Lincoln, Illinois July 1884	Names
Dear Tom, I received your most welcome letter and the five dollars for which we were very thankful. I wanted to claim it all but Kate and Min objected. We did not spend it the 4th. We told Mama that if she would give us some more money, we would give ours to get the table and chairs and she did. So last Saturday we bought them and a what-not also.	Tom Townsend Kate Coogan & Min Coogan Jane (Mrs. James) Coogan
We expected Uncle Matt and Luke Doyle, Delia said positively that they were coming and that Luke went home to make some preparations for the trip and also said that they were to start the fourth but they have not put in an appearance yet as I guess they don't intend coming. I think that they acted very mean in telling us they were coming when they did not have the slightest idea of coming, but we don't care and we can exist without them.	Matt Coogan Luke Doyle Delia Ann Doyle
I got Delia's picture last Saturday. I think she is pretty but not so pretty as her sister. She is so stylish; she has her hair all frizzed all over her head, two bracelets on her wrist, and a couple of rings on outside her gloves and a watch and chain. I will send it to you if you want to see it, but I guess you will be home soon. I was out at Kaverny's last week. I got that school last week and it will begin the first of September. I will get $40 a month. I am to teach it one month and if I can control it I can have it the rest of the term, don't you think that will be fair. I was about to give up looking for one when Mrs. Kaverny sent in a note by John telling me to go out, that I might get the school. O, but I was glad. I was going to ask you to look for one for me out there. Will you lend me your watch next term. I should ? that Effie can afford to buy one after teaching a whole term, don't you think so. I do not send you the papers very regularly so I will. I was out in the country last week and we have not got this week's paper yet & today Sunday.  We very seldom let it remain in the office so long. I will get them to us now and send them to you.	Bridget (Delia) Ann Doyle and sister Kate Ann Doyle Mrs. Kaverny John ___? Effie ___?
The Democrats held a ratification meeting last night in the court house yard. The majority of Democrats dislike the nomination of Cleveland at our 4th of July celebration. Father Touhy offered the prayer. Jno Murray is on another spree. Dada and Mitt bought 15 acres of hay at $4 per acre ($60). Johnnie has had his pay raised $4 & is now making $20 a week.	Grover Cleveland Fr. Touhy John Murray James Coogan Mitt Coogan John Coogan
PS: We have  old Galvin's and Tommy's pictures both together, it is a cabinet. Dada is making hay, write soon. No signature	Old Galvin & Tommy James Coogan