April 23, 1847
Oh yes! We are your treasures: tho' the glass-works seem to absorb your whole attention, yet it is for the sake of your cherished ones, you are so ambitious -- I say seem to absorb. Believe me, James, I have never thought that your almost utter inability to wait on me proceeded from want of thought or love. I believe that your affections are all my own, and the time has yet to come for me to feel that you have neglected me in any way.
[Martha goes on to asks James to look at the moon every night at nine, as she will do, so they will know they are thinking of one another.]
May 30, 1847
to leave the factory now, I think myself would be very imprudent. Yesterday Capt. Case [Eads' former partner in the salvage business] called to persuade me against going now. He said he thought that there was a crisis in our affairs at this time which would undoubtedly in his opinion prove fatal, if I went a-way. But I am fully determined to come during the month of June for I am certain, almost, that I can make such arrangements as will enable me to leave without prejudice to our business. …
[He goes on to tell her that she must break the habit of] sitting or standing droop shouldered; nothing makes a woman or a man look old so quick. If you cannot think of it have Mother and Sue to tell you of it whenever they observe it. I have broken myself of the habit just by constantly watching, and I know that I am more comfortable, either sitting or standing, for it; do try, my love for my sake to break yourself of it whilst it is in its infancy. I want you to look young and possess just as many or more charms, for many years to come, as you did the day I led you to the altar. Nor need you think I am unreasonable in this, for you have this very day more and dearer attractions for me, than the day which made you wholly mine. You must not forget to clean your teeth regularly either. It will preserve them, and they add greatly to a woman's beauty, nor are yours as bad as those of many ladies who pass for Belles.
July 8, 1847
James you must tell me what you really think about the Works -- whether a crisis is approaching in your affairs or there is a probability of your going on without much change for better or worse. My anxiety on this subject is extreme not for the sake of the present comfort or discomfort which may accrue to me, but only inasmuch as it has a bearing upon your happiness and may have a tendency to prolong or shorten my stay here.
July 22, 1847
Although greatly pinched for money, I think our prospects very flattering indeed.
July 25, 1847
I think the future looks pretty well, but I do not think I am too sanguine. -- Our boys go to work tonight at 1 and I do not expect to retire till then.
August 1, 1847
our former bad luck has cramped us very much in money matters. You will be surprised to learn that I have no less than $800.00 to pay out before two days passes and have but $300.00 on hand. Still I do not doubt paying it at the time. I have paid out since I came back no less than $2500. And have borrowed $400. only. It is easier for me to pay $500 now than it was 3 months ago to pay $100.00.
