Mary Edith Raff, 17 years old, was visiting friends in Davenport. She had been gone awhile and her family and friends in Muscatine were getting lonesome for her.~~ Muscatine July 11, 1900 My Dear Edith, I could not bear the thought of your returning home without having heard from me. Hence this postal. Your card to mama at hand this morning; your letters were also rec'd, and guess it was an oversight of mama that the receipt of them was not acknowledged. Am glad you are coming home soon as it is very lonesome and quiet around the house without you.-The family as well as neighbors will be at the landing Friday eve'ng on arrival of boat. Tell aunt Mary that the enumerator has completed his work and is feeling quite "coltish" again. Helen Bernthiesel has a little sister that came to her home yesterday. Mama wants Aunt Frank's house number: bring it down in your vest pocket without fail. Love, Papa-Kindest regards to all the friends. ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES