September 1911 …I am also rather timid of writing to an educated School Teacher so please pardon all ungrammatical phrases and misspelled words, and I will ask you not to blue-pencil this sheet… Sept. 19, 1911, Tuesday Eve. My dearest friend, Your long and very interesting letter came to hand today. You state your letter requires an answer. In order to comply with your request I must answer at once that you may receive it before your return. Hence, pardon for a brief note, as this evening finds me very tired after an extra hard day’s toil. Well Bessie I really don't know just what to say or how to begin this note as your letter to me has been somewhat a revelation to me. But however I will endeavor to write something at least, that you may find interesting in common. I am not much of a letter writer though so don't expect too much of me. I am also rather timid of writing to an educated School Teacher so please pardon all ungrammatical phrases and misspelled words, and I will ask you not to bluepencil this sheet. Now to continue. I was in V.V. [Valley View] today for a short visit on business and called upon your good kind mother. I had a nice little visit with her and enjoyed it very much. It seemed
rather strange not to see you there as you are always at home. In fact strange as it may seem, I don't think I ever called there, that you have not been at home. Even when I went after the buck-rake and monkey wrench. You seemed to have had quite a time with your school this time. I am glad to know though that you were equal to the occasion. It seems to me that you have learned something of reading people’s faces of late. Do you still express your thoughts with your face? After you told the young lady, not V.V. but from Los Gatos, I am not surprised that she said she never thought there would be anything like that in your family. She is not any more surprised in you than I have been. After what I had been told your disposition was I have met nothing but surprises ever since. But I feel that I can still class you as I have addressed you "My Dearest Friend" without injuring your happiness or peace of mind. You need not do with this letter as I requested you. I will forgo that request on this one. That was a cute little goodbye in your letter Bessie, ditto, me for
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the same. Sincerely Jimmie
Sept. 26, 1911, Tuesday Eve. Dear Bessie, Well here I am again and my desk is a sight. It is all topsy turvy, and I must confess not very neat. I wish you would fix it up for me some day. Just before supper I went up stairs to Mother’s room & had a nice little heart to heart talk with her. I found her in good spirits as usual and we had a lovely little talk as I often sit up a good deal later sometimes evenings, than I ought to talking to her. When we get to talking we forget the time, like someone else I know dear. Well I brought her down into the kitchen and after hugging and kissing her a few times I came in here to grade some eggs and ponder over that letter of yours I received today. A peculiar thing was, that it was the only piece of mail left in the box. That is something I cannot remember happening for a long time. But dearie it seems strange to me that I seemed to look for that little letter of yours anxiously. I thought of the moving pictures where he goes to the box and finds the looked-for letter and his face expresses the tones of his heartstrings. I wish I could let myself slide as I seem to feel dear but something seems to hold me back. But I have come to the conclusion that I have too much 2
depending on me to permit my mind to be so much clouded in the future as it has been in the past few weeks. I have decided to leave my case to the One great Mind, Divine Mind or God and He will decide it for me in the right way at the right time. I know absolutely Bessie that I can count on you to be true and fair to me in every way. I know way down deep in my heart that I have treated you as square as I know how. It is the way I treat everybody, and it is not my fault but a mistake if I do not. It's now about time to answer some of your letter but I get to writing and forget that my letter is beginning to resemble a manuscript. It's rather strange that you should overhear such a conversation as you did in regard to Christian Science*. It's a subject in which I am very much interested and it will bear investigation. The question the Minister asked you I do not understand, until I do I cannot answer you. I am glad the sermon was interesting to you dear. I wonder how it could remind you of me. Enjoyed the samples of your pupils’ work, had quite a laugh over the rooster. Your horoscope of me suits my case quite well except in one particular, and that is "but I do not always keep their secrets." I have never failed to keep one’s secret yet dear and when I do not it will be first time. *
Jimmie was the only Christian Scientist in his family –he was introduced to the religion by a friend, probably in his early to mid 20’s.
Dearest Bessie...
1911
I just love strawberries, so please eat some for me, won't you? Now in regard to Sunday, I said some Sunday you know dear, but know how pleased you will be if we go this Sunday, and I confess Angel dear, that I am pleased beyond measure to go myself. Therefore I will endeavor to be at your home at 10 A.M. Sunday morning, if nothing unforeseen at present happens I'll be there. I promise you dear that nothing but business of importance will detain me. Yes if I only know how anxious you are to hear from me dear, and I often wonder if you would always love and cherish the same views of me in the future and forever as you do now. "Yes, if I only knew," would you always try to find fault with me and not succeed. You remember what you told me the other
‌Love Jimmie
night that you tried to find some fault with me and couldn't. Would you always love me as you seem to now? Oh such questions Bessie. This has rose in your heart in but a few months, you are a changed girl from what you was then. Would this change last forever? "Would that God the gift to give us to see ourselves as other see us." Look Bessie look a little farther and see for sure if I have not some fault that you can see and find. Haven't seen me for 3 days just think & it really does seem like a year doesn't it? My dear I must close so with love and kisses I will bid you a sweet Goodnight to remain as always Sincerely Jimmie Pleasant Dreams.
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P.S. You may keep this letter till I see you Sunday because if you burned it I should want you to have done it at once. I feel that you might want to read it over
more than once as I do yours so keep it till I see you Sun., and have it with you. I will bring yours with me.
“Educated Schoolteacher� Miss Bessie Johnson at Skyland School. (abt. 1913-1914 ) The students include four of her siblings. 1-Bessie 2-Ruby 3-Anna Mae 4-Howard 5-Mildred
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Dearest Bessie...
October 1911 ‌Oh, my dear, such statements coming from such a good, sensible girl of sound mind and reasoning as you. Do you ever think of the vastness of their meaning. Would you think the same 50 years from now as you do now or is it just a passing fancy‌ Oct. 3, 1911, Tues. Eve. 10 P.M. My Dear Little Bessie, Your beautiful, sweet and deeply interesting letter I received today. You feeling so sure that you were going to hear from me I am glad that I did not disappoint you. I'll never do that if I can help it dear. You need not excuse your paper for it would be just as interesting to me if you wrote on any kind of paper. I have thought several times that you put yourself to a great deal of trouble fixing up your letters so neat and attractive. I have called up the Editor of the Los Gatos Mail and he informs me that he has never known Thanksgiving to be any other day but the last Thursday in November. That would be the 30 th . There is no way to tell for sure other than the above except he says to write to the President of the United States. As I understand you, you can come on Thanksgiving so I can see nothing to prevent you from coming. I certainly want you to be there sweetheart, you ought to know I do. Your visit to the Chinese home must have been an interesting one as your description of it P
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was to me. I am getting along fine with the Ball and thanks for your pre-offer of aid. I may need you, I am sure you can help me, I feel that you will always be willing to help me in any way you can in anything dear, I undertake. You have answered my letter very nicely dear except "some parts of it" as you say. That's right maintain your dignity always but perhaps some day you might answer those "some parts of it" dear. You have already proved what I said I thought of you in my last letter, namely "that I could always count on you to treat me true and fair in every way" and you say you won't take a copy of my letter either as you intended to do as that would not be treating me fair . And in parting with it let me assure you that you are not parting with the tiniest part of your dearest Friend Love . You thought of enough Sunday dear. I see you are like me, you weigh everything very carefully in the scales of thought in your calmer moments of reflection. Oh dear! I here I come again to those "some parts" of my last letter angel. My, U
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my, what a grand sweet thing to say about me. Two great thoughts let me quote them, lest you may not have kept a copy of your letter and remember them in full. 1 st : "Did you ever stop to think Jimmie (that there is no man living just like you .)" 2nd: "God in his wisdom never created but one Jimmie Porter so how could my feelings and affections ever change." Oh, my dear such statements coming from such a good, sensible, girl of sound mind and reasoning as you. Do you ever think of the vastness of their meaning. Would you think the same 50 years from now as you do now or is it just a passing fancy. I am a deep thinker dear and I wonder way down in the deepest thinking spots of my heart if you are really fixed in these opinions you now seem to hold of me, or if you will wake up to your old self again, "the calm, cool, and independent girl to men” you used to be, for years I am told, "and I believe it too" you were immovable. Will you wake up in the near future or in the early future years as suddenly as you have made this change that you have acknowledged to me with you letter, "so changed that at times you hardly know yourself", to use your own words. Now to answer the rest of your letter I stop my mind from drifting and thinking for it seems as though I could keep right on writing all night we have so much in common, and I'll keep on thinking for sometime yet anyway. P
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Mr. Martin and Miss Torr will be there as he has promised me he would. I sold him an Ad too in my program. Oh! The knockers are out with the hammers at last. I have rather been surprised that they have not knocked before now. But again you prove your colors Bessie, and you are certainly right and fair don't believe it in the first place as you say. Secondly, you are correct. Thirdly, I admire, love, and respect you for the stand, and firm stand you take. That's your views is it? I am glad to know them, and the rest of your views exactly coincide with mine. I am glad you think I treated you royally, I try to and always will dear. Am feeling fine this week but a little shy on sleep again, but will make that up sometime. Excuse haste mistakes, scribbling and everything dear. Your Greek and Latin is too deep for me, will have to look that up when I get time. Best Luck to Bachelors Hall, that makes me smile Bessie. I have lived there a great many years I wonder if I'll live there always! (xx) Good night dear heart, Sweet dreams Sincerely Jimmie ∗
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Oct. 8, 1911, Sunday Eve Dear Little Bessie You will have to excuse just a few brief lines tonight, as I am awfully ∗ TP
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Handwriting unclear – possibly “Corr”
Dearest Bessie...
1911
awfully tired. After working hard nearly all day today I had to get in and stack all the trays again tonight, as it commenced to rain. I have worked very hard for the last 2 years at the heaviest kind of work and I have about made up my mind that this will have to be the last year of such hard heavy work as I am not big enough to stand it always. I am sorry dear now that I did not let you write to me as usual on Tues. I will not be able to leave here before Wednesday and I cannot tell at just what town I'll be in at a certain time or for how long. It depends on how I get started and how successful I am. That is in point of time I mean only. Therefore I guess that you had better write that letter so that I'll get it here by return mail; and if I am gone before it gets here why I'll get it when I come back sure. I get so much mail that it won't be noticed much anyway and if it is I do not care. So with Love and Kisses, I will kiss you Goodnight in my imagination & dreams Lovingly Jimmie P.S. I have deciphered that Latin as I called it in your last letter Bessie. You confused me slightly by misspelling the word night backwards. My! sweetheart do you really? Are you very religious Bessie? I want you sometime, in your next letter if you wish, to tell me what, and how you pray for me. Also answer the above questions. Just a few words that have U
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come into my mind, that I will jot down for you to ponder over & then I must close, as follows – Perhaps in no one thing is the line of demarcation between Christian Science and other religious teachings more clearly shown than in this, that in Christian Science understanding takes the place of blind belief, and the intelligent working out of one's salvation supersedes groping & helpless hope. The careful and faithful studying of the Christian Science Textbook, with the Bible, Bessie, unfolds the way of this understanding and enables the student to grasp the unerring Principle and the scientific application of this new-old religion of Christ Jesus. This differentiation of Christian Science from other modes of thought was interestingly illustrated to me while thinking of the Indians weaving their Navaho Blankets from the time of Homer who sang in his Odyssey, "Fate has wove the thread of life with pain." Down through the ages, the loom has been a favorite simile of life, in which each has woven his pattern as fate and circumstances might direct. Symbol and parable have been used as a means of teaching truth, but the vision of truth must be clear in order that the symbol may carry to the human understanding a divine message. In looking at poor human lives, how blurred the pattern, as fate and not Principle is thought to guide the helpless hands. Here & there amid the unlovely patterns of material belief, the ChristU
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thought runs as in the dream of the poet a "thread of gold." One of the disciples said to Jesus, "Master teach us to pray" therefore I want you to teach me how you pray. Goodnight dear Lovingly Yours Jimmie U
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Watsonville, Cal. Oct. 16, 1911, Mon. Noon Dear Bessie, Just a line in haste as I am very busy & parties are waiting for me now to go with them in 5 minutes. Please drop me a few lines so that I will get it Thursday anyway. I'll write you a little more this evening if I have a chance. I have had a very successful trip here so far and am getting along fine. The Apple Annual was a fine success. Your letter came O.K. was pleased to receive it, it was very interesting, will answer it later. Excuse haste etc. With Love, hug & a pretty kiss. Lovingly Jimmie .
So you left on an earlier train to hear that Sermon on Equal Suffrage. I cannot go into a discussion of my ideas on Equal Suffrage at this time, by & by I may some time. I read yours however with interest. Your expression, "If women behaved themselves men would have to" is quite true & food for thought as well. Yes we discuss many and varied subjects t’is true. I find you quite well read on most all I have tackled you on so far though. Oh my yes I forgot that picture again. I'll try and remember it sure next time Bessie. Yes I passed Geo. near the Jarvis Rd. no wonder you did not want to linger there. You have the right dope, alright. No Bessie I am not afraid to tell ∗
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Oct. 23, 1911, Monday Eve Dear Little Bessie, I have looked up that last letter of yours and I find that you are right and that I did not answer it. So I am going to answer it briefly as my time is at somewhat of a premium this week. 8
George Johnson, the 6 th Johnson sibling, born August 1894. ∗
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Dearest Bessie...
1911
you anything , you are one of the few girls I know who don't gossip things. Yes I wanted to give you a few of those notices to write for me Sunday but we did not have time so I'll have to do them myself. Thanks to you though Bessie for I know your heart is in the night place. U
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From Bessie’s Scrapbook
Yes Bessie you are mistaken I have kept "Bachelors Hall" for many years for I was away from home for a good many years. I have seen life from all views and if I was asked to say which I thought was the best for a man I would still have to think before I could answer it at all. The little dog is a good one Bessie and he can have a home with me. By the way I'd rather you wouldn't put your name on the outside of your letters for many reasons.* Will tell you some of them when I see you if you want to know them. Tuesday Eve Just a line in ans. to yours of Sun. Eve. It came to hand today O.K. Was pleased to get it too. It is not surprising to me that you could find so much to write about having only seen me a few hours before. When I got home had I the time I could have sat down and written you quite a letter as I was in a happy romantic mood, and when I found *
At this time Bessie is teaching in Gilroy and boarding with the Reeve family. She comes home on weekends. Jimmie’s letters go to Gilroy, but her letters go to his home.
…Love Jimmie
myself all alone, I would have been delighted to express some of my thoughts to you by pen & paper. My conscience is still troubling me very much again from time to time Bessie. I seemed to feel somewhat easier after that eve we went to Campbell, you consoled me greatly but not quite completely. If I could only make up my mind I'd give most anything but I confess I cannot . You have told me that I need not think of getting married, that it was not obligatory upon me to do that, but that we could just be the best of friends . But under the sunshine of continued friendship the bud swells and keeps wanting to bloom into a Love that is unexplainable and passeth under-standing. At first I did nothing to cause you to love me but since that Campbell night I seemed to have lost control of myself and have done things that six minutes ago I would have never dreamed of doing. How everything will turn out at this moment I do not know. But I do know that they will turn out right however they go for Divine Mind cannot permit to go otherwise. Was sorry to hear of Ella's † illness. Hope she is better now. Must of been a shock to you. What crisis was Aug. 24 in your life? The outline of your story sounds good. I ought to be O.K. I am going to write a novel when I get time will give you outline later. Haven't got U
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Ella Johnson, the 4 th Johnson sibling and 2 nd girl after Bessie, born November 1888. TP
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time or space now. I guess you have looked up a good deal about me Bessie, last but not least my name. My Bro. * saw Cas Aubrey † he was quite well. Poor fellow wanted to buy a ticket to the 10 th but my Bro would not let him. Excuse haste and scribbling. Lovingly, Jimmie TP
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P.S. Postmaster in Watsonville is an old friend of mine, told him to send me that letter. Guess I'll get it soon.
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William Ray Porter (Will), born January 1886 Ella Johnson’s fiancé
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Dearest Bessie...
1911
James Underhill Porter born August 24, 1881 Picture taken in Boston, date unknown.
‌Love Jimmie
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November 1911 …Your letter found me in the best of spirits as I am seldom otherwise, but it tempted me to grieve & weep when I read of your terrible weeping. You weep but know not why… Nov. 1, 1911, Wed. Noon Dear Bessie, Your beautiful letter came last eve and I should have answered it last night but I had a delegation here and it was impossible. I am very much pleased that you can come at so nice a time. You can take 3 o'clock car via Campbell and get off at the Shannon Road. If possible I'll be there to meet you, if not you can come to my home which is only a short walk, and dress and do anything else you please. I told Mother and she said it's alright to do that. Then you can go with me from here to the Hall. Your letter I say again is very beautiful and required some thought so will be compelled to defer answering it and also the W'ville letter until a later date when the demands on my time are not so imperative. I have not had but one night’s sleep again in 3 weeks and I don't see any chance ahead for another 4 or 5 days. Tonight I work on the programs with a committee of girls. Thurs. night I go to Moreland Local with Bros. Craig, Thomas & Woodard. Fri. night I go to Roosevelt Local Campbell with same Bros. So you see I am in for an awful deal. Never again dear. For a
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while anyway. Please excuse brief letter. Your letter found me in the best of spirits as I am seldom otherwise, but it tempted me to grieve & weep when I read of your terrible weeping. You weep but know not why. Please do not weep Bessie for God is Love and you are his image and likeness therefore you are the perfect child of God, reflecting only love & joy, happiness, truth, & all that is good and beautiful, for God is Good & knows no sorrow neither weeping nor pain. So cheer up girlie and be happy & cheerful for it is your divine birthright. I'll try hard to see you this week but if I don't I'll write soon. Be sure & come & I have directed you & I'll be pleased to see you and see that you have a good good time the best yet. Bro. Craig wants to lead the Grand March with Sister Barton and if they want you to go with Bro. Barton in the Grand March would you be willing. I know you would dear think it over & let me know. I must close with a sweet Good day and a kiss & with Love I am Sincerely Jimmie P.S. Please excuse haste etc.
Dearest Bessie...
1911
Nov. 8, 1911 Dear Little Bessie, Enclosed please find a letter which you can show to Ella or your Mother either if you wish. The letter I would write to you anyway as it expresses nothing but my true sentiments. Only a few of my sweet words are left out of it. I have made arrangements for you to take 3rd place in the Grand March right behind me, you to march with the Pres. of Valley View Bro Barton. Everything is lovely dear so with one of those sweet Goodbye kisses I am Sincerely Jimmie Will try and be at the car to meet you. [Second letter enclosed in envelope follows.]
Nov. 7, 1911 1:30 A.M. Miss Bessie Johnson, Gilroy Cal Dear Friend Bessie, I have just arrived home from a conference meeting of all committees and thought I would write you just a line while my hand is in shape as I have just written letters to Sister Barton, State Pres. H.W. Wrightson & State Sec. John McKinney. You see you will be leaving there early Fri. so I will give this letter to my Bro. and he will mail it in San Jose
…Love Jimmie
and you will get it Thurs. Had good write-ups in all the papers. Will save you clippings. I had a nice little song-fest with Ella while you were dressing Sun. and was much impressed with the little talk we had as well. She is a true blue girl of sterling qualities and deserves much credit for her stand. Those qualities though Bessie are but the reflections of the rearing and teaching of a beautiful, true and Loving Mother. Girls like her are few, as I told her Sun. and they are a great credit to the Mothers who raise them. Few realize the many watchful hours a Loving Mother spends over her offspring or the great, far reaching, and solemn duties that falls upon her shoulders. In our light trip down life's pathway we are liable to forget the great debt we owe our parents, our mothers especially, and it is not too much for us at any time to give them all we have if they need it, even our very lives. Cassimir* is a self made man and it would make me extremely happy to see him regain his health. Your letter was very interesting, especially the Post Scripts I shall try to observe. Please excuse scribbling & all mistakes as I am extremely sleepy. Had a fine meeting of committees 27 present. All details are completed now for the big show. A little more than 14 couples I hope. Sincerely Your Friend *
Cas/Cassimir/Casmire/Casimer Aubrey. Could not confirm the spelling of his first name.
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Jimmie Good night, pleasant dreams
Aptos Nov. 9, 1911, Thurs. Afternoon Dear Bessie, Just a line in haste that you might get it before you get home. I called for mail at Watsonville today but found no word from you. I have been waiting expecting that I might hear from you. I am in Aptos here today and expect, nothing unforeseen happening, to be home by the end of the week. I am going to try to get over Sun. if possible but it is very uncertain as there will be lots piled up there for me when I get home.
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Am waiting a few minutes for some gentlemen to settle a business matter so thought I'd drop you a few lines. Expected to go back by way of Gilroy but was disappointed in that. Supposed you have all the cards you want from these towns so have not sent you any more. The post master tells me if I give him this letter at once it will go now and you'll get it tomorrow. With Love & a kiss I am Sincerely Jimmie Write Soon
Dearest Bessie...
1911
? From Bessie’s Diary Nov. 10, 1911 Attended the first entertainment and Grand Ball at Los Gatos given by the Union Local No. 60 on Nov. 10 th . It was certainly a grand success owing to the untiring efforts of my friend Jimmie Porter. He worked hard for weeks before the event. I spent the night at the home of Jimmie Porter and had a very nice time. He drove me home Sat. eve. About four hundred people attended the grand ball. Jimmie Porter, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Union Local very graciously introduced our late [i.e. ‘former’ President] Homer A. Craig to us who made a splendid address of welcome to us and explained the object of the organization to us. Miss Smith * of Los Gatos played for us and Miss Penny sang for us. Our late President Homer Craig and Mrs. Nelson Barton of V.V. [Valley View] led the grand march. Second in line were James U. Porter and Beatrice Thomas. Third in line Mr. Nelson Barton, President of the V.V. Local and Miss Bessie Johnson. We enjoyed a most delicious supper. Dancing was continued until 2 o’clock A. M. P
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…Love Jimmie
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Nov. 14, 1911, Tues Eve Bessie, My Dear Little Friend, Your nice letter was duly received today and was pleased as usual to get it. Here it is nearly 10 o'clock and I have not written you a line as yet, and you know I told you I was going to write you a few lines by piecemeal. but I must drop you just a line so that I can give it to my Bro. to mail for me in San Jose in the morning as I must get a word to you this week sure, as you expect to see a sample of my writing or something to that effect you said in your letter I believe. Well I am coming down Sun. rain or shine and you are going to be ready to go with me rain or shine dear don't forget that. I have not made my plans definitely as yet but they will be aright have no fear. I may want you to spend the evening with me as well as the day do leave the day & evening open dear and don't make any plans for either. Please keep that much for me will you? I can't make my plans so far ahead exactly definite as I have too many varied interests at stake and can't always tell what the next day has for me to do. They are not all selfish interests of my own but mostly of others, some near & dear to me and some only friends and acquaintances. I have a strenuous and interesting meeting of our Local to attend Fri. eve. Think of me about 9 U
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PM. Please excuse all mistakes etc. as it is late and I am very tired. I received two very interesting letters this week one from Los Gatos & one from New Bedford, Mass, both touching upon the same subject but of widely, widely differing contents. They are so vastly different that they are almost incomparable, except to say that one was to me as a midsummer nights dream while the other borders on the darkest tunnels of hell if there was such a thing, in brief from the sublime to the ridiculous. I'll bring them with me Sun., they may interest you, as you are of the subject of their contents. I am going down to Utters tomorrow and will call at your home and leave the eggs from our lunch there, instead of boiling them myself I wish you to do so as I will enjoy them much more I am quite sure. I'll also leave a couple for your breakfast Sat. morning also a few for your loved ones. I must close now sweetheart and again ask you to excuse me for not answering your past letters as I just cannot sit here any longer dear. Your last dose of Latin is too much for me. I confess so with a sweet good night kiss I am Lovingly Jimmie Excuse paper as I have run out of personal stationary. I guess they can afford to give me this much don't you? I disguised my handwriting on the Dearest Bessie...
1911
envelope to fool those kids of yours. Think I can? [Note: "James U. Porter" is preprinted on the envelope along with the Union Local info. The address is in very different handwriting than his usual however. One wonders if “the kids” were fooled. These may be the children of the Reeve family, where she was boarding, or possibly her students at the school in Gilroy where she was teaching.]
Bro. Thomas which explains itself. Come down as early as you can Sun. and we can have a few minutes to say hello before you take your car. In haste Jimmie Am giving Geo. that message enclosing check for Mr. Ingraham Excuse haste
Nov. 25, 1911, Sat. A.M. Dear Bessie, Enclosed please find a card from
? From Bessie’s Diary Nov. 27, 1911 Went for a buggy ride with James U. and had lunch at Guadalupe.
…Love Jimmie
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December 1911 …A good fountain pen is a blessing, the nicest thing one could possess, but a poor one is awful, can’t explain it dear, just awful that’s all… Dec. 6, 1911, Wens. Eve. Dear Little Bessie, At last, thank heavens I am done at last and it is 12:15 P.M. or A.M. rather. I have been the busiest person you ever knew this week. This is the 3 rd night that I have spent from 6 to 7 hours at my desk and I am not any too fully recovered my health & strength either. The work at my desk here piled up while I was sick and to make it worse I had to send out 200 post cards for the Union, and 40 sealed written notices to candidates for membership, of a whole page. I have had an extra heavy business mail this week too. So you see dear that I am somewhat up against it, don't you think? But I am game and I get there anyway some how. I have not been to San Jose yet so am still out of stationery so please excuse this before I forget too. Now in regard to that pen dear. Never get a fountain pen unless you get a good one. I have lost mine so have none at present and am lost without it. Get a Waterman Pen they are the best made. They have them all prices you know, but just get a good standard one not a fancy handle etc., but P
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a plain one and your money will be in the goodness of the pen. A good fountain pen is a blessing, the nicest thing one could possess, but a poor one is awful, can't explain it dear, just awful that's all. Well Bessie I will ask you to excuse a short letter again as I am almost all in and really I feel as though I had writer's cramp. If you read this you'll do well. I was very sick last week never experienced such a week. I will tell you about it when I see you. I have been wondering how you felt Mon. the 27 th . That's when I first noticed I began to lose my nerve, and get weak and from then on I kept getting weaker until Wens. when I was confined to my bed. I was surprised as usual by the pleasant visits of my friends, the last of which was Sun. last when several young ladies, friends of mine in Los Gatos came out to cheer me up. They found me busily engaged with Bro. Craig looking over the State report and other of the Union's business. Bro. Craig left shortly and with songs and music & pleasant happy conversation they left me much better than they found me. I have many good friends Bessie and it always touches a P
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Dearest Bessie...
1911
soft spot in my heart when they pay me homage and are so thoughtful of me when I am ill. I am sorry that I could not have let you know how I was but I had not intended to tell you if I could have avoided it, for a little reason of my own. But some how or other you always seem to hear of me whether I want you to or not. It would be a great pleasure for to have you read to me and some day sick or well I would like to have you do so. Now Fri. evening as you know I have got to go to the Union meeting and Sat. I may have to go to San Jose & if I do I will not be able to go down your way for I won't return until the 10:30 car, anyway. Sun. I do not know what is in store for me now but I know I'll be very tired. Oh yes, my Bro has a business engagement in San Jose and says he may want me to come with him. If I possibly can I'll be down either Sat. Eve. or Sun. some time before you have to go. Say Bessie I just happened to think you said you did not want to see me for some time so that you would not have to give me the letters. It seems as though you were going to get your wish, partly so anyway. You know you promised me you were going to give them to me without me having to ask you for them again. Of course I know you are true to your word, but I hardly think that you will want me to defer my coming any longer than I really have to on account of that will you? Well sweetheart it is 1:05 A.M. now …Love Jimmie
and I am very tired but feel quite well again and can work both brain & brawn so don't worry about me, will you? I got that get well Kiss the big one you know so nothing else matters, I will close with a big good night one. XX Your Loving Friend James U. P.S. Best wished for a Merry Xmas & a Happy & prosperous New Year. U
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Dec. 13, 1911, Wednesday Eve
Dear Little Bessie, Well I am up against it again Bessie, so will have to ask you to excuse a brief note as I do not want to disappoint you as I promised you I'd write so must write at least something anyway. I am going to Watsonville for a few days Sat. Write me a few lines so that I'll get it there Mon. A.M. Let me know what your folks decided to do about moving. Your letter was very interesting and I thought it quite a nice letter instead of the short one you said you thought it was. I have been more than busy again this week and I won't bore you telling you the many things I have had to do. But it has come to a show down now and I must get some sleep. I am sorry that I won't be here to get you the berries you wanted me to get for you. I could get you lots of nice ones as you know there are lots around here. That struck the old gentleman on the train rather funny, but you I guess could
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sympathize with the young people couldn't you? I am sure I could, a week is a long time sometimes you know Bessie. I am glad your father liked the razor. I was afraid it might not suit him. Yes, I quite agree with you I suppose it would seem rather strange to me if I and my sweetheart did not arrive home early in the morning from a Farmers Union time. I still have vivid in my memory the last one. You say in your letter you suppose I and my sweetheart will do so again this time. I rarely think of myself Bessie so a request to forget myself long enough to perform that little favor you ask is not necessary. I'll do it with Lester B. for you. Excuse haste etc. Your Loving Friend Jimmie
Dec. 19. 1911, Tues eve. 6:30 P.M. My Dear Little Friend, Well, Bessie here I am at home again. Just arrived. Found your letter right on top of the bunch of mail that accumulated in my absence at my desk. Not having rescinded my forward order at W'ville P.O. it was forwarded Mon. morn. before I called for it. Please excuse all mistakes and bum scrawl as my head is so full of so many things and the window keeps opening behind me and I am asked all kinds of questions so I am not altogether responsible now.
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Well I have read your very interesting letter over very carefully and I must explain to you in regard to your request. I am just as anxious to grant that as you are that I should, but listen; my Mother expects some guests here from the city, S.F. I mean and if they come I cannot get away. Fri. eve. is the meeting of the Local and installation of Officers so I must be there. I regard that as a duty to my fellow man. So now Bessie, the way the thing is, I'll come down Mon. eve, Xmas night and we will go to Campbell in case my Mother's guests do not come. At present it is very doubtful if they do. I sincerely hope they don't. I have to go to San Jose one day this week to do my Xmas shopping. I have not done that yet. I want to get that manicuring outfit for you you know too, as I can't get it in Los Gatos. So if it is at all within my power I'll be at your home Mon. eve and we will go to the dance. That is the very best I can say at present Bessie. I don't want you to put yourself out for me though but I cannot say for sure now. If I am not able to come I hope you won't be too disappointed as I'll come a night or so after. Bessie from what you tell me in regard to the bargain your folks have made I think they have made a home run , both in fact as well as the language of the diamond. From your description it must be a dandy sure. So many conveniences too. So don't get so upset about it for if you made as many, many U
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Dearest Bessie...
1911
sacrifices for your folks as I have for mine then I think you would be justified in going a night with only 1 hrs. sleep. When you are tempted to think that you are asked to do too much for your folks, especially your Mother just stop and think of a few of the things she has done for you, and I am sure it will help you a great deal. I have a lot of horses here now and colts that must be worked, as well as the many, many other duties that are before me this week so will be very, very busy. I am writing this note to you before my Bro. arrives home for when he comes we'll go through the other mail and other details we must arrange. I hear him coming up on the porch now so must close, hoping to be able to see you Mon. eve and wishing you and yours a merry Xmas and a Happy and very Prosperous New Year and I'll say Good Night. With Love & Best Wishes Your old Friend Jimmie U
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Dec. 27, 1911, Wednesday Dear Bessie, Well you observe the date above and you know why it is there. This is Sat. eve 10 P.M. I received your very interesting letter this evening and will hasten to reply so you may get it before your departure.
…Love Jimmie
Well I am surprised at Bill * I might say. Such a honeymoon. Well I guess I better not express myself further on paper I'll tell you when I see you. How did you sleep the next night in your bed? Yes I am sorry that you did not stay here. I could have accomplished much I am sure. I have sat at my desk here the last 2 nights till 7 hours of steady work had been put in. I am fairly well caught up on correspondence now. Last night I had to check up our bank acct. the 1 st of the year going over every check issued against C.H.P. † & Sons for the year to find out the exact bal. we have on hand to begin the new year with. It was quite a job. Tomorrow I get my trial balance for 12 mos. & open the books for 1912. I have written up the minutes of our last meeting tonight and now will have to open a new dues record for 1912. All names of members have to be transferred to new book. So you see Bessie it seems as though my work would never end. I note what you say about your Mother and I am sorry you did not accept my invitation. It rained all day the next day here too. Am glad that Bill and Annie are so pleased with their present. Hope they will use it for a Golden Wedding 50 years hence. TP
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*
Apparently Bessie’s brother, Marcel Johnson, born May 1891. He married Annie Paul Wetmore (known as “Sis”) on Dec. 27th. See Bessie’s diary below for her story of the wedding. It’s a mystery why Jimmie calls him “Bill”. † Charles Henry Porter, Jimmie’s father TP
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Between Cass and his hoss & Bill and his Annie and a few other little things your mother almost has her hands full I think. Many thanks for the very pretty cards you sent me. I'll try and get somewhere where I can get one for you. I mailed you 4 copies of the "Los Gatos Mail" thinking you would want them and have one extra one at home here I'll save for you. Saw Mr. Wetmore Fri. in town said he did not know where the couple were. Had not seen hide nor hair of them since they were married. Said he was just in and bought 6 copies of The Mail and Mrs. W. accused me of putting in the dope. Said he had offered to let them live where he is living now but as yet they have given him no answer. Said he was about broke now but did not expect to remain so. He did not tell me not to repeat what he said, but if you do I'd rather you would not use my name or say where you got your information. He had just got out of the dentist chair where had had all his teeth out. His mouth was bleeding fearfully. Must close now & bid you Good night. Sincerely Jimmie
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James Underhill Porter Abt 1913
Dearest Bessie...
1911
P.S. No. 2. Best wishes for New Year
P.S. Am enclosing one of my personal cards you asked me for one time.
? From Bessie’s Diary Dec. 25, 1911 School closed for a two weeks vacation. We had a beautiful Christmas tree at school which was loaded with presents. We ended with a nice program. Christmas night I attended the Campbell dance with Jimmie Porter. Dec 27, 1911 My brother Marcel aged 20 has set sails upon the Matrimonial Sea. He was married at high noon today to a Miss Annie Paul Wetmore of Los Gatos. The old Gibson Homestead at Cupertino, the former home of the bride’s mother was the scene of the happy event. The ceremony was performed out of doors under a large pepper tree and it was raining, the same tree where the bride’s mother was married twenty years ago. They were married by Mr. Coleman of San Jose. Annie was attired in white satin. Marcel wore the conventional black. Following the ceremony an elaborate wedding dinner was served. Marcel and Annie got their share of old shoes and rice.
…Love Jimmie
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1911
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Marcel Johnson and Annie Paul Wetmore Johnson (“Sis”) “…set sails on the Matrimonial Sea.”
Dearest Bessie...
1911
‌Love Jimmie
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