[Letter from John C. Brewer to Emma Davis, March 9, 1879] Page: 3 of 6 (Transcription)

You asked if I didn't think "Bettie's letter grand." I tell you it was grandly glorious and stirring and awe inspiring. In fact it was "Perfection doubly personified," the most sublime creation of a modern mind. And the fun comes in here. I received another the other day that begins in the same manner, but the Lord be praised, Rebecca had to go wash the dishes and didn't have time to finish, so I got a teaspoonfull of the genuine and unadulterated production of Bettie's fertile brain. It starts off this way,

Mr. Johnie,
Esteemed friend,

If it were possible, I would waft you a word onto this dull days of days upon the balmy wings of a Zephyr, but distance intervenes and prevents; consequently I comply with the dictates of my throbbing old heart, and resort to pen and ink as a medium of communication."

And ends thusly,

"I pray you have compassion on this scrawl, and pass my imperfection by."

I answered her letter on Monday, I believe it was. I guess she has received it ere this shall have reached your hands.