Submitted by: Michael
Scrape (These letters were sent to me from Matthew Hatchett a descendant of
Susan and Samuel Hatchett.
August the 22nd 1853
Dear Husband,
I take the present opportunity of writing to you, for this is the first time I
have had to write since I wrote before, not withstanding. I have not received a
letter from you yet; today is the eighth day since you left. Cousin Fannie has
been very sick; Dr. ____ say that she has had an attacked of the fever. She has
been sick for five or six days. She is very anxious to go home, but the
Dr. says it will not do to attempt it yet until she is fully able to stand the
trip. She is now on the mend, we think the fever is broken. If she is not
improvement in eating or in exerting herself to much in trying to sit up to
soon. There was a storm party here the night Cousin Fannie was taken. Mr. Dunlap
came down after her, and Mr. Davis after Sarah, the storm was at Mrs. Crawford's
Mrs. Buffin gave the young people a storm the girls were gone to the country so
they missed that party. They went to Aunt Eliza Elders. There is a storm to be
in town to night. There is a company going out to the Wells tomorrow and if
Cousin Fannie is better, Sarah will go out. Brother Neal is quite sick with the
fever; he is bleeding at the l______ he is very bad off. Preston sit up
there Saturday night. Grand Mama is improving
slowly but is not well. I believe I have given you all the news of
Trenton. I am still at home and have not been any where since you left. I
spent rather a lonesome day last Sunday being in a sick room all day and had the
blues a little too because I could neither see you nor here from you. I thought
it was rather a dull day to me for it was raining and gloomy all day. I kept in
high spirits until the time came for me to get a letter from you. You must know
I am very anxious to hear from you. I can't think that is neglect on your part,
so I am at a loss to know the cause of your delay. You must be sure to get that
piece of furniture that you were on a stand about
getting, because it is very important. You do not know how much I have improved
in appearance since you left.
Mr. Hatchett; Sister Eliza says get her six bottles of her Phalms Chemical hair
invigorator, with Brother's goods and you may get me some if you had a leave,
you must go to the Worlds Fair and tell Sarah and myself all about it when you
get home, as you would not let us go with you. You must notice all the fashions
for dresses and shawls and trimmings and bonnets. I believe I have given you all
the news and made all the requests that I have on hand and will now close. Come
home as soon as you can, come come come.
Good by until we meet again
I am your devoted wife
S.M. Hatchett
Mr. Hatchett
I believe that Susan has given you all the news, and how we all are, and so I
have nothing to write that will interest you, so it is useless for me to attempt
to write and will close by making one request of you. If you please get me a
pretty bound hymn book with my name on it. Take care of your health and don't
get sick while you are gone.
I am your true and devoted sister.
Sallie E. Scrape
