Hattie McKnight letter


Letter from Hattie McKnight to "beau" Frank Reed

The following letter was transcribed by me, from a photocopy of the original. It is from my great-great-grandmother Harriet "Hattie" McKnight to her future husband, Frank Reed, dated November 1884. Her handwriting is very fancy, and the thin parchment paper copied the reverse as well as the obverse. It was a challenge, but I believe I have it! My only troubles were with the names of some of the people involved. I apologize if they are incorrect.

Hastings, Nebr.
Nov. 1884

Dear Frank-:

We have had quite a snow storm this week. I am writing this at Sadie's, as I did not go to school this afternoon. I am playing hookey. Minnie has been down to the office helping Reaner(?) this forenoon that it is a clear case. He took her to the opera the other evening, she says she was more stuck on him than she ever was with Roy Nolds(?).

Roy Nolds will be here Thursday. She said she was going to give him the bounce for Reaner. I don't suppose he will care anyhow. She told me to tell you not to say anything about it to Roy Nolds. Pa is home he did not go to the mill this week he is very nearly sick. Charley has gone, he went to see his girl first. It has been fearful cold walking up to school when there is no sense in it. If it did me any good it would be all wright.

Ma did not say quite so much about you staying Sunday nights as she did before, but it makes her so mad for me to say anything about the others. I suppose you know what I don't believe she thinks I am telling the truth about it. But it does not make any difference to me I do not intend to go to see her another day after this. I expect you think I am an awful crank. How poor Roy Nolds must "suffer".

By the way Miss Dungan(?) told Minnie Hurd(?) to tell me that Frank Reed was not my solid fellow that she had corresponded with you ever since she had been aquainted with you and did yet.

Now she gave you away. I would like to talk with her for a minute. I believe I would tell her what I thought of her.

Sadie told me to tell you to come down and stay over Thursday. I suppose you know why she wants you to.

Well I can't take the time to tell you all but will when I see you.

Be sure and come over Saturday, as I shall look for you. This has been the longest two weeks I ever saw.

Yours,
"Muggins"
Hattie

P.S. Tell that boy I have never been in a hotel in this town and as far as a hash slinger is concerned I guess not. Tell him I think he would do to carg(?) in coal.


HOME | MY FAMILY TREE | PHOTO ALBUM | GUESTBOOK | SOURCES | LINKS | REED PAGE
WHAT'S NEW | SURNAME INDEX | OBITUARIES | HEADSTONE INDEX | ABOUT ME

Background and graphics from: