Pikeville July 19, 1859

My Dear Mary

I have just read your scolding for my not writing and will commence writing immediately so as to make amends. But I expect you are satisffied before now, that I have not neglected writing to you. You very often say that I am a little unthoughted, neglectful or forgetful or something, and I think you are right. But is this so only with reference to small things? I never forget you, and I hope I never neglect you. I believe I have sent a letter by every mail since I arrived from Knoxville save one. I cannot tell what is the reason you have not got my letters for I invariably have put in the letters on the night previous to the mails going out east. It would be considered a task to write a letter, every other day, to any body save you. But it is the greatest delight, save the reading of your letters that I have now. But I know you are too well acquainted with me and with my feelings towards you to even think that I could forget you. O me!

I am so much rejoiced to hear of Mother's continued improvement. It is so much unexpected to me I scarcely expected her to live till this time when I left. It must be a great deal better from what you write. I am beginning to hope that she may get well. I have been expecting to hear every mail that she is worse, but happily she is better.

I have no news to give you from Pikeville except that the school has started off with about 60 pupils and about 20 more expected. Prof. M Guire told me this evening that his school would pay him at least $700 this session. Miss Ann De lavergne is assisting. Cousin Saml. Fraily has set into clerking for Bridgman in Mr. Mores place. He is going to move his family down to where Henegar lives. He is to rent him land for his boys to cultivate. I do not know what Bridgman is to give him. Dr. Farris has bought the Kirklin property and is about to turn out the Pendegrases. I hope he may. Billy started home monday. I told him to come back the last of next week. I suppose Mr. Rogers will leave you to-morrow if not today. He will give me the particulars but don't fail to write as you can help conveniently.

Your lover

W.J. Hill

O it is so hot and dry. We still have no rain. My corn is ruined I am afraid. I don't want to see it till it rains.

Mr. Howard and I have a lonesome time. My family is dwindling down sharply. Mary Jane is doing very well so far as I know and that is not very far. I hope you will find all right when you come home. Remember me to the children and to all in family. O that your mother may be restored and that I may see you that family again happy as before.

Your

W.J.H.


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Transcription used with permission of Charles Massey.

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Transcription by Charles Massey.
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