[No envelope. George, Lizzy, Nettie, Millie, Aggie, Edward and Morris were all siblings of John Bates Dickey. Dave (Archibald) and Will (Guild) were brothers-in-law; Jean and Lib Guild were nieces, daughters of Will and Ida (Dickey) Guild.]
Musquodoboit October 2nd 1904
Dear John
I should have written before this but have been waiting for an interesting event to come off so I could let you know the result, well it came of on friday when George’s wife presented him with a daughter. Lizzy says she wanted it to be a boy but we must just take these things as they come, as it is a wiser power that does it. Thank you so much for writing to me all about Annabelle’s death how much I would like to be near enough to go in some night and talk about her, it will be a lonesome winter for you, but when God sends trouble he will also help us to bear, may He help you. Nettie and Millie have gone back to the States, Lizzy stayed a while longer to help me, she says to tell you she is learning to be a good housekeeper so if you want one you will have to let her know. Millie got the offer of a place at a Hospital in New York at thirty five dollars a month and a prospect of a rise Nettie has gone to Hartford to be with Aggie in an interesting event like we have had here. The last letter we had from Aggie she said that Edward surprised her one day by walking in to see her he has been laid up most all summer with inflamatory rheumatism he seems to have his share of trouble too. Well John the summer is past and the harvest ended and now the people are digging the potatoes there is quite a cry about the rot in them ours are pretty bad. I had a letter from Morris last week he seems to think married life better than batching he wanted to know if you was going to stay on your farm. Do you think you will be able to make us a visit this winter. we would be verry much pleased to have you come if you can. we got the picture of the house taken but not got them home yet when they come we will send you one. Dave and Will’s folk are all well. Jean and Lib Guild are both teaching. there is hardly any young people about here quite a lot went out on the harvest excursion. have you seen any of them yet how are you getting along with your farm work are you running the thresher this fall, Well John I had my first ride on the train I went from Stewiacke to Truro, it seems an easy way to ride we have not got our railroad yet but they are beginning to talk about it again the election is coming of soon, now must close as I am getting sleepy as the baby kept me awake most all last night. Write again soon to loving
Mother