I'm transcribing a box of ephemera from my wife's family. It includes letters from England & Germany and lots of the US and Canada- Letters & ephemera to, from, and about BAKERs, WHETMATHs, LYONs, MOSHERs, and a bunch of others- including a single letter to "Miss Nelson" from James Mitchell - from June 5 1884. I presume the "Miss Nelson" was Maria NELSON b.1862, who would become Mrs. Alfred LYON in a few years [ my wife's gr-grandmother.] Maria was born in Peru, Clinton Co-- as was Alfred LYON. Alfred's father was killed in the Civil War & his mother remarried a COOLIDGE. They lived in Jay, Essex County in the 1880s. In 1900 I find a widowed Maria living back in Peru with her 6 children. James Mitchell headed his letter with "Willow Ranch" - and signed off with Malta. - Here's the letter; Willow Ranch June 3d /84 Miss Nelson I presume you will be rather surprised at receiving an epistle from me but since I had the pleasure of an introduction to you I have been anxious to improve our acquaintance but it seems our chances of meeting are few and far between- So I have had recourse to the pen. Being rather devoid of any definite information as to where you are staying I thought a note addressed to you at the [??FoubKilus??] Would find you sometime. I should be very happy to call on you there if you kindly give me the desired information- wit: When you will be there and if my asking your acquaintance is not too presumptive. I am unacquainted with your friends there but if I have your permit perhaps they won't turn me out. Well, I should add no more at present. Perhaps I have already said too much. But all is fair in Love and War you know & if this is disagreeable to you just burn the missive & think no more about it-Well burn it anyhow- but just think a little about it & kindly let me have an answer soon like a good girl. In the event of you not remembering such a name as mine I will give you the particulars. I had the pleasure of seeing you home Saturday May 31st. This makes you stare don't it but it is true all the same. I did see you home but I missed the pleasure of taking you home- now perhaps you remember. Awaiting a reply Respectfully Yours James Mitchell Malta I'm glad Maria didn't "burn the missive" - even if things didn't turn out as James had hoped. My curiosity is piqued, though, about where it was that they apparently met. It is the only word I couldn't make out in the letter. Does it ring a bell with anyone? How about "Willow Ranch"- was that a vacation spot or a local farm? Here's the letter- the mystery word is on the first page http://home.nycap.rr.com/elbrecht/gen/Jm_Maria18840503a.jpg p2 http://home.nycap.rr.com/elbrecht/gen/Jm_Maria18840503b.jpg Thanks, Jim Elbrecht