On the Banks of the River Styx

Just a couple more examples of Nannie's way with words will suffice for this segment. Her letters, thankfully preserved by her cousin and returned to me, present a slice of history, not just of my family, but in general.  She sticks with her theme of pending death, naturally.

January 20, 1966

Thursday

Dear Disobedient Children,
The U.S. News and World Report failed to send me an expiration notice…Noah Webster failed in the last edition of his dictionary to include a word to express my gratitude to you two for keeping me from losing knowledge of world affairs…

At present, I am the only member of the family in a dying condition. Am still sitting on the banks of the River Styx, waiting for the ferryboat.

Missie here for three days after exams. George, Jr. caught a germ during holidays but is entirely well and studying hard. This is his junior year at Auburn. William will be 12 day after tomorrow. Chas. is seven, growing like a weed….
Love and countless thanks,
Mattie

April 28, 1966

Thursday

Dear Sarah,
My hair (all six of ‘em) is drying so am indulging myself by writing to you. George Bibb had Tuesday off because of Confederate holiday so he let me make my long belated trip to see my young doctor, Zack T. Trawick, who is the grandson of my late beloved friend, Priscilla Scott Marks. The name Priscilla runs through generations of the descendants of the famous Shakespearian actress, Priscilla Cooper, who married a Tyler, the President.

Deane took Charles to Dr. Jackson, the oculist, this A.M. because he complained of one eye when he went the other night to see his brother, Will, and other scouts at a meeting. Like Will, Charles is very near-sighted and must also wear glasses. The only comfort I can get from it is that I have been very far-sighted all my life. When I was seven, a tall country man called his family away from the race track of the county fair we were attending near Paris, Tenn. to “see the little gal with specs on.” My finest hour!

Martin seems to be the favored gubernatorial prospect. John Crommelin is considered an extremist because he tells the truth so never gets elected. His mother, Kate Gunter, another devoted friend of mine. Am now dying of hunger.

Best love to all forever more,
Mattie
PS The doctor says I must postpone my funeral. Bill probably knows Priscilla’s brother, Judge John Goodwyn, Ala. Supreme Court. .. I’ll even have to die covered by L.B. Johnson’s smoke screen--Medicare.

Nannie and her politics!  William and George are my younger brothers by eight and twelve years, respectively.  Deane is my mother. Her story is yet to be told.