The transcription is below, along with the original images.

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Sunday night, May 6, ’63

My dear Claiborne,

I was so disappointed that you didn’t get in the reunion yesterday. I waited until after 11 to start the service, hoping that you’d get there. The day was so pretty. I’m just afraid that you were not able to make it. We had the best reunion that we have had. It was the 8th reunion and had more of the kin than we have ever had. Had you been there, I am sure that you would have been proud! Some different ones than usual - people from the other reunion - together from two different places in Calif. Then from Washington DC, Fla. Mobile, Gulfport, N.O., Jackson, My nephew Sidney Simpson from San Jose, Calif. Flew from there on Friday and my nephew Brant from Prentiss had him here yesterday. I talked with Richard Hall, who owns 240 acres in the Anderson Worthy land, and…

McDonald Hall of Prentiss, met Sidney yesterday morning and we visited the McDonalds near Collins. Do you remember that Mattie Carla said “She’d like a talk when we ate our dinner.” Fannie’s mother, Mrs. McClenny, Sammie McDonald’s widow was with us. She died 2 months ago. Carla’s family were at the reunion yesterday and she gave me a picture with her & Carla were standing. I appreciate this.

McDonald Hall brought me home from the McDonalds and got Sidney’s baggage. Sidney was in later MO & couldn’t get to Hattiesburg today. I was to go to Hattiesburg today. I was to go to Prentiss on the bus in the morning and Sidney said I was to visit Lucy Dunham in Shields tomorrow and go to see you too in Lexington. My friends that yesterday are too much for me. My pants leak right and left from this new wound excision on my arm road. Not able to go tomorrow. I did so want to see you & your dear Sidney, my sister Annie’s son. He paid $43.00 for round trip by plane, & intend to return…

…with him until Friday. It was such a fine chance for me to visit you and Lucy. He seems not making this trip. So I guess this will be our last chance we’ll have to see you in this world.

The crowd was pleased with my sermon yesterday, and one man said it was the best sermon they ever heard - Guess I’ll have to preach it at the McDonald reunion 1st Sunday in Sept. and hope that you may hear it then.

John is gradually getting better. Can walk with someone by him, he’s talking is better but he cannot run right away yet. Of course, Annie Senior could not go and learn him yesterday. John Jr. was at Ole Miss.

Annie Harris has been honored by being asked to lead the Board of Trustees in “Wildcat.” It’s a delay that Penny let pass on your house last week. John had his first sale. I saw it twice. She was in time and it’s on the exam. Willie’s wife’s parents were sick and she couldn’t have them. So Will & I had Sidney visit us.

Just wanted to pray ???, Love Gus.

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