26 December 1884 • Hartford, Conn. (MS: NPV, UCCL 03070)
I am just starting off again. I ought to have answered you long ago, but am driven to death. We read in Hannibal the day before we read in Keokuk, & in Chicago the day after we are in Keokuk. Of course I shall strike for Keokuk by the first train from Hannibal; & after all shall get but little time with you, considering how far away Chicago is. I do not arrange my route myself, or I would have tried to get more time in Keokuk. I do not allow Mr. Pond to make suggestions about my end of the show, & so I do not allow myself to make suggestions about his end of it. These things cannot be mixed together & keep peace in the family.
We are all well—everybody—& all send love to you all & the heartiest Xmas greetings.
P. S. I am rushing, to clear off my letters today & leave a clear deck behind me. Livy has just sent up your letters. Keep that ghostly face there, if you can, till I come. I want to see it.
I hope I shall arrive from Hannibal early enough to see all the friends who will call.
Beware of the fountain pen! The worst s stylograph is worth a million of the best fountain.
MS, Jean Webster McKinney Family Papers, Special Collections, NPV.
MTBus, 286–87.
see McKinney Family Papers in Description of Provenanceclick to open letter.