[Paragraph breaks added for ease of reading.]Home Sept 23rd 1881
Dear Sister
I have been waiting till I could tell you some thing definite before writing, but I cannot wait longer[.] Rob. [their brother, Robert Mateer] started this evening and I am making all my preparations to start on either Tuesday evening or Wednesday forenoon. I wanted very much to go with Rob. but could not start till after the meeting of the Board on Monday. There is no doubt now but that I will get my appointment all right and be allowed to go but I cannot go to Wooster. We had to get our tickets on the P.R. road and it would have cost me about ten dollars to go up by way of Wooster still I intended to go untill [sic] I found I could not start untill so late[.] I am real disappointed for I wanted to see the children before leaving. I will have to go right on to Columbus and my stay there will be short.
Mother stood saying goodbye to Rob. pretty well. Aunt Mary will probably stay with her this winter and Lizzie will go home. Horrie [their brother, Horace Mateer] goes to Phila. the last of next week. He went down to Harrisburg with Rob. this evening. Mrs. Gilchrist is poorly but Rob will tell you the news.
I had a pleasant little visit to Carlisle and Shippensburg this week. The towns are all in mourning [over the death of President Garfield, who died on Sept. 19th].
Mother is wanting to steam my head for the catarrh and I guess I must quit and let her at it. Give a great deal of love to the children. Tell Nettie she shall hear from me just as soon as I can get time to write. I would like very much if you would get a picture of the three children such as the group the girls had this summer and send it to me to San Francisco. I mean you and the children, four of you I will pay for it. Good night. Mother says don't work too hard and kill yourself. She hardly sees how you will get through.
Lovingly Sister
Lillie. M.