[Some paragraph breaks added for ease of reading. No place or date on the letter, but dates to 1875, as that is the year that Jennie and Lillie's father died. The letter mentions Lillie living in Monmouth (Illinois), where Lillie lived with her Mother, after moving there from Henry, Ill. in 1872, and before she went away to school at Holyoke, in Mass., around 1877. At this time, Jennie was living at Wilkinsburg, Pa. Another clue is the reference to the Bayard Taylor book, published in 1874.]Dear Sister Lily:
I have been hoping to hear from you but as yet no word has come. This morning I took the first possible chance to go over to Miss Weavers [?] and ask about Mothers dress. She said to put three wide folds on the lower skirt about a finder [sic] length deep - make them single and line with patent lining. The dress maker will understand that put the lower one near the bottom - say an inch from it. Fasten them along the upper side only leaving them loose below like a ruffle (of course they are put on plain as folds no fullness), finish each one at the top with double French piping made like the blue sample I enclose. [no longer with the letter] I forgot about the distance apart - not far I should think - the dressmaker can judge about that. The overskirts are made very long like yours and very plainly trimmed - just a fold turned up on the edges and finished at the top with the same piping - basque like the overskirt. I think a collar like your brown one would be pretty only instead of the ruffle behind let extend around a collar slit in the back. It is hard to give full directions and you had better be guided somewhat by the dressmaker if she has any taste. I was asking about a polonaise for you. Miss Weaver says she makes a good many with basque backs - I will see more however whe[n] the season begins to open don't be in any hurry.
I wonder if Will is there this week. Wish I could drop down among a day or two and help the cause on.
I had a note from Miss Sherrod, principal of the Seminary over at Washington [Pa]. I used to know her and she has not forgotten me it seems. She says they have a good school - good lectures and good girls. I hope to go over to Washington next week if all here keep[s] well. I will then write you full particulars.
Miss Loring from Syria left us this morning for Columbus O. She came last Saturday & was with me till after dinner Sabbath - met the Band on Saturday afternoon[.] She came back Wednesday - held our Annual meeting Wednesday evening and were delighted with Miss L. She staid with me all day Thursday & rested - left this morning. I am so thankful that is over with for I was so worn out I could scarcely keep up through it.
I am only now beginning to feel a little rested[.] Sleep was what I wanted most - have so much to make up & could not do much in that way for some time after I came home. I think I am getting righted up now - feel so relieved to have Miss Loring's visit over though I enjoyed it ever so much[.] She is a very sweet girl & I wish you could know her.
I am so glad you and Mother are coming East and I do hope you can be suited in Washington - it would be so nice for us all. I will try to have my cleaning & Sewing done up before you come I think you will be here by the middle of May if you leave Monmouth the first of April - Don't you think so?
I sent the muff & hair. I found the little sack moth eaten but thought it might serve as a pattern - I sent the little crocheted socks also for patterns. I sent these to you thinking you might help Anna make out how they were done. Hope they reached you all right. I am anxious to hear how Mother is getting along - fear the reaction for her[.] Do write at once if you have not & tell me everything.
I wrote Johnny [her brother John L. Mateer, a missionary at Shanghai, China, 1872-76] a long letter to send on to Calvin [her brother, Calvin W. Mateer, a missionary in Shantung Province, China since 1864]. Mr. H. [her husband, Samuel Henderson] wrote to Calvin I wrote to Aunt Mary Haines and intend to write to Mrs Dunlap.
Did you see the notice of father's funeral in the Interior from Henry?
Tell Robby [her brother Robert Mateer, still living at home, and later a missionary in China, 1881-1923] I have a book for him for Feb. 8th but want to read it before I send it to him. It is Bayard Taylor's Travels in Egypt & Iceland. I am waiting to hear what he will do.
With much love to all - Sister
Jennie