Combined
from Versions 1 & 2, Chapter 8: “Letters from Miss Sallie”
Compliments
to W J McMullan. Compliments returned. Will accept a call from
you tomorrow afternoon, May 17th 1884. Sallie Freeman
(ed.
alternate version of above note reads “Compliments received.
Will accept a call from you tomorrow afternoon. May 17th 1884,
Sallie Freeman.”)
Compliments
of S J Freeman, in return to Mr Willie McMullan, and accepts of
your company Sabbath eve, June 1st 1884.
Return
compliments of Sallie Freeman to Mr Willie McMullan, and will
accept his company Sunday eve, June 15th 1884.
September
15th 1884.
Compliments
of Sallie Freeman in return to Mr Willie McMullan, and ask to
be excused as I am compeled to go to Georgias and remain over
week, am to start in the morning.
October
25th 1885
Compliments
of Sallie Freeman in return to Mr McMullan, and will have to ask
to be excused, as I have promised sister Kate to go there tomorrow.
There will be preaching at the school house down there Sabbath.
(put
flowers in this note)
Jan
10th 1886.
My
dear Mr Willie. I guess you know the reason of my not answering
your note last week. There was not any school Friday and I had
no way to send a reply. I have thawed a little today for the
first time since Friday. I believe it was the coldest weather
I ever saw. I will quit. I am most frozen. I remain Sallie.
February
15th 1886
Mr
Willie McMullan. My dear sir, When I came home yesterday from
school I found Uncle Jack Smiths family here. Jennie came with
them and therefore I decline going to Decatur today, provided
you will excuse me. You know I feel a delicacy in going, and
leaving Jennie. I hope it will not debar you from going. Go
by all means. I know you will see lots of prettie girls. If
you do not go, you may call this evening if you wish to. Verry
respectfully and truly yours, Sallie Freeman.
Dec
Miss, March 3 1886 Wednesday.
Mr
McMullan. Many thanks to you for the candy you sent me. I divided
it with my friends, especially with Jennie. Profesor Corbet,
and daughter Miss Emma are our teachers names. I think prof.
Corbet an exclent teacher. We had in attendance today 86 scholars.
Prof Corbet hasent made any ruls abot us talking to the boys.
We talk when we wish to. He has not much if any rules but behave,
and get your lesson. We study at night, and recite nearly all
day. If we dont know them, he is sure to let us know it before
we leave the class. Jennie does not stay at Georgias. I go with
Lula Johnson. It is nearly eleven oclock. I will quit for tonight
as I am getting cold. Sallie.
March
6th.
It
is raining today. Did not attend school. I forgot to tell you
who was my deskmate. Jennie, of course. We took seat togather
the first morning and Lula J. and Florance Clark in front of us,
and Lucy Harper, and Bettie McCune back of us. We dont have much
time for laughing. Dr Hinton came home last Saturday. Someone
said he was coming to at Decatur. Fred Russell and Jim Mann are
coming to school. Lucy Harper and Bettie McCune sends their best
regards to you. I divided candy with them. Excuse bad writing
and spelling. I am in an awful hurry. I remain, Sallie.
Decatur
April 11 1886.
Mr
McMullan. I believe I am in somewhat better spirits than when
I last wrote. I guess I learn slowly. I am quite shure I do
not learn fast. You asked me where I would be Sabbath. I guess
I will be at Georgias. I don’t expect I will attend church Sabbath.
If you wish to you can go to church, and come home with who ever
goes to church. You may call if you wish to. The people talking
are organizing a Sabbath school Sunday eve. If they do I shall
certainly go. You may go to if you wish to. I will quit. It
is nearly eleven oclock and I dont quite know my lesson yet.
Last night I went to sleep studding and let the lamp burn nearly
all night. Good night. Yours, Sallie Freeman
Thursday
April 29 1886
Willie.
We will not have our picknick tomorrow. The swamp will be to
wet. We were all sadly disappointed. I believe they have put
it off untill it dries off. I am staying at home this week, or
part of the week. We started home Monday evening but could not
cross the creek above D., so we came back to D. and stayed at
Dr. Penington part of the time. Lula and myself stayed at her
maws both nights. I came home yesterday morning with Walter Coursey.
I dont expect I will go home untill Sabbath eve. I have not been
to school this week. I heard in D. that Jennie sick, but I hope
not seriously. I f you see any of sisters folks tell them we
will not have the picknic. I hope you have a nice time this week.
It has been gloomy to me. I will close. I remain yours as ever,
Sallie.
May
13th 1886 Decatur Miss.
Mr
McMullan. I received your letter last week. I feared Mr Speed
did not enjoy himself. Lula said she wished he had seen her fore
he saw Sallie (untill he had seen her). I had a nice time last
Sunday. Went to Sabbath School at half past nine. Staid untill
after preaching. Maud and Mr Thomas went home with us. Anna
and Virginia Carleton came in the eve. Lula and Madison came
also. We all walked to High Hill Sunday night, except Maud and
Mr Thomas. We will have our picknick Friday if not raining.
We all expect a nice time. How could we expect anything else.
We solisit you to come Mr Speed, to be certain to bring Mr Speed!
Lucy puts in her solisitude also. I remain yours, Sallie.
N.B.
I dont know what you mean by that card, therefore I will keep
it untill I see you. I will go home Saturday if not hindered.
Thursday you had better come if you like beef. I expect it will
be all we have for dinner. If you see any of sisters folks tell
them abot the picknick. They may want to come. I will close.
I have been verry lengthy as ever, Sallie Freeman.
May
23 1886 Decatur Miss.
Dear
Willie, I am just back from Sabbath School, had a tolerable large
croud. I am in bible class, and some of the answers are no little
trouble to find. You asked me to tell you about the picknick.
It has been so long since then, I have nearly forgotten about
it. We had a verry nice time. I think I had a nice enough time
for you and myself to. We had one swing, two jumping ropes, and
we jumped a vine, too. We had one croquet set. I know I started
half dozen games, but did not finish but one. Two young men were
up from Hickory. Mr McDonal and Mr Joe Todd. Mr Ralf Adams was
my escort most of the day. We had a nice party at Mr Carletons
at night. We are going to have another picknick Saturday before
the third Sabbath. It will be a Sabbath School picknick. We
have a nice time swinging everry day. The boys swing us part
of the time. School is decreasing. I would like to quit, but
have no excuse only I am tired of going. I will be glad when
school is out so I can go when I get ready. I started yesterday,
but was interfered by Mr William coming. Brother and family came
Saturday. I think its time I am quiting. I have been so dull.
I
anticipate going to the show if I can get enough to go on my bond.
Several of us said we would play negro, go and see the street
parade. We thought some one would take pity on us and take us
in. If you will go on my bond let me know. I remain yours as
ever, Sallie Freeman.
(P.
S. we went in the show togather)
Decatur
Miss May 31st 1886.
Willie
I guess you think I never intended to answer your letter. It
was almost impossible for me to write last week, and I went out
to sister Finnies Saturday, and did not get back untill this evening
(Monday). Many thanks for the box of envelopes and paper pencil,
especially the box, I think it prettie. I hope you have a pleasant
time at Newton. I think sometimes I had better quit school.
I dont think I learn a thing.
I
think I shall quit latin. I did not go to the negro exibition.
I thought awhile I woud go. I guess you heard of the death of
Mrs McAlpin. She died last Wednesday. Prof. let us school children
out a little after nine to go to burial. The corps did not come
untill nearly twelve. We all staid untill after the funeral and
we lacked to caught it when we got back. Sallie.
It
rained terrible hard last night. I thought the wind would blow
the house away. The creek is so high I could not get to school
today, and I fear will not get to go tomorrow. You asked me about
my cold. It is better. It seems like a month since I received
your letter. I have waited so long. Hear you think I did not
appreciate your present, but you may rest assured I do. I think
I will have to quit myself. Pen and ink wont write. I think
it is myself. Sallie
Wednesday.
Mr
Barrette brought us to school this morning. The creek was still
high. I guess it will run down as it has quit raining. I guess
the mail comes up today, and I will try to mail my letter today.
I will close. I have made a real diary of this letter.
Excuse
this I am writing during school. If he sees me I expect he will
read it to the school. I remain as ever, Sallie Freeman.
Decatur
Miss, June 16 1886.
Mr
McMullan. I received your letter today and am answering it tonight
so I can send it by mail tomorrow. School ends tomorrow, and
you may rest assured I am glad of it. The weather is getting
to hot. They thought best to quit. Mr McMullan, I suppose I
will have to inform you about the picknick. It has rained so
much the people have decided not to have it. It will be to wet
down on the creek. I hope you will not be disappointed much.
I was invited to attend a party at Mr Martins tomorrow night.
I dont know whether I go or not. The school closes at Union Friday.
Examination in the day, exibition at night. We are verry anxious
to go, but dont expect we can get a way to go.
I
will come home Saturday to stay, I guess. I expect to sleep a
week or two before I get my right senses. Georgia says she believes
I am crazy. This week, I expect some of the D. girls will be
at Midway Sunday, Lula Johnson, Miss Emma and Miss Mary.
It
has rained terable hard today. The wind liked to blew all of
the corn down. Bro F I am sure will carrie us to school this
evening. I know most the creek is up. I think I will have to
call in all the neighbors when I get home to help me rejoice.
As I have written all I know, I guess it is best to quit. Sallie
Freeman.
N.B.
Excuse all mistakes, and those beauty spots, as I have already
told you, I was crazy this week. You can account for it. I
left out part of sentences also.
June
25th 1886.
Willie,
I believe I have quite recovered from my ailments, tho I dont
know wether I have my right senses yet or not. I hope I will
soon. You asked when you might call. I cannot set any definite
time. You said you was going to Newton Sabbath. I intend going
to Crossroads if I can get off. Mr Pope insisted much on my coming
the first. I do not know where I will be untill the time comes.
I may go down to sisters if I do I will (ed: a word seems to be
missing here) a week or two. You may call while I am there, provided
I get there. I would have gone last Sabbath, but I thought I
had company that would spend the night with me, but was mistaken.
Now that school is out, I dont know what to be at. I dont know
how to work. I sleep a little, work a lttle and run about and
eat green fruit more than a little. Pleas to excuse my wandering
talk. Pleas to excuse my paper. I remain yours, Sallie.
July
5th 1886.
Dear
Mr McMullan, Please to excuse my delay in not answering yours
of the 3rd instant. We have had company nearly all the time I
have been at home. Since then Jennie spent the night with me.
I carried her to Decatur yesterday morning. I saw Callie while
I was there, and asked her about taking lessons. Her price is
$4.00. She gives one lesson everry day. Pleas tell me what you
think about it Sunday. I will be at home Sunday all day. Without
it is to church at Midway. You can come anytime you wish to.
You may come in the morning, and go with us to church or any time
that suits you. Excuse such writing. I have not written any
since I quit school. Yours, Sallie Freeman.
July
17th 1886.
Dear
Willie, You must have thought I was at Decatur by sending your
letter up there. I got out of staying with Georgia this time.
I am verry sorry you did not enjoy the Union. I was really sorry
I had to leave. I appreciate your kind offer very much, but alas
I had to decline it. You know I could not leave Jennie. I dont
know whether I can go to church Sunday or not. If I dont go
to church, you may come in the evening, and I pray you not to
forget to bring that grand picture. I know I am a perfect scare
crow. Dont kiss the picture all away by that time. I dont think
I would like to kiss pictures much. I will quit, my old pen wont
write. Lovingly, Sallie F.
August
1st Sunday 1886.
Dear
Mr McMullan, I accept your company Sabbath evening with pleasure.
Preaching broke last night. I think the preachers thought us
bad cases. I will tell you how I got into it when you come.
As ever, Sallie Freeman.
N.B.
Pleas to excuse pencil, Sallie Freeman. (a flower in this note)
Nov
6th 1886.
Dear
Willie, I received your letter in due time, and read it all with
perfect ease. I think the children carried the night at the party.
I did not have a verry lively time. There was not any of my fellows
there. I went to see Jennie Sunday and to church. If you had
come you would not have found me at home. I guess I will be at
home from now on on the first Sunday. Miss Lida has not said
anything about us going with the boys. Therefore you may call
the first Sunday if I dont forget it before the time comes. I
must be verry sweet if I am as sweet as you say I am, but you
are the only one (provided these are your sentiments) that thinks
that. Everryone else think to the reverse. I remain as ever,
Sarah Jane Freeman.
December
9th 1886.
Mr
McMullan. Dear sir, I received yours of the 5th, and of course
I will forgive you for not calling. I did not look for you.
It was to cold to go anywhare. I will accept your company to
Decatur if it is a prettie day. If you think it not fit to go
to church, you may call in the eve. I have the blues today.
There are so many weddings tonight, and I cannot go to any. I
think Ida treated me real mean. I think I missed the fun in not
going to the partie. Willie said there were ever so many boys
there, Mr Guss, to. Papa married Ida. I will close as ever,
Sallie J Freeman
N.B.
Please to excuse me for waiting so long to answer. It was Wednesday
before I got yours and the mail rider did not stop to get mine
as he promised. I will go to Decatur if it is a fit day. If
you do come, come as early as you can, so we wont be late. Yours,
Sallie Freeman.
Dec
1886.
Mr
McMullan. I received your note late yesterday eve, and did not
have time to answer. I started down to sisters. It rained so
hard I stoped at Cornelia Doolittles. Will stay here untill Willie
returns. I thought I would go to Christmas tree if the weather
was suitable. I started this morning. Come tomorrow and spend
the day with us. I will spend the day at home. They are hurrying
me to death. Lovingly, Sallie Freeman.
1887.
Dear
Mr McMullan, I accept your company tomorrow eve with the greatest
felicity and also to church, but you know I detest walking, altho
I will walk if there is no other way. Yours sincerely, Sallie
Freeman.
1887.
Dear
Willie, I give you permission to call tomorrow evening Sabbath.
You know you have my permission anytime. As ever, Sallie Freeman.
October
21st 1887.
Dear
Mr McMullan, I would be verry glad to go to Crossroads. Willie
is looking for company Saturday night. If he does not come I
will go. If I dont go, by all means you go yourself, and carry
Arrette. I will go if I posibly can. Perhaps I can get Willie
and Velps (ed: name not clear) both to go. Very respectfully,
Sallie Freeman.
November
13th 1887.
Mr
McMullan. I will accept your company to church Sabbath at D.
with pleasure, provided the waeather is not to bad. Verry truly
and respectfully, Sallie Freeman.
December
11th 1887.
Dear
Willie, I will go to Decatur Sabbath if the weather is prettie.
If to bad I will not go. If you do come, come early so that we
will not be to late, provided I am ready when you come. I will
be at home in the eve. Come if not in the morning. Do bring
all of your life with you. I have the blues so bad I am afraid
I shall expire soon. As ever yours, Sallie Freeman.
N.B.
Frank Cross married this eve to Callie Thames.
November
13 1888.
Mr
McMullan. I will accept your company to church Sabbath at D.
with pleasure, provided the weather is not to bad. Verry truly
and respectfully, Sallie Freeman.
Dec
1888.
Mr
McMullan. I received your note late yesterday eve and did not
have time to answer. I started down to sisters. It rained so
hard I stoped at Cornelia Doolittles. Will stay here untill Willie
returns. I thought I would go to Christmas tree if the weather
was suitable. I started this morning. Come tomorrow and spend
the day with us. I will spend the day at home. They are hurrying
me to death. Lovingly, Sallie Freeman.
This
is a facsimile of Mrs McMullans last note to me while in Canida
at Niagra falls July 24th 1939:
I
am at Niagara falls having a grand time. Will be home this week,
Sallie.
When
we started to the marriage alter when Miss Sallie taken my arm she gave
a shudder, in an undertone said oh. Then I said if you ever expect
to quit, now is the time. I am doing this for keeps. In 1945 while
in hospital she said to Dr Simmons there stands a good looking man pointing
to me, then laughed heartily. She was in the hospital 66 days. After
coming home as I was standing by her bed entertaining her she said to
me, you used to have prettie teeth, bright sparklin brown eyes, and
nice smooth face. You know I never did go back on you.
