La Fayette, May 18th, 1854

Dear Cousin,

I have long intended writing to you buy it seems my time is but little, and now I have only a few minutes to write. My object in writing so hastily this evening is to get you to send my riding skirt by Mr. Sprayberry from Rome. He will be there at court, and I thought cousin Gabriel or Mr. Johnson would carry it there, as I expected they would go to court. Mr. S. will be at the Choice House. I have not seen Mr. S. since Oct. until April then I requested him to please bring me a bundle from Rome if it was handed to him. He said he would do so. He lives in Ringgold, and this year I board at the wido Quillin's. I have 38 scholars - I have gone home often this session on account of poor Mary's illness - so I need my riding skirt very much and if I do not get it this summer I will have to buy one. I have borrowed until I am ashamed to borrow any more. If you do not get this letter in time to send my riding skirt, if you could send it to Young's Home I think I could get it from there for then it might be sent to Mr. Callaway's. His children go to school to Pa. If my pink bonnet is sold tell cousin G. to please send me the money in a letter, or send it by Mr. S. If it is not sold tell him to take three dollars for it rather than not sell it. Tell your Ma to send me some seed of the broad leaf sage. You might send me some in a letter. I promised to get some for cousin Milly V.

Mary Moore has the consumption and the Dr. says she will never get well. She is confined to her bed. She looks pale & poor & is much resigned & patient in her afflictions She speaks of death with composure and what consoles one is that I know she is a christian. In April we did not expect her to live but I now think she will live until Fall or Winter. It would do her good to see you all. Cant your Ma & cousin Liz come to see us. Uncle Gid has been with Mary ever since March. Give my love to cousin Patsy & all my kin folks. Write soon

In haste
Your affectionate counsin
Ann