King's Palace Wednesday night Dec. 20/54

My dear Mary,

For the first time, I believe, while bearing the existing relations, do I address you through the pen. How much more pleasing would it be to communicate what I have by conversation. How I wish you were here in our room! I have an excellent fire. Don't you wish you were here in order to escape those chilling mountain winds to which you are exposed? The weather has turned to be so bad, I am afraid you will not come down this week.

Mag, and I had a very cold side on monday. We did not, however, stop to warm at all. We arrived at Sparta between twelve and one o'clock. After entering my checks, I rode down to Mother's. I found her still very sick, though apparently better than when I left her last sunday. I heared from her this morning -- "she was much about the same". I do not know now certainly when I shall go to see her again. I am afraid the next news will be that she is worse. How sorrow I am for her; she suffers so much.

There is much enjoyment anticipated during Christmas times by some of the people at Sparta. On Christmas night the Sons of Temperance will have a supper. On wednesday following the Free Masons take dinner to which are invited all Mason's wives daughters (if single) and sisters. I wish you could be here. Will you come? If you have any notion of leaving me I wish you would tell me so now as it will be a favorable time to marry again.- - - - - - - - -

Just as I finished the last sentence Mr. King came in my room and talked till it is now past 9. I can't write much more as I have to carry it to the office. It is so late and cold I would not carry it to the office if it was to any body else. But as I desire to hear from you I will write that you may. - - - - I have an opportunity of getting some chairs - - - very good chairs I think. They are worth $2.50 per set. I want you to write whether you have bought Campbell's chairs or not or whether you will buy them. - - - Mrs. King seems to be doing well. I hope she may continue so doing. Mr. King seems quite cheerful this week - - - thinks of going to Shelbyville during Christmas holidays.

I think I will be up towards the last of the week. Do not be disappointed, however, if I do not, since, it is uncertain about getting a horse. I have a tolerable bad cold and "it is getting better".

But I must close. I am afraid Shackleford will be a bed when I go now. You will not fail to write to

Your affectionate husband

W.J. Hill


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Transcription used with permission of Charles Massey.

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Transcription by Charles Massey.
Image by G. Anne Sloan