Athens, O. U.

Monday morning

June 9th, 1872

Dear Sister:

I suppose you are tired of waiting to hear from me again by this time, and indeed it has been quite a while since I wrote home last. But I thought I would let you experience some of the pleasure which you have so often made me experience -- that of waiting week after week for a letter, and receiving a fresh disappointment every time you went or sent to the P.O. Besides I have had some extra work on hand, which has kept me unusually busy. I not only had my speech for contest to prepare, but also a poem of 139 lines for decoration day, May 30th. We had a very pleasant time that day, and if you had been here I am sure you would have enjoyed yourself.

Charley Taylor has staid with me a couple of nights in the last two weeks or so, as he passed back and forth from Wilkesville to Amesville to fill an appointment. He has returned from Illinois on account of the ill health of his wife (of whom he is excessively fond), and it is likely that by this time he has secured a preaching-place at and near Amesville. The rest of the folks were well. Vinet is clerking in a store at a furnace near where Mr. Kinnison lives. Ella Taylor has been attending the Wilkesville Academy, but Charley said his mother intended soon to go back with her to Kentucky to see the Dr., whose case is a perfectly hopeless one, it seems, and whose excessive use of opium will soon bring him to the darkest and most sorrowful of graves.

I received that Money Order for $28.50, and the cash came very convenient, as I needed it. Our Commencement exercises begin one week from to-night, and close on Thursday. On Friday I expect to return to Blue Run. I will be in Portsmouth I suppose about 4 P.M. on that day (the 20th). This is the last letter I think I shall write home until I come. William has not yet answered my last letter, and I don't know whether Joe is coming up here or not. If he comes I want him to come next Friday, so that he can attend the last session of our Literary Society on the evening of that day.

I have a fair prospect of finding useful and profitable employment near here during vacation. A large and excellent society of Cumberland Presbyterians near Hebbardsville are out of a minister, and have sent word for me to come out and see them. I have made application for employment during three months this summer, and I shall know in a few days whether my offer has been accepted. In case it is, I cannot be at home more than two Sundays, until I shall have to return back to Athens. The society is at a distance of five or six miles from here. I think the opening is another manifestation of the hand of Providence, as evident as that I received last year when I was called to Coolville Circuit.

By the way, that name has called to mind a fact which may not be void of interest to you. I heard some weeks ago that Henry Brown was to be married this summer. The information, although not received directly from headquarters, came from one who ought to know where of illi* spoke, and I fully accept it as veracious. I also feel like congratulating Mr. Brown on his success in having at last secured a help-meet, and one who, although I am not very well acquainted with her, I am satisfied is a fine girl, and will make an excellent housewife.

Nothing more until I reach home. Till then, goodby.

Your aff. brother, A. Stritmatter

* "Illi" is a Latin word, meaning either he or she.