Letter 18880826

August 26, 1888
Mr. Elmer E. Delk
Dear Cousin;

I am really ashamed to write to you after neglecting it so long but you know my punctuality in answering letters anyhow. I received your letter some time ago and was glad to hear of your success in the hotel business. I think you must have struck a rich town for dances and fights.
I was very sorry to hear of the death of your father. Were you at home when he was buried? Is Nan married or is he keeping batch yet? I have not heard from them since you were home last spring. Is Theodore’s boy with Nan or has his father taken him? I would like to see you and wish I had went on to Iowa when I was in Ill. But I was having such a good time there that I did not care west. I had lots of fun and did not make a mark either. I suppose wherever you go you create quite a sensation among the girls. I pity them. Never mind your time will come some time. Just wait until some girl gets your head turned and your heart in a flutter then go for some other fellow. Then you’ll think of of best gal’s that you have served just the same way. (Whoo fill) wouldn’t I like to see my handsome cousin Elmer just about that time. Do you ever think of marrying and settling down or are you coming east before that time?
I want to see you ever so much. And I think if ever we get as near together as we did last winter and not see each other it will be a poor excuse that keeps us apart. It surprised be to hear of Kate and Ida going to dances for I thought their Mother would not let them. I would like to see them.
Now Elmer I want to ask you a question and I want you to answer it truthfully and not tell anybody about it. What did the folks out there think about the story that mother said she told them about me being mean, hornery(?) and everything she could think of. Did they believe it and pronounce maledictions on my head. Don’t say you don’t know for of course you would hear some of them talking about it. Please tell me. Your father said I was in the wrong when he first came here but after he was here awhile and saw for himself he did not blame me at all. I guess him and Mother had some pretty strong spats while he was here and I guess he told her what he thought.
Well I believe I will close and I want you to write to me right away and I will try to answer the same. What lodge do you belong? Ever yours,

Cousin Maggie L. Cruikshank