Harrisburg, Jan. 3, 1864.
My dear Clara,

I have been rather long answering your last letter, but I was only waiting to have something to

write about. I only hope you have had as delightful holidays as we have spent. I never had such

a splendid time as we had last week. Week before Christmas, we had skating every day, and one

or two evenings we all helped to trim the Episcopal Church , and Christmas Eve Hattie Bird had

a dance. On Christmas Evening, I had a card party, they could not dance, as Sadie was sick. On

Saturday night Alice Frazor had a full dress party, we had a splendid time, we got home a little

after twelve, we had to leave early as the next day was Sunday. On Tuesday night, Marry Kerr ,

Jennie Boas, and myself were invited to Ellie Russels, there is a Miss King from Pittsburg, a

very pretty girl staying with them. On Wednesday, Thersa [sic] Wierman had a party, we all wore

our high neck dresses. Sam Matlack took me, and Alek. Thompson [took] Mary Kerr. I enjoyed myself

very much. We got home a little after twelve o'clock. On Thursday Bertie Ross had a large party

to dance the Old Year out and the New one it. Alek. Thompson asked me to go and Ed Hickock [took]

Mary Kerr. In the morning it commenced to snow, and in the afternoon it turned to rain, so you

can imagine what kind of walking it would be. Alek. and Ed got a carriage and took us there. Was

not that kind? One or two of the other boys took their girls in carriages too. We had a glorious

time, I danced the Old Year out with Hum Berghous. We got home half past two o'clock. Russell

King took Jennie Boas, John Gross and Hattie Bird. Orth & Son played for us. On Friday night the

which was New Year's Evening, the boys gave a party at Halbach's we went in two omnibus', it was

the coldest night we have had this winter but we were very warm riding. We were packed very tight.

Mary and George went along with us to take care of Matlack. I never had such a splendid time. It

was perfectly splendid. Will and Charlie Hiesler came home for it. We got home at half past two.

The boys wanted her to stay longer but Mary would not let them. Last evening Maria McDowell had a

party. Will Boas took me, George Gross [took] Jennie Boas, Alek. Thompson [took] Hattie Bird, and

Sam Matlack came alone, that is al of our set that was there. Mrs. Kerr would not let Mary go and

Sid was not able. We enjoyed ourselves very much. From Rachel Pollock

(http://www.hbg.psu.edu/hum/McCormick/letters/alricks/rachelclara1364.htm)

1864 Harrisburg March 21
My dear Clara,

I am glad to see that you have written to Miss Annie Hays at last. Every Sunday she would say, when

did you hear from Clara, and why don't she answer my letter. She said I should send you her love,

and she would write very very soon. I wish you would ask Bella Briggs if I owe her a letter, or she

owes me one. Dollie Warford is home for ten days to get her spring clothes. Bertie Ross, and Jennie

Curtin come home this week. Last Friday night Mary Kerr was at our house, and Mr. Kethum [sic] and

George Gross came in and we all went around to Alice Frazor's and then as it was a beautiful night

we took a walk. Sunday night a week Alek Thompson took Mary Kerr and Sam Matlack took me to

Children's Church, and then we went out to the Bethel Church to see them Baptised. Last Thursday

evening Mr. Ketchum, Sam Matlack, Alek Thompson and Ed Hickok were at our house, when Pa came in

with the news that [undecipherable] was coming home. You can know how glad we all were that night he

came. He has told us perfectly dreadful things that they had to bear. Sadie and the baby are going

West with him on Thursday. Nate Forster is home for three weeks vacation. Last night (Sunday), we had

a very good preacher & like him very much. Alek Thompson brought Mary Kerr home, and Sam myself.

Tomorrow night there is to be a Concert at the Court House. We are all going. George Gross is going

to take Hattie Bird, Wills Orth [took] Jennie Boas, Mr. Ketchum [took] Sid, Alek Thompson [took] Mary

Kerr, and Sam Matlack [took] myself. I think Russell King is going to take Alice and Eliza, though I

am not sure. I do not know who will take the Cox's. I am very much afraid the ----- about our fuss

with the boys, was told to you, so you might think it was more than it really was. It has all been

settled very nicely by the young men themselves. I have a great deal to tell you that would take so

much time and paper to write, some things that you will be very much surprised and sorry to hear.

This last is private. I have had some Photographs taken, she ---- and we had one for you [that] will

be done on [undecipherable], and I will send you one in my next letter. [Undecipherable] as soon as

you [undecipherable] oblige me very much. Give my love to all the girls. The girls write with me in

sending much love to you. Write soon. From your loving friend.Rachel Pollock.