9th Batch of Augusta's Letters To Son Albert

16 Aug 1923 - "... those records arrived ... they carry the soul out of this carnal world for the short moment it lasts ... they seem to be sung in the old original melody ... that is my music ... it appeals to the soul ... I like classical music too, but that only appeals to the elevated mind ... the sacred music goes right to the soul ... when I'm alone again I'm going to stand before Grandma and Grandpa's picture and play those beautiful songs, and ... dream ... As long as Papa is around, one can't allow themselves a treat for soul or body ... he is so disagreeable this summer ... everything makes him mad ... I'll be glad ... well, you can finish the sentence ... I believe he would like to blame the heat on me. I think he was spoiled on his trip ... Papa can't stand (not) to be made over ... he accepts (it) as his rightful share ... Martin was here ... he says they cut out meat ... only have it on Sunday ... they eat bread and vegetables and fruit. I believe Walter was just as glad to see him as I was."

4 Sep 1923 - "... I long for the time when I am alone again. I shall write you more in a few days. I think Papa will leave this week ... We all were at Martin's for supper ... Bunny is a fine cook, and she does all her own serving ... I guess Martin could have done heaps worse ... best of all is, they are so happy! ..."

12 Sep 1923 - "... At last I find a quiet moment to write you ... I am feeling better now, these last few days. If I can only get outdoor exercise ... during the time Papa was here, I did not go out much ... it seemed to make him mad when I worked outside. He was so mad at the many plants I had ... said they were only a nuisance when it comes to mowing the grass ... I always took care of my beds and plants before he came and did not want him to do it at all ... but he would, and all the time while he was working, he was fussing to himself. This outdoor life with my plants and flowers is the first real pleasure I ever had in my long life ... besides my children. And why begrudge me that! This last year was the happiest of my life. To plant things and watch them grow is like seeing the almighty Creator at work. This little place of Walter's is my paradise ... and why begrudge me that! Well, Papa is in Greensboro now ... hope he is happy again with his books and pipe ... family life bores Papa ... he never found it interesting ... if Papa would have had his books and paper rags here, he would have been perfectly contented ... (but) he saw there never will be any room here for that ... I guess that's what made him so cross. I can't see why a person that has been in the Work the greater part of his life, must (dwell) on the same subjects year in and year out ... I am happy in spite of it all ... the good Lord makes up for what Satan takes away from you ... much better that way ... it would have been bad to have been a happy woman all my life, then in the evening of life have my children turn their backs on me ... Martin is on the road again this week (every other week). Bunny goes with him. They seem to be only happy when they are together ... hope they will always, always stay lovers ..."

18 Sep 1923 - "... So you are principal of the school now! Does that mean a better payroll for you? I hope you won't find it too hard ... congratulations ... I was out all morning in my little paradise again ... put in nasturtiums and sweet peas and narcissus and some other plants to root ... I'm having right good luck rooting plants and it's so interesting ... they will droop a little at first and for a while I live between hope and fear ... sometime they look as dead as a door nail, but all of a sudden, life will conquer ... it is such a lesson to me ... last week somebody stole our lawnmower ... Walter paid $16 for it ... I reckon it's punishment for our carelessness ... we left it out by the front porch ..."

2 Oct 1923 - "... Walter had most of his upper teeth pulled last week ... I hate it so bad ... hope he will get a good fitting plate ... Lenchen's appetite is picking up a little. She looks so well ... such a change from last year this time! ..."

20 Oct 1923 - "... Yes, Albert, you are right ... most all of Papa's troubles are in his mind only ... I don't put much stress on his complaints any more ... if he is relieved of the cause of one trouble, he'll find another. And work? Well, Papa complained just as much when he had but one sermon a week ... no matter how much he complained of work, that he could not take hours off every day for his nap ... and go to bed early in the evening too ... regardless of sickness or even death in his family ... never did Papa lose an hours sleep for all that sickness we had in our family ... Don't ever encourage him to resign ... for then what ... then may God take pity on poor me! ... Papa has never learned to forget himself ... that's the key to his misery. 'Self' is always the uppermost thought in his mind ... maybe he doesn't realize it though ... I'm sorry, but I can't bother with him anymore ... the last summer finished me ... he either was crazy, or he was wicked. I think Papa would like to go to Ridgeway, as they need a man who can handle the German ... well and good, if he can make it alone ... I don't ever want to leave Florida again ..."

25 Oct 1923 - "... Walter is under terrible expense with his teeth. I wouldn't be surprised if they'll cost him close to $200 ... Mac would be welcome Christmas with every one of us, but ... you know how congenial Mac and Papa are ... after what I went through last summer, I haven't the courage to urge it ... it would be an unpleasant Christmas for all of us, Mac included. I haven't quite regained my peace of mind yet. Wait till next year, honey ..."

2 Nov 1923 - "... I wrote Lyddi to try to be with us Christmas ... yes, I think Providence has pointed out Lyddi's way, and if it would be for nothing else as to bring her to our States again ... I think Lyddi will be able to get along with Papa as well as anybody, and I think he'll be careful how he treats her ... as far as that goes, he'll treat all of you children well now ... as for me, he never considered me anything else than a nigger anyway ... If only Papa declines the honor of being peacemaker in any family quarrel ... if Papa would have kept his hands out of the Davidsmeyer trouble, he probably could be in Beardstown yet ..."

9 Nov 1923 - "... I can't thank the Lord enough that he brought me here ... and to think of it ... how that move affected me at the time! I am most heartily ashamed of it. My heavenly physician had to give me that bitter pill, to get the wanted results for me. These last few years the dear Lord has showered upon my head and also on the heads of those I love, all his mercy ..."

16 Nov 1923 - "... Well, honey, don't think of a dog now yet ... it'll take a year or more before I am ready for him. First I want my chickens in a paying shape, and my yard fixed up so that most of my plants will be permanent, and won't need so much care ... if I have everything well established, then I'm ready for a dog, a Collie ... I haven't heard a thing yet about Lyddi's plans ... I wish she could be with us Christmas ... baked a fruitcake yesterday ... if I keep well, I'm going to bake plenty ... Martin arrived here the 7th of December four years ago ... now some little news ... Our son, as Lenchen calls him, is going in business for himself! Now that sounds fishy don't it? But it's this way ... he told Lenchen and me the truth, but says no other soul must know it, as he was cautioned to keep it secret by headquarters. Not even Walter darest he tell ... He is going to open a branch of Jackson Grain Company in St.Petersburg, supposedly in his own name. Maybe now you can put 2 and 2 together? ... if only he can make good now! By the first of December he is going there, and Bunny goes to her people till things are ready for her. Bunny is happier than ever since Martin was promoted ..."

11 Dec 1923 - "... We've heard nothing from Lydia ... but I'm still looking for her ... if only we had her over here in our States again. Everybody says Martin is a born salesman, but it takes more than a salesman to run a business successfully. But, I'm not going to worry. I want him to make good so bad. After all these years of agony I went through on account of the boys not seeming to be able to put their feet on solid ground. What a change! ... Tillie is expecting! ... she is not in too good condition ... says Theo is so good and sweet to her ... if she is down, he does all the work, cooks things for her as good as a woman ... that sure sounds good, don't it! ... let's hope and pray that the dear child will be spared for Theo ... I'm looking forward to your visit next week ..."