306 West Grand St.
Elizabeth, N.J.
Nov. 27 - 1881My dear Mother -
Yours received Friday morning and one from Jennie yesterday. We had quite a letter reading yesterday morning, as we each had one or two letters, and most of them were passed around.
You probably want to know how we have spent these few days of vacation. Thursday we staid at home. I expected to go to church, but Miss Murphey was away, and we girls decided to stay and help Mrs Moore and Auntie. We had a very nice turkey dinner about two o'clk. Dudie's cards decorated the festive board. All seemed pleased with them. Auntie made some mince pies for us so we had quite a treat. A few days before I asked Auntie if she had made her mince pies for Thanksgiving, She said no, she guessed we wouldn't have any. Come to find out, she had made them especially for me. I told her I thought it very kind of her, and showed my appreciation by eating more than I usually do. They did not make me sick, so I was satisfied. We had two that were left, for dinner to-day.
In the evening, Ida & Minnie and George went to a small sized party at one of the neighbors, and I had a quiet evening at home.
Friday we staid indoors most of the day. George was away, so we girls practised, studied[,] helped about the house, and read. In the evening Mrs Moore came down and we had several games of card[s], in which I was victor. About nine George came in with Carleton Mather, his little cousin who had come to stay all night and the next day. We sat up a little longer laughing, talking and eating apples.
Yesterday we practised and studied some, and I, M & G & C. experimented with their rifles. I made one fire, but didn't hit the mark, though I believe I came very near it. After that we had a good game of chase out doors - In the afternoon we went to see a foot-ball match at G's school. The playing was very good - and at the end of the time, the sides were even. It was between the same parties we saw before.
Miss Murphey came home quite late last night and a friend by the name of Mr Bradford came with her. He has been here all day. We girls feel a little indignant at Miss M- because she has done so little about the house lately. As it leaves so much for Mrs Moore, of course we cannot do as much as she might.
Mrs Muldaur is getting along very nicely. To-day she walked about five feet, which is quite an advance for her. The Dr. thinks she may be able to go over to New York by the last of the week or the first of
thenext, probably the latter. She has succeeded in straightening all of her hair, which was in a very matted condition.I wore my black silk and grey dolman to-day. If you have had as lovely day as we Jennie's suit must have looked very pretty indeed. Should like to see her ever so much. Well four weeks from to day will be Christmas and then my wish I trust will be had.
It is not as cold as it has been, looks as though we were going to have rain.
Mrs Muldaur gave me $10.00 of my pay the other day, will send you the $1. when I get it changed. She said she would give the rest of the quarterly payment (the whole $43.75) some time soon as she did not have it just now.
I guess I shall have to get a pair of shoes as these look a little shabby. If it would only snow I could wear rubbers.
Tell Jennie it was very good of her to write, and I will remember her soon, though I believe I write to Dudie this week.
The rest of us are in usual health, and enjoying these few bright clear days.
With much love to yourself and the others.
As ever Your daughter
Alice