It’s A Wagner Letter Week, Which Is A Relief Considering State Of Affairs

Hill Country Living
By Coulter Fussell

It’s a Wagner Week, thank goodness, because I don’t think I’m ready to write about whatever in the world happened in the country this past week. I’d rather write about what happened in 1905. This letter is interesting, just on a Wagner-level. D.R. is writing to his daughter, Jessie, who is off in New Orleans. The envelope is addressed to Jessie at 2120 Carondelet Street.
From the content of the letter, it seems that Jessie has been there all winter, at least. It seems she is planning to move there and that it was a big life decision. Why hasn’t he told anyone yet and why is he asking if he should? I’m too nosey to be left hanging like that.
D.R. who is typically dry and stoic says very sweet things to Jessie. It sort of lightened my feelings toward her as I always thought Jessie dealt with her many struggles by being judgey toward others. But, D.R. is right. Jessie is faithful and loyal as the day is long. Either way, she didn’t stay in New Orleans. She came back.
I’m also very curious about the Gilmer case! Anybody know?

Wagner & Company
Cotton Buyers & General Merchants
Water Valley, Miss Feb 25th, 1905
My Dear Jessie,
Your letter came today. I was very glad to hear from you. I was getting uneasy because I had not heard from you for about a week. The Gilmer case was a long drawn out affair. It was decided in our favor. They did not have much of a case.
I am glad you are comfortably situated and having a good time and that you are well again. We have had a very bad winter so far and now we are having good weather again.
I had a letter from Mr. R and wrote him the answer he is looking for today. He will be in Louisville, KY. Sunday.
My dear Jessie, I hope and pray everything will turn out as you wish. You deserve all the happiness you can get for you have always been a faithful and affectionate daughter to me and have always done more than your share in contributing to the happiness of us all. You know that we will all miss you very much but we consent to this for your happiness alone. I have not told any one of the affair. Shall I?
Kalista leaves tonight. Eugene will be home tomorrow night. We are all well, there has been quite a lot of sickness in town, but not with our folks. Evelyn gave a card party last night. It was a “success.” The club also had a “Washington” party at our house, everyone had a good time.
The pipes did burst in the house but they are all right now.
We all send love to you and regards too Mrs. S and Mary and Joe and his family.
Affectionately,
Your father
D.R. Wagner