August 23, 1891

My Darling Nannie:

I was made happy by the reception of your short letter and beautiful and fragrant boquet this morning. Was sorry it had been pressed most too much to wear to Sunday school. Ma told me to take them and put them away and I could have them to look at five years hence. I went to Sunday school and church this morning and I guess will have to tell you something Miss Mary R- said. (as you are always anxious to hear from her.) Our teacher Mr. Jones remarked “it was so easy for one to become a Christian to give themselves to Christ. You young men know how easy it is for you to give yourselves away.” I whispered “I thought it rather difficult.” Miss Mary overheard me and turned around and said, “why Mr. Rayman I heard you had succeeded.” Now my darling “by request” and also “of my own good will and pleasure” will give a report of my weeks work. I fixed up my plows and got ready for plowing Monday. I cleared up ground Tuesday as it was too much wet to plow. I plowed Wednesday until noon when it came up a big rain and stoped me. The last three days I put out posts and built 85 pannels of fence. We have had a great deal of rain the past week and the ground is too wet to plow. I will be much later than usual breaking wheat land as I have only plowed one half day. It will take me three weeks to break it., and I cannot come down well till after that time. Ida wants to come with me when I come. She said she heard we were going to get married the first of Sept., had you heard it? Said it came from down there. Ma and I took a drive this evening went down to the farm staid a little while, she gave me a few lessons on economy, we then went down to Grandpa’s spent the rest of the evening. Ida would have us stay till after supper so I did not begin writing till half past eight, and the people are now going home from church. I aimed to go home to night but ma begged me so hard to stay I have decided to stay and go early in the morning, as I will be very busy for several weeks now. Your horse came near getting hurt the morning I plowed. Mr. Iwin (Irvin?) was plowing him and the gray horse, he got in a bumble bees nest and they stung the horse so bad he couldn’t drive them. They got to kicking and stamping and running back until Prince got tangled and fell. I was about 200 yards away but got there as Prince fell and took him loose from the other horse and unbuckled the gear from off him. He then got up. Its remarkable to know how quietly he laid there till I ungeared him. He had 19 whelps on him from stings. As its late I will close for this time. Hoping to hear from you Thursday morning.

I remain ever yours till death, Oscar