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Traverse City, Mich. Aug. 4th 1934

Dear Miss Taft:

Max and Hazel was here last night and Max wanted to know about the pitch fork deal. Art Gillmore his own brother told it to us in the presence of our own family. I'm sorry I told you about it and never would have mentioned it to you if I had of thot you would go back to Max and make trouble for me. I never slept last night after they were here. Miss Taft I have to live in this community all the year around not six weeks during the Summer Joe & I have heard lots of things. Max Also thinks we are after a job from you they never need to worry we have our own home and have never given a thought about leaving it. And as for Roger he has a good position and among very nice people.

Neighbors told us a lot of things that has been said about us where they get their informaiton I don't know.

I always considered I was a friend of yours both Joseph & I tried to give you good honest & faithful service when we say that we couldn't do justice to both your farm & ours we were honest enough to quit. I think if you inquire you will find the Kitchen name is as clean as any Gillmore.

And from now on no matter what takes place on your farm or to your animals, I will never have any thing more to say. There are some things we know to be facts but from now on Essie has no interest in other peoples welfare.

I'm sure we have never even hinted for a job. Max says you told him that you heard we wanted to come back. Who ever says those things is certainly very wrong.

Joseph I have been here a good many years and outside of Ralph this is the first time we have ever had any trouble and wouldn't have had this time If I hadn't of thought I was right in telling you this.

Ask Lardies Canning Co. how I tried to help you out. And I guess this is my reward.

All I can say is that I'm sorry for what happend and please tell Max for us that we don't want his job or never have. I wouldn't leave my dear little home for their place or any other like it we are very happy here & have good neighbors ane clean associates for Hazel.

I can't yet understand why you would turn against us as you have and get me into this mess. I certainly have never did this to you Miss Taft. It hurts me terriably to think Max & Hazel will tell this all over.

Essie