Sanderson Jan 15th 1865
Mr. Chalker
Dear Albert,
I know you will think strange to see this and to learn that yours of the 17th of Dec has just been received which came safe to hand at last. I hope this may find you enjoying the best of health this life can afford. My health is quite good at this time. I have written to you before nearly two weeks since, and have not heard a word from you yet. Now for your scolding. I want to know why it is you have not written. Have I offended you in any way? If so let me know and not keep me in suspense as I am. I sometimes think you have gone home sick or to the hospital or that I said something in my last letter you did not like, and sometimes I think like the Dutch man's boy.
This is another one of them long lonesome Sundays. I think this is the longest day in my life. I wish you was here this evening; the time would not seem half so long and lonesome. I am very sorry you got disappointed in going home Christmas, as you expected to do, but I think if you had you would have got severely punished, and I would not have said as you said. I would give one inch and take two but give an inch and take an [ell?], don't you agree with me there. I know you do say yes and laugh.
---------------------------------------------------
I was coming to Baldwin last Wednesday had Father not went up the road to Lake City. I was very uneasy about him untill to day I heard from him. I have taken your advice and gave out the notion of dieing and concluded to live as long as I see anyone else live, but I fear the thoughts of those negro dogs will not keep me from going wild for I am very near wild now and will be soon. I must close as it is getting late. Pleas excuse all incorrectness.
I remain
Yours Affectionately,
Martha Bardin
Remember me, I pray; but not
In Flora's gay and blooming hour
When every brake hath found its note
And sunshine smiles in every flower
But when the falling leaf is sere
And withers sadly from the tree
And oer the ruins of the year
Cold autumn weeps, remember me.
[Poem adapted from "Remember Me" by Edward Everett.]
*Transcribed with original spellings and punctuations.
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