Name/Title
Envelopes and LettersEntry/Object ID
2024.2.430ABScope and Content
Two envelopes: the upper one is empty; the bottom one contains a letter to Miss Rosa Estes.Context
A.
The image shows an old envelope with a postmark from Butte City, Montana, dated October 7, 1880, addressed to Mrs. Col. Jno. Doniphan in Saint Joe, Missouri, featuring a green 3¢ postage stamp with a portrait of Geo. Washington.
B.
The image shows an aged envelope addressed to Miss Rosa Estes in St. Joseph, Missouri, featuring a green three-cent U.S. postage stamp with the profile of Geo. Washington, on the top left corner. The envelope is postmarked "Centerville, Montana Terr." and dated January 16, 79. It include the following letter.
"Dear Cousin." The writer expresses their anxiety about not having heard from Rosa for a year despite sending multiple letters, and wonders if she might have moved, but still decided to write again. The text is written in cursive script on aged paper, with a warm tone, indicating a personal connection and eagerness to maintain communication. The writer inquires about Rosa’s well-being," Pa has gone to Helena City and Ma works terrible hard to take care of the babies." The twins, a boy and a girl, are the "sweetest babies in the world," named Mable May and Richard Marion. The letter mentions their dark eyes and hair, and states they will be eleven months old by the fourth of the month. "they can crawl, and Mable can walk a little". The writer mentions attending school and their teacher, is Mr. Cowin, who is a good teacher. Harris is going too, but Nellie is not old enough to go. George is deaf and a deal of trouble but everyone "says he has the brightest and bluest eyes" and he is as smart as he can be, not all understand him, he signs, he is nearly four years old". The writer also talks about planning a fishing party on the fourth of July, but notes that the event had to be postponed due to circumstances involving some "Indians" came into the valley and stole some horses. It describes how one person got wounded in the process, leading the group to stay behind due to concerns over their safety against those who were stealing the horses. The narrative mentions men encircling the horses to take them, facing danger as they pursued the stolen animals. There is a mention of some members getting wounded and others returning with the horses after encountering challenges. "Look at the top."
(the letter continues to the top of the page, where is written 'upside down' )
"Tell you more next time I write, write soon, Truly yours Annie ?????"Lexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
LetterNomenclature Primary Object Term
CorrespondenceNomenclature Sub-Class
Other DocumentsNomenclature Class
Documentary ObjectsNomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication ObjectsDimensions
Dimension Notes
3." X 5.5"Dimension Notes
6" X 9"
