TRANSCRIPT

Tuesday, November 8, 1898

Dear Bertha,

A most calamitous accident happened on Sunday between here and Kingsville, by which five young people were drowned. Charlie Barnes, Fred White, Hugh Hooper, and the latter's two sisters started from Kingsville in that small boat of the Barnes Boys-in a dreadful wind, against the advice of Walter Carr, Jim Quick, and Dave Gardener, who also came over in a larger boat. The older party say they had dreadful time, the wind increasing all the time, and when they got here they didn't expect to see the other boat, as it was so much smaller. The boat with Charlie Barnes lashed or tangled in the rigging was found Monday morning at the Point, and he was brought over by the Louise. They say the other bodies will hardly be found this fall. Ed heard the wailing at White's yesterday, from the vineyardwhen the news was told them. Mrs. White was like one demented, going up and down the road with streaming hair. We did not need this to remind us what yesterday was the anniversary of.
The fates are kind to me again. I think I am going to get Blanche Wires when she leaves Blanche McCormick the first of December. We have two grape picking boys in the house from Amherstburg, and I have had a boarder nor nearly a week - a Mr. Clara, from the shore. He has proved very pleasant and easy to do for, though he had no idea of being here this long.
I must wash my dishes, get Russella ready for school, and do a little washing. The wash will have to go this week, and I expect Mrs. White will be too prostrated next week to do it. We have breakfast before daylight, but even with such an early start my work drags on nearly all day, and the rest of the time I have to rest thoroughly.
Agnes is the sweetest thing in existence and the best.

Lovingly,
Minnie Bird Wardroper