Hill Country Living
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By Coulter Fussell
It’s a Wagner Week! Since it’s been so miserably cold and rainy lately, I thought if we were to look back in history then we might as well choose a warm, sunny day. Hence this letter from a family vacation in mid-July. We have big sister, Jessie Wagner, writing from Atlantic City to little brother, George, who has stayed behind in Water Valley.
Although initially fairly bland upon first reading, this letter checks several things off the list that qualify it as “a good one,” in my book: Victorian illness (extra points if it’s a skin infection on the face), local family names, a young death and mention of hired workers.
The Wagners rarely talk about the people who worked for them. I’ve gathered over the years that Charlie is a hired worker. Ophelia must be, as well. I wish I knew more about them but the Wagners don’t tell. There is a time period in the letters when Charlie decides to quit and work his own land and that shakes the Wagners up for a bit.
I couldn’t find how Everett Cock’s wife died (some of you readers may know), but I did gather that she was only 22 years old. I do know that 1905 was the last major Yellow Fever year.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
July 10, 1905
Dearest George,
Well, here we are settled in our old quarters at the City — and here we are finding things quite pleasant and natural-like. I wish you were here with us. It would make things much more pleasant.
There are a good many people here whom we met last year. And the whole place seems much the same. Gene has been in bathing every day and the rest — every day except yesterday. I did not go in this morning because I have not been feeling very well for several days. I have a boil on my cheek.
On the train, we met a party of Greenville people and they are all here with us. They are Mrs. Hebron and Mrs. Thompson and party. They know the Jennings’ girls and Mr. Hebron knows Eps.
Do hope Will is alright again and that you are once more feeling well. I suppose John has started for Buffalo by this time and that you were all alone. Please be sure to take care of yourself because I should be awfully worried to hear that you were ill again.
How are Charlie and Ophelia? Tell them I am depending on them to look after things. If it is dry, tell Charlie to keep things well watered and worked.
I’m so sorry about Everett Cock’s wife. I suppose about this time she must be dead. It seems terrible because she always was so much alive.
We gathered in Corinne’s grip at Knoxville and she grew satisfied. Also at Bristol we were astounded to see Professor Elliot get on the train and we had quite a pleasant talk with him.
We are planning to invite some of the Philadelphians over Sunday, but have not written yet. Do write when you can. Love to relatives and friends and lots to you,
Jess
