April 27, 1849
My Dearest Lily,
Life sounds
just wonderful out in the west. I am so happy that you and Willie have finally
settled down and are ready to start your family. As for Anthony and I we are
always busy. The children are starting
school again next month. I am proud to say that I finally have a job working in
a factory. Anthony’s business is really slow right now. It seems that people no
longer need tailors to repair their clothes. Instead, they throw it away like
it is just trash. I had to start working just to help put food on the table. We
would love to reunite with you guys over there, but you must understand that
the trip is quite costly and not easy to make with three children. The west
sounds wonderful though. I truly miss you! You are the only person I can speak
to now that mom is gone and to know that you are about 3000 miles away and we
can only speak through mail. That why it hurts me to say that we cannot join
you there. Our life is here in Pennsylvania. We must do what is best for our
children. We cannot simply tell them we are moving and make them leave their
lives here. I hear such wonderful things about the west. The open land and the
great weather but right now it just can’t be done. We just don’t have the means
right now to do it. I am so sorry my dear. I miss you so much and tell Willie
hello for us. Anthony and the children miss you all dearly.
Love,
Tina
