Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1897-07-07 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.138Context
[No envelope]
Athens, Ohio.
July 7, 1897.
Miss Lambert,
Lake Geneva, Wis.
My Loving Bertha
This evening finds me at uncle's. I did not have work today so I spent the forenoon in study and painted the kitchen inside for Aunt Mary this P.M.
I supposed I would be idle tomorrow and thought I would put in the forenoon writing to you but this evening I got word to go to Chauncey tomorrow morning so I am agreeably surprised and will write to you this evening. The weather is intensely hot, some of the workmen have had to quit on that account. I can endure the heat first rate.
I have not been to the office since yesterday noon so there may be a letter there for me, but I will write now as I will have little opportunity to do so at Chauncey. It is a bad place to stay, but perhaps we may not be there more than one wk.
I expect to try to get back here Sunday morning. Of course you are having a nice time and you certainly deserve it.
I hope it may be health to you both spiritually and physically. I would love to look into those tender eyes, they are everything to me.
I miss you so much even in the little things that come up which we have been accustomed to consult each other about. Charley, Nettie and Bliss all have “points.” Nettie's “fellow” is working here and they seem quite devoted (I don't blame them, do you?).
I think it will be a rare opportunity for you to visit your relatives in Chicago.
Just get all the good time and blessings out of your trip you can. Do not worry about me. I am well and brown as a “Johnny cake.” I got a fine sunburn and am now peeling off, so they make fun of me. I guess they are afraid of me as no one attempts to tease me. Some of them are looking for a sly wedding.
My trunk is at Athens, some of my clothes and books are here, my mind is at Geneva, school work at Westerville, permanent address, Plantsville, and my brick-work at Chauncey. I try to keep busy all the time and keep looking forward hopefully to our own home. Our missionary work is constantly in mind and I believe all will come out well if we just trust. My work at present is quite broken yet I don't see that I can do better now. It seems to me that God's hand led me here and that I did right in leaving commencement although I really disliked to do so.
Let us keep good courage and trust in God. I will come to see you at the first opportunity. You are kind to tell me just how you are, I like to have you do so.
Continue to pray for me each day. Stay until you get your visit out and get as fat as a pig if you can. May God bless and keep my Love. All is well.
Your Lover,
J. H. Harris.
P.S. The box I made mention of is in my trunk and with a little note concerning finance. All your letters are there except two which are in my pocket, there are some books also outside which belong to you. J. H. Harris, Athens, Ohio.
