[Headlines from The New York Times (page 1, above the fold) to place the letters in context of the world around them.]
RAILROAD SYSTEMS PASS TO OWNERS
EXECUTIVES APPEAL FOR PUBLIC'S HELP
LABOR EXPECTED TO ACCEPT SETTLEMENT
GRAVE IN SYRIA AS TURKS RAID AND MASSACRE
American College at Marash Fired on and 85 Girls Slain in Rescue Home.—PARIS DISCREDITS RUMORS—Foreign Office Believes Alexandretta Is Still in Hands of the French.—PRINCE CALLS ARABS OFF—Measures to Separate the Turkishand Arab Forces Taken
The Osborne Company
New York. Chicago. London
Osborne Art Calendars
March 1st, 2020
My darling,
I am on a train between Corning and Wellsboro. Have been on a switch waiting for freight for about a good hour. A little tot just popped up “we won't get there tonight,” And I guess she tells the truth. Trains were all late from two to three hours out of Hornell so I couldn't go to Wellsville. I phoned and found it would do no good to make the trip. Spent afternoon in Hornell but couldn't make a start. Got one order at Painted Post for $96 and that's just fine. Can't get discouraged. It's amazing to hear my manager say that I'm going to win. Hope she knows but things don't look too rosy. It's a long pull. Hope to find a letter from you in Wellsboro tonight. I was lonesome and guess I'll get more so before I get home.
How are all the folks? Has Mr. Monk received a call to go to Green? Has Paddleford written you anything about a trade on car. Had we better raise any peas this year? Guess you better tell Chandler that no you needn't. Am I crazy? How are our finances. You can charge up on our personal account a check for $40. My hotel bill in Hornell from launching Friday night till after breakfast today was $10.25. This is not all profit. Will finish this note in Wellsboro after I get your letter.
Your loving John
PS Wellsboro, PA 9:00 PM I will say that I didn't get a letter from you tonight. Got one from company.
Yours, John
Editor's notes
Two other letters were enclosed with this letter. One is cut off, both top and bottom, but is clearly from the Osborne Company secretary. One is addressed to Susan, and the cut off one is to John, referencing letters to Susan, from the Company. While this seems odd, in the Osborne Company tab, you will find a reference to the Company culture of being a “family” and engaging with the wives of its salesmen.
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