Dr. D. S. Perkins, Pres.Jno. McNeese, Sec’y and Supt.A. Rigmaiden, Treas.
Parish of Calcasieu
Department of Education
Lake Charles, LA
Aug. 26, 1905
Dear Emma -
Again “dubs”-two letters at once-such has been the case two or three times. It is alright we could read a half doz. from you all at once though the weather is very hot. Have sent off the things for the baby. Hope they will reach you, sent to Auburn by Express.
Ma is feeling some better. She is just worn out waiting and doing all the work for a big family, most of whom ought to be away doing for themselves. I try to get her help possible. There is an old aunty here who does much rough work and milks the cow. We will begin to milk the cow Sunday. Bosy came into the world a week ago yesterday. We will try to sell her so as to avoid the trouble of exposure during the winter. We can get enough milk for what it takes to feed her every month.
The fever at New Orleans is growing. Though everything is done and said to keep the people encourage. If it can be stamp out or kept under control until frost, it will be a great success upon all previous epidemics. It is rather to be hoped for than expected. The disease in adjoining parish is so bad that N.O. is quarantining against places. It is a case of getting back her own troubles with double doses. The fever at point west are not spreading, but we are expecting surprises at anytime.
I believe it might be well for you to stay up there even if Squires should come back. He ought to be here. I am to have a meeting of the teachers committee on the first Sept.
I know you will both want to come back together and I hope you will not lose the advantage of your tickets. If you were here Ma and I might take a trip for a few days. She does need the rest. Just to think how we poor old folks have to work.
I believe now there is some hopes for the tax. The women are taking hold of it, but I am afraid schools will be so in the hands of politics that no one will be able to get through with them without being meddled with.
I wish I was into something else, I am worn out. I have become such a slave until I feel low down. I feel that any miserable thing can be a supt. I may stick it out, but I pray that something may yet turn up to give relief.
John, one of Sales boys, Gayle and others have gone done the river on a little vacation. We dread John working at the depot. His business takes him all over the city, thereby causing to run more danger of getting in contact with the disease than anyone else.
Hoping that you are well and that you all will come back safe to us is the prayer of your affectionate parents.