Name/Title
AU Lambert, Bertha Elizabeth - 1895-07-14 letter to Joseph Hastings HarrisEntry/Object ID
1990.1.248Context
[Iberia, OH, to Mr. J. H. Harris, Ada, Ohio, Lock Box 28, a birthday wish on a second letter/page is written on birch bark; Enclosure: A large lock of her hair tied with a pale blue ribbon]
Iberia O., July 14, '95.
Mr. J. H. Harris
Ada Ohio,
My Dear Joe: — Once more we begin a new edition to that list of letters that have been flying over vale and hill for the last year. I rec'd your letters last evening. We were out in the country again yesterday and did not get the morning mail so they both came together. I was glad to know you got through all right and felt so happy after your visit. I also feel happy but I felt that, that freight and passenger combined, carried away a great source of happiness to me.
I am very thankful for plenty of work to do. I had four lessons Fri. and one Sat. evening, so I have not been idle long, since you left. But I surely could go at my work with new zeal and energy after such an inspiration as I rec'd last Wed. eve.
Your invitation was almost too much for me, I must confess. But I do not feel that it would be for the best under the present circumstances. I would have to get some one to teach the classes on Tues. and I fear it would make a change in the interest. “Business first and pleasure next” has been my rule for some time, but I feel that it is hardly right in this case. I thank you for the invitation, and kindness offered, just as much as if I had been there. I hope you will not feel that it is through any selfish spirit that I have declined the invitation but rather through a sense of duty to my work. I hope you will have a pleasant time and may God bless you and make you useful in his cause.
Affectionately
Bertha Lambert.
N.B. I had intended to send a small birthday token but could get nothing here so I send the coveted curl. Thank you for the programs. Bertha.
[This part written on birch bark]
Iberia O., July 14, '95.
Mr. J. H. Harris
Ada Ohio,
My Dear Joe: — I take great pleasure in honoring this great day. I rejoice to think that a quarter of a century ago nature first smiled on one who was destined to live, grow and become a man in every sense. A man possessed with that purity of character, which not only humanity adores, but to which angels bow with reverence.
I am proud today for the relation which I sustain with that character and for that reason I honor this occasion in this manner.
You doubtless wonder what the great future will unfold in your life. What a blessing to humanity that this is a sealed book.
“Man's life's a book of history
The leaves thereof are days,
The letters mercies closely joined;
The title is God's praise”
May your book be composed of many leaves, may the letters be like the stars in number, and the title as constant as the endless river time.
Then “Count life by virtues;
these will last
When life's lame foiled race is o'er,
And these, when earthly joys
are past,
Shall cheer us on a brighter shore.”
Your own true one,
Bertha E. Lambert.
