Forest Grove Miss
Jan 1st 1888

My Very Dear Friend

Mr. McIntyre spent today with us & we ever so glad to have him with us as it is the first time he has been here since you left & you do not know how thankful I am to hear that you my dear good friend was improving. I have been so anxious about you ever since I first heard that you were sick. That busy as I am I have thought of you every hour in the day. We are all in good health except Alison. He has a dreadful cough & is looking badly. I am very uneasy about him, fear that his lungs are affected. He speaks of going to Florida to a milder climate hoping to regain his health. Mary Margaret has ten teeth & is in splendid health & is real good & would send her love to Aunt Margaret if she knew how.
We spent Christmas day very quietly each family at our own houses, but since then, we spent the day with Rache & Nora & that is the extent of my visiting since you left. Mis O'quinn was married last week to a widdower & left the same day for her new home which is now Hazlehurst, so we heard. Please excuse blots as the baby caught my arm & caused it. I receive a letter from Pauline she had been sick with fever, but was better was up & taking quinine. George Parker carried Jimmie to his house today she is going to keep house for him this year. She seems delighted with the idea of keeping house for brother George. Anna came home a week before Christmas. Have not been to see her yet, the weather being so disagreeable.
Lou spent a week with Laura since you left & is home again & seems to be in usual health. He spent two days & nights with us lately. He wants me to go over & keep house & wait on him if Alison goes to Florida. Sister Mary wants us to stay here. Do not know what we will do yet. If Alison don't inprove he will not be albe to do much in the way of working. As the least excersie causes him to cough fearfully. Cornelia is visiting Nora & Helen spent a day & night with us. She is going to Laredo Texas to a mission school will act as Matron & finish her education & fit her self for a missionary & when she is through says she will go to China or Japan.
Miss Margaret please for my sake burn this letter up. For it is such a miserable scrawl. That if I had time would write another & not send this. Write if you feel like it, we would like so much to hear from you & pray for your safe return home. You are dearer to me than I can tell & your friendship is beyond evaluation. All join me in love to you & pray that we may meet again.

Your devoted friend

Fannie

Mr. McIntyre delivered your messages & kissed the baby for you.