[Letter from Emma Davis to John C. Brewer, March 16, 1879] Page: 1 of 6 (Transcription)

and can't control yourself." If I have said any thing I ought not to have said, please excuse it as I was fighting for friends. They all around here try to aggravate me about you but they fail completely. Elbert Black says he doesn't know which I like the best, Floyd or Johnie, but believe it is Johnie. Well, as you undertook to tire me with the second sheet and failed, I'll try the same trick.

March 16th, 1879

Mr. J. C. Brewer
Ever dear friend,

Not being able to attend church this morning, I deem it a favorable opportunity of responding to your (as I have said before) ever will be and most interesting letter. I am un- able to find words to express the value I place on your always good, kind and priceless gems. For indeed I do consider and prize them all as precious jewels. It may sound very strange to call a letter a gem or jewel, but still that is the most appropriate name I can find for yours. What ought to be valued more than a real true friend? They are hard to find in