5001 Lake Avenue
Chicago.
Feb 11th 1886Mr. Jos Robbins
Dear Father
I had intended writing you concerning my business transaction with Mrs Starrett last week but I have been prevented from doing so by a severe cold. My cold is better but I feel worn and exhausted. The extreme cold weather has at last moderated, we are shrouded in a wall of mist to-day. The ice is floating in the lake, and the snow is melting on the sidewalks. Time passes much more quickly, since I have gotten my classes regularly organized.
The last edition to my list of studies is English Literature and it is by far the most interesting and delightful of my subjects (the girls are playing Scotch-tag for exercise and I am writing this in the midst of them)[.] I am reviving my arithmetic with a great rapidity, my Latin classes are reading Latin with which I am very familiar, so I do not need to prepare my Latin before going into class as I do my other lessons.
Mr and Mrs Starrett and the family have been very kind to me. Mr Starrett had an attack of his brain trouble a few days ago and it was feared he would lose his mind, but he is better. Mrs Starrett is the bread-winner of the family and has evidently has [sic] always been.
Mrs Starrett offered me as security a chattel mortgage on her own private library, according to the laws of Illinois a married woman can hold or mortgage all property that is in her own name. The books are valued at four hundred dollars ($400)[.] The note was made out for one year at 8% which is the legal rate in this state.
I had a lawyer make out the papers, and he said they were all right. Mrs S. and I then went to the prothonoters [?] office in the district to have the papers recorded so I think the papers are all correct though I have not yet received them (papers).
Mr Starrett had a return of his brain trouble last night it is feared he will lose his mind eventually. His trouble seems very much like softening of the brain. It is a terrible anxiety and worry to Mrs Starrett.
We have first class board [...]served. I expect Loyd Smith up to see me soon, we are going to run down and spend a day with Uncle Reuben [...]'s family.
Tell Chillie [her sister] my cold has prevented my doing that errand for her in the city this week.
With love & good wishes,
Your Aff. daughter - Gertrude