Dear Lida,Chillie [Lida's little sister] and I went to Pittsburgh yesterday[.] Did not think of it being St Patricks day until we saw nearly all that were on the Train had their green Ribbons on[.] There was the usual crowd & it was so cold & windy[.] I wished a good many times I had staid at home, but we had a pleasant time socially & today is colder I am glad now we went. We went first to Kaufman & got Joe [Lida's little brother] a suit as his Cordoroy is about used up. Then went to Horne's next to Gellespies found no one at home but Kirk[.] Mrs G- and the little girls were in Uniontown[.] Kirk went & brought Hellen from school she went with us to Bogg & Bukels as we did not find there what we expected went out to Uncle Charlie's & found no one at home but Aunt Lib[.] Nettie is keeping house for Annie[.] She & Mr Parkin have been in Philadelphia for three weeks[.] Mr P- is under the Dr, care is getting better. They will be home next week. Nettie is getting very tired. Aunt Lib would have Chillie stay & go to see her last night she will be home this evening[.] Did not see Uncle Charlie he was down town. He has no position yet[.] Harrie was at work[.] Auntie had a letter from Jennie Pinkerton since she got to cousin Moses she is much pleased with her position as she has a good girl &c.
Auntie said Edward was there a few days ago he had settled Willie G- business by paying Sq. $500.00 to bad -
Pa had a letter from Ed [Lida's older brother] yesterday said he would be at home tonight as he & Lynch are to have a meeting tomorrow to settle the Line between them[.] Ed has not been at home since you went away he writes he is still afraid of the measles[.] I have disinfected the house & done every thing to prepare it for your & his coming home.
Much as I want to see you it was a relief to me when you wrote of Mr Stones kind invitation and your wish to accept it, as I feel sure you would take the measles if you came home as they are still epidemic in McKeesport[.] I was down last week to see Miss Whitaker a lady missionary who was to lecture in the Churches in our Presbyterry this month. She is lying very sick (with measles) at Dr Knox. Lena's friends are so kind to you[.] Thank them for me & I hope we can reciprocate it some day[.]
I hope you will have a pleasant time. (Be as entertaining as possible) If you have any suggestions as to how you wish your Sateen made, or if you are much larger than when you went away send me your demensions [sic] imediately. [sic] Papa says he will send you money next week and you are to go & take vocal Lessons[.] He was much pleased with his letter (It was a nice letter) & paper[.] What a nice [] they had I see Miss Sherrard of Washington Pa is trying the same thing[.]
Joe says tell you ought to come as he wants to see you so badly home & he will three nickels tonight.
We are watching the mail for your pictures[.] We want you to send us Lena's. Papa has just come & adds you the money now. Write & let us know if you get it $80.00 keep what I sent you & get something nice when you are in Cleaveland [sic]
Lovingly Mother
Willie Locke sat in the seat with me last evening he stays at his Grand Mas now as Mrs Lucas is in New York at Mollies has been there since Christmas[.] Sadie Kehough is to be married on the 14th of April to Mr Holms & goes at once to the West expects to visit Aunt Sallie[.]