Brigham City, April 13, ‘99
Dear Mama,
This morning, Thursday, I must write and let you know how we are. The train went through, stopping just long enough for me to buy my ticket in Ogden. The first thing we heard when we arrived here was that a Mr. Boden, whose wife was still at conference had just shot himself; and how a sweet little baby girl had been killed by a wild horse backing and falling on her. The man will not be missed much for he was a bad man, but the whole town grieves over the baby. It was the only girl its mother had.
Well dear mama I have been here three days and worked two; between waiting on customers, I sew [bandos], linings in hats and elastics in hats, and yesterday I trimmed myself a red short backed sailor Every bit of it is red and you can’t imagine how cute it is. Of course Emma showed me how to do everything. I think I shall like this work ever so well.
How it is with you at home. Have you got the oil cloth down yet? Don’t work too hard mama, and don’t wash more than one a week.
Miss Bywater sends her love to Olga. Thank you for Oscar’s letter. I will send it to you; it is so interesting, but keep it for me. It is time to go to work now. I will write more next time.
Your loving daughter,
Cora
Write and tell me all about yourself. Kiss baby for me.
**********
From Mrs. Pratt
Mar. 5, 1918, Boise
Dearest Mother: —
As your birthday is drawing near I want to write you a birthday letter and tell you how much I love you, and how much I appreciate what a good mother you have been to us all.
I appreciate the care you gave me in my trying childhood, and the many beautiful lessons you taught me in my young girlhood, which have guided me all my life.
It has grieved me to be forced to spend all these years away from you and to have been so little comfort and help to you. I had so looked forward to spending a few more years reunited with you. But I try to say, “The Lord’s will be done.”
Oscar and I seem to be standing between love and duty and don’t know which course to take. Some times I feel mean and rebellious, but I dare not go any farther than think that way.
It grieves me greatly to learn of your affliction but I am glad to learn that you are so much better. Nothing but the children kept me from coming right down to see you. I had even started to pack. The woman I had engaged took sick and it seemed better to wait. But any time that you feel that you want me, I will make every effort to come.
I am glad you were able to go to Brigham. Hope you will enjoy yourself while there and that it will do you much good.
Am also glad to hear that Emma is back home and so much improved. We are all well here as usual for which I am very thankful.
I want to apologize for not writing you for so long. I was waiting to find out definitely whether we were coming back or not; and felt like I could not write until I knew. Well, I can’t do any more with Oscar. Bro. Hale is too strong for me. Now it is up to you folks and the Co. whether we remain here or not.
Tell Oscar from me to buy you a bunch of pink carnations as my gift. Give my love to all the girls. Hoping that you will have a pleasant birthday and with lots of love and sympathy and prayers, I am as ever,
Your affectionate daughter, Cora
*Originally written in Danish, translated by Grandson Wallace P. Winkler, Feb. 1992
[Parley Parker Pratt Jr. & Descendants, Cora S. Winkler, 1992]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Dec. 2006]