Emma C Larson to Julian Burroughs.pdf
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Part of Marist Brothers in Esopus: Larson to Burroughs Correspondence
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Emma C Larson to Julian Burroughs
correspondence
In addition to Emma's housekeeping duties, she acted as an unofficial administrative
assistant to Oliver H Payne. These letters were retrieved from the Burroughs
Collection at the New York State Archives. Since they were submitted by the
Burroughs family, one may suspect they were culled to place Julian in the best
possible light. They are informative to show how a Swedish immigrant managed to
learn to write so clearly and to gain the confidence of Oliver H Payne.
The letters are sent from Payne's house in New York City and his hunting lodge called
Greenwood Plantation in Thomasville, Georgia
Letters
click on any letter to go directly to that letter
from 852 Fifth Avenue, NYC:
Nov 17, 1914
from Greenwood Plantation, Thomasville, GA:
Dear Mr Burroughs,
December 29, 1914
Januarv. 14, 1915
Januarv. 16, 1915
Februarv. 10, 1915
AQril 9, 1915
852 Fifth Avenue
Dec Nov 17 (1914)
Mrs. Burroughs got here before your letter and told me of your
accident. I am truly sorry and hope it will not give you too
much distress. Be sure to have either Petersen or Archie drive
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you around. Do not walk too much or take
cold if you can help it. Your accident is a
mean one but not so bad as it might have
been. There is always something to be
thankful for. At all events, Sister Laura has
you tied up and at her mercy, which Mrs.
Burroughs tells me is very tender, so
everything has its recompenses .
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Now as regards the batteries, Colonel
Payne thinks you should do as Mr Van
Bauer suggests. Colonel thinks it is much better to run an
engine all the time. And only use the batteries at night. Have
them overhauled as well as possible. I am glad you got the
hardware etc. etc. cheap enough and yet pleasing. How soon
will the cottage be finished? No hurry, so do not worry.
The children of any of the men who are
there on Dec 25th must be allowed to
come to the party. You need not bother
about putting them on the list if the list is
finished. But put the men on the list.
There are always a few extra things which
may be used for the children, but nothing
for the men. But you must see to it that
none are disappointed on Christmas day.
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If there is anything Robert can do up there, he may stay on
indefinitely if he has nowhere better to go. But he must not be
idle. I will be up some time the first part of December. Write me
when you have the time and feel able. Do not worry and get
well was quick as possible. Always with best wishes.
Faithfully you rs
Emma C Larson
Postscript written at 90 degrees across top of page one:
All the members of the household here are well and happy.
Colonel is fairly well. He was sorry to hear of your accident, but
not at all upset. As he only expects you to oversee, not to dig.
Dear Mr. Burroughs,
return to
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Greenwood Plantation
Thomasville, GA
December 29th
(1914)
I have both your letters and will try to answer as clearly as
possible.
First the State road seems the most disturbing. We do not like
the idea of cutting down the hills, but
suppose we will have to submit to that.
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But please make it as little as possible. Of
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course Colonel wants to be as reasonable
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as he can, but dreads anything likely to
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willing and thinks it a good suggestion to
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have the retaining wall. You will use your
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own best judgment about that and most
other things as we can not see or
und3rstand from here. After we have seen the prints will write
again if there is anything say. The land of course we will have to
give, though I hate to. We have not very much as it is and no
time to reclaim the swamp. You see if we do not give the land
with a good grace they can take it anyway. But please give
them as little as you decently can. Get all the tools you need
such boilers, drills, engines, etc etc. Colonel wants to have the
dock finished as soon as he can and you can not be held up for
anybody or anything. Never mind Joe's looks. We can not worry
about him. I only hope he will not get revengeful and give you
too much trouble.
As to John Green if he does not behave do
not even keep him a minute send him
away. After you have sent one or two
away the others will give you less trouble.
Still it is nice to have it a little warm in the
bedrooms. I suppose it is awfully cold
without any fire. I have never liked John
Green or Travers and would be glad to see
both of them gone off the place. I am sure there are many good
men would like to have their places too. But the millennium
would not come even so. Conners and Joe I always rather liked
but do not put up with too much from anyone. And get the
blacksmith or anything in reason to keep the work going. I am
glad none of the men were laid off before Christmas. As I like to
see all happy that day. Poor John Quick how is he and what had
he done to have anyone really want to kill him? I am sorry the
trims had not all got there yet for Irma's house. You had better
order the trim for the boathouse now so to be sure not to be
held up on that. I am picturing the brooder house after the
glass is up and to my eyes it looks fine. Will be mighty glad to
see it finished. And I hope the job will seem quite correct to
those who do not know any better. Your mason work looked so
fine, I would hate to have it spoiled.
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I am sure we must have missed Charles
Osberg, and I do not remember what he
got last year. But you can ask him and
give him whatever he says it was. I think
it 35 dollars but am not sure. The cheque
book is in New York so we could not find
out from that until Spring. I feel sure he
must have been overlooked. I am glad the
horse gets on. I hate to lose animals of
any kind, but more so a horse. I am glad
your arm is coming out - all right it is so dreadful to have
something the matter with one's good right hand. I bought the
tickets for Dr. Walkure and as they were gotten for Mrs.
Burroughs and she thanked me for them long since, please
forget them, it pleased me to give them to the lady. I think the
stove you speak of for the sheep house will be just the thing so
sell it to Colonel. Warm water is needed in all out houses really.
We had to carry it to the barn from the kitchen when I was a
child, but we had to have it.
I am delighted the children had a good
time. I hope the grown ups did too. We
had a nice party here, with very good
weather for that one day. All the other
days we have been here are unusually
unpleasant for Thomasville. The rain is
coming down in torrents now. Dorothy
sends love to you. Mrs. Burroughs and the
children. She has not been well since she came here, a nasty
cold and stomach all upset. So she wants me to tell you there is
no mocking bird in her mind or eye just yet. Do not mind Mrs.
Conner she is not quite right, I am sure. I hope you did tell her
that the Colonel never even saw her letter and always leaves
those things to you any way. Tell Doctor Goff where there is a
will we always find the way. Believe I have seen a few things of
that sort. I am 52 past. I honestly wish he would fancy Joe as I
know she would make a good unselfish wife for any man. She is
well educated and can do anything.
With best wishes to you all for the New year and all coming
years.
I got the children's greeting Christmas. Please thank them. I
received Mrs Burrough's card and letter please thank her also. I
hope your Father
&
Mother are quite well, and having a pleasant
time. Colonel wanted me to ask about them and send his
greetings.
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Dear Mr. Burroughs,
Love to all from yours faithfully
Emma C Larson
p.s. I plead guilty to sending this
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return to
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homeP-ag~
Greenwood Plantation
Thomasville, GA
January 14th,
1915
My devotion seems truly touching writing
you this way every day. First I want to
encourage you with the thought that we
will have an early Spring. you may be able
to lay the stone sooner than you think.
The chimney seems all right to us. Again
you must use your own judgment. The
size of the building pitch of roof etc etc
must be left to you. I think the grey green
malt tiles for wainscoting will be the most
attractive. Will the fact remains and still is
that you will have to do in everything about the dock house as
you think best. We can not help you because we do not know
anything about architecture. You got Irma's house very nice and
very good looking so no doubt you will get this even better.
Please Mr Burroughs do get the ice in. If
we should have to buy ice all next
Summer it would not be a joke. And you
know you are the Superintendent and you
will have to make the men and Mr. Conner
realize it some day. Now don't you think it
was wrong of you to let him take the two
carpenters etc last year without saying a
word to you. Please do assert yourself. And do not let him have
the men and teams when you need them more. If he is not
pleased tell him to appeal to the Colonel. In February there
should be ice and I hope there may be. But whenever it comes
take the law in your own hands and get it in. The weather here
is fair and we are all well and happy. My best regards and
wishes to you and yours.
Always faithfully
Emma Larson
Postscript across top of first page:
We have not forgotten the war am just as interested as ever.
And ever more bitter against the Germans.
Dear Mr. Burroughs,
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return to
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Greenwood Plantation
Thomasville, GA
January 16th
(1915)
In answer to your questions would say
that the little {ruin
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is to be taken away.
So is the small dock. It is fine that you can
use some of the material for other things.
I wish I could look over and see the new
cottage. It must be cute. I think the your
idea of iron gates is great. You better
order them soon so they will be finished in
time. You see Colonel feels he has no time
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to wait for anything. Gates that could be
raised or lowered would in my opinion be the most attractive
but either will do. Colonel does not think he wants a balcony on
the inside as he does not think people will ever see it much. I
like the idea very much and would have it if I could. But we
better not, as the Colonel does not approve. He is not keen on a
balcony in the roof either. But you must just have anything that
adds to the beauty of the building. The gas light and tank will
be all right as it seems to be the only thing. I honestly do not
think we need much of loft for storage
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purposes. And a balcony would be so nice.
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frightened me very much but he is now as
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well as usual. Dr. McIntosh says he is in
perfect condition for his age which is a comfort. With best
wishes as always yours in haste.
Emma C Larson
Dear Mr Burroughs
return to
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Greenwood Plantation
Thomasville, GA
February 10th
(1915)
I have had so many letters to write lately
that seem to have rather neglected you.
This a.m. the weather is so cold as it can
be my room like Greenland and yet I am
up at six writing to you. Is not such
devotion touching? First I want to say how
glad I am that poor Mrs. Coverl will be
able to see. I hope her eyes turn out much
better than hoped for or expected.
You were quite right to get the steel
beams etc. Always use your own judgment when you know
what is best and some times letters are slow in coming and so
time lost in that way. And by all means make things as fireproof
and permanent as you can.
I am sure bucking the elements is hard
slow and irritating work, but I repeat we
can only do the best we can. The elements
will not change for us when we feel they
ought to and that we could improve them
so much. You do seem to be getting on
splendidly and have an enormous amount
of work going on. And a real good start is
half the battle. We were delighted that you got the gray team.
We always liked it so much. The getting better cow was an
excellent thing. You must of course make ...
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You have full control there as you know
and must have to make things a success.
The reason Mason started system of
letting our teams have an hour and a half
was that it is always done in England and
all over Europe of the North. Now we work
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know in Europe t hey work longer hours
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than we do here and also the Northern
part of of Europe almost take the animals
to bed with them. They are so careful of them. My own Parents
would go short themselves so the children and animals might
have enough. Now you just change if you do lose one of the
best hours of the day. As to the loads of wood, I can not
understand why. And I did not think we had wood enough for
that. Look into it and find out the reason and then change. We
can not possibly keep that up. When Mr. Mason started those
things we probably had very few extra teams and more wood
than we know what to do with, and as a rule we never sell. So I
suppose he thought they might as well have it. I repeat do just
as you think best and right in all and everything.
I am glad the lambs seem nice and
strong. I hope the bad weather will not kill
them. Also glad the chickens are doing
fine. I am anxious to see them in the new
house. I am very glad indeed that the ice
is in. I would not have been without ice.
All the people would have talked so, and
the expense of buying would not have
been fun.
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I am returning herewith the design for the door which Colonel
likes best. You can of course have it made anywhere or by
whom you case schousc. I can't spell that word for anyone but I
mean have them made where you please. I have been so
hurried trying to finish this if it is worse then usual please do
not mind.
The mail leaves at seven. Do be careful and do not let people
known when you go for money. Have you taken any
precautions? If there is a way be sure to do it.
With kindest regards to all
Yours sincerely
Emma C. Larson
Envelope addressed as:
John Burroughs Esq
West Park
Ulster County
New York
postmarked Thomasville GA Feb 10-15, 9-10 am
Dear Mr. Burroughs,
return to
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Greenwood Plantation
Thomasville, GA
April 9th (1915)
Please do not say to any one again it will
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Colonel. So just say it will be as he says. I
am not really "it" I have consulted Colonel
and he says the cottages were not
intended for any one in particular, but for
any one we all decide shall have one. And
he does not know how Mr. Mauer got the
notion that they were intended for the
Power house of course some one has got
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to me she ever could. She was such a nice
little woman or appeared to be. I do believe or have always
understood that Charley was a bright boy, but I honestly do not
care for his wife's family though I know nothing much about
them. I do not remember how much pay Charley gets. I know it
was raised last year, but just tell them to wait until we come
home.
And Colonel wants me to impress upon you that you have the
absolute power to discharge any one who does not behave. And
he does not want any one who is dissatisfied and just tell them
so. As to Mr. Conner and the men Colonel
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steady work all the year and not have to
let too many go. He thinks Mr. Conner
should be able to manage with twenty
men. And that you ought limit him to that.
I know Mr. Mason spoke to me in
confidence and complained always about
the men being too many. Last year they
had more than ever had. Of course for
extra work we must have extra men such as building and things
one just have to finish. You can always use your own judgment
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You know Mr. Mason had hired all those
men himself which made it easier for him
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and get one it may satisfy Mr. Conner for a week. Now be sure
to tell them if they are not pleased you know lots of men who
would be glad to have their jobs. Steve Devine will not get the
job he is looking. no such luck.
A maple and a pine would be fine where you suggest. I would
not plant plums. They are only lovely when them bloom as I
remember, but we can plant more later on if we find it good. I
am wild over silver birch. Could we not have one or two of
them? It has turned very cold here over night, so I suppose it is
zero with you.
I have written this letter in much hurry so I hope it will be clear
enough to see though I am not sure.
With kindest regards to all the family
Faithfully you rs
Emma C Larson
return to
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Documents retrieved from the New York State Library in Albany New York
by Paul Contarino Spring 2010
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correspondence
In addition to Emma's housekeeping duties, she acted as an unofficial administrative
assistant to Oliver H Payne. These letters were retrieved from the Burroughs
Collection at the New York State Archives. Since they were submitted by the
Burroughs family, one may suspect they were culled to place Julian in the best
possible light. They are informative to show how a Swedish immigrant managed to
learn to write so clearly and to gain the confidence of Oliver H Payne.
The letters are sent from Payne's house in New York City and his hunting lodge called
Greenwood Plantation in Thomasville, Georgia
Letters
click on any letter to go directly to that letter
from 852 Fifth Avenue, NYC:
Nov 17, 1914
from Greenwood Plantation, Thomasville, GA:
Dear Mr Burroughs,
December 29, 1914
Januarv. 14, 1915
Januarv. 16, 1915
Februarv. 10, 1915
AQril 9, 1915
852 Fifth Avenue
Dec Nov 17 (1914)
Mrs. Burroughs got here before your letter and told me of your
accident. I am truly sorry and hope it will not give you too
much distress. Be sure to have either Petersen or Archie drive
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you around. Do not walk too much or take
cold if you can help it. Your accident is a
mean one but not so bad as it might have
been. There is always something to be
thankful for. At all events, Sister Laura has
you tied up and at her mercy, which Mrs.
Burroughs tells me is very tender, so
everything has its recompenses .
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Now as regards the batteries, Colonel
Payne thinks you should do as Mr Van
Bauer suggests. Colonel thinks it is much better to run an
engine all the time. And only use the batteries at night. Have
them overhauled as well as possible. I am glad you got the
hardware etc. etc. cheap enough and yet pleasing. How soon
will the cottage be finished? No hurry, so do not worry.
The children of any of the men who are
there on Dec 25th must be allowed to
come to the party. You need not bother
about putting them on the list if the list is
finished. But put the men on the list.
There are always a few extra things which
may be used for the children, but nothing
for the men. But you must see to it that
none are disappointed on Christmas day.
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If there is anything Robert can do up there, he may stay on
indefinitely if he has nowhere better to go. But he must not be
idle. I will be up some time the first part of December. Write me
when you have the time and feel able. Do not worry and get
well was quick as possible. Always with best wishes.
Faithfully you rs
Emma C Larson
Postscript written at 90 degrees across top of page one:
All the members of the household here are well and happy.
Colonel is fairly well. He was sorry to hear of your accident, but
not at all upset. As he only expects you to oversee, not to dig.
Dear Mr. Burroughs,
return to
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Greenwood Plantation
Thomasville, GA
December 29th
(1914)
I have both your letters and will try to answer as clearly as
possible.
First the State road seems the most disturbing. We do not like
the idea of cutting down the hills, but
suppose we will have to submit to that.
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own best judgment about that and most
other things as we can not see or
und3rstand from here. After we have seen the prints will write
again if there is anything say. The land of course we will have to
give, though I hate to. We have not very much as it is and no
time to reclaim the swamp. You see if we do not give the land
with a good grace they can take it anyway. But please give
them as little as you decently can. Get all the tools you need
such boilers, drills, engines, etc etc. Colonel wants to have the
dock finished as soon as he can and you can not be held up for
anybody or anything. Never mind Joe's looks. We can not worry
about him. I only hope he will not get revengeful and give you
too much trouble.
As to John Green if he does not behave do
not even keep him a minute send him
away. After you have sent one or two
away the others will give you less trouble.
Still it is nice to have it a little warm in the
bedrooms. I suppose it is awfully cold
without any fire. I have never liked John
Green or Travers and would be glad to see
both of them gone off the place. I am sure there are many good
men would like to have their places too. But the millennium
would not come even so. Conners and Joe I always rather liked
but do not put up with too much from anyone. And get the
blacksmith or anything in reason to keep the work going. I am
glad none of the men were laid off before Christmas. As I like to
see all happy that day. Poor John Quick how is he and what had
he done to have anyone really want to kill him? I am sorry the
trims had not all got there yet for Irma's house. You had better
order the trim for the boathouse now so to be sure not to be
held up on that. I am picturing the brooder house after the
glass is up and to my eyes it looks fine. Will be mighty glad to
see it finished. And I hope the job will seem quite correct to
those who do not know any better. Your mason work looked so
fine, I would hate to have it spoiled.
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I am sure we must have missed Charles
Osberg, and I do not remember what he
got last year. But you can ask him and
give him whatever he says it was. I think
it 35 dollars but am not sure. The cheque
book is in New York so we could not find
out from that until Spring. I feel sure he
must have been overlooked. I am glad the
horse gets on. I hate to lose animals of
any kind, but more so a horse. I am glad
your arm is coming out - all right it is so dreadful to have
something the matter with one's good right hand. I bought the
tickets for Dr. Walkure and as they were gotten for Mrs.
Burroughs and she thanked me for them long since, please
forget them, it pleased me to give them to the lady. I think the
stove you speak of for the sheep house will be just the thing so
sell it to Colonel. Warm water is needed in all out houses really.
We had to carry it to the barn from the kitchen when I was a
child, but we had to have it.
I am delighted the children had a good
time. I hope the grown ups did too. We
had a nice party here, with very good
weather for that one day. All the other
days we have been here are unusually
unpleasant for Thomasville. The rain is
coming down in torrents now. Dorothy
sends love to you. Mrs. Burroughs and the
children. She has not been well since she came here, a nasty
cold and stomach all upset. So she wants me to tell you there is
no mocking bird in her mind or eye just yet. Do not mind Mrs.
Conner she is not quite right, I am sure. I hope you did tell her
that the Colonel never even saw her letter and always leaves
those things to you any way. Tell Doctor Goff where there is a
will we always find the way. Believe I have seen a few things of
that sort. I am 52 past. I honestly wish he would fancy Joe as I
know she would make a good unselfish wife for any man. She is
well educated and can do anything.
With best wishes to you all for the New year and all coming
years.
I got the children's greeting Christmas. Please thank them. I
received Mrs Burrough's card and letter please thank her also. I
hope your Father
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greetings.
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Love to all from yours faithfully
Emma C Larson
p.s. I plead guilty to sending this
??
return to
director¥ of letters or essaY-S
or
homeP-ag~
Greenwood Plantation
Thomasville, GA
January 14th,
1915
My devotion seems truly touching writing
you this way every day. First I want to
encourage you with the thought that we
will have an early Spring. you may be able
to lay the stone sooner than you think.
The chimney seems all right to us. Again
you must use your own judgment. The
size of the building pitch of roof etc etc
must be left to you. I think the grey green
malt tiles for wainscoting will be the most
attractive. Will the fact remains and still is
that you will have to do in everything about the dock house as
you think best. We can not help you because we do not know
anything about architecture. You got Irma's house very nice and
very good looking so no doubt you will get this even better.
Please Mr Burroughs do get the ice in. If
we should have to buy ice all next
Summer it would not be a joke. And you
know you are the Superintendent and you
will have to make the men and Mr. Conner
realize it some day. Now don't you think it
was wrong of you to let him take the two
carpenters etc last year without saying a
word to you. Please do assert yourself. And do not let him have
the men and teams when you need them more. If he is not
pleased tell him to appeal to the Colonel. In February there
should be ice and I hope there may be. But whenever it comes
take the law in your own hands and get it in. The weather here
is fair and we are all well and happy. My best regards and
wishes to you and yours.
Always faithfully
Emma Larson
Postscript across top of first page:
We have not forgotten the war am just as interested as ever.
And ever more bitter against the Germans.
Dear Mr. Burroughs,
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return to
directory of letters or essays
or
homeP-ag~
Greenwood Plantation
Thomasville, GA
January 16th
(1915)
In answer to your questions would say
that the little {ruin
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is to be taken away.
So is the small dock. It is fine that you can
use some of the material for other things.
I wish I could look over and see the new
cottage. It must be cute. I think the your
idea of iron gates is great. You better
order them soon so they will be finished in
time. You see Colonel feels he has no time
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to wait for anything. Gates that could be
raised or lowered would in my opinion be the most attractive
but either will do. Colonel does not think he wants a balcony on
the inside as he does not think people will ever see it much. I
like the idea very much and would have it if I could. But we
better not, as the Colonel does not approve. He is not keen on a
balcony in the roof either. But you must just have anything that
adds to the beauty of the building. The gas light and tank will
be all right as it seems to be the only thing. I honestly do not
think we need much of loft for storage
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frightened me very much but he is now as
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well as usual. Dr. McIntosh says he is in
perfect condition for his age which is a comfort. With best
wishes as always yours in haste.
Emma C Larson
Dear Mr Burroughs
return to
director¥ of letters
or
essaY-S
or
home12ag.e_
Greenwood Plantation
Thomasville, GA
February 10th
(1915)
I have had so many letters to write lately
that seem to have rather neglected you.
This a.m. the weather is so cold as it can
be my room like Greenland and yet I am
up at six writing to you. Is not such
devotion touching? First I want to say how
glad I am that poor Mrs. Coverl will be
able to see. I hope her eyes turn out much
better than hoped for or expected.
You were quite right to get the steel
beams etc. Always use your own judgment when you know
what is best and some times letters are slow in coming and so
time lost in that way. And by all means make things as fireproof
and permanent as you can.
I am sure bucking the elements is hard
slow and irritating work, but I repeat we
can only do the best we can. The elements
will not change for us when we feel they
ought to and that we could improve them
so much. You do seem to be getting on
splendidly and have an enormous amount
of work going on. And a real good start is
half the battle. We were delighted that you got the gray team.
We always liked it so much. The getting better cow was an
excellent thing. You must of course make ...
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You have full control there as you know
and must have to make things a success.
The reason Mason started system of
letting our teams have an hour and a half
was that it is always done in England and
all over Europe of the North. Now we work
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than we do here and also the Northern
part of of Europe almost take the animals
to bed with them. They are so careful of them. My own Parents
would go short themselves so the children and animals might
have enough. Now you just change if you do lose one of the
best hours of the day. As to the loads of wood, I can not
understand why. And I did not think we had wood enough for
that. Look into it and find out the reason and then change. We
can not possibly keep that up. When Mr. Mason started those
things we probably had very few extra teams and more wood
than we know what to do with, and as a rule we never sell. So I
suppose he thought they might as well have it. I repeat do just
as you think best and right in all and everything.
I am glad the lambs seem nice and
strong. I hope the bad weather will not kill
them. Also glad the chickens are doing
fine. I am anxious to see them in the new
house. I am very glad indeed that the ice
is in. I would not have been without ice.
All the people would have talked so, and
the expense of buying would not have
been fun.
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I am returning herewith the design for the door which Colonel
likes best. You can of course have it made anywhere or by
whom you case schousc. I can't spell that word for anyone but I
mean have them made where you please. I have been so
hurried trying to finish this if it is worse then usual please do
not mind.
The mail leaves at seven. Do be careful and do not let people
known when you go for money. Have you taken any
precautions? If there is a way be sure to do it.
With kindest regards to all
Yours sincerely
Emma C. Larson
Envelope addressed as:
John Burroughs Esq
West Park
Ulster County
New York
postmarked Thomasville GA Feb 10-15, 9-10 am
Dear Mr. Burroughs,
return to
director¥ of letters or essaY-S
or
homeP-ag,e
Greenwood Plantation
Thomasville, GA
April 9th (1915)
Please do not say to any one again it will
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Colonel. So just say it will be as he says. I
am not really "it" I have consulted Colonel
and he says the cottages were not
intended for any one in particular, but for
any one we all decide shall have one. And
he does not know how Mr. Mauer got the
notion that they were intended for the
Power house of course some one has got
to have them. Now Colonel thinks you had
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her again. But somehow it does not seem
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to me she ever could. She was such a nice
little woman or appeared to be. I do believe or have always
understood that Charley was a bright boy, but I honestly do not
care for his wife's family though I know nothing much about
them. I do not remember how much pay Charley gets. I know it
was raised last year, but just tell them to wait until we come
home.
And Colonel wants me to impress upon you that you have the
absolute power to discharge any one who does not behave. And
he does not want any one who is dissatisfied and just tell them
so. As to Mr. Conner and the men Colonel
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let too many go. He thinks Mr. Conner
should be able to manage with twenty
men. And that you ought limit him to that.
I know Mr. Mason spoke to me in
confidence and complained always about
the men being too many. Last year they
had more than ever had. Of course for
extra work we must have extra men such as building and things
one just have to finish. You can always use your own judgment
about those and not worry.
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your own or they would walk over you.
You know Mr. Mason had hired all those
men himself which made it easier for him
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but they all surely did talk about the poor
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soul. Colonel says you may get a steam
roller for the roads any time so go ahead
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and get one it may satisfy Mr. Conner for a week. Now be sure
to tell them if they are not pleased you know lots of men who
would be glad to have their jobs. Steve Devine will not get the
job he is looking. no such luck.
A maple and a pine would be fine where you suggest. I would
not plant plums. They are only lovely when them bloom as I
remember, but we can plant more later on if we find it good. I
am wild over silver birch. Could we not have one or two of
them? It has turned very cold here over night, so I suppose it is
zero with you.
I have written this letter in much hurry so I hope it will be clear
enough to see though I am not sure.
With kindest regards to all the family
Faithfully you rs
Emma C Larson
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Documents retrieved from the New York State Library in Albany New York
by Paul Contarino Spring 2010
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