This letter from 1872 starts out normally and is even quite boring. But then the writer starts talking about "poor Nat" and his drinking problem and suggests how Nat aquired such an affliction.
Dear Bette:
Your letters have all arrived up to Oct 28. I intended to drop a few lines Sunday but was away from home all day. And at office now and have not much to write of. If Alice was here I might write a short treatsie on patters, etc, but cannot do so unaided.
You say Nat will certainly be up here this winter and then continue by saying that "the drunkard" will be on the stage several days. Poor Nat! I would be glad to see him, but am very sorry he has developed such a character. Give him my love and do your level best to reform him. What a pity he ever went South! The climate is so impervious.
I believe he would have been a different man if he had remained North of Mason and Dixon's landmark. Will try to get down Christmas, and you must prmoise to do all you can to keep Nat sober if we come.
Yours shortly and in wonderful wonderful hope,
Byers
I think that "poor Nat" had problems other than simply being below the Mason-Dixon line that led him to drink. Mainly two problems named "Bette" and "Byers".
