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My dearest Sister -
I thought when you left I would most certainly keep my resolution to write you once every week but circumstances have again made me break my good intention & also the feeling of my heart to do so. We have all been sick with violent colds and so much nursing and little help to aid me in it has made my cold the most obstinate one I ever had. Indeed so broken down am I in spirit & health I would not write today were it not for the determination to do what I think will give you pleasure. How much I love to contribute to your 



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happiness God alone knows and I know you believe me when I tell you it is one of my sincerest sources of pleasure. Anne Eliza Erwin is with me and will remain until after Christmas. She is very fleshy but for which she would be pretty. Miller has not paid her the attention I thought and wished he would but I do not urge it upon him. Mr Cobb has just returned from Washington on business with Col. [Colonel] Toombs. Mr C- [Cobb] became so much worse with his cold I still fear he may have a spell of sickness. He has not been out of the house since his return. Dr [Doctor] Sales (dont [don't] you remember him) came up to buy a place here with Mr C- [Cobb] 's advice & 


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has gone into business with Dr [Doctor] Lombard. He intends buying Mr Rutherfords [Rutherford's] house as he will now move to town. The excitement about the college still continues and is producing much unpleasant feeling - but I suppose will cease soon. Our new school is begun and we are now more interested in its success. Weddings are the order of the day just now but as I know Pa has [unclear text: posted] you in that line I will not enumerate them. Dr [Doctor] Bailey has just come with his new wife a daughter of old Dr [Doctor] Barrs of Carolina - & a very nice lady. Mr Childs has bought John Billup's's [Billups's] lot & furniture & houses are in great demand just now. I am busy in my front yard trimming &c [et cetera] and Mr [unclear text: McDowell] has cut 


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my roses nearly to the ground. By the way he has called his daughter after me. I know of no news indeed I have not the time to think of any. All are well in the different families except Pa who is somewhat complaining. Muggie and Lid dined there yesterday & both I suppose were well. Mrs Baxter has returned much to Muggies [Muggie's] happiness. She is so kind to her. You dont [don't] know how Callie felt little Joe's leaving. She has been quite sick. Today we opened the backgammon board for the first time since he left & the sight of his playthings brought the tears to her eyes. We feel anxious about him and want to hear again very much. Do write as often as you can - your letters are so pleasant to me. I shall try to write every week even if 


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as now I fail to be entertaining. Mr Cobb sends love to Mr King & yourself & the children more messages than I can write. May you spend if not a merry a happy Christmas my dear sister is the sincere wish of your fond sister

[Signed] Marion 
Have you read "Olive" by the authoress of "[unclear text: John Halifax] "

Lizzy [unclear text: Orr] has a son-