LETTER FROM LATHILLA (PRATT) KIMBALL TO HUSBAND JOSEPH
(copied from a hand written letter)
Meadowville Friday Octo. 10th 1879
My Dear husband,
Your’s dates 6 Oct just reached me. I was so glad to hear from you, came to the conclusion that you was not going to write at all, thinking you was paying me for neglect, while I was a Salt Lake City. I was also very much surprised on learning that you would not start till next Monday for I was looking for you tomorrow, but will have to rest contented till you come. The weather is very cold, has been snowing and raining every day since last Sunday, which makes it very disagreeable doing outdoor chores. Could not find my overshoes, consequently my feet were wet all of the time, which gave me a very bad cold that terminated in the rheumatism and toothache, but I do not complain, the weather is getting finer and I am getting better. You did not make mention of having received my short letter which you should have received on your arrival at Salt Lake City. You must not let pleasure enwrap your mind to that extent that you forget to read my letters, as well as to post your own, but I will defer all curtain lectures till you return home. I never spend as lonesome a two weeks in my life as I have the past two, have been out none and have had no company, the weather being so gloomy makes it so much more unpleasant, I sincerely hope the next time you leave things will be in a condition so that I can accompany you. There is no pleasure for me in going alone, yet it seems the only possible chance to make a visit. Did you not have a good time in the company of Peat and Harry at the Theatre. It must have seemed like old times. How I should like to have been along. I should have appreciated very much anything to remind one of old times that are past and gone, but what is the use to reflect on such things. Are we not sent here to raise children, a duty that has to be performed by someone, but if I did not have a husband that was true to me in all respects, it seems as though my strength would not permit of me having mine so fast, but I feel thankful to the Lord for giving me strength to get through with it thus far. Our children have all been permitted to live, and we can look forward to a happy old age, it they will only walk in the ways that are taught them. It is raining, blowing, and very cold. Although it is 10 o’clock I dread going to bed, have to take flat irons to bed every night to keep warm. Two of our small pigs died last night, could not keep them dry which chilled them. The rest seem quite stupid, too cold for such little things. I feed them warm slops all of the time. Received 19 lbs, of wheat from J. M. Eldredge. Expect he has arrived in Salt Lake City before this. They say the snow is 3 feet deep in the canyons. Vie has invited me up there to spend Sunday. Think I shall go if the weather will permit and Earny is well enough. He has been quite sick since you left, think he has the worms. Wish you would try and get some worm medicine. He wakes up every night for a couple of hours with a high fever. [page break] Saturday morning. The sun is shining beautifully. Earny much better, the rest all well. Mrs. Adalaide Judd just sent me in a fine large trout. I wish you were here to help us eat it. Quite an unexpected gift, but one that I received very thankfully. I was pleased to learn that you have a nice suit of clothing. Think you needed them very much. I was afraid you would wear your old ones while there. Louie says you must bring her and Florence a thimble to sew with. Ray is a very good boy, could not have got along without him. Am glad to hear ma’s is coming back, but think she would enjoy herself better there with father. Give my love to your mother ma Aunt Zina, Little Zina and all friends. You know that you have all of mine yourself with many kisses, and a quick return. I will close, remaining your loving wife to the end.
(signed) Louie Kimball
Post S. I wish you could make a turn and get me some cardboard and ________________ red blue and buff. Get it from Aunt Margrette Merrille
(signed) Lathilla
[Transcribed by Nora Fowers and Pete Pratt; Feb. 2010