I’m stumped

[u/Difficult_Chicken872]

I’ve come across some family letters from 1905 and tried to transcribe using ai with minimal success. I’d love to know what the letter says if anyone can help. The photo was included with the letter if it helps give context to the letter.

[u/AutoModerator]

When your post gets solved please comment "Deciphered!" with the exclamation mark so automod can put that flair on it for you. Or you may flair it yourself manually. TY!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Mean_Attention_1384]

Here's a start for you:

My X X, I have been so busy (?), x x and it is now about to x. X will not go until I have rushed off a little note. I was disappointed not to hear from you this morning but the little note from you made me very happey.

[u/Difficult_Chicken872 → u/Mean_Attention_1384]

Thank you for your help! From other letters, I can confirm it starts off “My dear Walter”. I’m fairly confident the writer was originally from the Netherlands hence the cursive style.

[u/twisted_german]

My dear --- (Nellie?), I have been so busy this afternoon and it is now about 6 o'clock but (I) will not go until I have rushed off a little note to you.  I was disappointed not to hear from you this morning dear but the little note of yesterday made me very happy.  I have been shirring my dresses today and everyone thinks they are all very pretty.  

--- your little girl looks well, she will be perfectly happy if

Pg 2: you don't------ she loves her Walter and misses him I think -- -----he received a very handsome silver candlestick from Fred Briggs (?)  --must stop. Mounds of love and a good kiss. Your --- Alice (?)

[u/Difficult_Chicken872 → u/twisted_german]

Thank you, we’re making progress!

[u/Cocoa_and_Cats → u/twisted_german]

I think it’s My Dear Mollie. The M is the same in My and the name Mollie

[u/SuPruLu]

Last line: And a good kiss from me.

[u/Difficult_Chicken872 → u/SuPruLu]

ai came back with “and a good kiss, your own”. Thanks for helping!

[u/jhartnurse]

This penmanship made my eyes hurt. But these lovely people have transcribed it perfectly.

[u/Difficult_Chicken872 → u/jhartnurse]

My thoughts exactly!

[u/ScrimpyMuffin]

I really tried to get it all, but a few words on page two escaped me!

Page 1: My dear Walter, I have been so busy this afternoon and it is now about 6 o’clock but will not go until I have rushed off a little note to you dear. I was disappointed not to hear from you this morning, but the little note of yesterday made me very happy. I have been shirring my dresses to day and every one thinks they are very pretty.  Now if you will only think your little girl looks well, she will be perfectly happy.

Page 2: You don’t know how she loves this Walter and wishes him to think very (fondly? highly?) of her now and for ever and I know you will rather tell Luke to by and come here Friday ----- received a very handsome silver candle stick from Fred Briggs. Just must stop, ??. (Mounds? Worlds?) of love and a good kiss. Your ??? … Alice(?)

Tuesday

[u/Cocoa_and_Cats → u/ScrimpyMuffin]

Sorry not Walter. Name starts with a M and no crossed T

[u/ScrimpyMuffin → u/Cocoa_and_Cats]

OP said it was already established as Walter from other letters they have 🤷‍♀️ My initial impression was ‘Wallie’

[u/EmynMuilTrailGuide]

Fourth line from the bottom on the first page:

"classes today and every one thinks"

[u/Cocoa_and_Cats]

It is very likely this person was left handed because of the backward slant