Box 1

She was very pleased to hear from Alice in Texas, but sad that it was so far away she would not see Alice again; she relates details of persons and local things that Alice would remember.

Each discuss family matters and hope to be visited. The railroad is still expected to arrive soon. Mr Hood refers to Imogene as the "Greatest Woman in America."

She is looking forward to Alice coming to Texas. Life in Texas has been hard, and she tells Alice to bring everything she has, for it is hard to get necessary items there.

She is hoping to be married to Mr. Hood in August; he was nominated to run for the legislature, expects to win, and will be in session there for two months starting in November.

She and another relative are very worried due to no letters from them. She is still teaching school, and Schaffer is growing fast. Her husband has located his office in Lafayette.

He is surprised to hear from her in Texas. Opelika is in a boom time with a new railroad connection to Birmingham. Crops are good, and business is slowly recovering from the panic of 1873.

He says that the cotton crop is beig sold just as soon as it is picked, at about 8 cents. Last year people lost value by delaying their sales. Land prices are rising. Many locals have gone to Texas, and he would like to also.

She has been involved in two Baptist Association meetings. Imogene has been selected to teach this year. She plans to send Watt, who is 14, to study under Imogene. She gives a number of local marriages, current and future; also includes a listing of deaths.

She has been busy supporting a large church meeting. Her husband has a large wen growing on his shoulder; she may return to teaching at Mellow Valley.

She is again worried at not hearing from them. She is teaching, and Schaffer is staying a lot with his grandmother. He is the largest boy for his age she has ever seen. Nathan, who lost his leg due to cancer, now has bad consumption.