Mary Rice - 1880-11-09

Fall River, Nov 5th 1865

My dear little sister Maggie –
        I am at at Grandpa Bordens house and can look out of the window and see the sailing vessels.  I made a little vessel, and tried to sail it but the wind carried it away and couldn’t get it any more.  Up at Uncle Nathan’s I rode on a four year old colt.  We have nice times playing with Natie and Neddie Chace –
        Yesterday when it rained we played “Mother Goose”.  Uncle Nathan played with us some of the time and we made him the “Goose”.
        Neddie Chace is sick and cant play with us much—
        I don’t know but four little girls here.  Minnie Chace, Carrie Thurston, Hattie and Anna Borden.  They are all older than you are.  Mrs Thomas Borden has a fat little baby fourteen months old – her name is “Carrie”.  I am glad you Sent us a box of nuts and apples.  I wish you could have sent the big one, for I know we could eat a big box full –
        Aunt Maggie has been sick ever since we came, but is better now.
        Grandma is having a fine time going about among her friends.  I don’t believe you will know her when she gets home. –
        Tell Glover I will write to him next time.  Give my love to all –
        You must am[?] this very soon –

Your affectionate
brother Georgie --

Notes:  This letter is probably from George Sibley Johns to his baby sister, Maggie.  In this case, Grandma would be Anne Lindsay Glenday [Durfee], and Aunt Maggie would be Margaret Lindsay Durfee [Borden].