Continuing to work on pre-Civil War Texas correspondence

                                Town Bluff  Sept 28, 1860

My Dear Mother

        My Babe is two weeks old today and I cannot think it will do me any injury to write you a letter at least.  I feel very well, my eyes trouble me some.  I am careful of them however I know you have been anxious about me as all of us have not knowing what to think at the delay   I did not write because I could not say one word encouraging and trusted you would think no news good news.  I had a very noisy time with this Babe as it was so quick.  I tell you we only had time to send for assistance before all was over.  I think each time that the next I think to have some member of my own family

(second page on back of first)

with me to assist.  Mother Gainer it seems denied me.  The Babe is not considered quite as pretty as Zulie but the little thing is so good and gentle I have an idea of calling her Alice perhaps some of you can add a second name.  I have thought Granger would be pretty  write what you think but do not deliver your letters in any ones care for the office unless you are sure they are on the way  I am afraid Betty is thinking too much about Edmund (?) to remember little things  I excuse her on this please tell her.  I was truly thankful to receive your letter Mother it came while I was in bed, it served to amuse my thoughts not a little I cannot give my encouragement that you will see me in Galveston this year.  I am of course much disappointed.  I wish there was some way of getting

(third page)

the girls or you here.  I can advise no way myself.  I look at the Piano and wish Lizzy or Lucy would play a little for my amusement.

        Zulie is very jealous of the Baby I tell you  we have a time with her  I really would not trust her alone with it and yet she seems to love it   calls it Mama’s Baby  you would laught to see her stand and rock the cradle siniging as loud as she can scream go to sleepy Baby and then end the strain in Ductacts (?) that no one can understand  she is an uncommon smart child but also an uncommon bad one   can you imagine William wipping  (sic) her he said she took the “high striked” so severely while I was in bed he must come to it and wip. (sic)

        Tell Father to be ready I shall need his services again in the capacity of

(fourth page on back of second sheet)

‘Godfather.’  I think the Baby has a look like George  tell him not to blush for it is a fine child  has my pretty dark hair and blue eyes not quite as much hair as Zulie had but darker.  I am afraid I am writing too much so must come to a close.  I hope to hear from you all and wish me joy love to all.  Mother & William desire love  write oftener

                        Your affectionately

                                Mary

(Across top of first sheet at head of letter)

        I thought I would write this letter very nice & correct when I began it. But you see it did not hold out.  Babies must be my excuse.  (in Mary’s handwriting)

(note:.  This may have been addressed to Mother Granger, rather than mother Gainer, because of the various Granger relations who are mentioned. When her first child had been born 2 years previously, she had returned to the Gainer home in Georgia, but they have probably moved to Texas at this time, and she complains that Mother Gainer was denied her.)

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