is this way[:] sometimes you write me[,] ["]I am not coming home thisweek[,"] and I think[,] ["]well now[,] he will not get it[,] so Iwill wait untill [sic; i.e., until] some night[."] and some how [sic] I neglect it till it isto[o] late. you know [that] Nan has no otherfellow[.] it is simply neglect on hur[sic; i.e., her] part[.] if I was sure[that] you would get them every wed [sic; i.e., Wednesday] of Sat[urday] Iwould not miss one[,] unless you did me[.] and you know now[,] don[']t you[?]
I wish you wouldpunish me often if you think it is a punishment to me to rec[eive] yourletters[.] I like to be punished thatway[;] it is more of a pl[e]asure to me[.] [I] am always pleased and like to have you write to me when ever [sic]you can[,] rather [than] I am owing you a letter or not[,] to think you havenot forgoton [sic; i.e., forgotten] me[.] I do not forget you[.] I oftenthink of you and wish I could see you[.] and I knew you would be as disap[p]ointed when I rec[eived] your letterand felt my self [sic] ashamed for not writing so [that] you would of gotit[.] but it was to[o] late then[.] but you will forgive me[,] want [sic; i.e.,won't] you. but then you see May [i.e.,Mary E. "May" Driscoll][,] and that pleased you more than my letterwould of don[e][.] how good of her tooffer to take you a peice [sic; i.e., piece] on your way. It would of seemed like old times to of takenher home to stay all night[.] now[,]wasent [sic; i.e., wasn't] you sorry [that] the team come along[?] I bet you was. I sup[p]ose [that] Linnie [i.e., Annie LinnieGray] is glad to get home again. Then CharlesP. [i.e., Charles F. Palmeter] has returned to Addie [i.e., Adaline A."Addie" Gray] again[.] Tellher not to let him go again[.] it wouldseem kind of nice to have Charles to visit[,] as we are old friends and itwould seem like home to have him so near[.] Then[,] on the other hand[,] if you give me the bounce I could go overto Wesley and visit him and Addie[;] and therefore could punish you by lettingyou see what you had lost[;] and that I could go over to Wesley to see othersif not you. but if you had May[,] youwould never give poor old Nan one thought[.] so[,] I guess I would have my labor all in vain[.] Why dident [sic; i.e., didn't] you tell mewhat you drempt [sic; i.e., dreamt] about me[?] I was cross when you dident [sic; i.e., didn't][.] now[,] tell me in your next [letter][,] want[sic; i.e., won't] you. how much longerwill you be in the woods[?] and will yoube glad to get out again[?]
how I would like tosee you to day[.] I wander [sic; i.e.,wonder] if you come home last night[,] [and if] you was not disap[p]ointedagain last night[,] for I wrote you a letter[.] I guess [that] Mr H [i.e., Mr. Ebenezer S. "Eben"Hayward] is trying to get you and May to gather [sic; i.e., together]again[.] now[,] isent [sic; i.e., isn't]that the way of it. what has become ofWinnie [i.e., Winifred "Winnie" Holway][;] you have not mentioned herfor a long time[.]
if you g[i]ve me themitton [sic; i.e., mitten][,] you might find me a nother [sic] fellow[.] I think now[,] Austin[,] [that] I will stopmy fooling and talk candid[.] Now[,] hadyou not as live let me stay till May[,] if not tell me so I thought you wouldnot mind a little longer[.] but if yourealey [sic; i.e., really] do not want me to[,] I won[']t[.]
[I] wish I could seeyou and talk with you Just a[n] hour[.] I know you would say[,] ["]Nan is right and not so bad afterall[."] but you do not put butverry [sic; i.e., very] little confidence in me[,] do you[?] but if you could see me every day[,] you wwanted me to go to the Op[e]ra last friday [i.e., Friday] eve with some fellowthey knew[.] but I did not care to goand would not[.] I do not think theyliked it[,] but I do not care[.] Iplease my self [sic][,] not them[.]
I will close[.] hoping to hear from you soon[.] I remain as ever [illegible word; looks like"Leter"] Nan
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[Enclosure. Aclipping from The Boston Globenewspaper. On the back of the clippingis part of an advertisement for a BostonGlobe contest; also a news item with a dateline of Biddeford [Maine], Jan.21. The clipping shows five humorousdrawings of a woman in a hoopskirt, each with a caption, and a generaldescription.]
SOME FUNNY THINGS WE SHALL SEE
[caption 1:] How can she get in!
[caption2:] No room for 11 on a side in the Street Cars.
[caption 3:] The HammockProblem.
[caption 4:] One Passenger But theElevator full!
[caption5:] The only way they could get together.
WHEN THE HOOPSKIRT COMES AGAIN
Certain European autocratsof fashion having decreed a revival of the crinoline of our
grandmas, all womankind soon will bein a flutter of excitement. Women ofrank in London
are gravely petitioning the Princessof Wales to veto the project by setting her royal example
against it. While The Globe cartoonist does not wish tobecome entangled in the intracacies of
this mazy problem, he makes bold topresent herewith a few of the annoyances that would arise
from the adoption of this broad andsweeping change in a woman's dress.
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1893 February 06. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Monday, 06 February 1893
From: Nan Howe
Return address: Manchester[New Hampshire]
Addressedto: MrL A Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: Manchester, New Hampshire, 06February [18]93, 7:30 AM; also postmarked on reverse (partlyillegible): Wesley, Maine, [8?] February 18[9]3
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Manchester Feb[.] 6 – 1893
Dear friendAustin[,]
This cold winter[']snight[,] when ne[a]rly every thing [sic] is frozen solid[,] I will try andwrite you a few lines in answer to your last [letter][.] It has been very pleasant here to day [sic]but[,] oh[,] hasent [sic; i.e., hasn't] it been cold[,] though[!] I never saw such cold weather[,] as so muchof it as there has been this winter[.] but very little snow[;] only enough for sleighing[.] you sp I had a invertation [sic; i.e., invitation] to go for a sleighride [sic;i.e., sleigh ride] last night[.] it wasa married man[,] though[,] that asked me[.] he is full of fun and good looking[.] he is always fooling and playing tricks on me[.] so last night he said[,] ["]this wouldbe a good night for a sleigh ride[.] Iwould like to go if I had a nice looking girl to go with[."] I said[,] ["]take your oldwoman[."] ["]I haven[']t gotany[,"] said he. ["]how longsince[,"] said I[,] ["]probably she would like to go.["] [He said, "]well[,] a man wants a changeonce in a while[."] I said[,]["]no[,] the old one is the best.["] [He said,] ["]That is what they all say[."] and finally he said[,] ["]I will get ateam[,] and you and I will go some time [sic][.] ["]all right[,"] I said[.] ["]when will we go[?,"] heasked[.] I said[,] ["]to morrow[sic][,"] and run[.] he called tome to come back[,] but I would not go. and last night there was a big fire Just below here[:] a paint shop[.] we run down and he was the first man Isaw[.] he is a fireman. he did not see me[.] I kept out of his way[.] he has a wife[.] he only wants to fool and train[.] he is a nice man and steady[;] only likes tosee what I will say[,] that is all[.]
Nan does not want toflirt with a man that has a wife[.] Iwould not object if he was not Married[.] any one [sic] can have a good time and besteady[,] to[o]. I have been to t[w]osuppers[,] one Camp fire and one D. of Poccahontas [sic; i.e., MinnehahaCouncil, No.6, Degree of Pocahontas, of the Improved Order of Red Men,Manchester, New Hampshire][,] and one was porade [sic; i.e., parade] ball[,]and take it in Jeneral [sic; i.e., general][.] Nan has enjoyed her self [sic] and been steady to[o]. as well as any one [sic][,] I fool lots withthe men in the Mill[.] but they are allmarried[,] and they know me and that it is all right [sic] to talk withme[.] and I presume they say things theydo not mean[.]
I wander [sic; i.e.,wonder] if you come out last night[.] How cruel of you to laugh at the poor woman because she felt bad[,]because her husband would not stay to supper[.] are they young or old[?] havethey any family[?] perhaps it was notbecause he would not stay to supper that made her cry[.] perhaps he was cross to her and she felt howlittle he apresiated [sic; i.e., appreciated] her kindness[,] and could nothelp but shed tears[.] then[,] perhapsshe had been alone all the week and had looked ahead to have him with hersunday [sic; i.e., Sunday][.] and you hadto spoil her pl[e]asure[,] then laugh at her[.] now[,] haint [sic] you ashamed[?] I bet [that] if it had been your wife[,] you would not of laughed[,]would you[?] you would of stayed tosupper so she would not of cried[,] wouldent [sic; i.e., wouldn't] you[?]
perhaps you wouldfind it easier to drive balky horses than a balkey [sic; i.e., balky] woman[.] you can[']t say I am lazy[;] I am willing towork[.] you say how nice it would be ifwe could l[i]ve in Manchester so you could buzz [sic; i.e., buss?] the goodlooking girles [sic; i.e., girls][.] perhaps Nan could buzz [sic; i.e., buss?] as many fellous [sis; i.e.,fellows] as you [do] girls[.] it is apoor rule that will not work t[w]o ways[.] and if I had a man that was not steady[,] I would give it rite [sic;i.e., right] back to him every time[.] Iwould like to go with them into your camp very much[,] but guess this time Ican[n]ot[.] besides[,] I do not know anyof them[;] only you[.] and you wouldenjoy it better if I was not there[.] Imust close for this time[.]
Hoping to hear fromyou soon[.]
I am as ever[,]
Nan
[P.S.] you spoke of Mr[.] Young [i.e., the ReverendSidney O. Young][.] whare [sic; i.e.,where] is he now[?]
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1893 February 12. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 12 February 1893
From: L. Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley[Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., Manchester, N.H.
Postmark: Wesley, Maine, 21 [sic; i.e., 12]February 1893; also postmarked on reverse (partly illegible):"REC[']D." at "MANC[HESTER, N.H.", 15 February [18]93, 11AM
Note: Theenvelope corner with the stamp has been torn off.
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Feb. 12 / [18]93.
Dear Nan:
Which Will answeryour letters which I received last night. I was not home a week a go [sic][,] and none of the men who belongeddown here wer[e] out [of the woods][,] so I did not get my mail. We had a very heavy fall of rainFriday[.] and there was so much wateryesterday [that] we did not work our team [i.e., horses][.] so I took a horse and came home in theafternoon. It will be nearly[,] if notquite[,] the last of March when we get through[.]
I do not know asHayward [i.e., probably Ebenezer S. "Eben" Hayward] is trying to getMay [i.e., Mary E. :May" Driscoll] and I togather [sic; i.e., together]again[,] but he thought it was too bad for me to walk home after working allday.
You spoke of Dearlittle Winnie [i.e., Winifred "Winnie" Holway][.] I have not seen her since one year a go [sic]last fall[,] but I heard [that] she was teaching. We seem destined not to meet a gain[sic]. I heard last summer [that] shehad a fellow and thought she had found the one that time[.] I do not know [whether] they made it. Harry [i.e., Harry Burnham] reminds me ofWinnie [a]round the eyes[.] probablythat is why I like him so well.
A man told meyesterday [that] he wanted to buy my horse in the Spring[,] the one I got lastfall. If I sell her[,] what will you dofor a driver?
Claude [i.e.,Claudius "Claude" Archer] has been married [to Mary Elizabeth"Lizzie" (Gray) Archer] 10 or 12 years. They are a little older than I[.] They have 5 doz[en] children[.] No[,] 5 besides what they lost [i.e.,children who died young]. No[,] he isnot cross to her but very kind[.] Icould not help feeling amused to see how childish in her [it was] to shed tearsfor such a foolish thing[.] if she wasmy wife I should want to stay a way [sic] all the time[,] [even] if she is mycousin[.]
You asked in regardto coming home[.] I do not know as amonth or so would matter. I shall havesome hauling to see to when I get out[,] before the snow goes. only[,] I hate to have you work in the millso long. Well[,] Nan[,] it is no goodfor me to say I would like to see you[,] for that will not bring it a bout[sic].
If I make a debtthis winter[,] how am I to be married. Perhaps I might hire a
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[Stephen Robbins'note, 26 January 2013. At this point isa page break in the original letter. Thesentence which begins above and ends below perhaps does not make much sense;this could indicate that one side of one sheet was missed during photocopyingthis letter. Or, does it make enough sense? To "hire a little" means to borrow some money at interest, aloan.]
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little or even myface[;] it is quite fat for me now. Whata pleasure hoop skirts will be in the future[.] I always despised them. Am verymuch obliged for that stamp[,] as money is low[;] this will buy me a cheep[sic; i.e., cheap] cigar. Hannah [i.e.,Hannah "Anna" (Gray) Burnham] and Harry [i.e., Harry Burnham] is to[i.e., are at] Baring [Maine] on a visit. yours with love[,] Austin
[P.S. This is a very pleasant day. it seems like March[,] but it has been a verytough winter. Yes[,] I shall be gladwhen I get done in he woods[,] although I like it. There are but five of us now [working in thewoods].
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1893 February 12. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 12 February 1893
From: Nan Howe
Return address: Manchester[New Hampshire]
Addressedto: MrL A Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: (partly illegible):"MANCHEST[ER, N.H.]" 14 February, [18]93, 7:30 AM; also postmarked onreverse (partly illegible): "[WE]SLEY M[E]" [date illegible] FFebruary,18[9]3
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Manchester Feb[.] 12, 1893.
Dear friendAustin[,]
I do not know as I aught[sic; i.e., ought] to write to you again[,] as I wrote last to you[.] but then[,] I will not mind so little a thingas that[.] you are always so good aboutwriting to me. I was Just thinking[that] one year ago to night [sic] we was at Cooper [Maine][.] you was snow bound [sic] at Howe[']s and onnettles to get away[.] I often laughwhen I think of our ter[r]ible times we had last winter[.] how dif[f]erent this[:] quite a calm in thetide[.]
there was a sleighride party went from here last night about four miles[.] there was 58 took supper. and we had to walk almost all the way[.] it was all bare ground[.] had five horses and t[w]o large sleds[,] butwe had to walk most all the way[.] itwas pretty near sunday [sic; i.e., Sunday] when we got home[.]
I got up thismorning and went to break fast [sic] at 8 AM. then went to bed at 11, and slept till 3 PM.
we had a lovley[sic; i.e., lovely] supper, Singing and playing[;] had a good time[.] I guess that will be my last ride in abarge[.] I do not like the idea ofwalking[.] I did not want to go but theone that got it up would not take no for a[n] answer [and] said I had to go anyway [sic][.] I thought they would say wewas stuck up[,] so Kate [i.e., Kate Nixon] and I thought to keep pease [sic;i.e., peace] we would go[.] but that isthe last. Mr[.] and Mrs[.] Slack aregoing to V.T. [sic; i.e., Vermont] to morrow [sic][,] to be gon[e] two or threeweeks[.] so Kate and I have every thing[sic] our own way[.] you had better comeup and stay a week with us[.] willyou[?] I told him to night [sic] not tobe serprised [sic; i.e., surprised] at any thing [sic] we do[.] he told me [that] he did not care[.] I guess they know every thing [sic] is allright[.] they do not feel afraid to goaway and leave me here[.] I wander [sic;i.e., wonder] if I will get a letter this week from you[.]
How much longer doyou expect to be in the woods[?] Isup[p]ose you will be glad to get home again for good. Is Charles Palmeter in Wesley [Maine] now. you remember [that] he and I was over thereto gather [sic; i.e., together] last winter[,] walked home to gather [sic;i.e., together][.] I wander whare [sic;i.e., wonder where] Den [i.e., Dennison Palmeter] is this winter[?] I sup[p]ose you will get a lot of Valentinesthis year. Have you had your company inthe camp yet. Kate has gon[e] to bed andI am so sleepy [that] I can hardly hold my eyes open[,] so I guess I had betterclose and go to[o][.] I hope I shall geta letter this week from you[.] goodnight and happy dreams[,]
Nan
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1893 February 26. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 26 February 1893
From: Nan Howe
Return address: Manchester[New Hampshire]
Addressedto: MrL A Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: Manchester, New Hampshire, 27February [18]93, 7:30 AM; also postmarked on reverse (partlyillegible): Wesley, Maine, 01 March 18[9]3
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Manchester Feb[.] 26, 1893.
Dear friendAustin[,]
I will try this lovley[sic; i.e., lovely] evening and write to you in answer to your last [letter]which I rec[eived] with pleasure[,] as I always do[.]
I wander [sic; i.e.,wonder] if you are all snowed in down East[,] as we are here[.] we have had t[w]o awful snow storms [sic] inthe past week[.] Monday was the worstday I ever was out in[.] I thought Iwould blow away in spite of all I could do. but[,] you see[,] I did not[.] and then wed [sic; i.e., on Wednesday] we had another[,] but [it] wasnot as windy as Monday[.] and they saywe are to have oh so much snow[;] I forgot how much[,] but a lot between nowand Mar[ch] 5[.] we will all be buriedup alive[.]
Mr[.] and Mrs. Slackhas [sic] not got home yet[.] [They]will come the last of this week[.] wehave got along nic[e]ly keeping house [and] have had lots of company. I am learning to play cards (Whist.) andmaking candy[.]
we have Beef stake[sic; i.e., steak] and smoke[d] Halibut once in a while for a lunch[.] you would laugh if you could look in and seeus some times [sic]. It was very sadabout Mrs[.] Lucy Smith dieing [sic; i.e., dying] so sudding [sic; i.e.,suddenly][,] wasent [sic; i.e., wasn't] it[?] and she was not very old either[.] they will miss her very much.
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Stephen Robbins'note, 02 February 2013. Lucy A.(Henderson) Smith died in Baring, Maine on 16 February 1893, of "measlesand Heart failure". She was born inCooper, Maine, and age was 52 years, 6 months [Maine death record (online atAncestryLibrary.com)]. She was the wifeof George W. Smith and they had at least six children [1880 U.S. Census ofCooper, Maine (online at AncestryLibrary.com)].
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Perhaps I could getGeorge [i.e., George W. Smith], if you take Winnie [i.e., Winifred "Winnie"Holway][.] you are very foolish if youthink as much of her as you pretend to[.] she is the one for you to have[,] by all means[.] you never could be content with any one [sic]else[.] you would always be sighing forDear little Winnie[.] if I was you[,] Iwould not wait for destiny to bring you to gather [sic; i.e., together][,] butmake it my buisness [sic; i.e., business] to see her before it is to[o]late[.] you need have no trouble inmeeting her or getting her if you want her[.] and then[,] it must be hard for you to be reminded of her so often bylooking at Harry [i.e., Harry Burnham][,] and think you was tied to some oneyou cared less for[,] and could not have the one you thought the mostof[.] My advise [sic; i.e., advice] toyou is to have her by all means[.] thenyou will never have cause to want to stay away from home because she acts childlike [sic][.] she is the only perfectwoman in your eyes[,] and May [i.e., Mary E. "May" Driscoll] next, Icould not help but think when I read your letter[.] well[,] never mind. Has Hannah [i.e., Hannah "Anna"(Gray) Burnham] got home from Baring [Maine][?] did she see either Em [i.e., Emma "Em" (Howe) Hitchings] orAlice [i.e., Alice (Howe) Leland][?] They would of liked to of seen her[,] I think[.] Alice wrote me [that] she sees Gates Sawyer[i.e., Nathaniel Gates Sawyer] quite often. she likes in her new house very much[.]
Kate [i.e., KateNixon] is writing to her fellow[.] Iwant her to have him to come down but she want [sic; i.e., won't][.] isent [sic; i.e., isn't] she mean[?]
I sup[p]ose it willnot be long now before you will be home for good[.] am glad you like the woods so well and thatyou are fat[.] I am not very poor as faras flesh goes[.] I do not see but Milllife agrees with me[.] of co[u]rse I gettiard [sic; i.e., tired] some times [sic] but never get poor[.] I often wish I did[.]
I remember [that]Hoop skirts are a favorite with you, once [when] you come over to Cooper[Maine][;] also Mother hubbard [sic; i.e., Mother Hubbard] wrappers[.]
I must close[,] as Isup[p]ose you are tiard [sic; ki.e., tired] of reading my silley [sic; i.e.,silly] trash[.]
good[-]by from
Nan
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1893 March 05. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 05 March 1893
From: L. Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley[Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., Manchester, N.H.
Postmark: Wesley, Maine, 06 March 18[9]3 (partly illegible); alsopostmarked on reverse (partly cutoff by envelope edge): "REC'D." at "MAN[CHESTER, N.]H., [date is off envelopeedge] March [18]93, 9:30 AM
Note: Theenvelope corner with the stamp has been torn off.
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Mar[ch] 5 / [18]93.
Dear Nan:--
It has been three weekssince I wrote to you[.] but I know youwill forgive[,] as I have not been at home since I wrote last[,] until lastnight[.]
I was much pleased toreceive 2 letters from you[.] it wasvery kind in you to write. and I wasvery sorry to disappoint you. We hadthose heavy snow storms [sic] here[.] itreminded me of the happy hours I spent in the big storm at Cooper [Maine] lastwinter.
Claude [i.e.,Claudius "Claude" Archer] was home that week his children weresick. It was a hard week for business[.]
It will take us 4weeks longer unless we hire more team[s][,] and I think we will so we can getout [of the woods] in time to get up our wood [i.e., firewood for homeuse]. Jim [i.e., James "JimmieNew" McLaughlin] has mine all cut in the woods. Guess he would enjoy some peanut candy now.
Harry [i.e., HarryBurnham] was wild when I came home[.] hehad not seen me for 5 weeks[.] he wasgone when I was home before. They havenot been up to the camp yet[,] but [I] expect they will soon[,] as we will moveto the lower camp this week[.] Linnie[i.e., Annie Linnie Gray] and Lola [i.e., Lois Edith "Lola" Gray]have been plan[n]ing it to night [sic]. Lola came down with me last night[.]
I do not know whereCharles P. [i.e., Charles F. Palmeter] is now. I saw Elsie Day's death in the paper [i.e., newspaper]. I did not know Lucy Smith [i.e., Lucy A.(Henderson) Smith] was dead.
Guess Hannah [i.e.,Hannah "Anna" (Gray) Burnham] did not see Em [i.e., Emma (Howe)Hitchings] or Alice [i.e., Alice (Howe) Leland]. She and Linnie talk some of setting up amillernary [sic; i.e., millinery] shop in Milbridge [Maine] in thespring[.] Hannah is in a shop in Machias[Maine] for a few weeks.
I dreamed a shorttime a go [sic] that you and I were to a minister[']s house to bemarried[.] and a few nights after[,] Idreamed we were to be married and I was so long getting there [that] youmar[r]ied another and were having the reception when I arrived[.] I thought you[,] May [probably Florence Mary"May" Howe, or possibly Mary E. "May" Driscoll ?] & [aname that looks like "Eve" but possibly is meant to be "Em"for Emma (Howe) Hitchings, or "Ev" for Everett Howe ?] looked at eachother and smiled[.] I felt quitecheap. Guess I must be going to getleft[,] by that.
May [i.e., Mary E."May" Driscoll] is going to Mass. [i.e., Massachusetts] the last ofthis month and intends to live there in the future.
Wish I had been thereto help you and Kate [i.e., Kate Nixon] keep house[.] I would make it lively for a while. What a lovely sleigh ride you must have hadwalking.
You mistake Winnie[i.e., Winifred "Winnie" Holway][;] [she] is quite child like [sic]& not perfect by any means[.] May[i.e., Mary E. "May" Driscoll] is much nearer perfection thanWinnie[.] but [I] guess I will say nomore. Oh yes[,] you should see mycolts[.] they are just beauties now.
Well[,] I mustclose[.] Linnie and Lola are making funof my family hors[e][.] she is soslow[.] but never mind[,] [because] shegets there just the same[.]
I do not know when Iwill be out [of the woods] again[;] perhaps in 2 weeks[.]
Goodnight [sic][.]
yours as ever[,] Austin
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1893 March 14. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Tuesday, 14 March 1893
From: Nan Howe
Return address: Manchester[New Hampshire]
Addressedto: MrL A Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "MANC[HESTER,] N.H.",15 March [18]93, 7:30 AM; also postmarked on reverse (partlyillegible): Wesley, Maine, [illegible date] March 18[9]3
Note: TheManchester postmark is partly illegible.
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Manchester Mar[.] 14. 1893
Dear friendAustin[,]
As I did not write toyou sunday [sic; i.e., on Sunday][,] I will try and write a few linesnow[.] Flora [i.e., possibly Flora Crossor Flora Wise (both are named in Nan's diaries of the 1880s)] come [sic] upSunday and[,] as she is having lots of trouble[,] we made her stay[.] I pitty hur [sic; i.e., pity her][.]
yes[,] I thought youhad given me the shake entirely when I did not get a letter for threeweeks[.] I was disap[p]ointed but willforgive you if you wish to be forgiven. It is one year to day [sic] since I saw Austin last[.] I can hardly re[a]lize it[,] though[.] it seems all a dream to look back. Mr[.] and Mrs[.] Slack did not get home tillThursday of last week[,] so we had quite a while to our selves [sic][.]
May [i.e., FlorenceMary "May" Howe] wrote [to] me about Elsie Day[']s death[.] poor child[.] she is better of[f] than in this sinful world[.] Will [i.e., Willis Gilbert "Will"Day] went to Lewiston [Maine] after her and took her to Lewiston [Maine] andburied her beside her Mother [i.e., Margaret Elvira (Hayward) Day] and father[i.e., Abiah D. Day][.]
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Stephen Robbins'note, 05 February 2013. Elsie Day diedon 19 February 1893, age 16 years. "Will" was Elsie's brother and he lived in Cooper, Maine.
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well[,] I sup[p]osewe all have got to die some time [sic] but it seems hard for one so young. I sup[p]ose you are counting the days nowbefore you will be out of the woods. Younust [sic; i.e., must] get some peanut candy for Jim [i.e., James "JimmieNew" McLaughlin][,] poor boy[,] if he has your wood [i.e., firewood] allcut for you[.] I wish he had some of mymolasses candy[;] it is Just fine[.] Kate [i.e., Kate Nixon] does not like Molasses candy[,] so I get itall. we are having lovley [sic; i.e.,lovely] weather now[:] warm and nice[.] the snow is going fast[.] it willnot be long before it will all be gon[e] and warm weather will be here[.]
Then Hannah [i.e.,Hannah "Anna" (Gray) Burnham] and Linnie [i.e., Annie Linnie Gray]think of starting a millernary [sic; i.e., millinery] store this spring[.] I hope if they do[,] [that] the[y] vill [sic;i.e., will] do well[.] when will theystart in[?] It is mean of Linnie andLola [i.e., Lois Edith "Lola" Gray] to make fun of your familyhorse[.] but I sup[p]ose you do not mindas long as you think her fine[.] itwould not do to have to[o] spereted [sic; i.e., spirited] a horse for a familyhorse[.] I sup[p]ose my horse[,] Floy[,]looks fine[;] be sure and take good care of her[.] do not spend to[o] nuch [sic; i.e., much]tine [sic; i.e., time] on poor old slow poke and neglect nine [sic; i.e.,mine][.]
Do you not hate tohave May [i.e., Mary E. "May" Driscoll] go away again[?] Is he going to be mar[r]ied[?] I thought[,] by what you wrote me[,] [that]she had come home to stay[.] I can nothelp but think I am the cause of her going away again[.] and perhaps you will be sorry some time [sic][,]if not now. will I never have thepleasure of seeing her. you had beller[sic; i.e., better] make up your nind [sic; i.e., mind] and come to Boston[Massachusetts] or Portland [Maine] with her[,] so I can see you[.]
you spoke of yougetting left[.] I thought[,] by what Ihurd [sic; i.e., heard] last week[,] [that] Nan was the one that was going toget left. I hurd [sic; i.e., heard][that] you and the Marshfield [Maine] widdow [sic; i.e., widow] was going to bemarried very soon[,] but I could not believe it all the same[.] why would you wish to fool me so[?] I[,] of co[u]rse[,] wish you to haveher[.] if you prefur [sic; i.e., prefer]her[,] or any one else[,] to me[,] have them. Some of the Crockers [i.e., possibly descendants of the late DanielCrocker of Charlotte, Maine] was to our house [i.e., probably the David Howehouse in Cooper, Maine] and was telling a lot about it[,] and May [i.e.,Florence Mary "May" Howe] wrote to me[.] she does not know [that] we corispond [sic;i.e., correspond] or that there is any thing [sic] between you and I[.] she only wrote what they told her for fun tome. but perhaps it is more truth than Ithink[.] I wish I could see you and havea talk[.] I would like to know yourIdeas and views on a few things[.] butthen[,] it is useless to tell you[.]
I do not vish [sic;i.e., wish] to push my self [sic] on any one [sic][.] I am the one that is so long that you willtake some one [sic] and I [will be] left[.] well[,] if you are suited [then] I will have to be[.]
when you aremarried[,] will you have a reception or what[?] tell me your ideas and how you would want to be married[,] and if youhave maid [sic; i.e., made] up your mind not to be married till fall. I will go home [i.e., to Cooper, Maine] inMay as I told you[.]
I wish I could seeyou Just one hour[,] but I can[n]ot[,] so that settles it[.]
if I onley [sic;i.e., only] knew your wishes in regard to the future[,] I could plan better formy self [sic][.] but I sup[p]ose youwill say ["]how silley [sic; i.e., silly] Nan is[.] I have never had time to give it a thought[,]and how many times she has written and asked me[."] but Austin[,] I have wished lots of times[that] I had some one [sic] to speak to and talk it over with[,] but Ihaven[']t[.]
Have they been up tothe camp yet. I sup[p]ose you wish[that] Harry [i.e., Harry Burnham] was your boy[,] or you play [that] he is[.]
If I rememberright[,] you have a berthday [sic; i.e., birthday] soon[.] and you have sent me lots of gum[.] I will send you a necktie to ware [sic; i.e.,wear] when you go to see the widdow [sic; i.e., widow] again[.] I hope you will not be offended at so small athing[.] I see it and thought it pretty[and] hope you will. I must close forthis time[.]
hoping to hear from you soon[.]
good night from
Nan
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1893 March 15. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Wednesday, 15 March 1893
From: L. Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley[Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., Manchester, N.H.
Postmark: Wesley, Maine, 17 March 1893;also postmarked on reverse: "REC'D." at Manchester, NewHampshire, 19 March [18]93, 3:30 PM
Note: Theenvelope corner with the stamp has been torn off.
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Mar. 15 / [18]93.
Dear Nan:
Will write a line tonight [sic][,] although I do not owe you a letter. Have not got the mail to day [sic][,] soperhaps there is a letter at the [post] office for me. I came home to day [sic] to wait until itfreezes[.] we have done nothing sinceSat[urday] [because] it [i.e., the ground] has been so soft. I think it is going to be colder[,] andprobably I shall go in [the woods] tomorrow again. We left 2 men in there to keep camp. I am in hop[e]s [that] we will get them[i.e., the logs] all in[.] we have justa bout [sic] enough in now to pay our bills[.] and if we can have 2 weeks more [of] hauling[,] guess we can put in theremainder 16 hundred logs. and we willdo very well out of it. Have beenhauling wood [i.e., probably firewood for home use] and hay to day [sic] sinceI got home. Jim [i.e., James"Jimmie New" McLaughlin] has the wood all cut in the woods and I amquite anxious to get up what I can while home[,] for fear [that] there will beno snow [for hauling it on a sled] when I come out a gain [sic].
Well[,] Nan[,] itseems quite a while since I saw you[,] and I would like very much to see you tonight [sic]. but[,] as I am quitebusy[,] I suppose the time will soon fly and I will see you a gain [sic]. Addie [i.e., Adaline A. "Addie"Gray] talks of going to Mass. [i.e., Massachusetts] with May [i.e., Mary E."May" Driscoll]. Hannah [i.e.,Hannah "Anna" (Gray) Burnham] is in Machias [Maine] yet. The folks talked of going to our camp thisweek but do not know whether they will or not. Every one [sic] [illegible word; looks like "prvesyes" or"prowsyes"; perhaps meant to be "prophesies"] Spring and nomore hauling[.] but I tell them [that] Ishall haul more logs yet.
It is colder tonight and I think will freeze.
Saw Bert Sadler [i.e.,Gilbert S. "Bert" Sadler][i.e., probablyGilbert Sadler][,] Dan Sullivan [i.e., Daniel W. Sullivan] andFred Viney [sic; i.e., Frederick Vining] to day [sic][.] they have been at work up our river [i.e.,Machias River (also called "Main River")]. My paper is full and I am tired[,] so willclose. I was not home last Sunday[.]
Hope I will get aletter from you when I go to the woods tomorrow[.] I will if you wrote [on] Sunday.
bye bye[,]
Austin
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1893 March 26. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 26 March 1893
From: Nan Howe
Return address: Manchester[New Hampshire]
Addressedto: MrL A Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "MANCHES[TER, N.H.] MAR 2[illegible number] 7[:]30 [illegible AM or PM] [18]93"; alsopostmarked on reverse (partly illegible): "[WE]S[L]EY M[E] MAR [illegibledate] 18[9]3
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Manchester Mar[.] 26, 1893
Dear friendAustin[,]
Again I will write you aline in answer to your last [letter][,] which I rec[eived] last Monday[.] [I] was very much surprised to learn it wasso warm down there[.] it has been verycold here all along[.] I guess we arenot going to have any warm weather[,] although Mr[.] Blake says he saw a Robinfriday [i.e., on Friday] morning las[t][,] in one of the trees in front of thehouse[.] it was singing fine[.]
Did you go back tothe woods as you intended[?] I thoughtyou must [have][,] as you did not write last week or I did not rec[eive] anyletter from you. I am very sorry [that]you have had such hard luck[.] [I] hopeyou will get the rest [of the logs] halled [sic; i.e., hauled] as long as youvish [sic; i.e., wish] to[,] but I can[n]ot say I want to see any more coldweather[.] I think we have had enoughfor one winter[.] we have not had sovery much snow[,] and there is but very little to be seen around now[.] but it is cold enough with out [sic]snow. yes[,] It does seem a long whilesince we saw each other[,] and it has been[.] it is all most [sic; i.e., almost] a year since I got back here[Manchester, New Hampshire] from home [Cooper, Maine][;] [it] will be [a yearon] the 30[th] [of March][.]
but it will not belong now before I will be home again[.] how fast time flies when one is buisy [sic; i.e., busy][!] you vill [sic; i.e., will] hardly know howthe time vill [sic; i.e., will] go before you will [sic] be bothered with Nan again[.] do you not dread it[?] now be honest. I sup[p]ose you have hurd [sic; i.e., heard]of Sallie[']s [i.e., Sarah "Sally" ( ) Sadler's] Death[.] she died quite sudden [and was] only sick[for] a few days[.] but[,] poor oldthing[,] I hope she is better off[.] May[i.e., Florence Mary "May" Howe] wrote [to] me [that] she [i.e.,Sally] did not want to get well [and] said she was tiard [sic; i.e., tired] ofliving. I bet Angie [i.e., Angie(Conant) Sadler] is glad. she is a funnything. Then Addie [i.e., Adaline A."Addie" Gray] talks of going to Mass[achusetts] with May [i.e., MaryE. "May" Driscoll][.] whatdoes she think of doing there. have theygon[e] yet[?]
Has Hannah [i.e.,Hannah "Anna" (Gray) Burnham] and Linnie [i.e., Annie Linnie Gray]desided [sic; i.e., decided] to go into buisness [sic; i.e., business] thisspring as you spoke of. Say[,] was itthe Archie [sic; i.e., Archer] Boy that you work with that worked for Father[i.e., David Howe] last fall. May [i.e.,Florence Mary "May" Howe] wrote [to] me [that] there was a boy towork to [i.e., at] our house by the mame [sic; i.e., name] of Cy Archie [sic;i.e., Cyrus W. Fields Archer] lastfall[,] and I wandered [sic; i.e., wondered] if he was related to the one youspoke of[.]
Have they visitedyour camp as you expected. I can eat asmany peanuts now as you can[.] I willnot shell them and let you eat them all[,] if it was now. I can eat them as fast as any one[sic][.] I must close for thistime. I hope I will get a letter fromyou this week[.] Write and tell me allabout you and your widdow [sic; i.e., widow] [and] how you are gettingalong[.] by[e] bye
from Nan
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1893 April 02. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 02 April 1893
From: L. Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley[Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., Manchester, N.H.
Postmark: Wesley, Maine, 03 April1[remainder of year illegible]; alsopostmarked on reverse: "REC'D."at Manchester, New Hampshire, [illegible date; either "5" or"6"] April[18]93, 9:30 AM
Note: Theenvelope corner with the stamp has been torn off.
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Apr. 2[,] 1893.
Dear Nan:
It has been some timesince I wrote but not since I thought of you. I went into the woods as I expected and did not come out a gain [sic]until Friday last. We have our logs allin and moved out Friday. Claud [sic;i.e., Claudius "Claude" Archer] & I are going up river in themorning to boom our logs and see what there is for another winter[.] [We] will be gone 3 or 4 days. He is not related to the Archie [sic] youspoke of[,] as far as I know. his nameis Archer [sic]. The [school] agent inMarshfield [Maine] left word with Linnie [i.e., Annie Linnie Gray] [that] hewished me to teach their Spring term if they had a man[,] & I presume theywill[.] I think of taking theschool. Some express a desire for me toteach here but think it doubtful if I do. I could get more wages in Marshfield [,] beside[s] the widow[,] youknow. Nan[,] I have not deceived you andam not now[,] no matter what report says[.] I heard [that] I was going to be married this Spring to Nellie Campbellof Machias [Maine][,] but it is news to me[.] I thought it was Nan[,] unless she goes back on me. The croud [sic; i.e., crowd] were up to ourcamp Just before we came out[.] thenames of them were: Linnie, Addie [i.e., Adaline A. "Addie" Gray],Lola [i.e., Lois Edith "Lola" Gray], Anna [Rollins] & MinnieRollins[,] Julia Day[,] May D. [i.e., Mary E. "May" Driscoll][,] LynnHayward[,] Loarin Rollins [sic; i.e., Loring Rollins][,] Howard Drew & RoyDay.
We had a finetime[,] made candy[.] they slayed [sic;i.e., stayed] until 10. Addie has goneto Camden[,] Me [i.e., Maine] to work in a Shirt shop[;] May [i.e., probablyMary E. "May" Driscoll] & Hattie Robinson to Canton[,] Mass. towork in a silk factory[;] Lynn Hayward to Mass[achusetts][.]
Eben Hayward [i.e.,Ebenezer S. "Eben" Hayward] talks ofmooving [sic; i.e., moving] a way [sic] next fall[,] but [I] hope he willnot. Hannah [i.e., Hannah"Anna" (Gray) Burnham] & Linnie are not going to Milbridge[Maine] this spring[;] the lady decided to keep her business anothersummer. They were going to buy herout. They are going to Calais [Maine] tomorrow [sic] to see if they can get a rent to suit[;] if not[,] Linnie willteach in Milbridge. Many thanks for yourkind rememberance [sic; i.e., remembrance] of my birth day [sic][.] the tie is very very pretty andI am much pleased. I have been a way[sic] most of the time for 6 months and would enjoy being at home for awhile[.] but if they want me inMarshfield I do not feel able to let a hundred dollars go by[.] I shall come home every Friday night and stayuntil Sunday night or Monday morning.
I wish you were homenow[,] so we could be married this month[.] I think you had better come home as soon as you can[.] What odds if you do not stay until May. I do not like a reception[.] Nothing would suit me better than to bemarried quietly and nothing more[.] butI suppose we could not get through so quietly[.] it is not usually the custom[.] I will leave it with you. I should like the reception here where myfriends are[,] but I presume you would prefer to have it at home [i.e., Nan'sfamily's home in Cooper, Maine][.]
I would like to meetyou at Machias port [sic; i.e., Machiasport, Maine] and be married inMachias[,] but I presume that would not suit you. If we do nothing like that[,] you can comehome and we can talk it over[.]
My school willprobably begin [at the] last of April if I teach. Poor Sallie [i.e., Sarah "Sally"( ) Sadler][.] she is better off[.] she always worked hard, and now Bill &Angie [i.e., William W. "Bill" Sadler and his wife, Angie (Conant)Sadler] are getting the benefit of it. Am sorry you eat peanuts[.] amafraid I shall not get so many now. Igot your letter before the last [letter] up in the woods[.] Linnie brought it up to me when she cameup[.] May [i.e., Mary E. "May"Driscoll] was there. I wondered if sheimagined who it was from. Poor May[.] I think she imagines [that] I will be marriedthis spring and that is one of her reasons for going a way [sic][.] but I have told her nothing[.] I must close[.] guess this is long enough for two[letters][.] Hoping to see yousoon[.]
I will close[.]
Yours as ever[,]
Austin
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1893 April 09. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 09 April 1893
From: L. Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley[Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., Manchester, N.H.
Postmark: Wesley, Maine, [illegible date]April 1893; also postmarked on reverse (postmark is partlyoff the envelope edge): "MAN[CHESTER]" New Hampshire, 12 April [18]93,9:30 AM
Note: Theenvelope corner with the stamp has been torn off.
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Apr. 9, 1893.
Dear Nan:--
I will write you a linethis evening. I got down river [sic]last night. I had the pleasure of atoothache most all the time I was gone but worked[.] my face was swoolen [sic; i.e., swollen]quite badly. I just suffered for 2 daysand nights. I did not are for tobacco[,]so you see [that] I must have felt badly. I am going to Machias [Maine] this week and will know whether I am toteach in Marshfield [Maine] or not[.]
They are going tohave a female [teacher] here this Spring. Linnie [i.e., Annie Linnie Gray] is to Marshfield & Machias[.] She and Hannah [i.e., Hannah "Anna"(Gray) Burnham] are going into trade in Milltown [i.e., probably Milltown,Maine]. Hannah is going to New York nextSunday[,] to be gone 3 weeks[,] and when she come[s] back they will go rightinto the shop. Linnie and Harry [i.e.,Harry Burnham] will meet her in Milltown. They saw Hen Hitchens [sic; i.e., Henry Hitchings] while in Calais[.] he wanted to know how his cousin was. He was not so mum as when last I sawhim. It is mud time and I shall be gladwhen it is over. We found timber enoughfor another winter[,] but do not know as we can trade to suit us. I shall not go unless I see a prospect to getsomething out of it. I can get a livingeasier if that is all I am to get out of it.
Wish you were athome[.] I think you had better come assoon as possible[.] It will be lonelyfor mother [i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray] after the girls [i.e., Hannah and Linnie]go a way [sic][.] and I think if we aregoing to be married[,] the sooner the better for all concerned[.] guess we are about old enough now. [I] Wish it was over with[;] don[']tyou? If we could go [and] be married andthat ended all[,] I would not mind. Hoping to see you soon[.] I willclose. yours with love[,] Austin
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1893 April 09. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 09 April 1893
From: Nan Howe
Return address: Manchester[New Hampshire]
Addressedto: MrL A Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: Manchester, New Hampshire, 10April [18]93, 7:30 AM; also postmarked on reverse: Wesley,Maine, 12 April 1893
Enclosure: Aclipping from a publication
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
- - - - - - - - - -
Manchester Apr[il] 9, 1893
Dear friendAustin[,]
I will now answer yourlong[-]looked[-]for letter[,] which I rec[eived] wed [sic; i.e., Wednesday]eve. I had begun to think [that] you hadMarried the widow and was not going to write to me again[.] when wed [sic; i.e., Wednesday] eve I hadgiven up looking[,] I found your last [letter] [a]waiting me when I returnedfrom my day[']s work. It is needless forme to repeat [that] I was pleased as well as surprised. I am glad [that] you are all threw [sic;i.e., through] and are home[,] so it will not be so long again between yourletters[;] also that your Company visited you at Camp and that you enjoyed andhad a good time. then you are going toteach again this spring[,] without any rest out of the woods and right atteaching[.] you must remember not towork to[o] hard[.] what is a fewdollars[,] or even a hundred[,] compared to one[']s health[?] money can[n]ot purches [sic; i.e., purchase]that[.] and when one has it they shouldremember and not get to[o] eager for a few dollars and ruin their life by sodoing. Then May [i.e., Mary E."May" Driscoll] has real[l]y left you again and gon[e] away toCanton[,] Mass[achusetts]. Nora Sadler[i.e., Lillian Lenora "Nora" Sadler][,] I think[,] is in Canton andworks in a silk Mill[,] but I do not think it is a ve[r]y paying Job[.] but I hope she will do well[,] for yoursake[.]
How Lonley [sic;i.e., lonely] you must feel[,] having so many of your friends gon[e] from yourhome[.] it almost maid [sic; i.e., made]me feel lonesom[e] for you[,] although I am not acquainted with any ofthem[.] but I always feel sad to hear ofany one going away[.] I always thinksome one [sic] will miss them. I wishAustin was talking of moving away next fall with Mr[.] Hayward [i.e., Ebenezer S."Eben" Hayward][,] but I sup[p]ose that will not be[.] whare [sic; i.e., where] does Mr[.] H. [i.e.,Hayward] talk of going[?] I am verysor[r]y [that] such a fine[-]looking man as he is going to leave your town[.]
If you teach[,] howlong will your school be. I am verysor[r]y but I can[n]ot go home before May[,] as I told you in my last[letter][.] I would like to please youbut [scribble mark] I can[n]ot go this month now how [sic; i.e., nohow]. I have plan[n]ed to go on the third week inMay if nothing happens to prevent[.] that is May 15 or 16 to leave here[.] and I sup[p]ose if you teach[,] you said your school would com[m]ence[at the] last of Apr[il]. so it will notmake any dif[f]erence to you[,] as you would have no spare time[;] only sat[sic; i.e., Saturdays] and Sundays[.] and I would not care to be married on either Sat[urday] or sunday [sic;i.e., Sunday][,] would you. I think youhad better deside [sic; i.e., decide] to wait till Sept[ember][,] now don[']tyou. no[,] I do not like a reseption[sic; i.e., reception] either[.] I hadrather be married quietly and no one know it[.] if I did as I liked[,] I would go home [i.e., to Cooper, Maine] awhile[,] then we could go some place and be married[:] either Machias [Maine]or Calais [Maine] [for] a few days[,] then return[.] and no one need be any the wiser[.] I would not care to have any one present whenI was marrie3d[,] would you[?]
I do not know whatthe custom is in Wesley in regard to being Married[,] but at home [i.e.,Cooper, Maine] they always invite their friends and all in the eve or shortlyafter[,] and that ends it. but if I wasMarried at home[,] I would want to be married and go right away after[,] for awhile[.] I would not enjoy a reseption[sic; i.e., reception] at your house among strangers[,] although they would beyour friends[.] I would dread it[.] but we can talk it all over later. I wish we could be mar[r]ied[,] then be byour selves [sic] without any fuss or serimony [sic; i.e., ceremony]. now I have told you when I can gohome[.] and if that is satisfactory toyou[,] tell me if you teach[,] if you w[i]sh to be mar[r]ied before your schoolcloses or when. I could not go home andbe married this month any way [sic]. Iwill tell you all when I see you. Iwould agree to meet you in Machias port [sic; i.e., Machiasport, Maine] and bemarried there when I go home[,] if you would be willing to let me go home forthree or four weeks after[.] but afterall[,] I guess it would be best to go home first[.]
I have not been homefor a long time[,] and perhaps it would be best[.] then we could see each othe[r] and understandbetter in regard to many things. It willnot be long now[;] only five weeks or so longer that will soon pass[.] now[,] pleasetell me your ideas[;] I have told you mine[.] why I ask you to tell me is because if I was going to be married as soonas I go home[,] I would have a new (gownd) [sic; i.e., (gown)] and everything [sic] ready[.] and if not for awhile[,] I would wait and talk the matter over with you. but I will come as soon as I can[,] be itsooner or later[.] I must close for thistime[.] hoping to hear from yousoon. I am as ever[,] Nan
[P.S.] Ev and Emma [i.e., Everett Howe and his wifeEmma (Lane) Howe] has a boy [i.e., Frank Everett Howe][.]
[P.P.S.] of co[u]rse[,] if you prefur [sic; i.e.,prefer] the widow to Nan[,] it is your priverledge [sic; i.e., privilege] toget her or any one [sic] you wish[.]
by bye [i.e., bye-bye]
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[Enclosure. A clipping from an unidentifiedpublication. It includes two shortarticles.]
Miscellaneous.
===================
What a Wife Likes to See.
------
Under the above heading, the Rochester
Express enumerates some of the rarequali-
ties in a man. We reproduce a few of them,
for the benefit of our lady readers.
A husbandwho is not always "a little
short."
Who getshome at a reasonable time of
night, and in reasonable physical condi-
tion.
Who alwayslets her know beforehand
when he brings a friend to dinner.
Who doesn'twant to sleep until noon
every Sunday morning.
Who takespleasure in buying his wife a
spring bonnet.
Whocompliments her occasionally, and
calls her pretty, whether she is or not.
Who, whenhe comes home late at night,
will come in like a man, and not like a thief.
Who can liein bed while his wife walks
with the baby without swearing like a
trooper.
Who isn'talways telling her that times
are hard and business is poor.
Who willgive her credit for working as
hard as she does, and sometimes harder.
Who iswilling to put up with a poor din-
ner on Mondays.
Who won'tkeep the dinner waiting and
then growl because the roast is over-done.
Who doesn'tlabor under the impression
that cigar ashes on the carpet tends to keep
the moths out.
Who iswilling to give his wife half of the
bed.
Who knowswhen it is time to get up, and
does not rely on his wife to arouse him.
Who isblind to the follies of women.
Who takeshis wife along occasionally
when he "runs down" to the city "onbusi-
ness."
Who willgive her a stated sum per month
for household expenses, instead of growling
about the "bills."
Who will emptythe ashes and carry the
coal when the girl has been bounced for
impudence.
Who, whenhe builds an addition to the
house, will al[l]ow his wife to arrange for
"closet room."
Who admireshis wife, and has the com-
mon sense to tell her of it.
Who willnot insist on having the pillow
with the most feathers.
Who doesnot require coaxing to get his
wife a new dress or a piece of jewelry.
Who will beas polite to his wife as he is
to other women, and will lift his hat to her
when he meets her on the street.
Who can begenerous to himself if he is
only just to her.
---------------------------
What Men Need Wives For.
-------
It isnot to sweep the house, and make
the bed, a[n]d darn the socks, and cook the
meals, chiefly, that a man wants a wife. If
this is all he wants, hired servants can do it
cheaper than a wife. If t[h]is is all, when a
young man calls to see a lady, send him into
the pantry to taste the bread and cakes she
has made; send him to inspect the needle
work and bed making; or put a broom into
her hands and send him to witness its use.
Such things are important, and the wise
young man will quietly look after them.
But whatthe true man most wants of a
wife is her companionship, sympathy and
love. The wayof life has many dreary
places in it, and man needs a companion to
go with him. A man is sometimes over-
taken by misfortunes, he meets with failure
and defeat; trials and temptations beset him;
and he needs one to stand by and sym-
pathize. Hehas stern battles to fight with
poverty, with enemies and with sin, and he
needs a woman that, while he puts his arms
around her and feels that he has something
to fight for, will help him fight; that will
put her lips to his ear and whisper words of
counsel, and her hand to his heart and im-
part new inspirations.
All throughlife -- through storm and
through sunshine, conflict and victory,
through adverse and favoring winds--man
needs a woman's love. The heart yearns
for it. Asister's or a mother's love will
hardly supply the need. Yet many seek for
nothing further than success in housework.
Justly enough, half of these get nothing
more. Theother half, surprises above
measure, have obtained more than they
sought. Theirwives surprise them by
bringing a nobler idea of marriage, and dis-
closing a treasury of courage, sympathy and
love.
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1893 April 16. L.Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 16 April 1893
From: L. Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley[Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., Manchester, N.H.
Postmark: "WES[LE]Y" [part oftown is off the envelope edge], Maine, 1893; also postmarked on reverse:"REC'D." at Manchester, New Hampshire, 19 April [18]93, 5:30 AM
Note: Theenvelope corner with the stamp has been torn off.
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Apr. 16, 1893.
Dear Nan:-
I received your everwelcome letter Wednesday and will now write a few lines in answer.
It is very hardgoing now. We had quite a snow stormlast night[.] [I] guess I could havehauled wood[,] had it not been Sunday. They are trying to get up an exhibition and wish me to takecharge[.] It is lots of work and I havebeen trying to discourage it[,] or for them to carry it on without me[.] but they will not hear of it[.] I had charge of it the last one[,] andsupper and all[,] and I do not [want] to have so much too [sic; i.e., to]do[.] there are a certain class [who]one has to drag a long [sic] and it makes hard work. Hannah [i.e., Hannah "Anna" (Gray)Burnham] did not go to stay[,] but intends to go Wednesday. The lady she was going with can not go[,] asshe is not well[.] so she will only goto Boston.
They have broughtVictor Gray home[.] he is the one I toldyou about being in sane [sic; i.e., insane][.] His health is quite poorly. Theythink he has the Consumption [i.e., probably tuberculosis][.] probably he will not live long. Mr. Hayward [i.e., Ebenezer S."Eben" Hayward] does not know where he will go but if Lynn [i.e.,Lynn Hayward] likes[,] they will go to Mass[achusetts].
I hate to have goodpeople leave Wesley but[,] Nan[,] I think you never knew me to complain ofbeing lonesome. I am not much of a handto be lonesome when I have work enough to do.
They are going tohave a femail [sic; i.e., a female teacher] in Marshfield [Maine] thisspring[,] so I expect to be home this Spring and Summer. We have to put our logs across a lake[,] so Ishall go up river [sic] for a few days after the ice goes out. It will be but a few days. So you think we had better wait untilSep[tember]. It is very evident [that]you are not looking forward to our marriage with much pleasure or you would bemore anxious. Of course[,] if you do notwish to be married this spring or even this fall[,] I would not urge you by anymeans[.] It is against my principals[sic; i.e., principles] to urge any one [sic] to have me if they do not wishto. I can see no reason why it isne[ce]ssary for you to stay just so long[,] but I presume you know better thanI[.]
Of course[,] youwish to make a visit at home[,] and perhaps it would be better to go home andstay a few weeks first[.] I can see youand we can arrange to suit ourselves. Ithink you would enjoy your visit at home more before than afterwords [sic;i.e., afterwards][.] and[,] of course[,]I wish you to enjoy your self [sic]. andperhaps they would enjoy you more to have you home a gain [sic] just as youleft.
Yes[,] I always knewa wife liked perfection in a man before I read what you sent. No more this time. Austin
[P.S.] Miss Addie Seavy [sic; i.e., Addie F. Seavey]commences school here Tomorrow[.] Her sisteris quite good looking but I have never seen her. Don[']t kn[o]w as I care[,] as I am done withschool mistresses[.]
A--
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1893 April 18. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Tuesday, 18 April 1893
From: Nan Howe
Return address: Manchester[New Hampshire]
Addressedto: MrL A Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "MANCHES[TER]" (partlyillegible), New Hampshire, 20 April [18]93, 7:30 AM; also postmarkedon reverse (partly illegible): "[WES]LEY ME. APR [2]4 18[93]"
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Manchester Apr[il] 18, 1893
Dear friendAustin[,]
As I did not write toyou [on] sunday [sic; i.e., Sunday][,] I will write a line to night [sic]. last eve[,] Mrs[.] Colby [i.e., Harriet M."Hattie" (Minor) Colby] was down last eve and it was to[o]late to write after she went home[.] andSunday I went to sleep in the afternoon with the intention of writing in theeve[,] but Just as we got home from supper Mr[.] and Mrs[.] Dick [i.e., HerbertJ. Dick, and his wife Catherine "Katie" (Suitor) Dick] come [sic] andit was 10.30 [sic; i.e., 10:30 pm] when they took their leave[.] so I had to go to bed. but never mind[.] I will make up for last time now[.] Kate [i.e., Kate Nixon] is setting [sic;i.e., sitting] here reading a book[.] she is very mum and I am glad[.]
we had quite a snowstorm [sic] here [on] Sat[urday] and also a week ago[.] it does not look nor feel much like spring[,]I think[.] it is very cold[,] not nearas forward as last year. I was verysorry to hear [that] you was af[f]licted with the tooth ache [sic][.] hope it is better ear [sic; i.e., ere]this[.] I think it is ter[r]ible to havethe tooth ache [sic][;] so ag[g]ravating[.] yes[,] you must of felt bad not to [have] cared for tobbacco [sic; i.e.,tobacco]. but then[,] it is onley [sic;i.e., only] a nusence [sic; i.e., nuisance] any way [sic][.] you will leave it of[f] all the time[,]by[-]and[-]by. I sup[p]ose you havedesided [sic; i.e., decided] rather [sic; i.e., whether] you will teach by thistime[.] I also sup[p]ose you will enjoybuzzing [sic; i.e., bussing ?] your teacher [i.e., Miss Addie F. Seavey] if sheis young and good[-]looking[.] I hopeshe will be[,] for your sake[.]
whare [sic; i.e.,Where] in Milltown [Maine] are Hannah and Linnie [i.e., Hannah "Anna"(Gray) Burnham, and Annie Linnie Gray] going to start buisness [sic; i.e.,business][?]
oh[,] Hen Hitchings[i.e., Henry "Hen" Hitchings] is a fool[,] [even] if he is mycousin[.] I dislike him so[.] he does not know any better[.] he wants to be cunning and does not knowhow[.] I hurd [sic; i.e., heard] [that]he was going back on his old place again this spring[.]
you spoak [sic;i.e., spoke] in your last [letter] of being married and wishing it was over[,]and that [would] end all[.] I guess[that] you feel about the same as I do. I have often thought[,] ["]oh[,] some time["] [sic][.] but when it comes right to it[,] it seemsdif[f]erent[.] I can not help but feelcondem[n]ed[.] I often think [that,] ifit was not ,for me[,] you would be happ[i]ly mar[r]ied and have a good lovingwife[,] if it was not for me. I wish[that] you and May [i.e., Mary E. "May" Driscoll] had been married[,]and you would[,] had it not been for me[.] I was sure [that] you would never let her go away again[.] and when I rec[eived] your letter telling meshe had gon[e][,] I was sorry[,] for she would of made you happy and beenalways contented[.] and I am afraid Iwill not[.] and then[,] she would ofbeen so much company for your mother[.] besides[,] she has a better disposition than I[.] I know I am hateful and discontent manytimes[,] but I can[n]ot help it[.]
Austin[,] we do not understandeach other as I wish we did[.] but youknow as well as I [that] we differ in opinions on several things[.] but I do wish you had a wife that would bemore worthy of you than I am[.] for Imust say [that] I truly do not see nuch [sic; i.e., much] happiness in Marriedlife any way [sic][.] and rather thanmake you unhappy[,] or any one [sic] else[,] I had rather beg from door todoor[.]
there are lots [ofwomen] you had rather have and can get than I[,] and I have not a doubt but youwould live far happier with [them][;] also your Mother. but I will say this nuch [sic; i.e., much][:]she is far happier now than she will ever be after you are married. no matter who you get for a wife[,] theirways will not be the same[.] and I wouldnot want to be the one to make any trouble fer [sic; i.e., for] any one[sic][.] that is why I have said Just asI have[.] I had rather you would knowhow I feel than diseave [sic; i.e., deceive] you any way [sic][.] I have not said any thing [sic] with theintention to make you feel bad[.] for Ithink you feel[,] in some ways[,] about the same as I do[.]
trusting you willtake it [as] kindly and lovingly as I meen [sic; i.e., mean][.] I will close[.] hoping to hear from you soon[.]
good by from Nan
[P.S.] I sup[p]ose you will say I am hateful[.] but say what you will[.] I deserve it[.]
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1893 April 23. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Date written: Sunday,23 April 1893
From: Nan Howe
Return address: Manchester[New Hampshire]
Addressedto: MrL A Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "MANCH[ESTE]R, N.H."(city partly off the envelope edge), 24 April [18]93, 7:30 AM; also postmarked onreverse (partly illegible): "[W]ES[LEY] ME.", [month and dayillegible] 1893.
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Manchester Apr[.] 23. 1893
Dear friendAustin[,]
Again I find me self[sic] seated to answer your last letter[,] [which] I rec[eived] Thursdaylast[.] [I] was pleased as I always amto hear from you[.]
It is very cold andbackward here[.] we have had severalsnow storms [sic] of late[,] and to day [sic] it is cold enough to freeze anyone [sic][.] it does not seem as if itcan be the last week in apr. [sic; i.e., April.] then you are not agoing [sic] to teach thisspring[.] I should think [that] youwould be glad to be home a little while without having to hurry your self [sic]to death[,] and can have a little rest and can go to see the widdow [sic; i.e.,widow] once in a while[,] or even can buzz [sic; i.e., buss ?] the school Marm[sic] for a quarter for pass time [sic; i.e., pastime] if she is goodlooking[.] but never mind looks[.] they do not go very far now days [sic; i.e.,nowadays][.] if one is good[,] that isfar better than being good looking[,] do you not think so[?] Did Hannah [i.e., Hannah "Anna"(Gray) Burhnam] go to Boston as she intended[?]
No[,] Austin[,] Ican[n]ot say I am looking forward to our marriage with any pleasure[.] there may be pleasure in married life but Ican[n]ot see it, not because it is you but I honestly think it would seem thesame to me no matter who it was[.] and amarriage always seems sollom [sic; i.e., solemn] to me[.] and I think single life is best[,] after all[.] now[,] be honest[,] don[']t you[?] when one is single they have no care[,] nochildren to cry for bread and kept awake nights with their cryes [sic; i.e.,cries][.] of co[u]rse[,] if they do nothave[,] then to make them laugh[.] theywon[']t have any to cry about[.] and Ibelieve single life is best under all considerations[.] perhaps I do not see things in the rightlight[.] but I have seen so many couplesmarried[,] and all they have to endure[,] that I think an old Maid[']s lifeisent [sic; i.e., isn't] so bad or even the worst life to live afterall[.] I can see you scowl and laugh[,]but I believe it all the same[.] I willgo hone [sic; i.e., home] the last of may [sic; i.e., May][.] and we can see each other[,] if you wish[,]and talk matters over[.] and if we canagree[,] we will be marr[i]ed[;] if not[,] we never will[.] I think if a couple can[n]ot agree[,] theyare far better apart[,] don[']t you[?]
I think there aremany unpleasant things in this life[.] andI would hate to cause any one [sic] more unhap[p]iness, on my ac[c]ount[,] ormake any one [sic] unhappy[.] I know youare saying[,] ["]oh[,] Nan is a queer one[."] well[,] I am[,] and I sup[p]ose I am hatefulin my own way[,] but I do not meen [sic; i.e., mean] to be[;] only honest andcandid[.] some times I think I do notknow what I do want[.] I only know youwant a wife [with] perfection[,] and I am far from that[.] I must close[.] good by[.] yours with a Sisterly af[f]ection[,] Nan[.]
[P.S.] Kate [Nixon] has been sugaring off to day andeat [sic; i.e., ate] all the [maple] sugar her self [sic] when I was a sleep[sic][.] wasent [sic; i.e., wasn't] shemean[?]
Nan
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1893 April 24. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Monday, 24 April 1893
From: L. Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley[Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., Manchester. N.H.
Postmark: "[WE]SLEY ME." (partlyillegible town), "APR" (illegible day and year); also postmarkedon reverse: "REC'D." at Manchester, New Hampshire, 26 April [18]93,5:30 PM
Note: Theenvelope corner with the stamp has been torn off.
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Apr. 24, 1893.
Dear Nan:--
I looked for a letterlast week but it did not come until to day [sic]. I am going to the corner [i.e., WesleyCorner] in the morning to carry Lola [i.e., Lois Edith "Lola" Gray]up and fix up some writings in regard to my horse[.]
I have sold myfamily horse. I worked her all winterand then sold her for more than I gave. Lola[,] Linnie [i.e., Annie Linnie Gray] and I were to call on theteacher this evening. We had a very pleasantcall[.]
We are to have a piesupper tomorrow night.
Hannah [i.e., Hannah"Anna" (Gray) Burnham] has been to Boston [Massachusetts] but Iexpect she has got back to Milltown [Maine] by this time[.] Linnie and Harry [i.e., Harry Burnham] willgo Thursday. I thought I was going toget rid of teaching this spring but am to begin school here in town in theHayward district next Monday. They havehad a female teacher for a number of years but they thought they would like aman this spring to straighten the school out. the [school] agent said they wanted me[,] so he hired me[.] The school will be a bout [sic] 8 weeks. I board at home all but dinners[.] I take them at Eben Hayward's. Addie [i.e., Adaline A. "Addie"Gray] came home Tuesday.
I am not cross inthe least[,] but I must say I was very[,] very much surprisedand it made me feel badly when I re[a]d your letter. It did not sound like Nan[.] I will not for a moment blame you[,] neitherdo I wish to chide you[.] I am very gladyou wrote just as you feel[.] I willendeavor to do the same. I have alwaysbeen honest and frank with you[.] I wishto be the same now. Perhaps I do notunderstand your letter aright[.] pleaseforgive if I am wrong[.] After readingit[,] I could come to but one conclusion[,] and that is this, That you havefound some one [sic] you like better or you do not think enough of me to haveme[,] and had rather remain single butdo not wish to go back on your promise. Now[,] Nan[,] if this is so[,] do not hesitate one moment. I wish to hold no one or marry any one [sic]if they do not want me.
I would not marrythe best woman that ever lived[,] though I worshiped her[,] if I knew she didnot care for me. I believe if one lovesas they should and that love is not returned and you know it[,] the love willbe turned to indifference and in after years can not be revived. I must be more brief in my writing[,] as itis getting late[.] When I feel just likewriting as I do to night [sic][,] I get started and hardly know where tostop. I wish I could talk to you inperson to night [sic]. You say [that]you wish May [i.e., Mary E. "May" Driscoll] and I had been married. Could you wish such a thing if you cared forme in the least? Please think [about]wishing [that] one you intended to marry in a short time had married another.
"You thought Iwould not let her go a gain [sic][.]" What have I done that you should place so little confidence in me? I do not know to what you refer when you wishwe understood each other better[.] I wasnot a ware [sic] [that] we differed on many things of importance. Mother [i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray] will giveup all care gladly if I am fortunate or unfortunate enough to find onewoman who will have me. While readingyour letter[,] my mind wandered back [to] a little more than a year a go[sic][,] to a remark you made to me[.] It was when I was carrying youhome and just before we got there. Something was said about us being happy if we were married[.] you said [that] you could be happy any where[sic] with me[.] I said [that] I oftenthought I would like to live in the woods by me self [sic][.] I said[,] ["]could you be happy[?"] the answer was[:] "If you werethere[.]" Time changes manythings[,] and one grand lesson we all should learn id to look on the brightside of every thing [sic][,] no matter how dark it may seem[.] but[,] Nan[,] how few there are who can doso. I can not[,] and there is but oneway to do so[,] and that is by help from above[.]
"Every cloudhas a silver lining." Some times[sic] we have to look at the dark side [for] some time before we see thelight. It seems as if I had just begunto write but I must close[.] it isnearly 12 [o'clock][,] about time to retire[.]
Let me say thisbefore I close. If you are dissatisfiedand wish to end all[,] do not be backward in saying so[,] and do so atonce[.] but if I did not take yourletter right[,] please do not blame. Iwould not have you think for a moment [that] I am writing this because I do notwant you[.] if I had wanted an other[sic][,] I should have asked them[,] not you[.] but if you are tired[,] do not give Austin a thought. What I referred to about being married andthat end all was, The fuss of getting married and the reception. Now[,] Nan[,] I have written as plainly as Ican but perhaps you will not understan[d] all just as I have me[a]nt[.]
Perhaps you will say["]Austin is cross[."] butNan[,] if you could see me to night [sic] you would find me far from that. Please consider well before you answerthis[.] and I hope you will never repentof any desission [sic; i.e., decision] you may make[,] either for or againstme.
Trusting you willreceive this in the same sperit [sic; i.e., spirit] in which it iswritten[.] I will close[.] Good Night.
Austin
[P.S.] I have no reason to call you hateful that Ican see[.]
A.
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1893 April 26. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Wednesday, 26 April 1893
From: L. Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley[Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., Manchester, N.H.
Postmark: "W[ESL]EY [ME.] A[PR] 271[89]3" (partly illegible); also postmarked on reverse as "RE[C']D"at Manchester, New Hampshire, 28 April [18]9[3], 5:30 PM (partly illegible).
Note: Theenvelope corner with the stamp has been torn off.
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Apr. 26. 1893
Dear Nan:-
I received your letter tonight but cannot say I felt very mush flattered after reading it. Why[,] Nan[,] what is the matter? What is the meaning of you changing sosuddenly? I feel I have a right to askan explanation[,] [and] also consider it is your duty to comply with myrequest[.] but perhaps you look at itdiffrintly [sic; i.e., differently].
I am not looking fora perfect wife[,] neither do I expect to find one[.] why should I when I am so far fromperfection.
I supposed [that] weunderstood each other[,] but it seems you think not. I do not understand you. You have put off going home until the last ofMay and say[,] "if we can a gree [sic] we will be married[;] if not[,]never[.]" What do you mean byagree? [sic] I did not suppose there wasanything to agree to. Why wait untilthen? Why not write what you wish nowand we can settle it as weel [sic; i.e., well][.] and perhaps you do not wish to come home thisspring if you are not married. I do notlook on marriage as you. I think [that]if a couple like eacher [sic; i.e., each] other as they should[,] there is notmuch trouble[.] if they marry just so toget a husband or wife[,] they never can be happy and I should advise all suchto remain single until they find one who is their choise [sic; i.e., choice].
I can say in a fewwords what I think a wife should be to any man. She should love & respect him[,] do all she can to make it pleasantand look out for his well fare [sic][,] and carry herself as any trueintel[l]igent woman should. The manshould do the same by his wife[.] ane[sic; i.e., one has the same right as the other. Is that perfection? If you think you would be happier single anddo not know what you want (That is what you wrote)[,] My advice would be toyou[:] never marry me or any one [sic] until it looks differently to you. If you are happier single[,] I would not forone moment think of binding you to me or be the cause of making youunhappy. I can not make it seem possible[that] I am writing this letter to Nan[.] it seems more like a dream. yetit is real.
I never expected tocompose a letter like this for you to read. I have been looking forward to your coming home with pleasure[,] butsince reading you[r] last 2 letters that pleasure seems slipping from my grasp. It all seems so strange[.] I can not make it seem like the Nan I know[.]
Please do not thinkI am complaining or blameing [sic; i.e., blaming] you. you can not help your thoughts and feelings.
Suspense is the onething I abhor[.] therefore[,] I think itbetter to understand each other at once[.] and if we are never more than friends[,] it would be better not tomeet[.] therefore[,] I wish anunderstanding now. Now please write meas soon as you receive this and write all. If you do not wish to marry me[,] say so. I wish it desided [sic; i.e., decided] oneway or the other[.]
It is notne[ce]ssary for me to express my wishes in the matter[.] you can judge for your self [sic][,] as Ihave always been honest with you in the matter. Perhaps you are doing this because you think you have been the cause ofmaking others unhappy[,] or to try me. What ever [sic] it is for[,] it is better it should go no fa[r]ther[,]for we are getting on dangerous ground.
Hoping [for] a fullex planation [sic] soon[.] I willclose[.]
from Austin
P.S.
Thursdaymorn[.] El[l]sworth Hanscom of Crawfordis buried here to day. Linnie [i.e.,Annie Linnie Gray] & Harry [i.e., Harry Burnham] intend to go in the stagethis morning. Harry was just hittingme[.] I said[,] ["]you do not wantto hurt me[."] he said[,]["]yes I do[,] so I can come out and see how you are.["] Addie [i.e., Adaline A. "Addie"Gray] is here [and] says [that] Chas. P. [sic; i.e., Charles F. Palmeter] is inMass[achusetts]. Hope you will get thisSat[urday] so to ans. [i.e., answer] [on] Sunday[.] you signed your letter ["]SisterlyAffection[."] I guess[,] by theletter[,] that expresses your feeling as well as any thing [sic] you could say.
Austin
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1893 April 30. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 30 April 1893
From: Nan Howe
Return address: Manchester[New Hampshire]
Addressedto: MrL A Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "MANC[HESTER]" [town ispartly off the envelope edge], New Hampshire, 01 May [18]93,7:30 AM; also postmarked on reverse: Wesley, Maine, 03 May 1893
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription below preservesthe spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Manchester Apr[.] 30th 1893
Dear friendAustin[,]
You[,] of co[u]rse[,]have a perfect right to ask an explanation[,] and I do not wander [sic; i.e.,wonder] [that] you ask. I must confess Iam ashamed of my self [sic] and I hardly know what to say[,] only [that] I wasa crank and looked on the dark side of every thing [sic]. When I rec[eived] your first letter I couldnot keep from crying[.] it made me feelsad[.] I was so good and I had causedyou to feel sad. I know you will hate mebut I will tell you Just how I had looked at things. I have asked you in my letters many times inregard to our future[.] It always seemedto me [that] you cared but little[.] Ithought perhaps you had thought you had aught to ask me to mar[r]y you becausethings have been as they have in the past[;] that it was a duty you owed me andwould please me instead of your self [sic][.] but at the same time[,] there are was others you esteemed higherand liked better. When we have been togather [sic; i.e., together] you always told me [that] Winnie [i.e., Winifred"Winnie" Holway] was the one you loved and you would of been mar[r]ied had you not quar[r]eled[;]also that you hada more regard for May's [i.e., Mary E. "May"Driscoll's] feelings and thought her the most capable and worthy of any one[sic] you know of or in this world. shewas always your first and last thoughts, that when she went away you was afraidof loosing [sic; i.e., losing] her[.] you told her [that] you only thought of me as a sister. your letters have not been like letters afellow would write to a girl he cared very much for. you seemed to think it a duty more trhan anything [sic] else[.]
I thought of manythings you had said and written to me. perhaps you did not mean them as I took them. some cut and hurt. And when I rec[eived] your lette[r]s sayingyou vished [sic; i.e., wished] it was over and ends all, I was tiard [sic;i.e., tired] and sick and felt I did not see much comfort in living any way[sic]. you thought of being awayteaching and only home sat [i.e., Saturday] nights and your Mother [i.e., Ann(Pollard) Gray] being lone some [sic] and I had better come home and the soonerwe was mar[r]ied the better for all consurned [sic; i.e., conderned][.] I thought you looked at it this way[:] Hannahand Linnie [i.e., Hannah "Anna" (Gray) Burnham and Annie Linnie Gray]are away and I want to be and we can[n]ot leave Mother alone[;] Nan will do aswell as any one [sic][;] I can get along as long as I can be away most of thetime[.] I thought[:] No[,] I will nevermarry any fellous [sic; i.e., fellow's] Mother if I can[n]ot have thefellow[.] I will not have hisMother. I can earn my own living andhave my freadom [sic; i.e., freedom] to go and come as I please[.] and he can have[,] for all of me[,] who ever[sic] he likes better[.]
I do not emageon[sic; i.e., imagine] any one [sic] cares very much for such a hateful thing asI[.] I am mot [sic; i.e., not] conseated[sic; i.e., conceited] enough to think for one moment [that] you had ratherhave me than any one [sic] else. and Ithought of My own Mother [i.e., Charlotte "Lottie" (Brown) Howe] andMay [i.e., Florence Mary "May" Howe][.] if I remain single I can do for them and helpthem in many ways[.] May [,] I know[,]feels alone and sad but does not let on but every thing [sic] is bright andhappy[.] and I think she tries to lookon the bright side[.] I often wish I hadas good a disposition as she[.] andMother[:] we will not have her long[,] at the longest. I did not think all to gather [sic; i.e.,altogether] of my self when I wrote you last or the time before[.] I counted lots but run over them allcareless[.]
I think there arefew people in this life that do not have the blues. I do[,] and when I do there is nothing looksbright or pleasant[.] I can[n]ot helpit[.] then after a time It clears up andevery thing [sic] goes happy. I can[n]otsay there was any real reason for me to write as I did[;] only I felt hatefuland felt you did not want me and I did not care[.] you said in your last [letter that] you couldnot make it seem like the Nan you know[.] that is because you only know the pleasant side of Nan[.] Now I have [told] you the real truth or somereasons[.] you can believe them ornot[,] as you like[,] and think as mean of me as you can[.] I can[n]ot blame you. Now[,] do you want such a one for yourwife. I tell you candid[ly] andhonest[ly] [that] there is no fellow or any one [sic] [at] the bottom ofit[.] I like and respect you now as wellas ever and think I could be as happy and content with you as any one [sic] Iknow. I would not want you away all thetime[,] for I would be lonesom[e][.]
I have oftenthought[,] when I have seen Men and wifes [sic] quar[r]eling[,] if we wasmar[r]ied would we do the same[?] but Ialways thought[,] ["]well[,] he will never drink[."] and some times [sic] I have pictured out thefuture with you and every thing [sic] lovley [sic; i.e., lovely] andhappy. If I was mar[r]ied[,] I shouldthink it my duty to do all in my power to make it pleasant and happy for myhusband[.]
and I think I couldcar[r]y me self [sic] so [that] I would never disgrace any man[,] although Imay fail. and I should want him to dothe same by me[.] I would not want tothink he was happier some place [sic] else or with any body [sic] besides myself [sic][.] I would want to feel thathe thought his home and wife [were] perfection[.] and I do not think that [is] Jealocy [sic;i.e., jealousy][,] do you. I think yourIdea of Man and wife[,] and mine[,] are about the same[.] we will not quar[r]el on that point. I can[n]ot say [that] I would like to haveyou marry any one [sic] else[,] unless you cared more for them than me[.] and under that circumstance I would be happyto know you was married to another[.]
I wish I could seeyou to night [sic][.] I would love tosee you and have a long talk. It neverseemed to me as if we was real lovers when we have been to gather [sic; i.e.,together][.] there always has been someone [sic] betwe[e]n us and it never seemed to me [that] you cared forme[.] then[,] again[,] I would thinkdif[f]erent and say to my self [sic][:] ["]how could he do as or act withme if he did not care.["] and youwould never say or tell me your vish [sic; i.e., wish] in any way[.] still[,] I sup[p]ose I am to blame[.]
and if you think itbest [that] we should never meet again[,] I will never put my self [sic] inyour way or blame you[.] of core [sic;i.e., course][,] you want a wife[.] andI feel as if[,] in some measure[,] I am to blame[,] and that if it was not forme[,] you would of had one and that you blame me[.] but perhaps you do not[.] your letters both was so good [that] I couldnot but feel bad to think I had [w]ronged you[.] I am sor[r]y if I made you feel bad[,] and Icould not help but think [that] I had[.] and I ask your for givness [sic; i.e., forgiveness] humble[.]
I had thought ofgiving my no dice [sic; i.e., notice] to morrow [sic] and of going home in twoweeks[,] but I will not now. I do notknow as we do dif[f]er in any great things of any importance but [that] either[of us] could give in to if we w[i]shed[.] only[,] you prefer the Country and I like the village or citybetter[.] you like to work all thetime[;] I do not[.] you like children[;]I do not[.] and I believe you told meonec [sic; i.e., once] [that] you was going to have 10 [children][;] I will notagree to that. I would not want yourMother to give up all to me[.] I wouldwant her to feel her rights[.]
I have always said[that] I would want like a little home [with] Just two in it[.] and I would be happy and could have a heartto do every thing in my power to make it happy and comf[or]table[.] of co[u]rse[,] you can[n]ot do that[.] I am not finding any fault with you as longas you are doing your duty[.] Now[,]perhaps I have told you how I have looked at things and you will not want soselfish and ungreatful [sic; i.e., ungrateful] a wife[.] so I will not blame you[,] not in theleast. but if you want me and think[that] you and I would be happy to gather [sic; i.e., together][,] I will do asyou wish and will try always to make you happy[.] I may fail many times and make many crookedpaths[.] and[,] no doubt[,] you will beashamed of me many times and feel cross at me. I will tell you now what I had thought in regard to being mar[r]ied[.] perhaps you it will not be nesessary[sic; i.e., necessary][,] but I will tell you all the same[.] and I wish you would do the same withme[.] I am going to be honest[.] I had thought I would like to go home [i.e.,to Cooper, Maine] and stay this sum[m]er[,] or a while[,] then be married whenever [sic] we could. No[,] I do notthink I would go hone [sic; i.e., home] if I was not Married this spring. It would be better not to[.] I had rather not be mar[r]ied untill [sic;i.e., until] fall, but thought [that] perhaps you did not want to wait solong[.] and if we are going to be evermar[r]ied[,] one time is as well as another[.] of co[u]rse[,] we could be far happier married as soon as I gohome[.] it was not that I thought ofthat only[.] I wanted or would like tobe home a while[.] of co[u]rse[,] Iwould want to see you often. you knowthat[,] and that I was always happy when I was with you[.] and I can[n]ot help some times [sic] butthink [that] you was [happy being] with me[.] how I would like to see you to night [sic] and have a long talk. Now[,] I will say this[,] and if it issatisfactory to you[,] tell me[;] and if not[,] I vill [sic; i.e., will] tryand do as you vish [sic; i.e., wish][:] if you get this [letter on] wed [i.e.,Wednesday][,] vill [sic; i.e., will] you answer so [that] I can get it sat[i.e., on Saturday][?] And if you vish[sic; i.e., wish] me to[,] I will work my no dice [sic; i.e., notice] and gohome[.] that will be three weeks from tomorrow[.] if you do not vish [sic; i.e.,wish] It[,] I will not[.] so I will notgive my no dice no dice [sic; i.e., notice] untill [sic] I hear from youagain[.] hoping I will get an answer sat[i.e., on Saturday] next. also tell meif you wish to be married in a few weeks after I get home[,] or wait tillfall[,] or not at all. I would notobject to being married in June[;] say[,] the middle or last of the month[,] orany time you vish [sic; i.e., wish][.] but I am almost sure [that] you vill [sic; i.e., will] not want crass Nan[.] oh yes[,] I will not have any Cats or Dogsaround the house[,] and will not al[l]ow you to flirt any[.] but I vill [sic; i.e., will] do that[;] youwould not care[,] would you[?] there issomething I would like to tell you[,] but I dare not [one or several words,crossed-out so that they are illegible] trust in a letter[.] I know you would laugh[.] I vill [sic; i.e., will] tell you when I seeyou[.] Hoping you will for give [sic] mefor being so hateful[.] I willclose[.] with love from Nan
[P.S.] write me assoon as you can[.] by bye [i.e.,bye-bye]
[P.P.S.] I wish youwould express your wish either way[.] Iwill do all I can for you to get it[.]
by by [i.e., bye-bye]
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1893 May 03. L.Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Wednesday, 03 May 1893
From: L. Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley[Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., Manchester, N.H.
Postmark: Wesley, Maine, 04 May [illegibleyear]; also postmarked on reverse: "REC'D." at Manchester, NewHampshire, 05 May [18]93, 5:30 PM
Note: Theenvelope corner with the stamp has been torn off.
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley May 3[,] 1893.
Dear Nan:
I went up to the [post] office whenI came from school and found a letter from you but had the colt[,] so could notread it until I got home[.] I waswondering[,] coming down[,] what was in it. I was anxious to know what it contained[,] and yet dreaded to to [sic]open it[,] for I expected a decision[.] and[,] by the last 2 letters I received[,] it looked as though it wouldbe a gainst [sic] me. Taking things asyou did[,] I do not know as I blame you so much[.] but still[,] I hardly see how you could takethem so[,] unless you doubted many things I have told you in the past. Winnie [i.e., Winifred "Winnie"Holway] I do not want[.] and if I knew Icould have her for the asking[,] I would not do so. I have a very high opinion of May [i.e., MaryE. "May" Driscoll][,] but did I not say I wanted you instead[?]
I always enjoyedyour company and believe we could be happy[,] if you love me as well as Iyou. I did not ask you because I thoughtit a duty[,] or just because I wanted to get married and could find no oneelse[,] but because I wanted you[.] Perhaps you will call me conceited[,] but I think I could get married ifI wished[,] and to nice girls[.] I amnot saying this to bragg [sic; i.e., brag][,] but to show you [that] I am notmarrying you just to have a wife. yousaid [that] you liked & respected me as much as ever[.] is that all you have for me[?] if so[,] you would be better off withoutme. I would not want a wife if I did notcare enough for her so my home was the happiest place on earth for me. I can not say [that] I like work any betterthan any one [sic][,] but I will work before I will starve. I do not think you wish a man to sit by you andlet you go destitute. It matters not somuch to me whether I live in a vil[l]age or country as long as I can dowell[.] but I do not bilieve [sic; i.e.,believe] in giving up a certainty for an uncertainty. I have been ready to move any time [sic] I couldbetter my self [sic], but I want to know I am to do so. I may never move and I may.
If you think as muchof me as you should[,] I think you will be contented. Guess we will not quar[r]el aboutchildren[.] I promise you [that] Ishall never have any. You had bettercome home assoon [sic; i.e., as soon] as you can. and we will be married in June[.] My school will close about June 23[.] you say [that] you do not wish to be married[on a] Sat[urday] or Sun[day]. so Isuppose we will have to wait until I close school[,] but we can fix that.
I will go over[i.e., to Cooper, Maine] as soon as I can and see you after you gethome[.] [I] shall have to go [on a] Sat.[i.e., Saturday] and [come] back Sunday.
I have not writ[t]enhalf I wish[,] but it is bed time [sic] and you will excuse [me][.] I can tell you all soon[,] as I expect to seeyou. I think I told you what I me[a]ntby "sisterly affection"[.]
Had a letter fromLinnie [i.e., Annie Linnie Gray] to night [sic][.] they have had their opening[.] they are well satisfied thus far. You can call and see them when you come home[.] I think they are on main St. [i.e., MainStreet, in (Milltown?, or Calais?), Maine.] you will see their sign[:] ["]Burnham & Gray[,"] I think. I have written every evening thisweek[.] [On] Monday & Tuesdayevenings I made out deeds for parties & earned a dollar each evening. I am Justice of the Peace[,] you know[.] This evening I have earned a wife perhaps.
Well[,] I mustclose[.] I will mail [this letter] inthe morning & you should get it [on] Sat[urday]. Write [on] Sunday. Good night[.] yours
with love[,]
Austin
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1893 May 07. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 07 May 1893
From: Nan Howe
Return address: Manchester[New Hampshire]
Addressedto: MrL A Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "MANCHES[TER, N.H.]"(partly illegible), 08 May [18]93, 7:30 AM; also postmarked onreverse (mostly illegible): "WE[SLEY ME. MA]Y 1[0] 1[89]3"
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Manchester May 7, 1893
Dear friendAustin[,]
I will now answer yourever welcom[e] letter which I rec[eived] friday [i.e., Friday] night[.] I was more than surprised to rec[eive] aletter from you[.] I did not expect it tillsat [i.e., Saturday] noon[.] so[,] yousee[,] I was happily surprised[.] Irec[eived] a letter from May [i.e., Florence Mary "May" Howe]yesterday[,] telling me [that] Cap Conant [i.e., Florence Capitola"Cap" Conant][,] Angie[']s [i.e., Angie (Conant) Sadler's] sister diedin Lowel [sic; i.e., Lowell, Massachusetts] very sudden[ly] [on 01 May 1893]and was to be taken home [i.e., probably to Alexander, Maine] last week[.] Angie must feel very bad[.]
Also that AuntHarriet Burbank [i.e., Harriet (Leland) (Howe) Burbank] is very low[.] she does not think she vill [sic; i.e., will]live long[.] they have sent for Hurb[i.e., Herbert Howe] and Mark [i.e., Mark Howe][.] she wants to see them once more[.] Do you sup[p]ose they will come[?] May said [that] Mark and wife [i.e., EmmaLuella ( ) Howe] was intended [sic]to come home [i.e., to Maine] this summer[.] but I should think [that][,] as long as she is sick and wants to seethem[,] they would go now[.]
How do you get alongteaching[?] well[,] I sup[p]ose I wouldlike to look in and see you once in a while[.] and at noon you can buzz [i.e., ,buss ?] Mrs[.] Hayward [i.e., MaryAmanda "Mandie" (Porter) Hayward]. you did not tell me rather [sic; i.e., whether] you thought Miss Seavey[oi.e., Addie F. Seavey] nice or not. why did Addie [i.e., Adaline A. "Addie" Gray] come back homeso soon[?] dident [sic; i.e., ,didn't]she like. Hattie Robinson [i.e., HattieE. Robinson] and May [i.e., ??] are whare [sic; i.e., where] Nora Sadler are[,]arnt [sic; i.e., aren't] they[?] do theylike there[?] I am glad [that] Hannahand Linnie [i.e., Hannah "Anna" (Gray) Burnham, and Annie LinnieGray] like and are satisfied so far[.] hope it will continue[.] you andyour Mother [i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray] must Miss them very much[.] do they keep house or board[?] I will not dare to call and see them when Igo home[.] they would fly at me in greatshape[.] I guess I had better pass andnot call[.] don[']t you think so. I could not help but smile when I re[a]d yourletter[,] and you said abo[u]t ear[n]ing a dollar and earning a wife[.] perhaps you will be better satisfied with thedollar than the wife. I smiled when Iread what you wrote abort [sic; i.e., about] the children[.] [I] wish I could promis[e] the same. I will go home [to Cooper, Maine] as soon asI can[,] but Mr[.] Horn [sic; i.e., A. P. Horne] wants me to work three weekslonger and I want to[.] so[,] after thatI will [several crossed-out and illegible letters] soon be home[.] he is very short of help now and he hasalways been good to me[,] and I vish [sic; i.e., wish] to acomidate [sic; i.e.,accommodate] him[.] I will be hone [sic;i.e., home] by the last week in May and I hope to see you [as] soon aspos[s]ible after that[.] I will tell youlater so you can come over[.] and we cantalk things over to suit our selve [sic; i.e., ourselves] and to our ownliking[.] and besides[,] why I want towork[:] there is a friend of mine away and I want to see them before going homeo0nce more[,] and they will not be back before two weeks from wed [i.e.,Wednesday] next[.]
but three weeks willsoon pass and we can be all the happier then[.] and I vill [sic; i.e., will] tell you all when I see you[.]
no[,] I would notlike to be married [on a] Sat[urday] or Sunday[.] Do your folks think you are going to bemarried[?] and do they vish [sic; i.e.,wish] you to[,] or not[?] I kind ofthink May [i.e., Florence Mary ""May" Howe] and Em [i.e., Emma(Howe) Hitchings] mistrust or have hurd [sic; i.e., heard] something[.] by the way[,] they wr[o]te [and] said theyhurd [sic; i.e., heard] I was soon coming home and wished [that][,] if I was[,]I would write and tell them so they would know[.] but not Just yet. Do you want me to have nice dresses andcloth[e]s[,] Hats[,] bon[n]ets. or[,]what do the girls put on [for] great stile [sic; i.e., style] when they getmarried[,] or what[?] tell me all aboutit[,] what you would like me to have[,] and all your wishes[.] I will now close[.] hoping to hear from you soon[.] by bye [sic; i.e., bye-bye] from Nan
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1893 May 10. L.Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Wednesday, 10 May 1893
From: L. Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley[Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., Manchester, N.H.
Postmark: Wesley [illegible state and date]May 1893; also ,postmarked on reverse: "REC'D." at Manchester,New Hampshire, 12 May [18]93, 5:30 PM
Note: Theenvelope corner with the stamp has been torn off.
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley May 10[,] 1893.
Dear Nan:
I received your letter to night andwill write a few lines. I have just comein from ploughing[.] I have to do myfarming [on] nights and Saturday's [sic][.]
I am getting alongnicely with my school full better than the scholars[,] for I shake some of thema bout [sic] every day every day [sic][.] but they are improveing [sic; i.e., improving] all the time[.] Guess they have been used to doing a bout[sic] as they liked[,] but I prefer having them do as I like[,] so have tobreak them in. Addie [i.e., Adaline A."Addie" Gray] came home because they brought Victor [i.e., Victor Gray]home[.] he is sick and I think will notlive long[.] I think he has consumption[i.e., probably tuberculosis][.] he isthe one that is crazy.
Hattie R. [i.e.,Hattie Robinson] is in Canton [Massachusetts] but May [i.e., probably Mary E."May" Driscoll] has gone to Clinton [i.e., Clinton, Massachusetts] towork in the carpet factory.
I think Hannah &Linnie [i.e., Hannah "Anna" (Gray) Burnham, and Annie Linnie Gray]mistrusts [that] I am to be married this Spring[,] but I never have hinted athing a bout [sic] you coming home or any thing [sic][.] so Em & May [i.e., Emma (Howe) Hitchings,and Florence Mary "May" Howe] must guess at it. Yes[,] I think my folks would like for me tobe married[.] Hannah has been at me eversince I took the place. Henry [i.e.,Henry H. Gray][,] in his last letter[,] said [that] if I did not get married hewould prosecute me. Mrs. Hayward [i.e.,Mary Amanda "Mandie" (Porter) Hayward] looks good enough to buzz[sic; i.e., buss ?][,] but she is to[o] fine a woman[.]
Mr. H. [i.e.,Ebenezer S. "Eben" Hayward] was quite sick to day[.] I am a fraid [sic] he has the Grippe [i.e.,influenza]. Anna Rollins is at workthere for a while. Vine Driscol [i.e.,Lovina J. Driscoll][,] a sister of May[,] lives there[.]
I should think Mark& H. [i.e., Mark Howe, and Herbert Howe] would go and see their mother[i.e., Harriet (Leland) (Howe) Burbank][.] she always thought so much of them. I felt real wsad to hear she was so low[.] I always thought lots of her and wondered howshe fancied Mr. B. [i.e., Thomas J. Burbank.] Well[,] Nan[,] guess you intend to hang to the mill all summer[.] why don't you come home and get a littlerest. Never mind Horn's or Hoof's. plenty after you are dead[.] No[,] you do not like work. You know better what to wear than I do. When they get married here[,] they usuallyhave a new suit[.] as to quality[,] theygo by their means[,] and that is nothing great. Guess you need not frett [sic; i.e., fret] but what you will look wellenough. I know one fellow who had him atwenty-five dollar wedding suit made[,] and when his first child was born hehad to hire money of me and give security on his sewing machine to pay thebills. Such is life[,] but hope I neverwill be in that fix.
I intended to makeout a deed to night [sic] but am writing this in stead [sic]. I shall have to do that tomorrow night. Was to Machias [Maine, on] Sat[urday].
Hannah & Linniewould be pleased to have you call on them[.] They are going to keep house[.] do not know whether they are yet or not. What a bout [sic] the ring[?] Ican not get one unless I have the measure. I do not know what you would like[.] Wish you would buy one and let me pay you or send the money if youwish[.] You could get just what youliked[.]
It has been verywarm to day [sic]. Wish you were here tonight [sic][,] and we were married[,] and the fuss was all over[.] I dread it[,] don[']t you[?] I would not mind if we could go[,] be married& come right home with out [sic] any thing [sic] more[.] Guess I will get a barrel of whisky and letthem all get tite [sic; i.e., tight (meaning drunk)] first thing[,] then we canskip out. I will close[.]
good night
from
Austin.
P.S. I forgot to tell how I liked Miss Sevey [sic;i.e., Addie F. Seavey]. I think she isreal pleasant[,] but I am not very much acquaint[e]d with her. I swore off on new teachers 2 years a go[sic] and said I was done[.] I have nottried to wait on any since. I hear[that] she is engaged.
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1893 May 14. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 14 May 1893
From: Nan Howe
Return address: Manchester[New Hampshire]
Addressedto: MrL A Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "MANCHES[TER] N.H."(partly illegible town) 15 May [18]93, 7:30 AM; also postmarkedon reverse (mostly illegible): "[WESLE]Y" (illegible state andyear) "M[AY]17"
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Manchester May 14, 1893.
Dear friend Austin[,]
Again I findmy self [sic] seated to write to you in answer to your last [letter][,] which Irec[eived] friday [sic; i.e., Friday] night when I returned from my day[']swork[.] [I] was pleased to hear fromyou. I was wandering [sic; i.e.,wondering] if I was going to rec[eive] a letter[.] and when I opened the door I found it wating[sic; i.e., awaiting] me[.] [I] waspleased to hear [that] you was getting along so well with your school[,] [and]also farming. you must make a posygarden and have some flowers this summer[;] also Cucumbers and string beans.
we had strawberriesonce last week[.] they was very nice[,]the first we have had. Oh[,] dident[sic; i.e., didn't] we have it hot here last week for three days[:] wed [i.e.,Wednesday[,] Thursday and friday [i.e., Friday][!] but to day [sic] is very cool. the trees are leaving out fast and the grassis so green. this morning Kate [i.e.,Kate Nixon] and I went for a walk and I hated to come home[.] the air was so sweet[.] I rec[eived] a letter yesterday from May[i.e., Florence Mary "May" Howe][.] she had been to Milltown [Maine] and said she saw Hannah and Linnie[i.e., Hannah "Anna" (Gray) Burnham, and Annie Linnie Gray][,] andwas in to see them[.] they was gettingalong fine[.] and [May also wrote] thataunt Harriett [sic; i.e., Harriet (Leland) (Howe) Burbank] was failing veryfast[;] Julia [i.e., Julia A. Burbank][,] they thought[,] was dieing [sic;i.e., dying] last Monday eve. Well[,]Austin[,] I am going to give my no dice [sic; i.e., notice] in the morning andI hate to awfily [sic; i.e., awfully][.] it makes me feel sad to think I am soon to leave Manchester and neverreturn again[.] I will leave lots offriends behind and pleasant meamories [sic; i.e., memories] of by gorn [sic;i.e., bygone] days. I told Kate last night[,]for the first time[,] [that] I was going to give my no dice [sic; i.e., notice]and was going home in two weeks[.]
she teases d [sic;i.e., teased] me to stay and work threw [sic; i.e., through] June[,] but I willnot[.] so she says she is going to giveher no dice [sic; i.e., notice] in the mor[n]ing two [sic; i.e., too] and isgoing to Clinton [Massachusetts] to work in a shirt factory or get somethingeasy to do[.] but I do not know as shewill[.] she has a Cousin that works inthe Carpet factory in Clinton[,] Mass. perhaps she will get ac qainted [sic; i.e., acquainted] with May [i.e.,Mary E. "May" Driscoll] there[.] she says they make lovley [sic; i.e., lovely] pay but [it] is verry[sic; i.e., very] hard work on Carpets. It will not be long now before I will be home and see you again[.] perhaps I will call to see Hannah and Linnie[i.e., Hannah "Anna" (Gray) Burnham, and Annie Linnie Gray][,] if itis so [that] I can[.] who was yougoi[n]g to make out the deed to[:] me[,] or who. yes[,] Austin[,] I do dread it as well asyou. guess you had better consent towait till Sept[ember] as I wish[,] don[']t you[?] oh[,] it will be so hot all sum[m]er. Austin[,] tell me what kind of a preformance[sic; i.e., performance] we will ha[v]e to go threw [sic; i.e., through] atWesley[.] will they ser[e]nade you orwhat[?] tell me so I can have someIdea[.] I would not dread it if no onewould say any thing [sic] to ous [sic; i.e., us] and we would not see any one[sic]. I will not have any great fuss[.]
May wrote me thatthe Minister wanted Willie's House[,] that is Jeans and Alices [sic; i.e.,Eugene E. "Gene" Leland's, and his wife Alice E. (Howe) Leland's][,]this sum[m]er but did not say who it was[.] so if there is a minister livi[n]gthere you can come over[.] we can rundown across the field and be married[,] and no one know it till after[.] ha ha ha[.] how would that do. I had rather go some place[,] be married[,]and stay a few day[s][,] then return home[.] but I do not sup[p]ose you would do that. Every one always has so much to say when acouple get married[.] and Oh[,] I dreadgoing to your home most of all[.] I amafraid [that] your mother vill [sic; i.e., will] not like me[.] if we was going by our selves [sic] I wouldknow better how to act[.] but I think itis awful hard[.] and besides[,] I do notknow how to do any thing[,] and I will feel awful green before her. No[,] Austin[,] I hope the first child willnever be born[,] that you vill [sic; i.e., will] never be in the fix [that] thefellow was [who] you spoke of[.] I hadto laugh when I read it[,] and that you was afraid of being prosecuted if youdid not get Married. I always feltafraid of Henry [i.e., Henry H. Gray]. Perhaps they will not be so pleased when they find out who youMarry. It alway[s] seemed to me [that] Iam so dif[f]erent from any one [sic] else [that] no one likes me[.] I can never talk and make free with any oneunless I am well acquainted with them[.] You asked[,] ["]what about the ring[?"] never mind[,] If we do not have any[.] I had far rather you would suit your self[sic][.] what ever [sic] you like willplease me. I would not be so fussy ormean that I would have to get a ring my self [sic] espessily [sic; i.e.,especially] my engagement or wedding ring[.] if the fellow I am to marry wants me to have one[,] I want his chois[sic; i.e., choice][,] not mine[.] but[I] guess you had better wait now till I come home[,] as it will not be longnow[.] but if you want the measure[,]tell me in your next [letter][,] and which finger[,] and I vill sic; i.e.,will] send it to you[.] I had rather notget it[.] I was wandering [sic; i.e.,wondering] if I would see you three weeks from to day. I guess I will get a print wrapper to bemarried in[.] how would you likethat[?] and it would not cost nuch [sic;i.e., much][,] you know[,] and a sun down [sic] hat[.] you ask Hannah if she can get me one cheep[sic; i.e., cheap][,] vill [sic; i.e., will] you[?] [I] am sor[r]y you feel so predijested [sic;i.e., prejudiced] against school (Marms) [sic; i.e.,schoolmarms][.] you could buzz [sic;i.e., buss ?] her a little[.] is she is[sic] engaged. haint [sic] you to[o]. If yo[u] get a barrel of whiskey[,] I vill[sic; i.e., will] get full two[.] then Iwa[n]t [sic; i.e., won't] know any thing [sic] till it is all over with[.]
I must close[.] good by from Nan
[P.S.] If we wanted to[,] we could be married and noone know till after[,] couldent [sic; i.e., couldn't] we. Tell me how you would want to be married[,]have a wedding or how[.] by bye [sic;i.e., bye-bye][.]
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1893 May 18. L.Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Thursday, 18 May 1893
From: L. Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley[Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., Manchester, N.H.
Postmark: "W[E]SLEY ME. MAY 181893" (partly illegible); also postmarked on reverse (partly illegible):"[M]ANCHESTER, N.H. MAY 19 5-30P1[89]3".
Provenance: RogerA. Gray estate papers. ]
[The transcription belowpreserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley May 18, 1893.
Dear Nan:-
I will write you a fewlines this morning[.] I should havewritten last night but Mr. & Mrs. Hayward [i.e., probably Ebenezer S."Eben" Hayward, and his wife Mary Amanda "Mandy" (Porter)Hayward] came down yesterday morning and are going back this morning[.] so[,] of course[,] I could not write lastevening but will write a few lines before the[y] are up.
I was glad to getyour letter. Yes[,] it seeme's [sic;i.e., seems] sad to one to leave a place they have spent many years ofhappiness in. My wish is that you maynever be sorry or have cause to regret the change you are to make. No[,] I will not wait until Sep. [i.e.,September] to be married. I wanted to bemarried last Sep[tember]. you thoughtyou could not [be married] before spring[;] now it is Sep[tember]. I am a fraid [sic] we would die of old age[.]
You need not be afraid [sic] of Henry [i.e., Henry H. Gray] or any one [sic][.] you said you would not marry mother [i.e.,Ann (Pollard) Gray][.] You need not[marry] the rest of them. If I ampleased[,] what is it to them[?] Henry& Hannah [i.e., Hannah "Anna" (Gray) Burnham] did not come to meto choose them a partner[.]
I know you dreadcoming here[,] but you need not[.] itwill be more pleasant than you think. Ioften wish we were married now[.] itwould be be [sic] so much pleasanter[.]
No[,] I do not wantany wedding[,] but they usually have a reception[.] if we have one in Cooper [Maine] we will nothave to have anything in Wesley. Wecould get married & come home and say nothing. that would suit me well[.] We can arrange later[.]
I think [ ] McGraw preaches inCooper[.] I would not want him to marryme. I will try to see you as soon aspossible after you get home. They are upand I must close[.] Excuse thisshort letter & write [on] Sunday [.] Good by with lots of love[,] Austin
[P.S.] If Ihave not answered all questions it is because I have not time.
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1893 May 21. Nan Howe to L. AustinGray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 21 May 1893
From: NanHowe
Return address: Manchester [NewHampshire]
Addressedto: Mr LA Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "MANCHESTE[R,N.H.]" (partly illegible), 22 May [18]93, 7:30 AM; also postmarked onreverse (partly illegible): (town and dateillegible) ME, May 18[9]3.
Enclosure: A clippingfrom an unidentified, undated newspaper.
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Manchester May 21, 1893
Dear friend Austin[,]
Iwill now write you a few lines in ans[wer] to your last [letter] which Irec[eived] friday [i.e., Friday] eve[.] [I] was pleased[,] as I always am[,] tohear from you[.] and now it vill [sic;i.e., will] not be long[,] if nothing happens[,] before Isee you again[.] I have only one weekmore to work[.] [I] will finish up sat[i.e., Saturday] next at 12.30 P.M.[,] as we go to work in themorning on Sunny new time at 6.15 A.M. Ican[n]ot say [that] I like it as well as the old way but guess I can stand itone week[.]
Kate [i.e., Kate Nixon] gets threw [sic; i.e.,through] the same time I do and is going to Clinton[,] Mass[achusetts] ona visit[.] and if she can get work tosuit her[,] she may stay till fall[.] Iwant her to come down and see me fefore [sic; i.e., before] she goes home but Ican[n]ot get her to say she will[.]
My Overseer[,] Mr[.] Horne[i.e., A. P. Horne][,] sayshe is coming down to see me this fall if I do not come back sure[.] and I told him to come rite [sic; i.e.,right] along [and] I would be glad to seehim and would use him well if he cared to come[.] he has been at me to come back in Aug[ust] orto stay till fall[,] or [heasks] when am I coming back[?] I toldhim [that] I could not tell when[;] perhaps some time [sic] and perhapsnever[.] he says[,] ["]oh[,] youmust come sometime[."] also my second and Seccon [sic; i.e., perhaps"second"?, or "section"?] hands[.] they have all been and gave me great chinabout going[.] [They] say they hate tohave a good girl leave[,] and one that is so little trouble to them as I[.] but them [sic; i.e., then][,] they can[n]otblame me for wanting a rest[.] but willit be a rest[,] do you think[?]
I do not think I can start from here beforeWed[nesday] May 31[,] and will get to Calais [Maine] [on] June 1. now[,] will you go over [i.e., probablyto Cooper, Maine] the following sat [i.e.,Saturday] or when[?] I will leave thatto you to deside [sic; i.e., decide][.] Mrs[.] Dick [i.e., Catherine"Katie" (Suitor) Dick] feel[s] bad to have me go[.] she cries vhen [sic]ever [i.e., whenever] she says any thing [sic] aboutit[.] I laugh and tell her [that] she cancome down on the farm and make me a visit. you are very desided [sic; i.e., decided] about not waiting till sept[i.e., September][,] but what would be the consequence if I said[,]["]No[,] I will not be married before sept. [i.e., September."] but [I] guess we will notquarrel in regard to that. I dread theJourney home[.] it is long and tiarsom[sic; i.e., tiresome][.] [I] wish youcould meet me in Portland [Maine] and go home with me[;]the Journey would not be half so long[.] No[,] I do not think I would want McGraw tomarry us[.] who would you want, (TomBurbank) [i.e., Thomas J.Burbank] or Bill Sadler [i.e., William W."Bill" Sadler]. Oh say[,] will he have to publish us [i.e.,register the marriage intention inthe Town of Cooper's record book][?] no[,] I do not think mso[,] do you. If you are Justis [sic; i.e., a Justice of the Peace andNotary Public][,] why can[']t you Marry your self [sic] as well as any one[sic] else[?] here is a little scrap[i.e., the enclosed newspaper clipping] [which] May [i.e., Florence Mary"May" Howe] sent me[.] I sup[p]ose it Means Nellie Sulivan[sic; i.e., Nellie Sullivan][.]
It has been very hot here to day [sic][.] one week more will soon pass and I will bethrew [sic; i.e., through] and thinking aboutleaving[.] I hate to[,] but it may beall for the best[.] I was thinking[about:] would I get more than one letter more from youhere[,] and if I would be home two weeks from to night [sic][,] and if youwould be over[.] write me what you thinkabout it[,] so [that] I vill [sic; i.e., will] get it Friday eve[.]
I must close for this time[.] by bye [sic; i.e., bye-bye]
from
Nan
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[Enclosure: a clipping from an unidentified,undated newspaper.]
Kennebec Journal : Here is the little
town of Cooper, with 78 polls, attaining
notoriety because of an elopement there
last week. A returned Californian fell in
love with a young woman who was engag-
ed to another. Her "pa" declared she
should keep herengagement. She mental-
ly declared she wouldn't--and she didn't.
She emerged from her bedroom window at
midnight, and, in the midst of a pelting
rain storm, proceeded to Machias and was
married.
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1893 May 24. L. Austin Gray to NanHowe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Wednesday, 24 May 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., Manchester, N.H.
Postmark: "[WES]LEYME." (town and year partly illegible;month illegible) 25 [189]3; also postmarked on reverse(partly illegible):"[M]A[N]C[H]ESTER, N.H." 26 May [189]3, 5:30 P[M]
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley May 24 / [18]93.
Dear Nan:--
Thefolks have all gone to bed but I will write afew lines in answeringto you[r] letter (which I received to night)[sic] before retiring. Eben & Mandy [i.e., Ebenezer S. "Eben" Hayward, and hiswife Mary Amanda "Mandie" (Porter) Hayward]were to the [post] office this P.M. and got my mail[.] I met them just after I started forhome. Had a letter from Linnie [i.e.,Annie Linnie Gray] to night [sic][.] they are getting a long [sic] well. Please pardon the thought[,] but some times [sic] when I read yourletters it seems to me that you see no pleasure in the thought of gettingmarried[,] but are doing something you feel it a duty to do. You seem to see nothing but the dark side of itall. You have seemed to be in no hurryfrom the first. but I will say no moreuntil I see you[,] for you may not understand me. How I should enjoy having Kate [i.e., KateNixon] come down[,] but suppose I should have to be quiet[.] you would have an eye on me.
You think I am quite decided a bout [sic]waiting until Sep. [i.e., September][,] and ask what the consequence would beif you said [to] wait. all I will say is[that] it is better imagined than told.
We will soon be to[o] old tomarry. No[,] I do not care to postpone ituntil Sep. [i.e., September.]
You will have to be published [i.e., registermarriage intentions] in Cooper [Maine][,]& I in Wesley. you ask ["]willit be a rest["] to come here[.] youcan judge better than I[.] you know whatwork there is on a place[,] but I shall have my cucumbers & squash plantedbefore you get home. I thought you were to start for home nextMonday[,] & I planned to goover [to Cooper] the following Sat. [i.e.,Saturday.] but[,] as you will not gethome until the last of the week[,] and perhaps not then[,] I had better postpone [sic] my going so soon. You maychange your mind and not start Wednesday[.] and if you should get home [at the] last ofthe week[,] you will be tired and had rather rest a while [sic] than to see me.
This makes me 4 weeks of school[.] and it has passed very quickly[,] as the timealways does when I am teaching[.] although[,] I can not say I really enjoyteaching.
Nellie Sullivan seemed quite anxious to bemarried[.] I do not blame her for not marryinga man she did not want[.] & if I wasthe man[,] I would thank her for telling me she cared more foranother. Whom did she leave? Good night[.]
Austin
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1893 May 30. Stark Lodge No. 42, IndependentOrder ofGood Templars to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Invitationto an anniversary celebration
Eventdate: Tuesday, 30 May 1893
From: StarkLodge No. 42, Independent Order of Good Templars, Manchester, New Hampshire
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, 1451 Elm St., City [i.e., Manchester, New Hampshire]
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Invitation to 28th Anniversary 1865-1893 Stark Lodge No. 42, I. O. of G. T. Manchester N.H. will be celebrated in Good Templars Hall, corner of Elm and Amherst Streets, on Tuesday Evening, May thirtieth, 1893 by a Unique Literary and Musical Entertainment. You are cordially invited to be present. The entertainment will begin at 8 o'clock,and will be followed by refreshments
signed Committee of Arrangements
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1893 June 02. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Friday, 02 June 1893
From: NanHowe
Return address: Milltown [Maine]
Addressedto: Mr LA Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "MILLTOWNM[E]" (partly illegible), 02 June 1893, 1 PM; Alsopostmarked on reverse: Wesley, Maine, 03 June 1893.
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Milltown June 2, 1893
Dear friend Austin[,]
AsI have ar[r]ived here at Milltown and am going in home [i.e., to Cooper, Maine]to day [sic][,] Iwill drop you a line. Loring [i.e., Ellis LoringHitchings] met me at the [train] depot yesterday at 1.15 PM[.] I come up here[,] andfather [i.e., David Howe] come out this morning[,] and we are goingin home this afternoon[.] I would bepleased to see you to morrow [sic] but do not sup[p]ose I will[,] but will bepleased to see you andany time [sic] you wish to come over. I left Manchester [New Hampshire] Wednesday[at] 4.30 P.M. I was awful tiard [sic;i.e., tired] yesterday when I got here but am all right now[.] I dread riding inhome[.] the folks are all well[.] I did not see Hannah or Linnie [i.e., Hannah"Anna" (Gray) Burnham, and Annie Linnie Gray] yesterdaywhen I come up by[,] and we did not make any stop at Milltown[,] soI did not see them[.] I will not writemuch[,] as I expect to see you soon and I have not much time[.] so you must excuse this short note andI will do better next time[.] hoping tosee or hear from you soon[.] I willclose[.]
Iremain as ever[,]
Nan
12245Av St Cooper
Maine
[P.S.] by bye [sic; i.e., bye-bye]
If you can[n]ot come over before Sat[urday] aweek[,] write me a line[.]
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1893 June04. L.Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 04 June 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, Cooper, Maine
Postmark: Wesley, Maine, 05 June1893; also postmarked on reverse (partly illegible):"COOP[ER]" [state and month illegible] 8 189[3]
Note: part of Cooperpostmark is off the envelope edge
Enclosure: A cartoon clipped froma newspaper (unidentified, undated)
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley June 4, 1893
My Dear Nan:--
Iwill write you a line to day. How I wouldlike to see you and should[,] had I got your letter in time[.] I went to the [post]office Friday night & expected to get a letter[,] butdid not[.] so I gave up looking for oneuntil Monday. Lastnight [at] a bout [sic] half past 4 [i.e., 4:30 p.m.] the mail came down[,] andI was surprised and pleased to receive a letterfrom you[.] but it was too lat[e] to getready & go over [to Cooper, Maine][,]although I had a strong desire to do so. I was wondering all day whether Nan was home or yet in Manchester[New Hampshire]. I will go over nextSat. [i.e., Saturday] the 10[th] unless something comes up[,][which] I do not know of now and hope there willnot.
If I do not go[,] you may feel assured [that] thereis something unlooked for that prevents me. and [I] will go [at] the first oppertunity[sic; i.e., opportunity][,] but trust there will be nothing to prevent.
Linnie [i.e., Annie Linnie Gray] wrote [to] mother[i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray] last week and said[,] ["]tellAustin [that] May Howe [i.e., Florence Mary "May" Howe] was in andsaid [that] Nan [i.e., Nan Howe] was coming home. Probably he does not know it.["] We are having a quiet little rain this P.M.which makes every thing [sic] look green and lovely. How I wish you were here to day [sic][.]
Well[,] Nan[,] I sincerely hope youwill never have cause to regret [that] you have left Manchester. If you are contented[,] I know we will behappy.
It seemed funny to hear you say [that] you dreadedthe drive in home[.] I do so muchdriving [that] it has become second nature[.] I have driven 250 miles between here and theschool house since I commenced school[.] It is 5 miles[,] so I drive 10 [miles] every day. Am glad you found the folks all well[;] itmakes it so much pleasanter to return & find every thing [sic]pleasant. Tell May [that] she had bettergather up her eggs before I get there.
Poor Sally [i.e., the late Sarah"Sally" ( ) Sadler]. she will not be to Bill[']s [i.e.,William W. "Bill" Sadler's] to welcome me[,] but I trust she is farhappier. Perhapsyour father [i.e., David Howe] and mother [i.e., Charlotte "Lottie"(Brown) Howe] would like to go out to Milltown next Sat[urday][.] wouldn't it be fine[?] of course[,] I am not afraid of them[,] andlike them[.] but I always enjoyed goingto see the girls while their parents were a way [sic][.] but of course[,] do as youlike. We were always getting father& mother a way [sic] and having company[.] of course[,] we always had all the company wewished when they were at home[,] but it seemed nicer to have them gone. Guess I [have] got money enough to getmarried[.] I bought a cow the othernight[,] sold her the next morning and made two dollars. That ought to marry us[,] as we are old andquiet[.] Yes[,] & I shall earn $1.25tomorrow[,] besides my school[,] [by] filling out pension vouchers. Guess I shall have enough but don't tellMay[,] for she will want pay for her eggs. If your father would wait until I went over[,] I would fill it out forhim and let it go on my board bill of one year ago. yours with love[,]
Austin
[P.S.] Iexpect to see you next Sat[urday] P.M. You must be at home and no[t] down to Win's [i.e.,James Winslow "Win" Howe's].
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[Enclosure. Acartoon, clipped from a newspaper (unidentified and undated). A caption abovethe cartoon: "BEFORE AND AFTER." A caption beneath the cartoon: "Mendream in courtship, but in wedlock wake." A circle inset depictsa man's head on a pillow, asleep and dreaming. The main part of the cartoondepicts a man sitting up in bed with his hands covering his ears, while nearbyis a small bed with two cryinginfants.]
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1893 June14. L.Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Wednesday, 14 June 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, Cooper, Maine
Postmark: "[WE]SLEY" (partlyillegible), Maine, 15 June 1893; alsopostmarked on reverse (mostlyillegible): "[COOP]ER [ME]. [JAN 1]7 [1893]"
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley June 14, 1893
Dear Nan:
Ihave just got home from school and as soon as the horse eats I am going toNorthfield [Maine] to carry a man down [i.e., probably down to Machias][.] (A chance to earn one dollar and a half)[.] so I could not refuse.
I was out with Floy [the horse] to day[sic][.] she got lots ofcompliments. I got home the other night(Sunday) [at] just ½past nime [sic; i.e., nine] [meaning, 9:30 p.m.] andwould have come quicker if I had let the colt go. I had to hold her until I got to Crawford[Maine][.] she was bound to go and itwas so warm [that] I was a fraid [sic] it would hurt her. Ida Day [i.e., Idora Bernice"Ida" Day] & Mell Hawkins [i.e.,Samuel Melville "Mell" Hawkins] were married [on]Sunday [and] have their reception to night [sic][.] I shall not get there. I must harness[.] will finish when I come back[.]
Well[,] Nan[,] I have got back[.] I have made quite a day[.] I have driven 28 miles and taught school andgot $3.25 out of it[,] so [I] guessthat pays me.
The [school] agent wants me to teach 2 weeks longerthan I hired for[;] that will be u[n]til July 7. Guess I shall teach[.] it will be only 10 days extra and I will get$17.50 out of it[,] so guess it will pay. I have hard luck in chickens[,] so have to make it up someway. Teacher & boarding-mistress called in tonight [sic] for mail and said they were coming to tea Friday night. Perhaps she willhelp mother [i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray] in haying[.] I might speak to her.
It is quite a doubt if I go over in 2 weeks from thetime I was over[.] I shall have to lookafter my work[,] as I am going to mteach longer. I should be pleased to have you come over andspend 4th of July [holiday]week with us[,] if you would like to[.] I will go over [on the] Sat. [i.e., Saturday] before the 4th andget you. My school will close the nextFriday[.] then I can carry you back mostany time [sic][.]
How is your aunt Jane[i.e., probably JaneS. (Howe) Crocker, or possiblyJane (Brown) MacDougal]?
How is May's [i.e., Florence Mary "May"Howe's] colt[?;] better[,] I hope. Whatwarm weather we ar[e] having.
It is late[,] so I must close or I shall be sosleepy [that] I may be ugly in school tomorrow. Good night[,]
fromAustin.
P.S. Writesoon and let me know if you wish to come over. You can help Jim [i.e., James"Jimmie New" McLaughlin] milk[,] churn [butter] and carry water. I will wash dishes.
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1893 June 15. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Thursday, 15 June 1893
From: NanHowe
Return address: Cooper [Maine]
Addressedto: Mr LA Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: Meddybemps, Maine, [16?]June 1893; also postmarked onreverse: Wesley, Maine, 17 June 1893
Note: The Meddybempspostmark has a faint printed date (possibly"16"), overwrittenin handwriting with a "15".
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Cooper June 15[,] 1893
MyDear friend Austin[,]
Ac[c]ordingto promis[e][,] I will send you a few lines to day [sic][.] I am afraid It will not be veryinteresting[,] as I forgot it was Thursdayuntill [sic] a moment ago[.]
I was very buisy [sic; i.e., busy] but have a fewmoments before the Mail comes[,] so will try and improve them by full filling [sic;i.e., fulfilling] my promis[e]. Well[,]how did you get home sunday [i.e., Sunday] eve[?] allright [sic; i.e., alright][,] Ihope[.] I thought of you many timesburing [sic; i.e., during] the eve and was lonesom[e]. Did you see Denerson P [sic; i.e., DennisonPalmeter][?] hepassed by about ten minutes after you left[,] so I thought you might havecompany part or all of the way[.]
Father [i.e., David Howe][,] Mother [i.e.,Charlotte "Lottie" (Brown) Howe] and Aunt Jane [i.e., JaneS. (Howe) Crocker] got home Monday noon[.] Father does not know you was over[,] or Aunt Jane[,] so she can[n]ottell Lizzie [i.e., Isabell A. "Lizzie"Crocker] when she goes toMarshfield[.] I know youwill be glad of that. you[,] Isup[p]ose[,] are in the school room[sic] this hot morning and enjoying the heat all you can. Did Den [i.e., Dennison Palmeter] tell theWesley folks [that] you was over here[?] Why was you nafraid I was going to ask Den in the room whare [sic; i.e.,where] you was sunday [i.e., Sunday] when he wasup[?] I have wandered [sic; i.e.,wondered] if you was afraiashamed to be seen or have him see you here or why. I do ,not blame you any if you was. I rec[eived] a letter from Katie[i.e., Kate Nixon] Tuesday[.] she ishome[.] [She] wentthe following Tuesday after I left [Manchester, New Hampshire][.] I was not surprised any to know she wenthome[,] as I expected it[.] she wrote[to] me [that] her brother is not going to be married this summer[.] [He] thinks it is to[o] hot [and] will waittill It gets a little cooler. Did youfind your Mother [i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray] well when you got home[?] Bill [i.e., probably William W."Bill" Sadler] was up[ yesterday buthad nothing to say about you[.] I wouldlike to see you to day verry[sic; i.e., very] much[.]d
I hope you have desided [sic; i.e., decided] on ahiard [sic; i.e., hired] girl this summer. why not hiar [sic; i.e., hire] me[?] how much will you give me a week[?] but I can[n]ot Milk nor lug watter[sic; i.e., water][,] you know[.]
I guess this is enough foolishness for this time[,]so will close[.] hope I will get aletter Sat[urday] from you[.] good byfrom
Nan
641Maine St[.,] Co[o]per
Maine
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1893 June 21. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Wednesday, 21 June 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, Cooper, Maine
Postmark: "[WES]LEY ME." (partly illegible), 22 June 1893;also postmarked on reverse (illegibleexcept for parts of town and year): "CO[OP]E[R]" 1[893]
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley June 21, 1893.
Dear Nan:
Itis late but I will write a few lines so [that] you will get it Sat[urday]. Your letter was so short [that] I wshall nothave to write much to repay you. Iexpect now [that] my school will close Friday[,] [June] 23[.] Some of the men in that district came homewith the Measles[.] and thathas broken the school up[,] as their children are notallowed to attend[.] otherwise[,] Ishould have taught 2 weeks longer. Had aletter from Henry [i.e., Henry H. Gray] thisweek[.] he and Hattie [i.e., HarrietB. "Hattie" (Wallace) Gray] talk of comeing [sic; i.e., coming] downnext month for a few days[.] he cannotleave long. Wish you were here tonight[.] I should enjoy it and perhapsyou would.
I do not know whether Den[i.e., Dennison Palmeter] told them of my being over there [i.e., at Cooper,Maine] or not[,] but probably[.] theyall seem to know it. I had no specialreason for not wanting him to come into the room that day[;] only [that] I didnot want him to. You know [that] I wasnot ashamed. If I were a shamed [sic] ofyou[,] I would not have you. We hadquite a shower & lots of wind last Sunday night[.] I thought [that] had itbeen a week ago I should have got it all.
Lynn Hayward has got home fromMass[achusetts]. Guess he has got enoughof that[.] so Hayward [i.e., probablyEbenezer S. "Eben" Hayward] will not move there[.] I do not thinkhe will move any where [sic] very soon. All who went a way [sic] last Spring havecome back but May [i.e., Mary E. "May" Driscoll][.] & I expect she is lonesome sincethey came a way [sic]. Hope you havedesided [sic; i.e., decided] to come over [for]the 4th [i.e., forthe Fourth of July holiday][,] so to help Jim [i.e., James "JimmieNew" McLaughlin] milk[.] I shall not care to soil my hands.
They folks [sic; i.e., The folks] are all to bed[,]so I must follow.
How kind of you to keep my being over from youraunt Jane [i.e., Jane S. (Howe) Crocker][,]so [that] Lizzie [i.e., Isabell A. "Lizzie" Crocker] willnot know it. I suppose Ishall have a letter from you tomorrow or Sat[urday]. Good night and pleasant dreams.
Austin
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1893 June 22. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Thursday, 22 June 1893
From: NanHowe
Return address: Cooper [Maine]
Addressedto: Mr LA Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "MED[D]YBEMPS ME. [JUN 2]2 18[93]" (partlyillegible); also postmarked on reverse (partly illegible):"W[E]S[L]EY ME. JUN 24 1893"
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
- - - - - - - - - -
Cooper June 22, 1893
Dear friend Austin[,]
Iwill write you a line this morning in answer to your letter [which] Irec[eived] Thursday last[.] I intendedto of answered Tuesday but I dident [sic; i.e., didn't][,] you see[.] I sent this [letter on] a lovley [sic; i.e.,lovely] morning[.] I have not been upvery long[,] as it was 8.15 when I was eating mybreak fast [sic]. I thoughtI would melt yesterday[.] May [i.e.,Florence Mary "May" Howe] and Aunt Jane[i.e., Jane S. (Howe) Crocker] went to Charlotte [Maine] and I was boss [athome][.] they come home last night [and] brought me aletter from Manchester [New Hampshire][.] May called to Charlotte P. [i.e., Post] Office and got our mail[,] so today [sic] I will not get any letters[.] I sup[p]ose you are streating [sic; i.e., straightening]around the School house [sic][,] giving off orders. I would like to step in some time [sic] whenyou did not know I was around. Irec[eived] a letter from Katie [i.e., Kate Nixon] lastweek[.] she is home in Canida[sic; i.e., Canada]. you need not minddriving my horse and getting compl[e]ments[;] you can drive your own[.] May Just come up [i.e.,upstairs] and told me [that] we are going tohave a caller[:] Jim McCoom [sic; i.e., James M."Jim" McCoomb][.] he is down to Bill S. [i.e., William W."Bill" Sadler's] and told father [i.e., David Howe] [that] he wasgoing to Call up here[.] is heMarried[?] I shall try and make a mashon him[.] I have seen him but am not anyacquainted[.] do you sup[p]ose I could cutout his Wesley [Maine] girl. Bert Sadler[i.e., Gilbert S. "Bert" Sadler] told me [on] sunday [i.e., Sunday][that] he saw Hattie Roberson [sic; i.e.,Hattie E. Robinson]when he come threw [sic; i.e., through] Wesley sat [i.e., on Saturday][.] she was home[.] did your May [i.e., Mary E."May" Driscoll] come with her[?] I sup[p]ose you are happy if she did[.] you will have some one [sic] to help you threw [sic; i.e., through]haying[.] Did you have a nice visit fromthe Teacher and boarding mistress[?] hope you had good success in asking her to help your Mother[i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray] threw [sic; i.e., through] haying[.] was glad to lurn [sic; i.e., learn] [that]you got home so earley [sic; i.e., early] sunday [i.e., Sunday] eve[.] yes[,] it was very warm and has been mostever since[.] dident [sic; i.e., Didn't]we have a good shower sunday [i.e., Sunday] eve. I have had but one ride since I gothome[.] one night last week May [i.e.,Florence Mary "May" Howe] and I took ourteam[,] went in to Lealands [sic; i.e., Leland's][,] around the other way bySawyer[']s[,] went down on west Ridge [and] back home[.] had a good drive[.] I held the rains [sic; i.e., reins] andwhip. May has got 9little chickins [sic; i.e., chickens]. how many have you got. Then youare going to teach till July 7th[.] I should think you would be tiard [sic; i.e.,tired] teaching and having so much to look after. I do not want you to neglect your work or anything [sic] for me[.] I would be verysorry to [crossed-out word; illegible]make you any extra st[e]ps orwork[.]
you spoke of me going over to your house [during]4[th] of July week. of co[u]rse[,] itwould make more trouble for you[.] and perhaps yourMother [i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray] and I would get toquar[r]eling. I do not know rather [sic;i.e., whether] it would be best or not[.] I will let you deside [sic; i.e., decide]. I am not particulor [sic; i.e.,particular][.] I would like to go if youwant me[,] but never wish to go whare [sic; i.e., where] I am notwanted[.] but what could I do [in] aweek[?] I would have to help Jim[i.e., James "Jimmie New" McLaughlin][,] topay my board[.] besides[,] perhaps you will not want to be bothered[at] 4[th] of July with me[.] but if youwant me to go over and think is isent [sic; i.e., isn't] to[o] much trouble[,]I will go if you wish it but not unless [you wishit][.] I do not want to bother any one [sic]. Den [i.e., DennisonPalmeter] called [on] Sunday eve when he was going to wesley [i.e., Wesley,Maine][.] [He] said he would take meover if I wanted to go[.] I toldhim[,] ["]I guess I would not go for anotherweek or so[."] isent [sic; i.e.,Isn't] he queer. Have you had any strawberriesyet[?] May andI went [strawberry picking] the other day [and] got ½pint[.] I will haveto close. write soon and tell me whenyou are coming over[.] Good[-]byefrom Nan
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1893 June25. L.Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 25 June 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, Cooper, Maine
Postmark: "WESLEY ME. JUN 26 18[93]" (partly illegible year); alsopostmarked on reverse (partly illegible): "COOPER [ME.] J[UN] [ ] 1[893]"
Enclosure: handwritten maxims ona paper scrap
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
- - - - - - - - - -
Wesley June 25th, 1893.
Dear Nan:-
Ireceived your letter last night and will answer to day [sic]. We have had a lovely rain which will help uspoor farmers out with our crops. Iclosed school Friday night on account of the Measles. Miss Sevey [sic; i.e., Addie F.Seavey] also closed. Den [i.e.,Dennison Palmeter] teaches one week more[.] he did not commence so soon[,] by a week[,]as I. yes[,] I guess he is kind of queerbut I have not seen much of him [during] late years. No[,] Jim Macomb [sic;i.e., James M. "Jim" McCoomb] is not married[,] but you need notplease your self [sic] with the idea [that] youcan get him. I had four chickins [sic;i.e., chickens] but now have three. Notmuch luck in poultry[,] you see. Yes[,]we have had some very warm weather[,] but I am inhopes [sic; i.e., in hopes] [that]this rain will cool the air off for a time[.]
I have sold the colt [that] I was over [to Cooper,Maine] with. Sold her last week for$165.
There is a man [who] wants Floy [the horse][.] I said[,] ["]I will let her go fornothing less than $200.["] Hethinks that [amount is] too much[.] butI dare not say much to him[,] for fear [that] he will take her[,] and I shouldhate to have her go. I think he has allmost [sic; i.e., almost] a mind to take her. She is a beauty. I certainlywould enjoy having you come if you care too [sic; i.e., to]. I will be over after you [on] Sat[urday][,]nothing preventing. [I will] Probably go in the morning and [come] back in the P.M. You can pay your board by Helping Jim [i.e.,James "Jimmie New" McLaughlin] milk[,] churn[,]carry water, [carry] wood[,] andhelp mother [i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray] [during] what spare time you have[.]
[I] Am going up [i.e., north] tothe corner [i.e., to Wesley Corner] This morning(Monday) (I did not finish this yesterday)[.]
We are to have town meeting to see about buying aroad machine. Hoping to see yoiuSat[urday][.] I will close[.] yours with love[,]
Austin
[P.S.] GuessI am crazy[.] I overlooked this side [ofthe stationery][.] I am in a hurry. Loarin Rollins [sic; i.e., LoringA. Rollins] has got home[.]
A
- - - - -
[Enclosure. Handwritten maxims onboth sides of a paper scrap (the left half of an envelope,cut and opened up.]
[side A:]
[partialaddress on this envelope half:]
Mr. L.
W
Me
[maxims on side A:]
The miles i have travelled
Howtired I am.
Paperis scarce
Moneyis scarcer
Friendsmoreso [sic]
{Truefriends you mean{ [sic]
There is no such a thing as true friends
Ican not aggree. [sic]
[side B:]
(Old Treasure's) [sic]
Truefriends are steadfast and always return.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1893 July09. L.Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 09 July 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, Cooper. Maine
Postmark: "WES[LEY] ME. JUL 11 1893" (postmark is partly off theenvelope edge); also postmarked onreverse (partly illegible): "[C]OOPER ME. JUL 13 1893".
Enclosure: A"clipping", torn from The Weekly Express, aPortland, Maine newspaper; date notknown.
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
- - - - - - - - - -
Wesley July 9[,] 1893.
My own Nan:
[I]Am going to the corner [i.e., Wesley Corner] to night [sic][,] so will writeyou a line. Wasstrawberrying this P.M. wish you hadbeen here to go with me[,] not for what fewyou would have picked but for company.
I got to Milltown [Maine] that night just afterdark[.] I found them[i.e., Hannah "Anna" (Gray) Burnham, Harry Burnham, and Annie LinnieGray] all well and pleased to see me[.] Harry was so pleased [that] all he could dowas laugh. Saw your father [i.e., DavidHowe] go by in the morning[,] but not to speak to him. We went to Baring [Maine] to dinner and madesome calls [i.e., visits] -- came to Crawford [Maine] to Mr. Averill[']s[i.e., Horatio "Rashe" Averill's] to tea and home about [sic] eleven P.M. It made the road lots shorter by you and May[i.e., Florence Mary "May" Howe] going partway[.]
I met Hen H. [i.e., Henry H.Hitchings] after I left you[,] and he wanted to know if I was not on thewrong road.
Henry and Hattie [i.e., Henry H. Gray, and his wifeHarriet "Hattie"(Wallace) Gray] came [on] Sat[urday] night and will go back [toMilbridge, Maine] this week.
There was a croud [sic; i.e., crowd] [that] went uplakes Sat[urday] but we did not go. Infact[,] we did not know it until wethey had gone. We are having some fine showers this afternoon.
Well[,] I am not gettingany more work done this [week] but willhave to make up for lost time after company goes home. I suppose you and May gothome before dark?
What did May say when she came to the pop corn[sic] [that] I put into her treat?
Linnie expects to stay 2 weeks[,] and Hannah iscomeing [sic; i.e., coming] out if she can leave.
I saw Ray [i.e., Ellis Ray Hitchings] as I came byEm[']s [i.e., Emma (Howe) Hitching's house][,] andsome one [sic] looking out of the window [who] I thought wasEm. Guess I must close[,] as we aregoing to the corner [i.e., Wesley Corner] calling [i.e.,visiting] to night [sic].
Yours as ever[,]
Austin.
- - - - -
[Enclosure, front side. A"clipping", torn from TheWeekly Express, a Portland, Maine newspaper; date not known. The primay item on this side is part of alonger list of death notices. The only name which mightpossibly be related to Nan Howe's family isthat of a Miss Elsie M. Leland. The Maine death records show that she died on22 May 1893. (Source: Ancestry.com. Maine, Death Records, 1617-1922 [database on-line].Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Ancestry.com cites: Maine Death Records, 1617-1922. Augusta, Maine:Maine State Archives ; 1892-1907 Vital Records; Roll #: 34.) Shewas the daughter of D. Webster andClara E. (Clark) Leland, born in Trenton, and was aschool teacher who died of consumption. Elsie's paternal grandfather was William H.Leland who was born in Lubec, Maine (Source: Ancestry.com. Maine, Death Records, 1617-1922, Recordfor D. WebsterLeland.]
[. . . torn . . .] [th]is city, 25th inst., Mrs.
Lucy L.Anderson, aged 73 years.
DAVIS--In Lyman, 1st inst., Joshua Davis,
aged 82.
MAYO--In Biddeford, 23d inst., Mrs. Mary E.
Mayo, inthe 91st year of her age.
JONES--In Bridgton, Mass., 11th inst., Mrs.
Ada Jones,formerly of Lebanon, Me., aged
91 years.
THOMPSON--In Kennebunk, 10th inst., Lena,
wife ofWilliam Thompson, aged 25 years.
FOLLANSBEE--In Waterville, 21st inst.,
PrescottFollansbee, aged 72 years.
LaFOUNTAIN--In Biddeford, 19th inst.,
JosephLaFountain, aged 80 years.
WHITE--In Skowhegan, 20th inst., Mrs. Clar-
issaWhite, aged 83.
HUSTON--In Winn, 22d inst., Nicholas R.
Huston,aged 79 years.
COLE--In New Limerick, 22d inst., Mrts. Ellen
Cole, aged74 years.
ELLIS--In Mount Desert, 21st inst., Alfred O.
Ellis,aged 66 years.
LELAND--In West Trenton, 22d inst., Miss
Elsie M.Leland, ,aged 23 years.
PENNELL--In Augusta, 24 thinst., Mas. [sic] L.C[.]
Pennell,widow of Frrancis Pennell, aged 73
years.
TIBBETTS--In Harpswell,19th inst., Charles
Tibbetts,aged 16 years 6 months.
MERRIMAN--In Harpswell, 21st inst., Mrs.
Susan O.Merriman, aged 44 Years 4
months.
[Enclosure, reverse side. The primaryitem on this side of theclipping is the bottom part of a book advertisement. The missing top part probably contained thetitle.]
Subjectsrelating to health, education,
courtship, marriage and maternity are
treated in this book in an instructive man-
ner, which charms by its delicacy, frank-
ness and good sense. It is just such a book
as the family physician would advise his
lady patients to read. It answers many
questions which every busy practitioner of
medicine has put to him in the sick-room,
at a time when it is neither expedient nor
wise to impart the information sought.
Itwill not offend the most proper
womanly modesty or refined feelings, and
may wisaely be put into the hands of any
woman or girl. It is a book for the family,
and will bear repeated readings, and will
be useful to refer to in emergencies.
Thebest physicians, editors and mothers
commend this book to the mothers and
daughters of America. Elegantly bound
as shown in cut. Price, $1.00.
[Stephen Robbins' note, 30 March 2013. By doing a little research, I have determinedthat the book described above is: The Daughter : HerHealth, Education, and Wedlock : HomelySuggestions for Mothers and Daughters / by William M. Capp,M.D. (Philadelphia, Pa. : F.A. Davis, Publisher, 1891). viii, 144 pages.]
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1893 July14. NanHowe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Friday, 14 July 1893
From: NanHowe
Return address: Cooper [Maine]
Addressedto: Mr LA Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "[MEDD]Y[B]EMPS ME. JUL 14 1893" (partly illegible); alsopostmarked on reverse: "[W]ESLEY ME. [JUL] 15 1893" (partly illegible)
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
- - - - - - - - - -
Cooper July 14, 1893
My Dear friend Austin[,]
Iwill try this morning and write you a line in answer to your letter [which] Irec[eived] yesterday. I intended to of sent you a letteryesterday but had company[:] two ladies from Milltown [Maine] in the foornoon [sic;i.e., forenoon] and to dinner[.] so Icould not write it to send out yesterday[.] and in afternoon Em. & Lottie [i.e., Emma (Howe) Hitchings, and herdaughter Charlotte May "Lottie" Hitchings] come out[.] Linn [i.e., Ethel Lenna"Linn" Hitchings] come out the daybefore with Father [i.e., David Howe] and they are going to stay till Sun[day]or Monday[.] it is pretty livley [sic;i.e., lively] to take all to gather [sic; i.e., together][.] Lottie[,] Linn and May [i.e., Florence Mary"May" Howe] are traning [sic; i.e., possibly "training" ?]well[.] one can hardlythink[,] for[i.e., because of] their noise[.]
Mother [i.e., Charlotte"Lottie" (Brown) Howe] and Em are down to Win's [i.e., James Winslow"Win" Howe's] this foor noon [sic; i.e., forenoon][.] We are all going a strawberrying thisafternoon[.]
dident [sic; i.e., Didn't] we have a good rainyesterday. I have been strawberryinglots since I come home. Was p[leased tohear [that] you had a pleasant visit[;] also [a] Journey to Milltown [Maine][,]Baring [Maine] & so forth[.] we gothome[,] May[,] Ray [i.e., Ellis RayHitchings] and I[,] at 8.30 that night[.] I hurd [sic; i.e., heard] [that] Hen [i.e., Henry H. Hitchings] and Ora[i.e., Ora Hitchings] mett [sic; i.e., met] you[.] I sup[p]ose you are enjoying Harry's [i.e.,Harry Burnham's] visit[,]also Linnie's [i.e., Annie LinnieGray's visit] and Henry's & wife[']s[i.e., the visits ofHenry H. Gray and his wife Harriet "Hattie" (Wallace) Gray][.]
I was so glad when I got your letter[.] They come Sat[urday] night. That I come home when I did and that I wasnot over there when they come. I see inthe Machias Union[newspaper] [that] Nancy Howe of Cooper was vistig[sic; i.e., visiting] at L. AGray[']s[.] ha-ha ha[.] do yoy see a[n]y thing of our cows[.] I sup[p]ose Anna Rollins wrote it[.]
It was Linna [sic; i.e., EthelLenna "Linn" Hitchings][,] not Em[,] that you see at the window. Bill [i.e., William W. "Bill" Sadler]was up to see me as soon as he hurd I was got up thenext morning[.] I gave it to him abouthis Colt[.] Angie [i.e.,Angie (Conant) Sadler] had the Dr [i.e., Doctor] Wed[nesday]. I sup[p]ose you have picked lots of berriessince I showed you how[.] your Mother[i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray] can thank me for that[.] was she lonesom[e] while you was away[?] How is Jim [i.e., James"Jimmie New" McLaughlin]. didhe treat [on] the 12[th] of July[?]
May liked the [a crossed-out word; illegible] corn[,]I guess[,] for she did not say any thing [sic] about it. Have you com[m]enced haying yet. Father has don[e]some[.] he has a man[,] alsoWin[.] Father has a Keen[e] boy[i.e., probably a son of Reuben Keene: Henry H.(age about 19 in 1893), Moses M.(about 17), Roscoe (about 17) orHarvey (about 15)]. he seems to be real good[.] Who have you got to help you[?]
We was going to have new potatoes and green peasfor dinner to day [sic] but it was to[o] wet to pick them[.] but [we] will have them to morrow [sic]instead[.] wish you was going to be hereto have some[.] I sup[p]ose you have nothad time to be lonesom[e][.]
since I come home I have been quitebuisy [sic; i.e., busy][.] I havethought of you lots. Q we havehad company all the time. We areinjoying [sic; i.e., enjoying] a good visit from Em. it has been about 16 mont[h]s since she wasout before[.] May and Lottie want to goover to Dearings [sic; i.e.,probably the Thomas Deeringfamily's place] to the lake this afternoon[,]but I do not think we will[.] we may go to morrow [sic][.]b
I do not sup[p]oswe it is any use to look for youto morrow [sic]. When will you comeover. I will have to close for thistime[.] hoping to hear from you soon andsee you when ever [sic] you can come[.] good by from Nancy Howe
[P.S.] writewhen you can[.] that gum was lovley[sic; i.e., lovely][.] I have my mouthfull now[.]
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1893 July 16. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 16 July 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe
Postmark: "[WESL]EY ME. J[UL] 18 1893" (partly illegible); alsopostmarked on reverse: "CALAIS, ME. REC'D 8 PM [JUL} 18 1893" (partly illegible);also postmarkedon reverse: "COO[PE]R [ME.] JU[L] 20 1[893]" (partlyillegible).
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
- - - - - - - - - -
Wesley July 16, 1893.
My dear Nan:--
Ireceived your letter last night with pleasure and will write a line to day[sic][,] as I expect to go to the [post] office some time [sic] tomorrow. So you did not write until after you receivedmy letter[,] two to your one. Guess you will not play that on me a gain[sic] very soon. I was to Machias [Maine] yesterday. I hired a man in Marshfield by the name of Farnsworth[i.e., probably Elvin W. Farnsworth][.]
I shall commence haying Tuesday if it is fairweather. I dread it. Henry & Hattie [i.e., Henry H. Gray, andhis wife Harriet "Hattie" (Wallace) Gray] started for home [i.e.,Milbridge, Maine] Thursday. Mother[i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray] went with them as far as Marshfield and came up withme last night. Yes[,] I saw that piecein the Union[i.e., The Machias Union, anewspaper]. Guess Anna [i.e.,Anna Rollins] wrote it[.] There is a young man by the name of Beanvisiting her[,] and I see by the republican[i.e., Machias Republican, anewspaper] it is reported they had green beans for dinner at Mr[.] Rollins' [i.e.,Cyrus C. Rollins'] the other day. Guess Lola [i.e., Lois Edith"Lola" Gray] wrote it. Pretty good. Lynn Hayward says [that] Wesley is goodenough for him.
Harry [i.e., Harry Burnham] is looking fine sincehe came out[.] guess it jas done himgood. Has Em[i.e., Emma (Howe) Hitchings] found out yet if you were going to bemarried? Poor Bill [i.e., William W."Bill" Sadler][.] you must not hecter[sic; i.e., hector] him too much[.] he has enough to contend with now. How is your colt[,]any better?
Vine Blake [i.e., Lovina F."Vine" Blake] was down Friday. I told her I went to see her and she run.
Eben Hayward [i.e., Ebenezer S. "Eben"Hayward] has bee sick with grippe. Heand Mandy [i.e., Mary Amanda "Mandy" (Porter) Hayward]were intending to come down [on] the 4th[i.e., on the Fourth of July holiday] if it had not rained. Don't you wish it had been pleasant? Yes[,] you showed me how to pick strawberry's[sic; i.e., strawberries]. Do you remember ho[w] quickly I filled mydish the first night we went[?] I scarcely moved before it was full. I can not saw when I shallbe over. Some Sat[urday] when it [i.e.,the weather] is dull and the horse is not tired[.] I went up to get the colt shod[,] but he[i.e., probably blacksmith Daniel Sprague] was so busy [that] Icould not. I should enjoy going over atany time but[,] of course[,] I shall be very busy while haying. Some of them have been at me to teach at home[i.e., in Wesley] this fall[.] but[I] do not know how it will be[.] theywill have a school meeting first. I liketo teach at home[,] for I can see to things better.
Good[-]bye[.] yours as ever[,] Austin
Monday.
I did not seal your letter[,] so will write aline[.]
Old Mr. & Mrs. Vance [i.e.,David Vance, Senior, and his wife Salome J.( )] are over to Dave[']s[i.e., at David H. Vance,Junior's][.] Mr. Vance came down to see me[.] [He]said he had seen me in Cooper and expected to find aCooper girl here[.] All he saw me inCooper was go by. I met him in Crawfordbut guess he forgot that. Linnie [i.e.,Annie Linnie Gray] is out trying to getsome Strawberrys [sic; i.e., strawberries] for supper[.]
Bye[-]Bye[,] Austin
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1893 July 22. Nan Howe to L. AustinGray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Saturday, 22 July 1893
From: Nan Howe
Return address: Cooper [Maine]
Addressedto: Mr LA Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "MEDDYBEMPS ME. JUL 22 1893"; also ,postmarked on reverswe:"[WES]LEY [ME]. [JUL] 24 [189]3" (partly illegible).
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Cooper July 22th [sic] 1893
My Dear friend Austin[,]
Irec[eived] your letter Thursday last and will now try and answer it[.] I was pleased as I always am to hear from youand that you was well and happy[;] also that you was enjoying your self [sic]so well entertraining company. What if you did write two to meone[?] I have don[e] the same lots oftimes with you and thought nothing about it[.] but if you are going to be so particular about it[,] I can to[o]. we will not quarrel about it[,] will we. I sup[p]ose you are verry [sic; i.e., very]buisy [sic; i.e., busy] haying[,] but to day [sic] is not a very good hayday[,] is it[?] so you will not have tohurry so. Father [i.e., David Howe] hasgon[e] to Calais to day [sic] with a load of new potatoes[,]and Lottie [i.e., Charlotte May"Lottie" Hitchings] went out home withhim[.] she likesto stay out here but her mother [i.e., Emma (Howe) Hitchings] wants her to helpher threw [sic; i.e., through] Vacation[.] so she went homecrhying[,] but says she is coming out again before school com[m]ences. Have you had any Raspberries or Blubaries[sic; i.e., blueberries] yet[?] we havehad one mess of each[.]
the Strawberries are all gon[e] here[.] we had lots of them while they lasted. Has Linnie [i.e., Annie Linnie Gray] returnedto Milltown [Maine] yet[?] I sup[p]oseyou made her pick strawberries all the time she was home. When is Hannah [i.er., Hannah"Anna" (Gray) Burnham] coming out. No[,] Em has found out nothing by me[.] she asked me if I thought of going away[,] and I told her[that] I did[.] she asked when[.] I told her [that] I mite [sic; i.e., might]go any time [sic][.] but she did not askme whare [sic; i.e., where] I thought of going[,] so I did not tell her[.] I wish you was coming over today[.] I wish I could see you very much,but do not expect you will bother with Nan for some little while[,] as you arebuisy [sic; i.e., busy] haying[.] so Ido not sup[p]ose I can need ask[,] but I wish [letterscrossed-out; illegible] tosee you more than I can express[.]
I do not wish to complain but hope all will be wellby[-]and[-]by. I am so much bother to every one. I think Mr. Vance [i.e., David Vance, Senior]must of went down & of seen the Cooper girl instead of you. what are they doing over to Dave[']s [i.e.,David H. Vance, Junior's][,]visiting or what. yes[,] our colt issome better but pretty lame yet. theyare getting along nicely haying[,] Father and Win [i.e., James Winslow"Win" Howe][.]
No[,] I am thank ful [sic] it rained the 4th[i.e., on the Fourth of July holiday][,] so Mr[.] and Mrs[.] Hayward [i.e.,Ebenezer S. "Eben" Hayward, and his wifeMary Amanda "Mandy" (Porter) Hayward] hadto stay at home[.] I would of felt like a fool had they comethere while I was there. you think itwas Just as well it rained[,] don[']t you. am glad Mr[.] Lynn H [i.e., Lynn Hayward] is so easily suited[.] hope he will always be so content. It was pretty good on Miss Rollins [i.e.,Anna Rollins][,] I should say. there is lots I would like to write but donot feel like it to day [sic][,] so please excuse this[.]
If it is so [that] I can[,] I will write you a line[at] the first of the week[.] if you do not get a letter by friday [i.e., Friday][,]you may know [that] all is not well over here and that Nan is in the blues. Hoping to hear from you soon[.] I will close[.]
Iremain as ever[.]
[P.S.] wish I could see you Good[-]by[,] Nan
to night [sic][.]
[P.P.S.] notthere
I do not feel like writing to day [sic][.] am in a fit of blues[.] can you simpathise [sic; i.e., sympathize]with me[?] if so[,] come over. by[e-]bye
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1893 July 26. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 26 July 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, Cooper, Maine
Postmark: "W[E]SLEY ME. JUL 27 1893" (partly illegible); alsopostmarked on reverse: "CALAIS, ME. REC'D. [ ] PM [JU]L 27 1893"(partly illegible); also postmarkedon reverse: "COOPER [ME.] JUL 29 1[893]" (partlyillegible).
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley July 26[,] 1893
My dear Nan: --
Itis dull to day [sic][,] so [I] will write you a line. I received your letter Monday. Mother [i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray][,] Harry[i.e., Harry Burnham] & I were toCrawford [Maine] Monday P.M. I went onbusiness & they went with me. Iwanted to go to Cooper and stay all night but could not[,] for[i.e., because of] haying. I hayed all day Saturday. It was not a very good day but I got a lotdown [i.e., cut] in the morning[,] befor[e] Ithought it was going to be dull[,] so had to take care of it. Am very sorry [that] you are having theblues[.] wish I could see you. I will go over Sat. [i.e., on Saturday] if Ican[.] but if it is not dull[weather][,] I suppose [that] I will not be able to. Am going to the [post] office to deay [sic]& am in hopes to get a letter saying [that] you feel better. I expect to finish mowing my English grass inthree mornings[,] but have bought some w[h]ich will take me a bout [sic] 2 daysto cut after that. My man [i.e.,Farnsworth; (probably Elvin W. Farnsworth)] is sick to day [sic][.] he was not well yesterday but worked. I hope he will be well in the morning. I have been blessed with the toothache for about [sic] a week a greater part of the time[,] but work just the same.
Linnie [i.e., Annie Linnie Gray] is here yet and[I] guess she will be for another week[,] as Hannah [i.e., Hannah"Anna" (Gray) Burnham] can not leave just yet but is in hopes tosoon.
I think all must be well but[,] if not[,] willarrange it to see you soon. We have hadlots of blueberries[,] & Harry and I picked one mess of raspberries. We are having lots of green pees [sic; i.e.,peas] now, and cucumbers & string beens [sic; i.e., beans] are inblossom. Hannah wrote [to] Linnie [that]if I had brains enough to get married[,] she would leave Harry out here untilfall[.] He islooking much better and is happy as a clam. He is a better boy than he was. A number of those who went to the circus havethe Measles for their pleasure.
Guess Linnie and I will go out to Hayward[']s[i.e., probably Ebenezer S. "Eben" Hayward's] this P.M. I have business out on that road. Will now close[.]
Good[-]bye[,]
Austin.
[P.S.] Mr.Vance & wife [i.e., David Vance, Senior, and his wife Salome J.( )] were visiting[.] the[y] have gone home[.]
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1893 July26. NanHowe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Wednesday, 26 July 1893
From: NanHowe
Return address: Cooper [Maine]
Addressedto: AustinGray Esq., Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "[MED]DYBEMPS [ME.] JUL 26 1[89]3"(partly illegible); also postmarked on reverse: "WESLEY ME JUL27 1[89]3" (partly illegible).
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Cooper July 26. 1893
My Dear friend Austin[,]
AgainI find my self [sic] seated to write aline to you, as I told you I would in my last letter[.] two to you[r] one[.] now it is my turn to complain[,] but nevermind[.] I am very happy I can write[;]am very happy to do so. when the Mailcome in Sat[urday][,] May [i.e., Florence Mary "May" Howe] had aletter [stating] that Ada[i.e., Ada (Howe) Stubbs] was in Calais [Maine]to Em[']s [i.e., at Emma (Howe) Hitching's]. [Ada] come the Thursday before[.] Gracie [i.e., Grace Stubbs]come in Sat[urday] night with father [i.e., probably her father Thomas V.Stubbs]. and Win[i.e., James Winslow "Win" Howe] went out Sunday morning after herand Edie [i.e., Edith A. "Edie" Stubbs]. father [i.e., David Howe] had a heavyexpress[,] so she could not come on that. she [i.e., Ada] has gottwo very pretty and smart children[,] both girls[.] she is going to stay two weeks. also[,] Ora Hitchings is out here two [sic;i.e., too] and has Hen[']s [i.e., Henry H. Hitching's] littlegirl [name not known][.] I am about crazy with their noise[.] Win[']s two [sic, i.e.,too ; Win had 3 youngchildren] and Ada[']s two [sic; i.e., too ; Ada had 2 livingyoung children][,] Lee [i.e., May's son Lee Howe]and Ina [who was Ina?][.]
I pitty Ora[.] she seems to be very sober[.] shedoes not ap[p]ear one bit as she used to[.] Ada is in good health and likes Sanford [Maine] very much. I rec[eived] a letter from Mrs[.] Dick[i.e., Catherine "Katie" (Suitor) Dick] yesterday and she told me[that] Mr[.] Cutts mawas married soon after I left Manchester [NewHampshire] and went right to house keeping [sic][.] [He] Married a Lowell [Massachusetts]girl[.] another girl maid [sic; i.e.,made] happy. see what I havelost[.] you made fun of his photo but heis a good fellow all the same[,] and I hope he has got a good [crossed-outword, illegible] wife. there has beenlots of weddings in Alexander [Maine] lat[e]ly[,] hasent they [sic; i.e.,hasn't there]. has Linnie [i.e., AnnieLinnie Gray] gon[e] away yet. How do youget along haying[.] do you like your hiard [sic; i.e., hired]man[?]
Father [i.e., David Howe] went to Milltown [Maine]yesterday with a load of new potatoes[,] and again to day [sic]. he lost one of his cows Sat[urday][.] she got hooked and they had to kill her[,] orBurt Sadler took her and killed her for him. he is doing [(] Burt[,] I mean [)] is in buisness [sic; i.e., business]for himself[,] Butchering. I am veryhappy to day [sic]. happyon the way but some tiard [sic; i.e., tired][.] there is only 12 of us in family[,] so there is some work sor [sic;i.e., for] some one [sic] to do[.] Adasays [that] Em and Alice [i.e., Alice (Howe) Leland] areconing [sic; i.e., coming] out while she is here. Well[,] I guess I will have to close for thistime[.] hoping to hear from yousoon[.] I wilkl close with lots oflove[.] I remain as ever[,] Nan[.]
[P.S.] May hasaddressed the envelope so [that] the folks vill [sic; i.e., will] not know youhave two letters rite [sic; i.e., right] away from me[.] they will think you have a new girl[.] ha ha ha[.] all is well[.]
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1893 July30. L.Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 30 July 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, Cooper, Maine
Postmark: "[WESL]EY ME. JUL 31 18[9]3" (partly illegible);also postmarked on reverse: "COOPE[R] [ME.] AUG 2 1[893]" (partly illegible).
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley July 30[,] 1893.
My dear Nan:
Iwill write a few lines in answer to your last [letter]. It is not ne[ce]ssary tosay [that] I was pleased to get it[;] also pleased to iknow you were feeling sohappy.
I suppose you looked for me yesterday[,] as it wasa dull day. I did not go for two reasons. First[,] Victor Gray died Thursday night andis to be burried [sic; i.e., buried] to day [sic] and[,] of course[,] I couldnot go[.] but Ishould not have gone any way [sic] after receiving your letter[,] as you haveso much company[.] I think you would all enjoy yourselves bettera lone [sic]. I wouldlike to see you just the same. I feltyesterday [that] I would like to go over very much.
I have not done much haying [during] the pastweek W[e] have had it [i.e., the weather]dull most of the time[.] My man[i.e., probably Elvin W. Farnsworth)] went home sick[,] so left Jim[i.e., James "Jimmie New" McLaughlin] & I. [On] Friday I had to go to Machias[Maine] after the casket[,] so did no haying. I had two teeth out while down& have felt better since[.] I hadthe toothache for over a week but worked just the same. Perhaps I was not ugly. It took some of the surplusflesh from me. Tell May[i.e., Florence Mary "May" Howe] [that] I was very much pleased toget a letter from her. I always knew[that] she liked me but did not think she would care to write[.]
I do not know when I shall go over[,] but some dullSaturday after Ada [i.e., Ada (Howe) Stubbs]goes home. Let me know when shegoes. also [let me know] if you intendto be a way [sic] from home any Sat[urday]. I should not want to go over and find you gone. I am not a fraid[sic] of Ada[,] but it wouold be pleasanter for you all & for me to goafterwords [sic; i.e., afterwards].
I expect Linnie [i.e., Annie Linnie Gray] will goback next Sat[urday] but am not sure.
[We] Shall have some cucumbers this week[and] are having lots of peas. I heard [that] there were buildings burned inCooper[;] whoes [sic; i.e., whose] were they?
The lightning struck a tree near Willard Day's[i.e., probably John Willard Day's, or his son Erastus Willard Day's]house and split it.
Tell May [that] I am having good luck with my twochickins [sic; i.e., chickens]. Linnie and I did not go to Hayward[']s [i.e.,probably Ebenezer S. "Eben" Hayward's] thatday I wrote[.] it rained and made uslate[,] so we went to Addie[']s [i.e.,Adaline A. "Addie" Gray's].
Lola [i.e., Lois Edith "Lola" Gray] hasbeen to Milltown [Maine] but came home yesterday.
I mustclose[.]
Yours as ever[,]
Austin.
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1893 August 02. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Wednesday, 02 August 1893
From: NanHowe
Return address: Cooper [Maine]
Addressedto: Mr LA Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "MEDDYBEMPS ME. AUG 2 1893"; also postmarked on reverse:"W[E]SLE[Y] ME. AU[G] [3] 1893" (partly illegible)
Enclosure: Clipping from apublication
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Cooper Aug[.] 2. 1893
My Dear friend Austin[,]
Iwill try this morning and drop a line to you in answer to your's [sic; i.e.,your letter] [which] Irec[eived] saturday [i.e., Saturday] last. It is needless for me torepeat how disapontited [sic; i.e., disappointed] I was sat[sic; i.e., Saturday] night when you did mot mcome over[.] I was sure[,] after I rec[eived] your letterand it [i.e., the weather] was not pleasant[,] that you wouldcome[.] I looked [for you] untill [sic]nine o[']clock. Father [i.e., DavidHowe][,] Mother [i.e., Charlotte (Brown)Howe] and Ada [i.e., Ada (Howe) Stubbs] & Em[,] wins[sic] wife [i.e., Emma S. (Flood)(Hitchings) Howe, James Winslow "Win" Howe's wife][,] went toAlexander [Maine] sat [i.e., Saturday] noon[.] [They] did notcome home untill [sic] sunday eve[at] about eight o[']clock[.]
the children was to [i.e., at] wins [sic;i.e., Win's] or [were with] Grace[i.e., Grace AnnaStubbs][.] Ada took the baby [i.e., EdithAda Stubbs] with her[.] and win [i.e.,Win] sent up for May [i.e., Florence Mary"May" Howe] to come down[,] for Blanch[sic; i.e., Blanche Myrtye Howe] and Grace was sick[.] so I was alone[on] sat [sic; i.e.,Saturday] eve till nine o[']clock[,] and also [on]sunday [i.e., Sunday] till three[.] Ald[??] AldaHenderson cone [sic; i.e., come] in and stayed tillafter tea. soyou see[,] I would of enjoyed having you come over. I was lonesom[e] when May was away[.] well[,] she was not away all day sun [i.e.,Sunday][,] but Bert Sadler [i.e., Gilbert S. "Bert"Sadler] come over[.] they went toride. and he was here to dinner. Ada and [her] children are here yet but aregoing to Calais [Maine] to Morrow [sic; i.e., tomorrow] to take the Boat [on] Fridayfor home[.] she has two nice children[.]
Ora [i.e., Ora Hitchings]has also gon[e] home[.] so we will belonesom[e] after Ada is gon[e] if no one does not come [sic;i.e., if no one comes]. I do not sup[p]ose you have gotdon[e] haying yet, as it has not been very good hayweather[.] did your man [i.e., probablyElvin W. Farnsworth)] get better. [I]Was very sorry [that] you had the toothache[.] hope it is better[.] why do younot have it [i.e., the tooth] out. I sup[p]ose you are enjoying Linnie[']s[i.e., Annie Linnie Gray's] visit verry[sic; i.e., very] much[.] did you and her have a good visit to Mr[.]Haywards [sic; i.e., Ebenezer S. "Eben" Hayward's]
we have had two messes of string Beans and lots of peasand new potatoes[,] bluberies [sic; i.e., blueberries] andraspberries[.]
Hannah [i.e., Hannah "Anna"(Gray) Burnham] seems to be in a great worry about you not gett[i]ngmarried[.] why is she so interested inyour well fare [sic; i.e., welfare][?] perhapsif you have not braines [sic; i.e., brains] enough of your own you might borrowa few untill [sic; i.e., until] you get married. I bet she will go for you when she comes outagain[.] if she does come[,] she willstart you of[f] rather or no [sic;i.e., whether or not] to be married in haste[.] want [sic; i.e., Won't] I laugh[,] though[.]
Ada and [her] children & father [i.e., DavidHowe] was over to Meddy bemps [sic; i.e., Meddybemps, Maine] yesterday allday. I sup[p]ose you do not let Harry [i.e.,Harry Burnham] have a bit pease [sic; i.e., peace][.] you are training him all the time[.]
will have to close[,] as the mail is coming[.] good[-]bye[,] Nan
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[Enclosure. A clippingfrom a publication (not transcribed, butbriefly described below). On one side is a list of free circulars ondifferent diseases, available from the State Board of Health in Augusta,Maine. On the other side is anadvertisement for a medicine called "Mist. Glyconin Comp.", preparedby Schlotterbeck & Foss, Portland, Maine. Its ingredients include "Norwegian Cod Liver Oil, Pancreatized,therefore Partially Digested, Egg, Sherry Wine, Phosphorus and CarminativeAromatics."]
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1893 August13. L.Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 13 August 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, Cooper, Maine
Postmark: "WESLEY ME. A[UG] 14 18[93]" (partly illegible); alsopostmarked on reverse: "COOPER [ME]. AUG 16 1[893]" (partly illegible)
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the original document. Stephen Robbins’ added information and notesare enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Aug[.] 13 / [18]93.
My dear Nan:
Iwill write you a line to day [sic][.] I hiredlast night to teach the school here at home[.] I commence two weeks from tomorrow[.]
Now how willwe arrange it? Would you be ready to bemarried next week? or how can arrange it. if you were not opposed to being married onSat[urday] or Sun [i.e., Sunday][,] we could arrange it all right. We will have to be published [i.e., register marriage intentions with town clerks of Wesley andCooper] by next Sat[urday] in order to be married Thursday[.] you would have to see Bill [i.e.,William W. "Bill" Sadler] or I should have to see him nextSat[urday]. I will not have time towrite him after I hear from you & do not wish to be published until I hearfrom you a gain [sic]. Please write mewhat you wish[.]ma
We would have to go to some place[,] so I would nothave time to write any one. Wish schooldid not begin so soon[,] but the [school] district voted it. I expect Linnie [i.e., Annie Linnie Gray]will go back this week[.] Harry [i.e.,Harry Burnham] has the Measles but is up to day [sic].
Wish I could see you to day [sic] and makearrangements[.]
I think it doubtful if I finish haying beforeschool. Wish we had been married lastspring when you came home[.] it would have been much better. How warm it has been the past week. It was very warm working on themeadow. Had a letter from Henry [i.e.,Henry H. Gray] this lastweek[.] he said [that] he would like tobe at home[,] that hehad days [when] he felt he would like to be at the old homestead.
I thought perhaps I would get a letter from youlast week[,] but did not. Write [to] mejust as soon as you get this and I will get it [on] Friday[.] Yours as ever[,] Austin
[P.S.] Willsend names for you to habd in to Bill with your if you wish. You would want your full name[:] Nancy.
Leander A. Gray
Age[:] 34
Occupation[:] Farming
Place of Residence[:] Wesley Birthplace[:]Wesley
Father[']s Name[:] James Gray.
Occupation[:] Farming
Residence[:] Wesley Birthplace[:] Brighton
Mother[']s M. [i.e., Maiden] Name[:] Ann E. Pollard
Residence[:] Wesley Birthplace[:] St Davids N.B. [sic; i.e., St.David, New Brunswick, Canada]
If we are married [the] week after this[,] it wouldbe better for you to put this in an envalope [sic; i.e., envelope] with yourname and hand it to Bill or Angie [i.e.,William W. "Bill" Sadler or his wife, Angie (Conant)Sadler] if you would.
What occupation do you claim[;] I should have toknow? Please write just as soon as youcan so I will know what you wish[.]
Austin
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1893 August 17. Nan Howe to L.Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Thursday, 17August 1893
From: NanHowe
Return address: Cooper [Maine]
Addressedto: MrL A Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "M[ED]DYBEMPS [ME]. AUG 1[7] 18[93]" (partly illegible); "[WE]SL[EY] [M]E. A[UG] [ ] 1[89]3" (partlyillegible).
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Cooper Aug[.] 17, 1893.
My Dear friendAustin[,]
I will try this morning and write aline to you in answer to your letter [which] I rec[eived] yesterday[.] I was pleased as I always am to hear fromyou[.] I had almost come to theconclusion [that] you had forgotton [sic; i.e.,forgotten] me and was not going to write me again[.] Then you are going to teach at home this falland com[m]ence [a] week from monday [i.e., Monday][.] I am glad you have got the school if youwished It. you asked how we wouldar[r]ange about being married and asked if I would be ready next week. I am verry [sic; i.e., very] sor[r]y todisap[p]oint you[,]if it is a disap[p]ointment to you[,] but Ican[n]ot think of it next week[.] I want to see you so much[.] [I] wish you washere to day [sic] so I could talk with you[.]
now[,] pleasecome over sat [sic; i.e., on Saturday]if you can[;] if not[,] can[n]ot you come over sunday [i.e., Sunday]morning[?] but come sat [i.e., Saturday]if you can. I have lots I wish to talkover with you[:] what I think isbest for both of us. as for my occupation[,] I guess I have notgot any[,] only laysiness [sic; i.e., laziness]. Austin[,] I have don[e] lots of thinkingsince I saw you, and I can[n]ot see why you wish to marry such a crank as Iam. I know I am hateful and have not gotas good a disposition as I wish Ihad[.] therefore[,] relising [sic; i.e.,realizing] it[,] I am almost afraid to trust my self [sic] to go into afamily[.] not that I think you or yourfamily are any harder to get along with than any one else[,] but it is my self[sic]. It is betterto look at things before than after[.] knowing my self [sic] so well[,] I think it would be making lots ofunplesentness [sic; i.e., unpleasantness] for you. I would not try to diseseave [sic; i.e.,deceive] you and have you think I was all lovley [sic;i.e., lovely][.] I like you to[o] welland I have to[o] much respect for you[.] I re[a]lize your place[,] how you are placed[,] and I had rather g[i]veup any thing [sic] than than [sic] cause you to be unhappy at something I hadcawsed [sic; i.e., caused]. I can[n]othelp it but I am to[o] inderpendant [sic; i.e., independent] to think of evergoing into your family or any others. ifit was you alone[,] I would not be afraid[.] I do not wish to complain or neither Do Iwish you to leave or think you aught to leave them for me[.] I think more of you to think you considerthem[.]
I think youworthy of a better and [more] capible[sic; i.e., capable] wife than I would makeyou. not that you can ever get any onethat thinks more of you[,] but there is lots to consider[.] and when it comes right to the point, I canre[a]lize my place as well as any one [sic][.] how I would love to see you and hope to sat [i.e., on Saturday]. you say [that] you wish we had been marriedwhen I come home last spring[.] now[,]be honest[,] Austin[.] have you ever hadtime to get married[?] I do not thinkyou have[,] and you can[n]ot take time now[.] but I can[n]ot complainnow[.]
please come oversat [i.e., on Saturday] if you can[;]if not[,] when you can[.] I wish to see you and have a good long talk with you. I do not know as I would object to beingmarried sunday [i.e., on Sunday][,]but I would sat [i.e., on Saturday]. I hope to see you sat [i.e., on Saturday][.]
I will not say[that] I will not be married, but can[n]ot see how I can next week[,] as itwould be impos[s]ible, but want to see you so much[.]
Nan
[P.S.] there are lots who can and would be glad toget along in a family and would make you happy. please do not get offended at what I write[,] for I trust it is[,] orwill be[,] all for the best in time[.] you may put a dif[f]erent meaning to what I have me[a]nt but I meannoth[i]ng bad[.]
Nan
[P.P.S.] Now[,] come over and we will ar[r]ange all[,]either way[,] in our future lives. if Ican[n]ot please and make you happy[,] there are others who can[.]
hoping to hear orsee you soon[.] I must close[,] as themail is coming[.] now[,] be sure andcome over sat [i.e., on Saturday] or as soon as you can[,] and I will tell youall[.] good[-]by[.]
Nan
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1893 August 20. Timothy C. Clark to L.Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 20August 1893
From: TimothyC. Clark
Return address: Larrabee, Maine
Addressedto: MrL. A. Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "LARRABEE ME. AUG 21 1893"; also postmarked on reverse:"[WES]LEY ME. AUG [ ] 1[89]3" (partlyillegible).
Note: Larrabee is avillage or district withinMachiasport, Maine.
Note: L. A. Gray used both sides of the envelope forarithmetic.
Note: The envelope cornerwith the stamp has been cut off.
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Larrabee[,]Maine Aug[.] 20. 1893
Mr L A Gray
Dear Sir[,]
Yours of the .16.is at hand and in reply would Saythat Mr Damon[,] our Last winterteacher[,] has agreed toteach the School[.] sorry that things happen as they have[.] thanks for your kind Offer[.] things may happe[n] round yet[.]
Yours the Same[,]
T. C. Clark
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1893 August 25. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Friday, 25 August1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, Cooper, Maine
Postmark: "MACHIAS ME. AUG 26 1893 7AM"; also postmarked on reverse: "C[OO]PER [ME.] AU[G] 28 18[93]" (partly illegible)
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Aug[.] 25 / [18]93
Dear Nan:
Iam going to Machias [Maine] this morning so will write just a line[,] as I amin a hurry. I arrived home that nightbetween nine & ten [o'clock]. Had avery pleasant drive. Dis not hay the next day but hauled wooduntil it rained. I finished putting upmy hay on the meadow which is so far away [sic],yesterday.
I shall not getnearly done haying this week. I suppose[that] Addie [i.e., Adaline A. "Addie" Gray] hasgone on her visit[.] I have not been up[i.e., probably up to Wesley Corner] this week. Well[,] Nan[,] one week [has] most gone and 2more will soon go. I expect [that] Bill [i.e.,William W. "Bill" Sadler] feels sure [that]I went down to be published [i.e., register intentions of marriage] Sundaynight[.]
Harry [i.e.,Harry Burnham] coaxed me to take the span [i.e., a pair ofhorses or oxen] and give him aride yesterday before I went on the meadow[.] You see[,] he is getting tony. I do not know what I shall do thiswinter[.] I may stay at home[.]
I had a letterfrom Machiasport [Maine][;] they have a teacher engaged. Guess we will have to live on the fat of theland or my fat.
I presume youhave handed that paper in to Bill by this time. Imust close and go[,] as it is late[.]itat
yours[,] Austin.
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1893August 29. Nan Howe to L.Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Tuesday, 29August 1893
From: NanHowe
Return address: Cooper [Maine]
Addressedto: MrL. A Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "MEDDYBEMPS ME. AUG 29 1893"; also postmarked onreverse: "[WE]S[L]EY ME. AU[G] 30 18[9]3" (partlyillegible)
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Cooper Aug[.] 29, 1893.
Dear friendAustin[,]
I will write you a linein answer to yours [which] I rec[eived] yesterday[.] [I] was pleased to rec[eive] it[,] if it wasbut a line[;] also to learn of your safe ar[r]ival home[.] I sup[p]ose you com[m]enced your schoolyesterday[.]
you have not hadvery good weather for haying since you was over[.] how mean of you not to [have] stayed sunday[i.e., Sunday] eve[.] I knew it wouldnot be pleasant the day after[.]
[,] how I wouldlike to see you this morning and have a little quiet talk[.] how I wish we did not live so farapart[.] how nice I[t] would be. yes[,] Austin[,] one week is gon[e] and twomore will soon go, as you said[.] and Ishall try to do as I promise of you, if you will not wait any longer. but I vish [sic; i.e., wish][,] AustinDear[,] [that] you would want to wait one or two weeks longer[.] It would please me much better and it willnot make very much dif[f]erence to you[,] only you willnot have me to board, no[.] now[,] honest[,]Austin[,] will you say one week longer[.] and honest[,] if you Austinvill [sic; i.e., will][,]I vill[sic; i.e., will] promis[e] youfaithful not to say one word more. Lottie [i.e., Charlotte May "Lottie" Hitchings]has come out[,] and her and May [i.e., FlorenceMary "May" Howe] have plan[n]edon going to Camp meeting and to Charlotte [Maine] this week[.] and[,] as I hate to make May remain at homeon my ac[c]ount if I took the team from her and went to Calais. I would feel condem[n]ed[,]when she has so little priver ledges [sic; i.e., privileges][,] and this is allthe time they have to go[.]want
I had plan[n]edto go to Calais to day[,] and back to morrow [sic][,] but had said nothingabout it[.] so last eve [i.e., evening][,]she [i.e., "Lottie" Hitchings] comein by may's [i.e., May's] request[.]
but if you do notwish to wait one week longer[,] or more[,] I will do as I said and make thebest of it[.] but one week will notka make very much dif[f]erence[.]
please write me aline and tell me as soon as you can. Iwill go to Calais[,]now[,] [at] my first chance[.]
if I could stepon Cars [i.e., board a train'spassenger car] or had a team of my own[,] all I would have to dois harness and go[.] but I can[n]ot do asI please[.] there is no one [who] Icould hire to take me out[.] besides[,]I hate to do that[.] and I am almast[sic; i.e., almost] positive [that] you will not mind one week longer[.] but if you do [mind][,]I will fulfill my promis[e][.] I vish [sic;i.e., wish] you could come over next sat [i.e., Saturday] of [sic; i.e., or]one week from sat [i.e., Saturday][.] please answer as soon as you can and tell me[.]
I know you vill[sic; i.e., will] make fun of this letter[,] as youalways do[.] but I can[n]ot help it.
I think Angie [i.e.,Angie (Conant) Sadler] thought [that] we come down to be published[.]
no[,] I have nothanded in the paper yet[;] [I] guess I vill[sic; i.e., will] wait till spring and take a fair start. I am glad I hope you vill[sic; i.e., will] stay home allwinter[.] want [sic; i.e., Won't] it benice[!] can[']t you live a Lone[sic; i.e., alone]one winter[?] I wouldstarve to death on your fat. we will notneed much to live on this winter[;] rolled oats are good. come over when you can[.] and write me a line as soon as you can[,]please[,] and oblidge[sic; i.e., oblige] your
own Nan[.]
send me a letterso [that] I can get it [on] Sat[urday][,] and tell mewhat to rely on and when you arecoming over[.]
Nan
[P.S.] the Mills have all shut down in Manchester[New Hampshire] till Sept[ember] 4 or later[.] the Amory [Mill] shut down [from] Aug[ust] 19 till sept [i.e.,September] 4[.]
[P.P.S.] Angie said last eve[ning] [that] she hadexpected to get $1.00 out of austin [i.e., Austin] and I[,] but had about given it up[.] I told herit was no fault of mine[;]if I had my way[,] she would of had her $1.00 longago[;] not to blame me but you [were] hoping to get afavorbly [sic; i.e., favorable] reply[.] I will conclude[.]a
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1893August 30. L. Austin Gray toW. W. Houston and Company
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Wednesday, 30August 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley, Me.
Addressedto: W.W. Houston & Co.
Note: This may be apartial draftor a copy of what L.Austin Gray actually wrote to this company. This copy of the letter has a large"X" written across its one ppage,and wasenclosed with a letter from Mr. Gray to Nan Howe, alsodated 30 Ausust 1893.
Note: W.W. Houston & Co. was a publisher in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their books includedanthologies of recitations and stories for young people, biographiesand geographies.
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ added informationand notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley[,] Me[.] Aug[.] 30 / [18]93.
W. W. Houston& Co.
Messrs:
In reply to yoursof the 25th. I would say in reply [that] I am now teachingbut my school will close [at] the last of Nov. I shall then be at liberty to consider your offer in regard to takingthe general Agency[.]
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1893August 30. L. Austin Gray toNan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: 30 August 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, Cooper, Maine
Postmark: "NORTHFIELD ME SEP 1 18[9]3" (partially illegible); alsopostmarked on reverse: "[C]O[OPER] [ME.] S[EP] [ ] [1893]" (mostly illegible).
Enclosure: Apartial draft or a copy of a letter whichL. Austin Gray wrote to W. W. Houston and Company,also dated 30 August 1893 (see transcript above).
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ added informationand notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Aug[.] 30 / [18]93.
Dear Nan:
I received your letterto night [sic] and will now answer it so [that] the driver[i.e., mail driver or mail carrier] can take it to the office [i.e., PostOffice] in the morning.
I commencedschool [on] Monday. I have about all Ican do at present[.]
I have 6 tonsmore of hay to cut and have no one but Jim [i.e., James"Jimmie New" McLaughlin] to help[.]
My man [i.e.,hired hand] went home last Sat[urday][.] He had hired[,] before he cam[e] up to helpme, to work on a dam and expected to get through with me sooner. They commenced this week[,] so he wenthome[.]
I go on themeadow night and morning[,] stack the hay[,] and do what I can. Guess I can get a manby Sat[urday] to help me finish. All arebusy at present [with] getting their own hay.
Oh no[,] one weekwill not make much difference. 4 weeksmake a month[,] 12 months [make] a year[.] You see[,] a year soon passes. Yes[,] I will wait another week if youwish[,] and you seen to. I guess we willbe pretty old by the time we are married. Perhaps you would get ready in time to be my second wife. ha! ha!!
I do not expectto go over [i.e., go tovisit Nan in Cooper] nextSat[urday][,] by [sic; i.e., but] may one week from Sat[urday][,] but can tellyou better later[.]
School commencingso soon & having so much dull weather crouds [sic; i.e., crowds] my work atpresent. Guess I will not fat [sic;i.e., fatten] much justnow. Well[,] Nan[,] it is getting lateand I have got to get up early[,]so I must close[.]
I expect [that]Angie [i.e., Angie (Conant) Sadler] was disappointed.
[I] Had a letterfrom Linnie [i.e., Annie Linnie Gray][.]
I will put it offa week but will not now a gree [sic] to any longer.
Good night[,]
Austin
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1893 September 06. Nan Howe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Wednesday, 06September 1893
From: NanHowe
Return address: Cooper [Maine]
Addressedto: MrL A Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "M[E]D[DY]BEMPS ME. SEP 6 18[93] (partly illegible); also postmarked onreverse: "W[ESLEY] ME. SEP 7 1[8]93" (partly illegible).
Enclosure: A clipping from apublication
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Cooper Sept[.] 6 – 1893
Dear Austin[,]
Iwill now drop you a line in answer to your letter [which] I rec[eived]Monday[.]
It is needlessfor me to repeat [that] I was disap[p]ointed sat [sic; i.e., Saturday][,]when the mail come in[,] not to get anote from you[.] but Iwas almost sure [that] you would be over[.] but[,] alas[,] no Austin come[.]
I am very sor[r]y[that] you are having to work so hard[.] [I] hope you can get a man to help you out so [that] it will be easierfor you. If I may Judge[,] I do notthink you ae in the best of humor[,]or was[,] when last you wrote [to] me[.] I am very sorry if I cause you unplesentness[sic; i.e., unpleasantness][.] I couldnot but think how distant and short your letters thetwo last [letters] have been[.] I could not help but think[.] pardon me for it[,] but it seems to me as ifyou felt dissatisfied and wished things was dif[f]erent. but perhapsI am wrong[.] you are tiard [sic; i.e.,tired][,] as you are working so hard and have so muchcare. I sup[p]ose I am selfish to expectyou to come over when you have so much to do. If you had rather have me for yourseccond [sic; i.e., second] wife than first[,] all right[.] I will agree to you being satisfied[.] please your self [sic][,] dear[.]
I have not seenLinnie [i.e., Annie Linnie Gray] yet[.] May [i.e., Florence Mary "May" Howe] and I have spoke [sic;i.e., spoken] of going over tosee her[,] but father [i.e., David Howe] has been using the horse[.] we are going overon the ridge [i.e., probably Cooper East Ridge] to night [sic] with Win and Em[i.e., James Winslow "Win" Howe, and his wife Emma S. (Flood)(Hitchings) Howe] to a pie supper[.] perhaps we will see her; if not[,] we aregoing to go over to see her some eve[.]
Will Leland [i.e., William W.Leland] has come home[.] they say he is going to be mar[r]ied[and] is going to remain all winter[.]
Also[,] Nora and Wallice Sadler [i.e., LillianLenora "Nora" Sadler, and her brotherWallace E. Sadler] are home[.] I see Nora once[.] she is lookingthin[.]
How do you like teaching now[?] I am glad [that] you are so good to put itoff another week. when will you finishhaying[?] it must be very hard for you to work nightand morning before school[.] I wouldlike to see you this mor[n]ing but[,] as that can[n]ot be[,] I will have to becontent[.]
Isent [sic; i.e., Isn't] it cold andfallish[!] I am about frozen most of thetime[.] I set [sic; i.e.,sit] with my feet in the oven[.] I mustclose[,] as the mail is coming[.] Good[-]by[.]
Nan
[P.S.] I donot sup[p]ose it is any good to ask you to come over. write when you h canspare time[.] Nan
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[Enclosure. Thebottom half of an advertising flyer, printed on both sides;not fully transcribed here. One side describes how to use "Barker'sHorse, Cattle and Poultry Powder" to cure variousfarm animals of their various ailments.
On the otherside of the flyer are brief recipes for: sugar cookies, raised cake, pork cake,delicate pie, cream pie, baked almond pudding, banana pudding,broiled oysters,tomato soup, lemon whey, whipped cream (frozen), German salad, fruit beverage,currantade, and egg lemonade. Some of the recipes feature "Barker'sExtract of Lemon" or "Barker's Extract of Vanilla".
Justoutside the borders of both pages arebrief testimonials for "Barker's Horse,Cattle and Poultry Powder" and for "Barker'sNerve and Bone Liniment" (also used totreat farm animals).]
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1893 September 13. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Wednesday, 13September 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, Cooper, Maine
Postmark: "WESLEY ME. S[E]P 1[4] 1[89]3" (partly illegible);"C[OOPER] [ME.] SEP 1[6] 189[3]"(partly illegible).
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Sep[.] 13[,] 1893.
My dear Nan:
It is past nine [o'clockp.m.] and I have to get up at 4 [o'clock] in the morning[,] butI will write you a line so [that] you will not be disappointed [on] Sat[urday][.]
The [hay]pressers came to day [sic] and will be here to morrow [sic].
I got home Sunday[at] a bout [sic] dark. I went to the[post] office to write a [postal]card[;] supper was ready[,] so I stayed[.]
Harry [i.e.,Harry Burnham] was pleased with his bouquet and apple. I a bout [sic]the same as through [with] haying.
I have things allarranged and hope they will please you[.] you have been trying to arrange them to suit your self [sic] all summerbut have failed thus far[.] so [I]thought I would try it. I will go overWed[nesday] [September] 27 after school[.] and we will go to the Fair Thuesday[,] be married[,] and return homeThursday night. I had much rather go theSat[urday] before[,] but youdo not want to be married Sat[urday]. Ifit should rain so [that] we can not be married [on] Thursday the 28[th][,] wewill be married the following Saturday. This is my plan and [I] hope it will please you[.] I have post poned[sic] it so many times [that] I do not wish to a gain[sic][,] so please donot ask me. I willwrite to Bill [i.e., WilliamW. "Bill" Sadler] so [that] he will get itby Sat[urday] [September] 23 or before. Next week[,] I mean. See that itgoes down so [that] he will get it.
[I] Think I shall go to Machias [Maine] [on]Saturday[,] if [the weather is] pleasant[.]
I sold my road cart last night.
Wish you were here to night [sic]. It will not be long before you arehere to stay. I hope [that] you willnever regret it. I shall try to make itpleasant for you. Good night andpleasant dreams[.]
your Austin[.] {28 Remember{ [sic]
[P.S.] Youwill get this [on] Sat. if mother [i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray] does not let the[mail] driver go by a gain [sic].
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1893 September 18. Nan Howe to L. AustinGray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Monday, 18 September 1893
From: NanHowe
Return address: Cooper [Maine]
Addressedto: Mr LA Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "[ME]DDYBEMPS ME. SEP 19 189[3]" (partly illegible); alsopostmarked on reverse: "[WESLEY] [M]E. [SE]P 20 1[89]3" (partly illegible).
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Cooper Sept[.] 18. 1893
DearAustin[,]
Iwill drop you a line to night [sic] in ans[wer] to yours [i.e.,your letter][,] [which] I rec[eived] sat [sic; i.e., Saturday] last with muchpleasure. How kind of you to put it offtill Thursday[.] I felt nuch [sic; i.e.,much] pleased[,] but som how [sic; i.e., somehow] Ifeel [that] you are disap[p]ointed[.] youwanted to go to the Fair and take your horses and Jim [i.e., James"Jimmie New" McLaughlin][,] and that I spoiled it. now[,] Austin[,] I real[l]y do not care onebit about going[.] and if you wish to goand have Jim go[,] I wish you would do so and never mind me[.] we can be mar[r]ied the following sat [i.e.,Saturday] or one week later[;] or if not[,] we will do as yousaid[;] any thing [sic] to please you. Only I would not like to be married and then go to the fair, as Isup[p]ose we would see lots [of people that] we knew[.] and they would say [that] we was trying toshow our selves [sic][.] you know how it is[.]
there are quite a lott [sic; i.e., lot] [of people]going down from here[.] Walice [i.e., Wallace E.Sadler] and Bert Sadler [i.e., Gilbert S."Bert" Sadler][,] and Bill and Angie [i.e., William W."Bill" Sadler, and his wife Angie (Conant) Sadler][,] andquite a few say they are going now. Father [i.e., David Howe] and May [i.e., Florence Mary "May" Howe]have been talking of going [on] the last day[,] then go over to StephenPhipps['] after[.] but I do not know forsurre rather [sic; i.e., whether] they will go or not[.] but if they do[,] and I go[,] that will leaveMother [i.e., Charlotte "Lottie"(Brown) Howe] alone. but I will not ask you to delay any longerunless you wish[.]
I have a sore ear and it troubles me lots[.] do you remember [on]sunday [i.e., Sunday]morning of hearing me say I guess I was going to have themumps[?] the side of my head has painedme ever since[,] and is very sore[.] Mother says she thinks [that] I am having a gathering in my ear[,] but Ihope not[.] it paines [sic; i.e., pains]me nights so [that] I can[n]ot sleep uuch [sic; i.e., much][.] but perhaps it will not amount to much. Can[']t you come over [on] Sat[urday][?] I do not sup[p]ose [that] you vill[sic; i.e., will][.] but I would like to have you [come over] allthe same[,] if you can. did you go toMachias [Maine] last Sat[urday][?] dident [sic; i.e., Didn't] it rain[,]though[!;] orit did here[.]
May got Ev's and Emma's [i.e., Everett Howe's andEmma (Lane) Howe's] baby [i.e., baby's]picture since you was over[.]
I wish there was a Minister some place [sic] nearhere[,] so [that] we would not have to go so far[;] don[']t you[?] if McGraw was only like any one [sic] else[,]we could be married here at home and it would be so much nicer. Well[,] never mind[.] the way [that] you spoke of is good and if itsuits you[,] [then] I ampleased and will be ready to go if you wish[.] but [I] am perfectly willing [that] youshould go to the fair and take Jim[,] if you would like[.] and we can be married after[,] if you willOnly let me know. I am not finding anyfault with you[,] only telling you. Ithought you spoke as if you wanted to go tothe fair[;] and if we wasmar[r]ied thursday [i.e., on Thursday][,] it would spoil it[.] and I am not so set about being married onsat [i.e., Saturday][,] only I had rather not. come over[;] if not[,] drop me a line as soonas you can and I will do Just as you wish[.] I vill [sic; i.e., will] beready the 28 [sic; i.e., on the 28th of September] or later[.]
I vish [sic; i.e., wish] Icould have a talk with you to night [sic][.] It is late and I am cold[,] and I guess I uill [sic;i.e., will] have to close[.] write soonand tell me all[.]
good night from Nan[.]
[P.S.] thereis a funeral here Wed[nesday][;] a baby of Elbridge Henderson[']s[.]
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1893 September21. L.Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Thursday, 21 September 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, Cooper, Maine
Postmark: "WE[SLE]Y M[E]." (remainder isillegible); also postmarked on reverse: "CO[OPE]R [ME]. SEP 25 1[893]" (partly illegible).
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Sep[.] 21[,] 1893
My own dear Nan:
Ireceived your letter last night[.] Iwent up [i.e., to Wesley Corner] with the intention of getting published [i.e.,registering marriage intentions][,] but after reading your letter I thought youdid not wish to be married as I planned[,] so I did not. You spoke as if you wished to bemarried at home[.] Ithink[,] my self [sic][,] [that] it would be better for us[;] it would be lotsless trouble[.] and if you wish[,] wewill[.] I should not want any spread[,]and had rather have no one there but your father [i.e., David Howe][,] mother[i.e., Charlotte "Lottie" (Brown) Howe] and May [i.e., Florence Mary"May" Howe][.] but if you wish[to invite] Win & Em [i.e., James Winslow "Win" Howe, and hiswife Emma S. (Flood) (Hitchings) Howe][,] I would say nothing. I will write [to] Mr. Young [i.e., theReverend Sidney O. Young][,] have him go to your house someSat[urday] morning[.] we could bemarried when we wished and come over [to Wesley] Sat[urday] night[.]
I will not be published or do any thing [sic] untilI hear from you a gain [sic]. Lola [i.e., Lois Edith"Lola" Gray] is here going to school and helps mother [i.e., Ann(Pollard) Gray][.] so I canafford to wait a little longer and have you plan it to suit you perhapsbetter. I did not like the idea of beingmarried [on] Fair day. It would havebeen quite difficult to find a minister at home. I do not know whether I shall go to the fairor not[.] if I do[,] it will be forJim[']s [i.e., James "Jimmie New" McLaughlin's] benefit[.]
The Advents [i.e., Adventists] are having aconference here[;] [it] commences to night [sic][.] I am going up[.] I did not go to Machias [Maine] lastSat[urday][,] but expect to go next [Saturday]. Now[,] write what you would like in regard to being married[.] I will try and please [you][.] I am ready any time [sic] and could have beenready the 28 [i.e., on the 28th of September] if you hadwished. Wish you could get thisSat[urday] but you will not. I can notgo over [on] Sat[urday]. I told them tonight [sic] [that] I had breathed just once since school commenced. Your Austin
[P.S.] WishI could see you to night [sic]. Guessyour winter clothes will be all right time we getround [i.e., by the time we get around to be married].
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1893 September29. NanHowe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Friday, 29 September 1893
From: NanHowe
Return address: Cooper [Maine]
Addressedto: Mr LA Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "MEDDYBEMPS ME. SEP 29 18[9]3" (partly illegible); alsopostmarked on reverse: (all illegibleexcept for the month) "OCT".
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Cooper Sept[.] 29 - 1893
DearAustin[,]
HowI wish I could see you this morning instead of writing [to]you[.] I do not feel in a writing moodat all but I sup[p]ose I must[,] as I have neglected it till now[.] for perhaps you may be disap[p]ointed andperhaps not. Father [i.e., David Howe]and May [i.e., Florence Mary"May" Howe] went to Machias [Maine] [on] Wed. [i.e., Wednesday][,] soMother [i.e., Charlotte "Lottie" (Brown) Howe] and I arealone[.] Ralph [i.e., Ralph Howe] doesthe chores and goes to School. Yesterday was not a very good day for fair's[sic; i.e., fairs][,] nor to day[.] I amsor[r]y for May that it could not [have] been pleasant for her to go toColumbia [Maine][.] I do not know rather[sic; i.e., whether] they will be home before monday [i.e., Monday] ornot. Tuesday and wed [i.e., Wednesday]Oct[ober] 3-4 is fair to [i.e., at] Pembrook [i.e., Pembroke, Maine]. I wouldlike to go but do not expect to now[,] as Mother and fatherhave plan[n]ed on going. Did you go toMachias fair[?] I thought yesterday[that] if we had car[r]ied out your plans[,] we would [have] had a lovley [sic;i.e., lovely] day[,] wouldent [sic; i.e., wouldn't] we[?] some times [sic] I think it isent [sic; i.e.,isn't] right for us to be married[,] for [on] everyday we have spoken of it had rained[.] and besides[,] one is not pleased with theother[']s plans[.] we do not seem toagree on any thing [sic][.]
Some times [sic] I think I would like to bemar[r]ied here at home[;] and again[,] I do not. of co[u]rse[,] I could if I wanted to. Now [that] youhave Lola [i.e., Lois Edith "Lola" Gray] there tohelp your mother [i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray][,] why can[']t I gosome place and work a while[?] I wish Icould[,] and then be married xmas [sic; i.e., by Christmas][.] why not[?]
some times [sic] I do not think I am as happy aboutbeing married as I aught[.] nothingseems to go as I want it to: nothing I do or say pleases you[.] you have been displeased with me all sumner[sic; i.e., summer][,]although you have been very kind in some respects[.] but[,]at the same time[,] I knewyou are not satisfied[,] [which is] how Iwould like to see you. I can[n]ot help but think [that] Nan was notmaid [sic; i.e., made] for Austin[,] or Austin for me[,] and that he wants hisfreedom[.] if that is so[,] I willfreely give it [to] him. I do not wanthim to have me Just because he is doing it to please me[.] It will make lots of work for him to break meof all of those bad habbits [sic; i.e., habits] I have[.] if you have only breathed once in two orthree months[,] I am afraid [that] you will never gettime to breath[e] then. and by what Bill[i.e., William W. "Bill" Sadler] has been telling[,]you had rather have some one [sic] [else] thanI[.] oh[,] I hate him[.] he is chock full of news[.] I wish we would not have to have him publishus [i.e., register marriage intentions][.] I hate to please him enough[.] hethinks he knows so much and tells all he knows[,] he and Angie [i.e., Angie(Conant) Sadler][.]
if you wish[,] we could be mar[r]ied here athome[,] two weeks from to morrow [sic]. but if not[,] why[,] all right[.]
some times [sic] I would like to go over the river[i.e., across the St. Croix River and into New Brunswick,Canada] and let no one know it till after. I guess you will have to do the plan[n]ing[.] and then one will besuited[,] as your time is so limited and I have been sucha bother all sum[m]er[.]
write me what you wish and I will try and comply asnear as I can with your wishes[.] youwill say [that] Nan is cranky again[.] but not so, only a little foolish[.] that is all[.] write [to]me soon and believeth[i]s[.] from Nan
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1893 October 05. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Thursday, 05 October 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, Cooper Maine
Postmark: "[WE]SLEY ME. [OC]T 5 [189]3" (partly illegible); alsopostmarked on reverse: "COO[P]E[R] [ME.] OCT 7 18[93]" (partly illegible, and part of postmark is off the envelope'sedge]
Note: In his hurry, Austin did not sign this letter.
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Oct. 5[,] 1893
Dear Nan:
Iwill write a few lines this morning so [that] you will get it [on] Sat[urday].
I did not get your letter until this week[.] I have not written Mr. Young [i.e., tothe Reverend Sidney O. Young] for 2 reasons[.] first[,] you are undesided [sic; i.e., undecided] [about] where you wishto be married[.] 2 [i.e., second][,] Icould not get to an answer [in] time enough to write [to]you so [that] you couldget ready [for] the time you spoke off [sic; i.e., of][.]
I thought [that] perhaps we had better wait until Isaw you. I will try and go over [toCooper] next Sat. [i.e.,Saturday] or a week fromSat[urday]. but do not look for me nextSat. [i.e., Saturday][,] for we expect Henry [i.e., Henry H. Gray] home and Imay not get over until a week from that. If I go next Sat[urday][,] I can be published[i.e., register marriage intentions] and we could be married in one week justthe same[.] I did not go to thefair. [I] Was to an Oyster supper inWesley last Sat. [i.e., Saturday] night. There were over 40 people [at the supper]. Mother [i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray] is goingright to the [post] office, so I must close[.]
Write [on] Monday if you do not seeme before [then]. I would write more[,]but mother is in a hurry[.]
Bill [i.e., William W. "Bill" Sadler]need not trouble a bout [sic] us[.] guess we are as capable of looking after our selves [sic] as he is incapable [sic; i.e., incapable] of looking after us. school is half done [on] Friday[,] making 6weeks[.]
Guess you can not read this[.]
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1893 October 10. L. Austin Gray to Nan Howe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Tuesday, 10 October 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, Cooper, Maine
Postmark: "WE[S]LEY ME. [OCT] 12 1[8]9[3]" (partly illegible, andpostmark is partly off the envelope's edge); also postmarked on reverse:"COOP[ER] ME.] OCT 14 1[893]" (partlyillegible).
Note: The envelope cornerwith the stamp has been cut off.
Note: Lois Edith "Lola" Graywrote a brief note across an empty area on one page of Austin's letter.
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Oct[.] 10 / [18]93
Dear Nan:
Accordingto agreement[,] I will write a few lines so [that] you will get it [on]Sat[urday].
Nothing preventing[,] I shall go over and bepublished [i.e., register marriage intentions] tomorrow night[,] so [that] Bill[i.e., William W. "Bill" Sadler] can get it [on] Sat[urday]. I arrived just after dark and found Henry[i.e., Henry H. Gray] here. He and mycousin James Gray [i.e., James HarrisonGray] of Lubeck [sic; i.e., Lubec,Maine] came up Sat. [i.e., Saturday] night[.] They went to Machias [Maine] Mondaymorning[.] Henry has not got through atCourt yet. he did notknow whether he would be up again[,] or not[,] before he went home. He brought my road cart through[.] I have not tride [sic; i.e., tried] it yet[,] butthink I shall like it better than the otherone I had. Jim [i.e.,James "Jimmie New" McLaughlin] has gone to bed[.] Mother [i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray] and Lola [i.e.,Lois Edith "Lola" Gray] are reading[.]
Wish I could see Nan to night[,] but it will not belong before I have her with me all the time.
We had quite a thunder showe[r] [sic; i.e.,thundershower] last night[.]
Nothing preventing[,] I will go over [i.e., go toCooper, Maine] one week from next Friday night[,] as we talked[.] and should it storm so [that] we can not getmarried[,] then the next Saturday.
We had a piece of deer meat sent in while I wasaway. Guess I shall go to Machias nextSat. [i.e., Saturday] if it is pleasant.
Did May [i.e., Florence Mary "May" Howe]get over to T. Sadler[']s [i.e., ThomasJ. Sadler's]? I suppose Will has gone away.
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[Stephen Robbins' note, 18 May2013. Who was this "Will" inCooper, Maine? Possiblythe "Will Leland" whom Nan mentions in her letter dated 30 October1893. The 1880U.S. Census of Cooper, Maine finds these names as possibilities: WilliamCreamer (bornabout 1854), William B. Doten (born about 1840),William M. Doten (born about 1870), WilliamEllis (born about 1851)William H. Gardner (born about 1863),William H. Huntl[e]y(born about 1852), William Ireland(born about 1869), William W. Leland(born about 1869), WilliamW. Sadler (born about 1850),and William A. Wade(born about 1842). It was probably not William W."Bill" Sadler.]
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It has been such a short time since I sawyou[.] there is no news to write[,] but[I] will try and sign my name[.]
Write soon[.] your Austin.
P.S. Seethat Bill's letter goes down[.]
[P.P.S.] Have just been over. Will SendBill[']s Letter
[P.P.P.S.] Wed[nesday][.] I got your letter to day[.] many thanks[.] I send a letter to F[.] Lane [i.e.,Francis P."Frank" Lane] to morrow [sic][.] I thought it better thanto write to Flood [i.e., either Levi Flood or Angeline (Sadler)Flood][.] sendLane[']s letter as soon as possible if it goes to your house[.]day
[P.P.P.P.S.] Lola coaxed me to let her write a cross [sic]the end [of a page][,] so I covered up mine and let her. She had to guess who I was writing to[.] I would not tell her. Some of them thought I wasa way [sic] to be married. Eb and MandyHayward [i.e., Ebenezer S. "Eben" Hayward, andhis wife Mary Amanda "Mandie" (Porter) Hayward] calleddown [here on] Sunday while I was away.
Austin
[LoisEdith "Lola" Gray wrote a brief note across an empty area on one pageof Austin's letter:]
Snuff Headquarters.
Austin andI was drefful [sic; i.e., dreadful] pleased pleased [sic] to get yourletter[.] Be sure and cook lots nexttime[,] for we are both coming (can[']t trust him off alone after this[;] hestays too long[.)]
Well[,] he is gettingimpatient[,] so I shall have to close[.] Excuse mistakes[.]
Yours without astruggle[.]
(So is Austin)[.]
Lola wrote this[.]
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1893 October 10. Nan Howe to L. AustinGray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Tuesday, 10 October 1893
From: NanHowe
Return address: Cooper [Maine]
Addressedto: Mr LA Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "[ME]DDYBEMPS ME. OCT 10 1893" (partly illegible); alsopostmarked on reverse: "W[ESLE]Y ME. O[C]T 1[1?] 1[893]" (partlyillegible).
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Cooper Oct[.] 10th 1893
"
DearAustin[,]
Isup[p]ose you will be surprised to rec[eive] a note from me so soon, but DenPalmeter [i.e., Dennison Palmeter] was in yesterday and hewas speaking about the School in North Union[i.e., the North Union school district in Washington County,Maine (not in or near the town of Union,Maine][.] and hespoke of you and told me to tell uyou to come down or write to Arther Flood[sic; i.e., Arthur W.Flood of Alexander, Maine] andget the school right away. Stephersoncom[m]enced yesterday for a while and he can[n]ot teach out all of themoney[.] and they have got to get someone [sic] to go in to take his place. he[i.e., Arthur Flood] saidthay had to have it all taught out[,] and you gould [sic; i.e., could] go in andfinish it out if you would[,] but to tell you to write orcome down and see about it right away before Flood got some body [sic] else[,]if you wanted it. so Ithought[,] as you asked me[,] to let you know[,] and he also[,] I would comply. he [i.e., Arthur Flood] said he thought itwould be four or five months [of] school all to gather [sic; i.e., altogether]. he was going over to Linnie[']s [i.e., AnnieLinnie Gray's] school[;] he wanted me to go over with him but Ithought I would not[.] he spoke of youfirst and toild me to tell you to come down and finish out the school. so you can do as you please about it[.]
How did you get home [on] Sunday eve[?] I sup[p]ose you enjoyed the ride home verymuch[.]
I guess [that] I will have chvse [sic; i.e.,close][,] as I can[n]ot think of any thing [sic] to write that is interesting[.]
[Here, severalwords (about two) were writtenthen crossed-out so that they are illegible.]
Good[-]bye[,] Nan
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1893 October 18. L. Austin Gray to NanHowe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Wednesday, 18 October 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, Cooper, Maine
Postmark: "[WESL]EY [M]E. O[CT] 19 1[89]3" (partly illegible); alsopostmarked on reverse: "[CO]OPE[R] ME. OCT 21 1[893]" (partly illegible).
Note: The envelope cornerwith the stamp has been both cut andtorn off.
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ added informationand notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Oct. 18 / [18]93.
Dear Nan:
[I]Will write a few lines in answer to your last [letter]. I am going out to Claud[']s [sic;i.e., Claudius "Claude" Archer's] to settle [accounts] to night[sic][,] so will write a line and mail [this letter] as I goa long [sic][.] but [I] guess it will beshort[,] as I have but a few minutes before supper. I understand [that] James McComband Effie Hawkins were married last night. Frank Huntley [i.e., Franklin P."Frank" Huntley] of this place was married this week[i.e., on October 16, 1893] to a Machias [Maine] girl [i.e., Faustina Albee]. I did not go to Machias [on] Sat[urday]. I went a bout [sic] half way[sic][;] it came on to rain so I came back[.] I was going after meal and the rain would have spoiled it.
I have my colt shod now. They have started a circle here and had asupper to [i.e., at] B. Blake[']s[i.e., Bucknam Blake's] [on] Mondaynight[.] Lola [i.e., Lois Edith"Lola" Gray] and I were over. Bill [i.e., William W. "Bill"Sadler] need not trouble him self [sic] a bout [sic] me[.] when I need a guardian I will cho[o]seone. I know noreason why you can not have a few weeks longer to get ready in[,] if yuouwish[.] I do not wish to hurry you.
Austin
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1893 October 29. L. Austin Gray to NanHowe.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Sunday, 29 October 1893
From: L.Austin Gray
Return address: Wesley [Maine]
Addressedto: MissNan Howe, Cooper, Maine
Postmark: "WESLEY ME. OCT 3[0] 1893" (partly illegible); also postmarkedon reverse: "[C]OO[P]ER [ME.] NOV 1 1893(partly illegible).
Note: The envelope corner with the stamp has beenboth cut and torn off.
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Wesley Oct[.] 29 / [18]93.
Dear Nan:-
Havereceived no answer to my last [letter] but will write a fewlines. Thought perhaps you were sick orhad writ[t]en but not in time to come in yesterday's mail.
My school closes next Friday[,] making ten weeks. two weeks less than we all thought[.] We did not know it until Friday night[.] The [school] agent went to see how much moneythere was and found [that] one week more would use it all[,]so we are obliged to close for want of funds.
Now we can be married any time [sic] after thisweek. I think we had better be marriednext week[,] for the worselonger we wait[,] the muddier the roads will be. Had you rather[that] I would come with the span or one horse?
I have my [marriage] certificate fromWesley[.] I got it before I recd [i.e.,received] your last letter. It was only.50 cents [sic;i.e., $0.50 or 50¢][.] so[,]if Bill [i.e., William W. "Bill" Sadler] asks [for] a dollar[,] heasks more than trhe law allows. Wish Icould see you to day [sic][,] but shall have towrite in stead [sic][.]
I hear from all quarters that we areto be married soon[.] and week beforelast they had us married three different times[.] Do not know how they know so much. They get poor satisfact[i]on from me. Hannah [i.e., Hannah "Anna" (Gray)Burnham] wrote [to] mother [i.e., Ann (Pollard) Gray] [that] she heard I wassoon to be married[.] and Edie Chase[i.e., Edith N. "Edie" Chase] wrote the same toLola [i.e., Lois Edith "Lola" Gray]. Don't know how they know so much[.]
As I knowe you no letter[,] perhaps this is long enough. Please write as soon as you get this[.]
YourAustin
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1893 October 30. Nan Howe to L. AustinGray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Monday, 30 October 1893
From: Nan Howe
Return address: Cooper [Maine]
Addressedto: Mr LA Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "[MED]DY[BEMP]S ME. OCT [??] 1[89]3" (pertlyillegible); also postmarked on reverse: "WESLEY ME. O[C]T 31 1[893]" (partly illegible).
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Cooper OCT[.] 30th 1893
DearAustin[,]
Willwrite you a few lines this morn[i]ng in answer to your last [letter]. I looked for you [to come] overfriday [i.e., Friday] eve till 10.30 PM[,] then gave it up and went to bed[;]also sat [i.e., on Saturday][.] but[,]alas[,] no Austin did I see[.] but I sup[p]ose it is all right if he did notcare to come. so I shall not look foryou again untill [sic; i.e., until] I know you are com[i]ng[.]
Will Leland [i.e., William W.Leland] ar[r]ived home friday [i.e., Friday] last with his bride[i.e., Maria C. ( ) ][.] They called [i.e., visited] hereyesterday. I saw Linnie [i.e., AnnieLinnie Gray] last Thursday eve at Mr[.] Ellis'es [sic;i.e., either William Ellis', Henry H. Ellis',or Thomas Ellis'] to [i.e., at] a corn husking on West Ridge[.] she was well[.] it was the first one I was ever to [i.e.,at]. Linnie was saying [that] you or herwas going to teach in Cooper North Union [School District] by and by[;] whichone of you. Yes[,] I hurd [sic; i.e.,heard] [that] James McComb was married again[.] it was soon after the funeral[,] as the old saying is. did you hear [that] Ros Averill[i.e., Roswell T. Averill] of Milltown[Maine] is married[?] [He] mar[r]ied a rich lady [i.e., marriedGeorgia W. (Lawrence) on 21 October 1893 in Calais, Maine] andstarted to Cala [sic; i.e., California?;or Calais, Maine?] to look up herproperty[.] isent [sic; i.e., Isn't]that nice. I thought awhile ago [that] I was going to be mar[r]ied[,] but I have about maid [sic;i.e., made] up my mind I am not in it[.]
I saw Hannah [i.e.,Hannah "Anna" (Gray) Burnham] when to [i.e., at] Calais[.] she was well [and] has got a very nice[-]lookinglady[,] Wilemer [i.e., possibly a Wilma ( )[,] to help her[.] I think she is pretty and very pleasant[,]what I saw of her[.] I was only in[Hannah's store for] amoment[.]
I was glad to hear [that] you was ha arehaving so good times[.] how often does your circle meet[?] It is nuch [sic; i.e., much] pleasenter[sic; i.e., pleasanter] to have something going on soone can go if they wish[.]
so you have your colt shod[.] I sup[p]ose you enjoy life now[,]with her to ride after[.]
I wish I knew what your ide[a]s are for the future[.] it would be much pleasenter [sic; i.e.,pleasanter for me[.] but I shall make nomore preperations[sic; i.e., preparations] or look for you untill [sic; i.e., until] I hear fromyou again[.] you can please your self[sic][,] then you will feel sure [that] one is suited[.]
Nan
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1893 November02. NanHowe to L. Austin Gray.
[ Document: Letter
Datewritten: Thursday, 02 November 1893
From: NanHowe
Return address: Cooper [Maine]
Addressedto: Mr LA Gray, Wesley, Maine
Postmark: "MEDDYBEMPS ME. NOV 2 18[9]3" (partly illegible); alsopostmarked on reverse: "W[ES]L[E]Y ME. NOV [4?] 18[9]3" (partly illegible).
Enclosure: A smallpaper scrap with part of a handwritten message.
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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Cooper Nov[.] 2. 1893
Dear Austin[,]
Irec[eived] your letter yesterday and will write a line in answer[.] I was much pleased to hear from you[.] it was a surprise to me[;] also that yourschool closes this week[.] I am glad[.] now we can be mar[r]ied [at]some other time besides sat. [i.e., Saturday.] Father [i.e., David Howe] come home from Calais [Maine]yesterday and said Hannah [i.e., Hannah "Anna" (Gray) Burnham] toldhim [that] we was bublished [sic; i.e., published (=registered marriage intentions)] and ask[ed] if we was married[.] I told him to go ask her [i.e;., Hannah][;]she can proba[b]ly give all information they want[.] no one get any thing [sic] from me[.] and I do not know[,] but I guess[that] Angie [i.e., Angie (Conant) Sadler] has never told anyone [sic] we was published here[.] I donot think Bill [i.e., William W. "Bill" Sadler] [k]new it till he was toCalai[s] [on the] day before yesterday. Angie come after the mail[,] and may [i.e., Florence Mary"May" Howe] says ["]keep that secrete [sic; i.e., secret][,]will you[?"] she nodded[,] and wehave never hurd [sic; i.e., heard] a word[.] and by [the] way Bill has actsed [sic; i.e., acted][,] I donot believe she told him[.]
Father did not know one thing till Hannah toldhim[.] and she wrote it to Linnie [i.e.,Annie Linnie Gray][.] I do not care[,]only I have to laugh some times [sic][.] but I give no one any satisfaction[.] but now as your school is so near don[e][,] Ithink it is all for the best [that] we was not married one week ago[.] and I do hope we both can be pleased[,] as itis much more pleasanter to feel that some ones [sic] is not blaming you. I wanted to get some Cards [i.e., probablywedding announcement cards][,] butI did not know for sure when we would bemarried[.] and every thing [sic] hasbeen so that neither of us knew what to do. Now[,] I w[i]sh [that,] ifyou could[,] you would come over Sat[urday] and we could talk andar[r]ange[.] then we would bothknow[.] I can be married next week ifyou want to[.] I had rather be marriedWed. [i.e., Wednesday][,] if you had [rather,] andcould. and[,] asregard to the Span, I am not pa[r]ticular[.] you do as you think best[.] I w[i]llbe pleased to see you with either[.] andnow[,] do you w[i]sh to go to Machias [Maine] as we plan[n]ed[,] orhow. and besides[,] if you come over sat[i.e., on Saturday][,]you can get your [marriage] certifecate [sic; i.e., certificate] and they willnot know when we are married[.]
I have got some quite pretty samples of wedding [announcement]cards[.] do you know whare [sic; i.e., where] to getthem[?] I can not get them Imgraved[sic; i.e., engraved] in Calais[.]
How I would like to see you this morning and have atalk with you. now[,] come over if youcan[;] and if not[,] let me know as soon as you can [about] what you w[i]sh todo. I was quite sick last week [and] hadto go to bed two days[.] that issomething new for me. I almost desided[sic; i.e., decided] to take my trunk and start last week but[,] you see[,] Idid not[.] I shalllook for you or a letter soon[.] themale [sic; i.e., mail] is coming[.] by[e-]bye[,] Nan
[P.S.] I donot want to be married Sat[urday][.] now[,] remember[.]
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[Enclosure. A small paper scrap with part of a handwriten message.]
order eig[ht]
demand
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[probably about 1893November]. EverettHowe to Mr. & Mrs. L. AustinGray.
[ Document: Gifttag, 2 5/8 inches by 4 1/16 inches, hole punched in upper left corner.
Datewritten: [undated, but probably attached to a wedding giftabout November 1893]
From: EverettHowe
Return address: Brooklyn Centre, Minn.
Addressedto: Mr.& Mrs. L A Gray
Note: Original envelope or package ismissing.
Card caption: "Congratulations."
Card published: [No publisher information on card.]
Provenance: Roger A. Gray estate papers. ]
[Thetranscription below preserves the spelling and grammar of the originaldocument. Stephen Robbins’ addedinformation and notes are enclosed within square brackets “[ ]”.]
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[printedtext:] Congratulations.
[handwritten:] Mr & Mrs L A Gray
from
Everett Howe
Brooklyn Centre
Minn
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