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Please drop a Poostal about the claim as soon as possible.
Ames. July 11 - 1881 Monday, Eve.
Dear husband,
Eddie has [told?] you the most important news – [?] that we have had torrents of rain – more than I ever saw before.
Last night was a [terrific?] night. I was dreadfully frightened – I thought the house could not escape being struck by lightning. It was a perfect blaze. And the roar of thunder was continuous + appalling. At Prof. [?]'s none of the family
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went to bed until three o'clock in the morning – when the storm abated.
Water came into our cellar – 5 in – and has been rising during the day so that now I believe it is 8 or 9 in. Eddie goes down on the stairs + measures occasionally. I don't know when my letter can reach you + I hate dreadfully to have your dear letter delayed – but I hope it will not be for long – the the bridges in the [??] of Ames are completely [?].
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No communication possible between here + the college – as the [?] is [?] with water + the bridges swept away.
[Minnie?] wants I should ask if you have seen any "Reader's [Holding?] Claims?" – if not she thinks she will send at once to Adams + Kimbrel Chicago. She can get a claim there for $2.50 [?] in [white duck?].
Now my dear I will say good by. I can't tell you how much I miss you. I hope you have not been
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having such dreadful storms in Minneapolis as we have had here.
Your loving wife L. A. Bessey.
All send love.
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Ames, Ia. July 13. Saturday Morn.
My dear husband,
I am longing to hear from you but the elements have been against it. I hear there is a possibility of getting mail either to-day or to-morrow – and I suppose there is no letter of mine laying in the office for you. I write again this morning – so that you may know that we are all well and [?] at this