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She discusses serious illness with Porter Shine in this letter, that she believes to be life threatening, but he lives two more years after this letter.

The most important thing in this letter is in the PS.  She mentions that “one of Uncle William Hammond's granddaughters” wanted a photo of Mama.  This William Hammond is Martha Hammond Shine’s brother.  It is this William Hammond whose name is listed on the historical marker in front of the Oaky Streak Methodist Church, along with James Williams Shine Jr, and donors of the land.  If a photo was sent to her, it is the only photo we know of that may still exist.

Transcription:

(Little punctuation used.  Periods seem to be used for commas sometimes.)

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Oaky Streak. Ala.
Mch 19th 1893.

My Dear Sister & Niece.

Your more than welcome letter was received a few days ago and tis needless to say we were glad to hear from you again.  I am so glad you all are well for good health is the greatest blessing on earth.  I am sorry to say that our poor old Papa is suffering a great deal and has been for the last four weeks.  he is better and worse all the time.  some days he can sit up a good deal and others he can't be up at all.  We fear he cannot live

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through the spring.  Suber & family came down yesterday to spend some time with him he has a great deal of company last Sunday there was only 25 here to dinner and 27 in the evening and there has been 12 here today up to this time (one oclock).  he thinks he is feeling a little better today.  Well Essie you spoke of the pretty flowers that you found.  I havnt been able to go out to look for flowers or any thing else but have a few very pretty annuals in our garden.  it is so cold here we cant have anything.  we had a heavy frost and ice plenty of it this morning.  our garden is a significant failure I planted in January but the seed did not do any thing.  I have

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planted again and the seed are just up expect they will all get killed I have 24 little chicks and five more hens setting I want you all to write as often as possible.  I am kept so busy I dont have time to write and I am the only dependence to do the writing.  when I have time to write I am so tired I cant think of anything of interest like I am today.  You all must pray for us often.  I will close Gussie is now ready to go to the office.  Yours Lovingly

Queenie.

P.S.  Tell Aunt Bettie Ma got a letter from one of Uncle William Hammonds granddaughters yesterday.  she wants a picture of ma & Aunt Bettie.  they live at Geneva. Ala