The Shasta courier., 1855-03-31
Letter from Phebe.
WHISKY CREEK. March "a, 1855


DEAR BfccA-Your very kind and afectionate
epistle Of Feb. 23d. addressed to me through the
Courier, was only received on the 2lst inst,
therefore hasten to reply, lest you might inter-
pret my silence as declining further intimacy
am too much delighted to find congenial
spirit of my own sex. into whose willing ear
can pour the many little chit-chats of the day
and the greater perplexities of life, and from
whose willing pen and converse l can draw the
balm of consolation and advice, to refuse your
proffer of friendship. Whatsoever ye would
that others should do unto you, do you even so
unto them," will apply in pure friendship.
Dear Becca, let us lay aside all formality and
allow the native feelings of our rustic natures to
ed by the glittering vagaries that put on moon
shine splendor over the garb of friendship, rem
dering it perhaps more pleasing to the eye but
of less worth TO the heart of those that seek for
solidiiy in the unwavering confidence of perma-
nent friendship. Let us try to talk as we feel,
to let our effusion flow unchecked in its own
channel, controlled only by the nimbleness Of
our pens In this way we can mutually aid
each other in neutralizing the effects of the bad
habts and loose morals of California, and in at
tanning the highest need Of praise as deserving
wives.
Mrs. Swishem, the able editress of the Pitts
burg Visitor. formerly gave girls some most ex-
cellent advice in regard to performing well their
duties when they should become wives; and
acting upon this, found my principle OF mana
ging, or, as you have so strong detestation OF
that word, will say method. l perfectly agree
with you that love should be the predominant
principle-but even this needs method. There
must be method in the performance OF all the
duties of the married life, or we will soon sink
the high and holy relations of man aud wife into
that OF mere intimate friendship Our husbands
may have an evanescent love for us, but that will
not retain them by our side when pleasure is to
be fnnrd elsewhere. Love is a very forbearing
and foreiving spirit, but if the husband finds
hairs in his biscuit, cickenlracks in the bnt er,
a dish cloth in the coffee pot, greasy, ragged
dress and uncombed head at dinner and the
buttons always off his shirts, will he not prefer
a wife with little "meihod," though she be
second Zantippel In short everything should
be done by method, from putting every pot in
lis right place to having dinner precisely at noon,
if we would retain and constantly increase the
alteration with which we first inspired our dear
husbands. Your mamma might also have added
to her teachings, that complaining women"
were apt to be slouens, and ready retailers of
scandal. regardless on whom it might fall
There are some churlish and uncultivaed ma
lures VINO look upon woman as a mere automa
ton, and frown at every attempt at publicity. l
confess with shame that have strong fears that
you know who's of this class, for. since my
former letter addressed to you, he is always
sneering about Lucy Stone, Rev. Miss Brown &
Co., and l suspect him of OBTAINING a copy of
your last, as he said, that for two weeks, there
was not copy of the Courier" TO be had in
Shasta.
You do great injustice. my dear Becca. to my
friends, the Know Nothings. Permit me to ill.,
troduce you to few of them, two Boslonized
sons from the Gem of the Sea-" two Badgers,
Wolverine, and New York Yankee. They are
most Hospitality received by Nick (not tile old
gent with the elongated hoot, but the host Of the
Four Mile House,, and his estimable lady. with
every mark of respect and should you and Viii
liam drop in some pleasant Sunday, you would
be convinced that their g connubialisni" is easi-
ly satia,ed with oysters and chickens.
Having already. dear Becca, exceeded my al
Iotted space. must close. heartily reciprocatng
Your desire for more intimate friendship.
Au Revoir, PHOEBE.