Houma March 31st 1885
Dear Anna
I have managed my business so that I can keep back three or four dollars - well I think five - to spend as you please. I do not know how I will send it to you - may be Rufus will come up. I also have five dollars to pay to Clovis. I thought I had better try to commence paying him. Will you pay Boudreaux what you can -
I come home in good time. I am very well so far. You must all try to take care of yourselves. I know you will as far as you can. I find that I have a good character in this parish, and my family I know has [his uncle, Richard Harvey Grinage, was one of the founders of Houma], and if we can keep up I think there is yet a chance for a living; but there is one thing we are poor and for the present have to live poorly, and for that reason low characters both black and white want to impose upon us, if we give them any chance whatever. I understand from reliable sources that the country is extremely demoralized. That is the reason the old time people, particularly the Americans have become so recluse and so unsocial - they have to be so - and we have to pursue the same policy as far as our position will admit - to keep up the good standing of our children. Because I am a poor man, and absent they might think they could just walk right in. When that comes to be the case just do as you have commenced, let them know that we receive none but people of good standing - it is necessary to our prosperity, and tell Rufus if any fish around him for an invitation to the house to pay no attention to it - if they once get in they will go off and tell the worst kind of lies. That seems to be one of the vices of the country. And if negroes come lounging around without any particular business, pretending to want to see the boys or some other frivolous excuse, make them know their places. They are not our employees or hirelings - and of course they must not think to commence that business just because we are living on a part of the plantation, and from what you told me it would be best for you never to remain at the house entirely alone - it is best to keep on the safe side and not expose yourself to danger. You know as well as myself how that is.
Next Friday is good Friday - if I had a pirogue I would like to go down home again, I would then have a whole day to remain at home. I know I will want to go and see you before the month is out. If either of the boys should come up to see me let them bring my flask - it is the handiest to bring water to school in - there is no water at the school house but bayou water. I do not want to drink that. After you dress yourself and Nelley, try as soon as you can to dress the little girls. I know they think hard of me that I do not get them something; I do not know whether you can read my letter or not. I have written it in a hurry to get it off. I don't care so you can read it. I sometimes write things I do not want every body to know - give my love to all the children and believe me
Your affectionate husband
A. M. Lathrop
How did the shoes suit the boys - I could not get into the store Sunday evening. I had to describe them as well as I could and get Mr. Price to get them next morning.
If you or Nelley should ever come up you need not bring any [?] - there are no mosquitoes here - just bring a quilt and pillow, and we can lodge Rufus for one night.
