To Henrietta from her mother, Mary Mariam. This letter was very hard to date but July 13 only falls on Tuesday in 1847, therefore, I believe that it dates from then. From a later letter, we know that Henrietta visited the Gex family in 1847 and it appears that this letter was written to her when she was on that visit prior to her marriage, in April 1848.
Tuesday. July 13
My dear daughter,
I have been anxiously expecting a letter from you but not until yesterday, 12 days after you left, did we get it. It found this all in usual health. The day after you left, I spent a lonely day. Roger (her son, Henrietta’s brother) got home about 8 at night, not well. The next morning, he commenced taking medicine and gradually improved. He left for Mt. Sterling (where his grandfather lived) on Thursday. I have not heard from him since, but shall expect him today. On Tuesday after you left, your father started to town in the break wagon with Edgan driving the same horses we drove to Mount Sterling. They began to kick in Mr. Gorner’s Lane and then ran off. He ran them through the fence, broke the axles of the fore wheels and threw him out under the horses. He was not materially injured but walked home, was so sore for a few days, he could not get up or down without help. It seems that he has been protected.
Well the Barbeque comes off on Friday. Great parade, large subscription in this region. It will be in the D Taylor’s wood. I think we will go. I suppose we will have some company from Mt. (Sterling) to go with Roger. The Colonel is Marshall of the day I see in the papers. You and Roger had a ticket to meet the cadets of the Kentucky Military Institute at Doc Taylors. They had a most interesting meeting about 50. And all the distinguished citizens, a handsome coalition I am told.
Well, I rode to town on Saturday, took gentleman behind me, brought out my open cotton day’s stuff and I got a nice Victorian lawn to make me a wrapper. You know it looks like linen. I took dinner at Doct. Keith’s. Rebecca and my sweet little son (her daughter and grandson) stayed a day or two last week and on yesterday we started to Lexington about 5, got back at 6 last evening in the rain. No news but extensive precipitation and hard for E Brand’s wedding, no invitations out yet. H. Blackburn went down last Wednesday. Mother is not so well, poor dear sister how, I feel for her.
Virginia, (her daughter) the roan horse died, you know he was kicked and a fine cow last week with twin calves. Tell Mr. Craig your Father has sold his mules at $50 – 26 in number. He says he will get me a nice carriage but I shall not urge him to get a fine one. Well, I still sell some butter and shall in a day or two go to hauling wood again and painting the gate. I am now quilting up the dining room stairs. Mrs. H says she will help me in a day or two. She has sent you over a nice fly brush which I will send by my son. Also your pin cushions.
V (Virginia) how did you find all your conditions at home? I was sorry you were detained so long on the way. You had a pleasant time with my old friends. Well, it is well to have a mother and she to have friends and if we will but act right, we will reap our rewards here as well as hereafter.
Mr. George Fishback died a few days ago. Princy Dan Hebler was here a few days ago. He insisted on my making him a visit soon. He looks quite spry. I would write you more but my pen is so bad, I cannot write with it and then I am nervous this morning. My kind love to Mary G (Gex, John’s sister) and family, to Edward and Eliza and all inquiring friends. After the barbecue I will write again and then I can tell you when Roger will be down. I hope you may conduct yourself so as to make yourself and others happy in your visit.
Farewell may you be happy here and hereafter is the prayer of your affectionate
Mother
KAREN GEX ASFOUR 
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