Letter from Almon Keeler Raff to his cousin Frances (Frank) Ebi in Davenport. Almon was a farm implement dealer and found himself in Nebraska at Christmastime. Almon's daughter, Nellie, was dying slowly of consumption. Almon's wife, Ella, apparently did not want any help in nursing her, or running the household and had turned Almon's sister, Frank, away when she showed up in Muscatine to help out. In this letter, Almon is trying to smooth things over with his cousin. Fremont Neb Dec. 23, 1893 Dear Frank, I was surprised as well as greatly pleased over the receipt of you letter that reached me yesterday at C-Bluffs, and I thank you for it. It was certainly very kind in your going to Muscatine and offering your services as either cook or nurse and hope you don't feel badly that your good intentions were not better received and appreciated. I know if I was sick I'd only be too glad to see you "buzzing" around, or if I had any disagreeable work to perform I'd only be too happy in having your relieve me of it. Some people are more particular than I am. I'm not a bit proud when I need help, "or old clothes." I feel badly at times when I think of Nells condition, and it almost brings tears to my eyes when I realize how poor Ella has to slave from week to week; never getting away from home nor never seeing the end of her work. It surprises me that she is able to stand it. We are told that every cloud has a silver lining and sincerely hope it will prove true in her case. Of course I'm not going home for a frolic next Monday. Believe this will be the first Christmas I've been away from the "buzzum" of my family since I had one. You are doubtless aware that this is not my own choosing-not a bit of it-wasn't consulted in the matter at all. Was told to go, and I went. Reminds me a good deal of the orders "Dennis" and I were under in the army. Forward march and ask no questions. My trip will take me nearly to Colorado on the west and close to Dakota on the north and if I get through my work by the middle of February will be in great luck. Expect to be here till Tuesday as my customer has gone to Council Bluffs and cant see him till then. Fremont is quite a thriving young city of about ten thousand inhabitants, and boasts of three or four rail roads, a line of hoss cars; a fine U.S. Post office building built of Missouri stone, a large brick opera house; many fine churches and store buildings; besides two good hotels and paved streets. Am not anticipating much of a time at Christmas, and my thoughts will often wander back to old Muscatine on that day. If I had more paper with me I'd write you more of a letter, so take the will &c. Am now getting even with Ella, do you see? Don't tell her I've written you. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, with much love, K ~~~~~~*~~~~~~ Elaine Rathmann Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project List Adm. for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES