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Title: O'Donnell, Annie to Phelan, James, 1904
ID6295
CollectionYour Fondest Annie: Letters from Annie O'Donnel to James P.Phelan [A. O'Donnell]
Filefondestan/58
Year1904
SenderO'Donnell, Annie
Sender Genderfemale
Sender Occupationchildren's maid
Sender Religionunknown
OriginMiami, Florida, USA
DestinationIndianapolis, Indiana, USA
RecipientPhelan, James
Recipient Gendermale
Relationshipfriends
Source
Archive
Doc. No.
Date
Partial Date
Doc. Type
Logunknown
Word Count649
Genretravelling, work, weather
Note
Transcript[Hotel Royal Palm stationery
Miami, BiscayneBay, Florida]
February 16, 1904

My dear Jim,
We got into Miami last night, and I did try hard to write you a few
lines, but really I was too tired to even talk after I had gotten things
in order for the night. Ellen said, 'Oh! Jim will excuse this time,
Annie. Go to bed. I hope you will, and I know it won't happen again.
Well, we did have a delightful time on the boat. The only thing
was, we didn't get our mail till Wednesday last owing to the boat
striking a sandbank. For a time I was really afraid we wouldn't be
able to get to Miami. For some time the water in the river was so
low. Both of your letters, Jim and Pollie's, reached me all right, and
maybe I wasn't pleased to get them. Pollie's letter was so jolly. It
certainly cheered me up a good deal. After all, mid all those pleasures
and grand places still one letter from home and the dear ones
is worth more than all put together.
Your nice letter was the first and only greeting I had on my arrival
at the hotel. I was quite surprised at your uncle being home again.
Still he travels around a good deal, so it makes it nice for him and you
all that he can go home so often. I am anxious to know if you will
come to Pittsburgh to stay. I have yet that dread that you will only
come like you did last year - just for a short visit. Wouldn't it be
nice if you stayed with us all the time and not have any mean parting
like last time?
The little children remember just as well and talk of you oftener
than anyone, but my little girl thinks it so funny that Jim wants
Annie always when he comes. He could come, but just leave Annie
with her. That's all she wants. You will see a big change in them.
They have all grown so, and maybe they are not having a good time
in Florida especially while on the boat. It was just the thing for them. They were dressed in overall and gum boots, so you can
form an idea of what they could do in that rig, but here they must
have their ribbons and laces and I must say I feel proud of them as
they do look well.
This place looks so pretty. There are just a few new additions,
and everything helps to make it more attractive than ever. We are
having very hot weather, but it seems almost unbearable parts of
the day here and often do we wish for a little of the frost and snow
you write of.
If I can get any picture of the boat, I will sent it as I would like
you all to see it. I saw in one of the Florida papers an account of it,
but nothing can speak too well of the comfort and home-like
feeling it gives.
Mr. Mellon is now on his way to Pittsburgh and will not be back
for two weeks or more, so Mrs. will entertain parties on her boat for
just very short trips. We spent Sunday last at a place called Soldier
Key, but I am glad to say we are near our own little church today.
Well now, Jim, I will ask you to excuse me this time. Remember
me very kindly to your Aunt and Pollie and the old man whenever
you write to him. I will write to Pollie maybe tonight, so now must
finish and will soon write you a long one. Now, Jim, believe me to
ever remain, your fondest Annie xxxxx

Ellen wishes me to send you her kindest regards and to hurry
and get ready for Pittsburgh.