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Jennie Vineyard to Nephew, N.A. Sharp:
Fork Creek, Tenn., April 14, 1868
Dear Alec:
It is been quite a time since I reed your letter, but if you knew my chance, how my hands and head, have been occupied, I know you would excuse me.
I have been teaching, this is the sixth week:-- have quite a school, four or five large girls, have between twenty and thirty schollars. That keeps me real busy all week. Then I go home, and have no spare moments there, I asshure you for we have three boarders, and Jose is wearied out, with the work, by saturday, I always cook for her, when there. I told her to dismiss them this week, for she is not able to do the work. 'the weather has been so disagreeable, ever since I commenced teaching, that it is trying on me, and it is the most laborious work I ever did do.
I feel real mean, about our picture. I went to see the Artist, about them, he said he would write us a note, when he was prepared to __?__ to us -- never done it, the next thing I knew he was gone to Louden. But if he does not return, some other will, and we will have them taken.
Father hasn't made another payment on his land yet, but there is a prospect of his doing so pretty soon. He is not looking so well this spring, and being away I feel uneasy about him, Poor old soul, hasn't much to comfort him, in this life. Not much for any of us, but we have sources, that he has not.
I went over home, friday evening after school, walked part of the way,vsunday Lumbia came over after me. It stormed and rained that evening, till we could not come. That night there was a dreadful rain storm -- rained on till monday noon, before we could come out, then I could not ride the creek, every place was full of water and I have become so nerveous and tired, the last few weeks, that I could have cryed, but I had to come and so I started, and came safly.
I had a letter from cousin Sallie two or three weeks ago, haunt answered it yet. I think there is a taking on with a young gentleman out there. She seemed pleased with the country. Cousin Harvey has located at Morganton. He came to cousin Jo's Sunday is sick, not confined, I believe.
I suppose Bud Smith is married. Married a Kidd girl, from about Rockford. I think him rather young, to take such a responsibility, but perhaps it is all right.
The school at Sweetwater are going to have a May party, I hear. I don't expect to be there, as I don't want to loose time from school. I guess the young folks will enjoy it finely. But I must close, it is growing late. Tell your father we would be glad to see him and your mother, and all of you down very much. Cousin Mollie Dickey is in very poor health. Cousin Houston has been sick for a week or two. Aunt Pollie regretted you did not go bank to stay longer. Cousin Houston said he liked your appearance very much.
Give my love to all. Write soon. Good night and pleasant dreams
Your affect aunt, Jennie
