SEA ENGULFS LIPARI ISLANDS WITH 28,000
Scranton, Pa.
My darling Susie:
You are just the dearest girl in all the world, and that's all about it. I thought you had been pretty good and thoughtful about writing to me, but when I got your dear letter at Carbondale this morning and found you had sent two letters to Scranton, general delivery, my heart was just full.
I did not get back to Scranton until 1:30 but happened to catch a clerk so I could get them. You can't understand, Sue, how you cheer me by these little love notes. When you write so often. they don't have to be long. You just tell me what I want to know and The Bulletins are a great help and stimulus, but you just beat them all. Don't give up, but keep that same buoyant spirit and continue to cheer me and urge me in the fight and when the year rolls around, we'll have the best bank account we've ever had. If we only look at these things right and use our money right these things are worthwhile.
Don't be frightened. But it is possible that I cannot reach home until early train D.L &W. Sunday morning, But I'll be there Sunday, the Lord willing. And will bask in the sunlight of your smiling presence. If I think there is a possible show of doing $25 worth of business here by staying until the 6 o'clock train, I shall do it. We are in a great fight and must make good. I send you this, and so it will not be necessary to send telegram in case I remain over. If I get home Saturday, we had better plan to go to Uncle Asa’s funeral, otherwise, think it will be best to rest, period. Don't think I shall leave for Hornell until the late train Sunday night, but that will keep me up all night. Will do as you think best.
Say I'm going to put a stop to this correspondence between you and Mr. Miller. [About this time, there are several letters from Mr. Miller, the Secretary, of The Osborne Company to “Mrs. Briggs” thanking her for her correspondence about the great work Mr. Briggs is doing and encouraging her to support him in his efforts.]
Had a splendid dinner. Got into dining room just before the doors were closed.
Be sure to open all the mail that comes to me and whatever should be forwarded to the company do so at once. I think Clayton [John’s brother-in-law and partner in a newspaper venture John left to start work for The Osbourne Company] is making a good stand and want to see him succeed. Will plan to see him and offer some suggestions about shoring the line. It has been as quiet as Sunday here today and yet have not allowed myself to get blue or lonesome. It doesn't pay in JANUARY! It is now five o'clock and I shall retire early for good rest for tomorrow and hope, even in this time, to avoid a skunk tomorrow.
And feeling fine.
You're one faithful Jack.
Have a miserable boil on the side of my neck which is giving me some discomfort.
Yes. Marion would be 11, Betty,9, Frank, 7 and Louise would be 5. He did mention Marion in the first letter home when she was three, but not since. This will change once they become adults but I take your point about children.
I believe at this time, John had four children. I find it interesting that they are mentioned in his letters, so far. I am assuming this is a sign of the times, when children raising was left to the mother.