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Sparta March 22nd/52
My dearest Callie -
I scarcely realize that this letter goes directed to Mrs King! How can I believe that you are no longer my Callie, "our Callie" as Edge & I have often called you? Not even the little wedding box - of [unclear text: vintable] cake, has made me feel as tho' [though] you were actually married - Yet welcome dearest into our ranks! which though not all free from care, are still the happiest, because always shared & sympathized. So Cal - with my love glowing warmly for you - with a happy conciousness that that love is returned, I drink to our married friendship. May it ever prove true as the friendship of our girlhood, which lived on through all checks - of separation - rivalry &c. [et cetera] - Rivalries, deary, were unheeded by us - for I don't think either of us ever envied a [unclear text: beau], or a triumph of any kind on the part of the other. As for my Cousin Porter, you must give him my friendliest greetings - and tell him that what I now esteem for the wife's sake, I hope certainly to appreciate, some day - for his own intrinsic value.

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I am dreadfully wearied dearest, from nursing a sick child of my neighbor Mrs [unclear text: Neel's] - consequently I feel that I am penning an excessively prosy letter -- yet I've so often thought of you in your married happiness, and wished to renew our correspondence, which has always to me been so pleasant, that as my "gude man" is for a wonder, out tonight, I concluded that I would send you a missive, if only to draw a reply. And here, let me add by way of parenthesis, that I imagine you'll soon find out, how lonely an evening alone is. Mr. Bird being a farmer, I have no courts to look forward to as poor Marion did, & still does I suppose - but then I have an occasional evening alone - and they are so dreary. Do I talk like a wife, of four years standing? Yet I cannot get over this feeling - though old ladies and wives of greater maturity assured me it would soon pass off. Where do you live Cal, in the town or country? Do you know I expect to spend the greater portion of my time in the country soon. Mr. Bird's interest is of course on his plantation, and we shall probably be there, as soon as he has [unclear text: repaired] &c. [et cetera] - I have never liked the idea of life in the country, yet "anywhere, with one I love" is my motto.

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I often think of your Parents Cal. How do they manage without you - you, so loved & caressed in your home circle - so necessary to your Mother, so absolutely a part of your Father's happiness. Yet we all leave the "love, that has long been tried"; for that which remains to be proved. So are we constituted - so ordained by our Creator - yet I still sigh sometimes, to think of my Mother, pining for a daughter. Sue Wiley is as affectionate & loving as a daughter, yet I flatter myself no one can supply my place. Mother wrote me a few days since, that Will & Miss King were married. Do present my congratulations to Will - and tell him I should like, not only to see him with his new [unclear text: honours] - but also to see his bride. Give my regards to Joe's wife. I have hardly learned yet to say "Mr. Lumpkin" to Joe - and Will, I fear his lady will not fancy it, but I've had too many romps & frolics with him to say "Mr." - Mr. Bird sends you his love - Cousin Porter won't object I'm sure, and earnestly hopes we may all meet some day soon. Do you think of visiting home this summer Cal? Or have you any plans as yet, but to be happy & love Cousin P. [Porter] more & more every day? Sister was

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sorry not to have seen you in Macon. She did not hear of you, until you were gone, so she wrote me, and said she was quite disappointed. Isn't Matilda Maxwell shewing [showing] strange taste in marrying Henry [unclear text: Dunwody/woody] ? It seems so to me. Blandy Springs (whilom Baxter) is just leaving here, with a young baby. She lost her first. Cousin E. is in Florida, but the flower you sent her by Mother, grows finely. What is it? She had gone before it came, and Aunt Julia wished to know your name for it. Is it that beautiful Commencement Lily, as I called it? [added text: 4 years ago - we were frolicking in Macon in my bridal days.] Ada Seymour looks really lovely this winter. She sends her love to you very often. Mrs. Terrell & Lucy will start soon, with the Dr. [Doctor] for Europe. [unclear text: Linton] Stephens & his bride & "brother Ellick" walked grandly down the aisle of our church yesterday. Poor little Ellick, looks very small & very sick & very ugly -- Linton looks the latter, to perfection. She looks unusually well. How do you like your new maid - Thanks for the samples of your dresses. I should so liked to have seen you in costume. I am sure you looked charmingly. Lizzie Dickson sends you her congratulations & love. I hear funny stories of Mary Jones, & learn she was at your wedding. Well "chacun son gout" [everyone to his taste] - but that's not mine.

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Well, Callie, you owe me two long letters - for your last was a wee bit of a note. Do write me soon & long. Where you are, what you are & have been doing and what you "shall or will do." Let us keep up - through a regular correspondence, the friendship of many years.
Goodbye darling. God bless & keep you happy.
[Signed] Your own, Sallie
Sallie and Wilson are charming!

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If Cousin P. [Porter] should happen to glance at this sheet as you peruse it, do you slyly intimate that Sallie generally writes more neatly. Don't let any one see my careless epistles - they are for you alone.