| Title: | O'Donnell, Annie to Phelan, James, 1902 |
|---|---|
| ID | 6257 |
| Collection | Your Fondest Annie: Letters from Annie O'Donnel to James P.Phelan [A. O'Donnell] |
| File | fondestan/20 |
| Year | 1902 |
| Sender | O'Donnell, Annie |
| Sender Gender | female |
| Sender Occupation | children's maid |
| Sender Religion | unknown |
| Origin | New York, NY, USA |
| Destination | Indianapolis, Indiana, USA |
| Recipient | Phelan, James |
| Recipient Gender | male |
| Relationship | friends |
| Source | |
| Archive | |
| Doc. No. | |
| Date | |
| Partial Date | |
| Doc. Type | |
| Log | unknown |
| Word Count | 695 |
| Genre | disappointment, work, weather |
| Note | |
| Transcript | New York June 5th 1902 Address next letter c/o W. L. Mellon Spring Lake New Jersey My dear Jim, You didn't expect an answer from this part of the world I am sure. Did you ever notice anything half so mean as the way things have turned out since we counted on meeting each other? Now that you are ready to come here, I am stuck in New York with the three children. I just wonder what have I ever done that such disappointments should lay in wait for me. Our reason for running away from home was due to an epidemic of measles and scarlet fever which are at present raging in our neighbourhood, so on Monday night last Mr. Mellon thought it wise to send the little ones on here with Mrs. Mellon and I and leave Ellen with the girls to look after the entire packing and then go straight to the Spring Lake cottage where we will all meet on Saturday. I am so mad to think I was so near seeing you and now so far. How things will happen. I suppose we were not destined to meet yet. Let us blame it on destiny anyhow and claim it's all for the best. What a poor consolation. And when do you suppose we will meet now, just when the good Lord wishes. I think is the best answer. I cannot get over the way we had to rush not even time to say goodbye to a few friends. Some of them don't know, but what I am still in Pittsburgh, and, if you please, I had my picture taken on Thursday preceding Decoration Day and had to come away without seeing what they look like. No proof came yet. I think I am pretty brave to bear all that, and yet the hardest of all came with your letter this morning. I just hate to think you will come now when I am so far away. I can just imagine myself if I were in Pittsburgh this morning and got your letter. My, how I would hustle around and how eagerly I would wait for that day to see you, but in a word I guess such is life at least for some. I will be so glad to get your sister's picture. Don't forget to send me one as soon as you can. There is a friend of mine in Pittsburgh who spent some five years in Indianapolis as a contractor. He gave me quite an account of the city which was very interesting indeed. From all accounts, it is not as dirty as Pittsburgh. Well, Jim, I am so tired now and it is so late and with two youngsters to sleep with, I better retire. You know I have a little picnic of my own trying to manage the three, but Mrs. Mellon is very good. She helps a good bit. Maybe I don't miss Ellen. I miss her more and more each time. I hope this will reach you before you make any arrangements for your supposed trip. I get any amount of teasing about your letters. Even the mailman wants to know how Indiana is! But I am quite a good hand at teasing myself, so I must not mind it. The heat is somewhat terrific here. When I was out this afternoon and saw those poor motormen standing in the cars, my thoughts went straight to you and couldn't help but feel for you out in all weathers. Write me very soon. Writing now is the only consolation left, so try and let me know how you are doing. Remember a note from you is highly prized, and you cannot send them too often. I have a kindly feeling for you, and come what may it can never be severed. This alone is all I can boast of, and I must say it is this real sincere friendship that has gained me such good friends. I am glad to think I can count on you as one. So now, dear Jim, with best love I say a fond good-night and do write soon, x |
