Catherine Elizabeth Yates Murray - Letters
Location: Louisiana
Surname/tag: letters
A collection of letters to, from, and about Catherine Elizabeth Yates Murray.
- (1) Condolence letter from a friend to Kate on the death of her nephew John Spring Yates
- (2) Letter from Ethel Whitehurst in England informing Kate of the death of Mrs. Whitehurst (Ellen Anne Mousley) - Sent from Kate to her brother John Mousley Yates
- (3) Last letters from Kate to her brother John Mousley Yates
- (4) After her death, letters from Kate's friend Kate Flanders to John Mousley Yates concerning her death and her estate.
1905.04.02 Condolence on Death of John Spring Yates to Catherine Murray
Alexandria, April 2, 1905
Dear Mrs Murray,
This morning on my return from Church I was handed Winston’s letter which conveyed to me the very sad intelligence of the death of your loved nephew John Yates. I do not know when I was ever more greatly pained and shocked. How you will miss him! How his family will miss him, particularly his dear old father who looked to him to be the stay and comfort of his old age. He and you and all who loved him have my heartfelt sympathy
His is a loss too to society in general for such as he made the world better by his living. It is seldom that a stranger has made during a few days acquaintance so favorable an impression upon me as did your John. He possessed a most attractive personality, his obliging manner and gentlemanly bearing bespoke a fine character. On my own account I regret his death deeply and will never forget his acts of kindness to myself and to Winston.
My dear friend, we do not mourn as those without hope. In that doctrine of our church “The Communion of Saints” there is a solace so beautiful and so comforting to stricken heart.
May the God of all comfort help you and yours in this your hour of affliction.
Sincerely, your friend
Laura Waddill Overton
1907.05.30 News of death of Ellen Mousley Whitehurst to Catherine Murray
1907.05.30
2, Kensington Road
Winshill
Burton-on-Trent
May 30, 1907
Dear Mrs Murray
I thought I must write and let you know that our dear Mother [Note: This is Ellen Anne Mousley Whitehurst] passed away on May 22nd after a very long illness, she has practically been in her bedroom since last October with the exception of a few day about Easter when we had her out in a bath chair, then Poisoning set in and she took no solid after that for it left Ulceration behind, but the end was Heart failure. May and I feel very lonely now for she was not only a perfect Mother but companion as well to us, we are the only two at home, for two of the boys are married, Fred the elder and Ray the fourth, then Ern is in London. Father had another loss just one week before his eldest brother John died so altogether we are very sad family. Must close now with Best wishes
Believe me
Yours very sincerely
Ethel C Whitehurst
1907.07.02 Catherine to brother Jack, enclosing the Whitehurst note
1907.07.02
Lake Charles
426 Ryan St.
July 2nd /07
My dear Jack
I received a letter from May a few days ago telling me of Kate’s sickness and loss of her baby, well perhaps it is for the best for it seems to me it might have been a very sickly child. I hope Kate will soon recover her health and strength and be back at home with you before very long. How are you all getting along? I expect pretty badly without Kate. I hope she will be satisfied to stay at home with you now for some time and the boys ought to try and make things as easy as possible for her so she will be glad to stay. How is Susy. I expect she is a great deal of company for you, and is no doubt getting very useful but don’t let her work too hard, let her have a chance to grow strong. I enclose you the letter and card of Ellen’s death, you can keep them; that seems to be the last of England for us. Try and write me a short letter soon and tell me how Kate is and how you all are. With much love
Your affect. Sister
Kate
I feel very sorry for poor Kate so much trouble and sorrow all in less than one year.
1908.03.18 Catherine to Jack
1908.03.18
My dear Jack,
I have been intending answering your nice letter ever since it arrived but as you know how lazy I am you will know why I haven’t. I surely was glad to hear from you for you told me something about all the children and I felt better satisfied after getting it than I have for some time. I am so glad to hear that Kate is better and hope she will get quite strong and fat. Now the warm weather is so near, everything looks lovely out of doors but there is a very strong March wind blowing to-day and I hate too much wind.
I want to tell Kate of a case that has happened here very like hers, there was a very nice young man boarding with me a who got married three months ago and as I did not have room for a couple they had to go somewhere else when he married, we went around to see them last Sunday evening and a sadder sight I never saw, his wife is dying of consumption, just coughed the whole time we were there, he took her away yesterday to the mountains in N. Carolina and I think that is the last we will ever see of her and such a pretty young woman only twenty. I want Kate to know that hers is not the only sorrow in the world. I think seeing and knowing what others have to bear makes us better able to stand our own trials. I know when I looked at those two young folks, I felt how well off I am who have always had such good health. I am going to send you four numbers of the National Magazine, there is a most wonderful story in them called “The ??? God.” I thoroughly enjoyed it. And want you to read it too, and after you have read it write one word what you think of it and by that time any how it will be about time for you to write me another good letter, for none of your children have the gift of the gab in the letter writing form.
I wish I could come to see you this summer but I am afraid I can’t, times seem hard everywhere + thousands of people out of work. Well, everything happens for the best so we must try and be satisfied + thankful. With much love to each one of you. Your loving sister
Kate
1908.08.20 Katherine Flanders to Jack
1908.08.20
Dear Mr. Jack
I believe I have known you for ages, having heard your sister (Miss Kate) speak of you so often. I was down to see my old friend last evening and she had received a letter from you, and you had found out she, had been ill. We were in hopes you would not find it out until she was strong enough to write you a long letter, and tell you every-thing – Miss Kate commenced feeling bad about three months ago; no one ever thought she had a tumor, so she did not call in Dr. Martin until about six weeks before she was operated on – the tumor developed so rapidly, and she felt so uncomfortable, Dr. Martin said she would have to be operated on immediately, she went to the Sanitarium, and give me instructions, in case she was any danger to telegraph you, she has never been in any danger, and went through the operation fine – Dr. Martin says she is his banner patient, she is up now, and was in the rocking chair, with a book on her lap when she wrote the note you will find enclosed in this letter. Dr. says she is not sixteen any more, and will not gain her strength as fast as if she was younger – Miss Kate says you were right when you knew she had good and many friends, she has had every comfort. Mr. North (a banker) sent her down a Buzz fan, so when the days are warm she has it going night, and day, she has a good kind Dr. and such good nurses, had an electric belt in her bed, and every want is attended to, has company by the wholesale, flowers, books, + c – Our Sanitarium is new, and up to date, Miss Kate has a beautiful room, and can look out on beautiful trees, and clean surroundings. That is a thousand times better than the old City would have given her. Miss Kate says there is not a greater pleasure she would have, than to visit you, but she has been away from her house so long, she will have to go straight home – one of her friends is keeping house for her, a lovely old lady, such kindness – I trust my letter will explain all – I don’t want you to worry for your sister is all right-
With best wishes
I remain
Your sister’s old friend
Katherine Goos Flanders
P.S.
If you wish any information about Miss Kate, I will be pleased to give it you – I hope she will keep you posted from this on
Kate
Aug. 20, 1908
Lake Charles
La
Enclosure
Dear Jack
Just recd your letter and yours and Susy’s day before yesterday. Don’t be worried about me I am almost perfectly well but too weak to feel like writing a letter. Mrs. Flanders will tell you how I am she is going to write to you, but I was in hopes you would not hear about my being sick till I wrote and told you. John Woods from Amite came to see me three times so when you see him he will be able to tell you how well I was taken care of. Love to all especially yourself.
Kate
1908.09.08
1908.09.08
Postcard
Dear Jack
I came ? Saturday the ? am glad to say I am getting along finely but am still rather weak and don’t feel able to do much like writng but will try and send you a long letter in a few days.
Love to all from
Kate
1909.09.09
1909.09.09
Dear Mr. Jack
I received your letter this morning, and will try and write so my answer will go in next mail – Miss Kate told me she had a letter from you, and was going to answer it- I do not know why she did not write- Miss Kate spent about two weeks with my sister (Mrs. Lock). Mrs. Lock and I went down to the Sanitarium and took her out as soon as she could be moved, she was not strong enough to go to her own home, so Mrs. Lock made her stay with her. Miss Kate returned to her own home last Saturday – she is growing stronger, and looks like Miss Kate now – I am so happy she is doing so fine. Do not get uneasy about your sister, I will write you if I see any cause for you to worry over. (I am not as “thoughtful” as Miss Kate) she did not want to worry you, or cause you one moment to feel uneasy – Dr. Martin thinks your sister is doing fine, so don’t worry, and when I go to Miss Kate’s to-day, I will tell her to write to you – Miss Kate could not leave home just now, I do not think a journey on the cars would do her any good. I see her almost every day, and when I cannot go to her I telephone.
With best wishes I remain your friend (also)
Kate Flanders
Lake Charles
Sept. 9, 1908
1908.09.12
1908.09.12
Dear Jack
I know you are wondering + worrying about me so I must try and write you a letter to-day, I ought to have written every day since I came home – but you know how averse anyone is to letter writing when they don’t feel quite equal to it and really to-day is the first day I have felt like it, so you must forgive me. I suppose you want to know all about my illness and I don’t know what Mrs. Flanders told you so I suppose I must begin from the beginning, all I knew of it was about last May I began to get very stout around the hips + stomach and I hated it – so badly, but I just thought it was fat and noticed it made one get tired very easily, well about June I increased in size so fast and also suffered pains in the left-side of my abdomen so I sent for the Dr. and after a little talk he informed me I had a Tumor. I could not believe it – told him it was impossible, but he said No they were everyday occurrences, well I asked him what I must do and he said to wait a little while and see if it developed any more, so he left and in one week, I increased very much, the following much more and could not lie down flat for fear of smothering. In fact I grew worse so fast it was only about six weeks from the first time I sent for him until I had to have the Operation. Of course, I had a great dread of those kind of things and knew you had, so that was the reason I could not write and tell you, but I can assure you I suffered so dreadfully the last two weeks that I myself urged the Dr. to hurry the day. So I went to the Sanitarium on Wednesday evening the 15th of July and on the following Monday the 20th they operated. I was on the Operating table bout an hour and a half, three Drs and two nurses. Dr. Martin performed the operation. He made an incision in my abdomen 7 inches in length and took out a Tumor as large as a man’s head, also a quantity of fluid. And to think I never knew a thing about it; what a wonderful thing Chloroform is. When I came to myself I was lying comfortably in bed in my room in the Sanitarium and strange to say did not feel a pain, the nurses often asked me if my wound hurt me but do you know I actually did not know where the incision had been made, I was so bound up by straps and compresses that I did not know until the Dr. took it all off eight days after where it was and then it was completely healed, only the mark left where the thirteen stitches had been taken. Everyone says it was a grand piece of Surgery. I was pretty sick for two or three days of course the Chloroform nauseates one so but after that I only had to lie still and get will but gaining my strength back was the worst. It seemed impossible but at last I got so I could sit up and go out on the Gallery in a wheel chair and then as soon as I could be moved Mrs. Locke, Mrs. Flanders sister took me up to her house and they took care of me for two weeks and then Saturday the 5th I came home again, of course I am still very weak and don’t do a thing but lie down or sit in an easy chair and read and sleep, my woman who works for me is so glad to have me back home that she won’t let me do a thing but waits on me hand and foot. The Dr. says I must keep quiet and stay in this house on one floor and not attempt to go up or down stairs for weeks yet and then he says I will be as well as ever. I feel very well now of course have lost some flesh (for which I am not sorry) and my color is as good as ever.
Every one was exceedingly good to me I never had a wish ungratified. The Mother Superior of the Sanitarium said they had never had any one there before who had so many devoted friends. It was strange John Woods should come while I was there, he has been thinking of coming for a number of years he said. Have you seen him yet. I told him I hoped you would not hear of it until I was at home and well enough to write and tell you all about it myself.
I wrote that Post card to Susy and we mailed it on our way down to the Sanitarium but I only expected to be there about three weeks instead of which I was there 41 days and then 15 at Locke’s
About coming to see you of course it is out of the question. I could not stand the R R. Trip and neither can I afford it after all this expense and neither could I leave home so soon after being away two months, but if you would like to see me, how about your coming here for a few days. You could leave home for a week I a sure and you have never seen Lake Charles, so now is your time see if you can’t.
If you take a notion to come you would leave home after dinner driving to Covington and stay all night –then in the morning take the early train to N.O. and then come on the R. R. from the S.C. (?) Depot at 11 a.m. and you would get here at 7:30 p.m. and can send me either a P.C. or a telegram telling me you will be here. I should be glad to see you. The JW Flanders you knew was father of this Mrs. Flanders husband. Now write back right away for I am anxious to hear from you and tell me if you can come. The fare from N.O. here is $6.50. Give my love to all and lots of kisses to Susy and don’t worry about me. I am almost myself again.
Your loving Sister
Kate
Have you seen John Woods?
1908.09.19
1908.09.19
426 Ryan Street
Lake Charles
Nov. 19, 1908
Dear Jack
I received your letter yesterday and feel very sorry that you did not find a letter awaiting you at Folsom but I haven’t felt like writing. I have had a little setback, I went out two or three times and I suppose overdid myself and I have been obliged to stay in bed again to recuperate. I am feeling better today and surely mean to be careful this time, I went to church on the street car and I believe it jerked my insides too much. I don’t intend trying it again.
I am glad you have a good crop, for from what I hear many have failed.
I return you Charlie’s photo it is a beauty he surely is a fine looking boy, if I remember rightly he was 20 last July. I hope you are better from your cold you ought to have known better than have anything to do with the Election, they are all “vexation of spirit.”
How is Kate? I hope she enjoyed her trip to N.O.
Mrs.Woolsley died day before yesterday in N.O. of acute indigestion, was only ill 6 hours. It seems to be a terrible thing to get. I have heard of several people who have died of it lately.
You say you would like to see me and have a good talk then why don’t you come for a few days for goodness knows when I shall even be able to come to your place, if ever, I find it is no fun to be cut open and sewed up again.
Mrs. Flanders and Mrs. Lock were both here yesterday they asked to be remembered to you, Kate Flanders husband is Mrs. Woolsley’s brother, he has gone to N.O. to attend her funeral. Kate is a lovely woman I know you would like her and she is so good to me. You had better come and spend a week with me and learn to know these folks.
Have you even seen John Woods since he was here last summer and how is he?
Tell Susy to write me a letter I shall confine my letters to you while I feel so no account, after awhile I will write to the girls.
The weather is lovely and trees, flowers and sky glorious. I can find happiness in just looking through the window and seeing how beautiful everything is. Well with love to each one and a double quantity for yourself.
Ever your loving
Sister Kate
Kiss little Susy for me.
1908.09.21
1908.09.21
Lake Charles
Sept. 20th / 08
Dear Jack
I thought I would write you a line and tell you how I cam and I wanted to enclose you this cutting with Arthur Bass’ picture. I am doing fine the Dr. Came to see me this morning and says I could not be doing any better that he is quite proud of me it is two months to-day since I was operated on . I got your letter on Thursday was glad to get it am glad you got mine all right.
Mrs. Flanders came to see me yesterday she and I sat and talked all afternoon. I gave her your message.
When you see May tell her I got her letter and will write to her pretty soon, but it is a little hard for me to write letters yet.
I surely do hope we will have a pleasant mild winter, I feel as if I had lost all the summer.
Well I shall look for that long letter from Kate. If she doesn’t write it; why be sure you do.
Your loving sister,
Kate
1908.10.14
1908.10.14
426 Ryan Street
Oct. 14th 1908
Dear Jack
I suppose you will be wondering how I am as I am sending you a short letter; I suppose I can say that I am almost quite well again, only not strong yet; I can’t do much and can’t walk far but everyone thinks I have done finely + the Dr. says he is quite satisfied with me, it will be three months to-morrow the 15th since I went to the Sanitarium and 3 months on the 20th since the Operation so I suppose I am really doing fine.
I received Kate’s letter and will write to her soon but she told me she was going to pay May a visit. I thought I would write to you as in case she was not at home, you would not like to open her letter so wouldn’t know how I was. We are having lovely weather for October, sunshine every day, I walk and sit outside in it on the Gallery every day, and I have a long one on two sides of the house. How is your Cotton Crop. I hear that so many crops are ruined with the Boll Weavil how about yours? Write me a letter soon if only a few lines, with love to every one of the family and much to yourself, and Susie.
Your loving Sister,
Kate
Did you get my letter with Lord Burton (Arthur Ball’s) picture in?
1908.12.14
1908.12.14
Postcard
Mr Yates –
Your sister is feeling no better – She is resting easy – Miss Kate is enjoying having her nurse – We are well – I hope you reach your home safe
With best wishes from Mr. Flanders
I remain
Katherine Flanders
Xx 1908
1909.01.09
Lake Charles
Jan 9 – 1909 –
Dear Mr. Yates –
I received your letter and was going to write to you to-day. The Dr. Tapped Miss Kate, and took about three gallons of fluid from her, and it has left her very weak, she cannot turn in bed, alone, and cannot sit up, but she may feel stronger, in a day or two, as she felt better yesterday, than she did the day before, but she feels, and looks much weaker, her stomach troubles her, as almost every0thing she eats sours on her stomach, but Dr M has given her something to take, and I feel sure it will help her – I am sorry to say I see a change in her, she is drowsy, and I do not like that – I will write you a postal in a day or two, and let you know – I heard the Dr. say Miss Kate stood the tapping, better than he expected – Mr. Flanders joins me in best wishes to you all – Katherine Flanders
1909.01.23
1909.01.23
Dear Mr. Yates,
Your letter of 23rd to hand and I am sorry to hear that your health is not good. Mr. Flanders wrote to you last Saturday regarding your coming here. I find that the house your sister lived in was rented up to end of month and we thought it necessary for you to be here so her house hold goods could be sold (she said you did not wish same) and house turned over to owners – as we have him informed, a party has spoken for the place to take it on first of month. As stated in letter, from talk I had with your sister – I believe she has tried to leave her affairs in such shape – that there will be very little trouble or delay in fixing matters up. Whatever is to be done, should be done at once – and if you find it impossible for you to come, you could send your power of Attorney to some one here to act for you – I would suggest (Mrs. Geo. Lock) as she understands her affairs. I would do all in my power to help her out and close matters up satisfactory – Miss Kate told me some time ago, she has written a letter with full instructions, to you, for disposition of her things – and would leave letter in her desk. She also told me she had talked with you while here, and told you all her arrangements – which she also confided to me – Miss Kate had me pack a trunk with her things she wished you to have – the only thing outside of her house hold goods is her books, and she had me carry them all up stairs and put in a room so when you come you could pack them – We hope you will be able to come down, but if it is impossible, I will wish Mrs. Lock to do all we can to carry out her last wishes. Please let me hear from you at once. So we can know what to tell party about house- it will be extra expense to have rent run over the1st of Feb.
With best wishes for your health and prosperity.
Your friend,
Katherine Flanders-
Jan 23, 1909
Lake Charles, LA
1909.01.23
1909.01.23
Lake Charles, La
January 23, 1909
Mr. JM Yates
Folsom, LA
Dear Sir and Friend
Your telegram received about 10 o’clock and we were sorry to hear that you could not come. The funeral took place this evening at four o’clock –
We had no idea when last Postal was sent – that the end was so near. Your sister was setting on the edge of bed (about noon) when she took a sinking spell and gradually grew weaker + going into a sleep from which she passed away – her death being painless – the Doctor says the upper tumor burst – which was the cause of her dying as she did – When you come if you wish to remain with us we will be pleased to have you. From conversation your sister has had with Mrs. Flanders I understand she has arranged her affairs in such shape that you will be able to settle them up with very little trouble. The house being rented until first and the young men who board there say they will remain until you come. It will be necessary for you to come as soon as possible – as there are matters which will require you being here – let us know when you intend coming – with our deepest empathy in your great loss. We remain
Your Friends
Will and Katherine Flanders
P.S. Do not think you will have to remain longer than 2 or 3 days
1909.02.02
1909.02.02
Dear Mr. Yates
???
getting along in disposing of the house-hold goods. We have been hard at work and have disposed of the most of them. What is left we have arranged so ?? into the house, on the first at with take ??
can dispose of the balance. You will get all Miss Kate’s books and some of her things ?? back the ??? remain up stairs and her ??? + table ?? she did not have a great supply of sheets and table linen – the trunk she packed is all tied up just as she had it - ??? do not see any ??? until I can pack every-thing else – so you can make one trip to get them - I think the trunks + ??? I had better send by Freight, as it cost so much by Express, I can’t value them high ?????? the goods
We think we will ????? from the sale of house-hold goods. ?? Miss Kate thought ??? and every thing is going to come out all right We have a cold ??? and I have a cold, but ?????? and helping. Mr. Flanders has been a great help to us – I am sure you will feel satisfied with our ??
With best wishes from Mr. Flanders
And sincerely your friend
Katherine Flanders
1909.02.08
1909.02.08
Lake Charles
Feb. 8 1909
Dear Mr Yates,
Just a line or two to tell you I will try and pack your things to-morrow (weather permitting) and will write you when I ship them, and how, I will send two trunks by Express, the other boxes by Freight – and a small registered package, with Miss Kates rings and your keys – I will label each key so you will know where they belong – we opened the desk but failed to find the letter, and now I know she burned it, she wrote it before she went to be operated on, and the week before she died she had me carry every-thing to her out of her desk, and she threw every-thing she did not want in the stove and burned and she told me she did not want me to tell you any-thing for she had told you all she wanted you to know, all she asked me to do was help you settle up her affairs, as I know more about her things than anyone else – I did just as she wished you to do, and it was a sad duty, for I could imagine her dear form was with me all the time – we still have some things to sell, but we are in hopes of selling them before long – Tell Susie her Aunt Kate cut all the writing out of her books (Ledger) and told me to tell you if you could not use them to let Susie write her lesson on the paper – You were saved a sad duty, and I am glad I saved you that sorrow – Mrs Lock and I went out to the Cemetery this morning to Miss Kate’s grave. She always had so many flowers while she was sick – and every-body was so kind and good to her – I do not know if I ever told you I made her a Christmas tree, decorated it and had candles burning, and as I carried it in I had the Phonograph play – “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” she was so pleased, and her presents were many – Cologne, soap, wine – and things to use while in bed – I miss her so much – she loved ? so much - ? ? I will write you when I send goods – Remember me to Susie – Mr. Flanders sends best regards
With best wishes
Your friend
Katherine Flanders
P.S. Received your letter just now Feb. 6
1909.02.13
1909.02.13
Dear Mr Yates –
We intended shipping your boxes, and trunks this morning on 10 O’Clock Freight but it is pouring with rain and Mr. Flanders thinks the things might get wet, so we will wait until “ next “ week – The three trunks are well locked, and tied with rope, and the boxes well nailed –
I hope you will get goods in good condition – and I hope I hope I have packed things that you would have wanted, Miss Kate put the things there for you, so I thought I had better send same – in the large oval top trunk you will find a large postal album, Miss Kate put postals in it the day before she died, and wanted Kate to have it – Tell Susie in the small oval top trunk there are
two figurines, of a boy and girl (blue), you are to fasten heads on with good glue and Susie is to keep them, as her Aunt Kate has had them for many years – tell her to take good care of them as for some reason her Aunt prized them very much – In the small oval top trunk you will find silver top, to a cracker jar – in the long marron box you will find the jar, packed in a tin box – I wish I could have put in more dishes, but it is so hard to pack them as you run the risk of having them smashed – In the bottom of the trunk you will find I have packed clothes with glass and dishes in centre – The large glass powder box is the one Miss Kate always used while sick. The small brass one the one she used while well. I will tell you what miss Kate did with some of her things, so you will know. Her old watch (the one Miss Sarah used she gave to Mrs. Lock Christmas – her sold silver (her wedding present) she give to Dr. Martin Christmas – her ring with a blue stone, she sent to Mrs. Parent of Kansas City – You will find a sugar spoon, in small oval topped trunk (solid silver). I have a picture and some other things to send you, but the picture must be crated and packed and I will send later, the box will be small so you can put it in your buggy, so don’t bother about it as you can easily take it home from Folsum in your buggy – I would have sent it with other things but have to wait for some things that are in the wash, and the woman lives so far out, and bad weather could not get it. I am trying to write but the folks are talking so one cannot half ? I think we (Mrs. Lock and I) will have a surprise for you when we finish up Miss Kate’s business. I will express key to you today (if it clears up, so I can get out). Well I will write again
With best wishes from Mr. F
And
Katherine Flanders
Feb. 13, 1909
=== 1909.02.17 ===
1909.02.17
Dear Mr. Yates
I send by express to-day, your keys, Miss Kate’s rings, and her pocket-book. Also a letter from Mr. Spearing with a little book enclosed – I was tempted to keep the letter, as tender sacred memories of her last hours on earth, cling to it. I had to read the letter twice to her, and she cryed, and I could see how pleasd she was he had written her, I think it a beautiful letter – Mr. S. had such a tender love for her, and we loved him so much – that we could not help but appreciate his thoughts of her – You keep the letter and sometimes read it as it will make you feel nearer home – She never had a doubt or fear, but was positive she was going to God – I miss her so much, and my going to her every day, made me love her more – God grant we may all be as prepared as she was – In the large trunk you will find a bell, she told me to tell you to be sure and take it so Kate could ring for you when up in the field.
I will be worried until I hear you have the things; please drop me a postal – we will pay freight . Don’t return same – I will explain later. When we finish paying her bills I will send same to you with a full account of all we sold + what we did with proceeds – I would have sent sooner but we have had dreadful weather and we both have colds – You will find small keys to boxes – In the long marron box you will find an old fashioned writing desk (locked) I do not know if it belonged to Miss Kate but found it up stairs
(MISSING PAGE HERE?)
P.S. Mr Flanders says please do not destroy the Freight receipt until “we get through closing up Miss Kates affairs
KF
1909.02.27
1909.02.27
Dear Mr. Yates ,
I was so disappointed when I received your postal with the news, you were still waiting for goods. I do hope you will soon get your goods – About Miss Kate’s rings – the Opal ring (rather large stone) was given to Miss Kate, by, Ada McMillan, (May will remember the ring) The red ring, and pin to match, was made from a pair of ear rings – I believe they were your mothers – Miss Kate had a ring + pin mde from a pr earrings – blue stone setting, she lost the pin, to the ring she sent Mrs. Parent – I believe the ring engraved A. M. is also one Ada McMillan gave Miss Kate – Miss Kate said if you did not care to wear the pin with red settings, you could let one of the girls have a ring made from it, and that would give a ring for each girl, as she said before she was operated on she had a ring for each of the girls, but after she gave the one away with blue setting, she was one short. She always intended letting John have the pin with red setting. You knew how much she loved that boy, she was crying only the day before she died about John – I found the keys the day I had the picture, and Miss Kates magazines brought to my house, the keys were behind the magazines in the big armoire up stairs, so I sent them by mail with Express tag attached, So you would get same before boxes reached you, as the writing desk I found under some old matting in the garret was locked and I did not know if it was Miss Kates,’ if it was she did not know it was up stairs, for she told me all the boxes of that kind were in the big Armoir – you keep the letter Mr. Spearing wrote, it was selfish of me to want it –I believe I told you about the cards in the small oval topped trunk – “Lo I am with you Always” and some others were the last Christmas cards Miss Kate received, the girls can frame them and keep them there is a large card, like a sheet of light brown paper, Miss Lock gave her that one + she thought it so beautiful, it will be nice framed, for she read it over so many times + had them pinned on her Christmas tree, for over a week, where she could see them all the time. She put a lot of postals in Kates’ large postal album, her last Christmas cards – Give Susie my love, and tell her, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for her for her Aunt Kate’s sake – Mr. Flanders has gone hunting – Miss Kate wore all the rings before her finger was cut off, after that she seldom wore rings – only her wedding ring + she was buried with that on her finger. I will end my chat – If ever I go to Covington, I will write you some day, before, so I can see you, to tell you all about Miss Kate for I think of so much she said, and did – I do hope I will hear you have received the boxes soon – All boxes + trunks are packed full to the brim =
Good-bye-
With best wishes
Your friend
Katherine Flanders
Feb. 27, 1909
1909.03.06
1909.03.06
Dear Mr. Yates.
I received your letter, and you do not now how pleased I was to hear the things were all in good order. I did my best to pack so nothing would get broken. I wish I could send your other box, but I will wait until “ I can get a suitable box, as the things I have will not take a very large box but one that I can pack the picture in, and I have some tumblers, and a cracker jar, also a tobacco box. I was going to sell the tumblers + jars, and send you the money, but as the other things reached you all right, I will pack in box with picture. I feared they would be smashed. The writing desk of Mrs. Middlehurst’s you keep until “ you hear from me, I will have to get it back here, as he may send for it. I did not know it was his, I thought it was Miss Kate’s or Miss Sarah’s – and I would not open it for Miss Kate did not mention the box to me – she went over every-thing else with me. If she had lived a week longer, I would have packed her books + all, ready for your coming. I will write you when I send the box, but I do not think it will be soon as I am so busy just now. Good bye. Mr. Flanders and Mrs. Lock wishes to be remembered to you – we will soon be ready to send you a statement.
With best wishes
Your friend,
Katherine Flanders
March 5, 1909
Lake Charles
1909.07.07
1909.07.07
Dear Mr. Yates,
Mrs Lock requested me to write to you and tell you we have almost settled up Miss Kates’ affairs, we still have a little out with a party, who will pay by the month until “ paid for – and as soon as all is collected we will send to you – Mrs Lock has some money for you, and wishes to know if you want her to send it by P.O. Order, check on Bank, or Express – I will wait your answer. I will try and send the box soon – we are all well, and I hope this will find you and yours enjoying some blessings. Give my love to Susie –
Mr. Flanders sends best regards –
With best wishes
Katherine G. Flanders
July 7, 1909
P.S.
Mrs. Lock says she would like to keep about ten dollars of the money in the bank, to keep graves of your sisters kept up, but if you ?? we will send all to you –
K F
Yesterday was Miss Kates’ birthday -
1909.12.xx??
1909.12.xx??
Postcard
Dear Mr. Yates
Don’t lose patience waiting for the box – as I am trying to sell some of the heavy things, that I intended sending to you. I hope you all are enjoying this cold weather better than I am – Mr. Flanders is in New Orleans, I hope he will be home for Christmas. I miss my dear old friend so
With best wishes
Your friend
Katherine Flanders
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