| Title: | O'Donnell, Annie to Phelan, James, 1903 |
|---|---|
| ID | 6270 |
| Collection | Your Fondest Annie: Letters from Annie O'Donnel to James P.Phelan [A. O'Donnell] |
| File | fondestan/33 |
| Year | 1903 |
| Sender | O'Donnell, Annie |
| Sender Gender | female |
| Sender Occupation | children's maid |
| Sender Religion | unknown |
| Origin | Pittsburgh, Penn., 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 | 641 |
| Genre | Xmas gifts, travelling, friends |
| Note | |
| Transcript | [4616 Bayard St. E.E] Pittsburgh, Pa.] 6 January 1903 Tuesday Night My dear Jim, Since I got your letter yesterday morning, I have been looking for your Uncle every time the bell rang, but as yet he has not called. Still I will not give up hopes till I hear from you again. I will be somewhat disappointed if he doesn't come. Well how am I to thank you for the very acceptable gift you sent me. How nice of you to have it done, Jim. I like it, Jim, and so does everyone that saw it. I invited my friends here. They all thought it fine. Ellen is quite taken with the frame and wished that your face was somewhat 'round the corner in it. For the present I must pack it as our things will be moved from here while we are South and I do not want anything to happen to it in strangers' hands, for I value it too much. Well, Jim, I am glad you had a nice Xmas, as I had the happiest one since I left home. Really, I cannot begin to tell you how pleasant every one made it for me. As to gifts, I never was wealthier in my life. Such a display as greeted me when we came home from early mass. Mrs. Mellon and the children were so very good this year to every one of us, and poor Mary that left us didn't forget to send a nice gift and among ourselves such a jolly time as we did have. It was the first Xmas that I can say I was really and truly happy in America. Preparations for Florida are fast being made. Just think we expect to leave here about the end of this month, so we are not coming back to Bayard Street anymore I am sorry to say. Still, there is nothing like hoping for the best. If it never comes, we may have happy times in the new mansion. My cold is all gone now. Am just as fine as can be and so is Ellen. I had a real bad week, the worst since I came here, but thank goodness, I am feeling splendid since. You are interested in me, Jim, to think of me so kindly, and you do know how I appreciate a few kind words from you. I will wrap up warmly for the rest of the time here as I am out so much with the children, and won't it be lovely when we get to sunny south where all the beautiful flowers grow. What I would not give for you just to see the grounds of the Royal Palm! The children have got to call you Jim now, talk about you. I often wish they would forget you 'specially when they ply me with questions regarding our relationship, right before the members of the family. Matthew often says, 'Well, Jim is not Annie's brother, and I know he is not her father. Then who is he?' But it's all right as long as you did not take me away, though they want to know when you are coming to the zoo with us again. They liked you well and they are dear little children. Many a happy hour they have given me. Jim, wouldn't there be a joke if we could talk over the phone? Just imagine how nice it would be to hear a dear voice again. I am enclosing a few paper cutting[s] - quite interesting! I must finish up now, late as usual, and write me soon a long letter as I will still expect your uncle till I know he has left town. Good night, and fondly I remain Annie, xxxxxx The girls join me in wishing you a Happy and prosperous New Year. |
