Nicholsville

May 12 1863

 

Dear Cousin Cyrus

                        I dont think I owe you a letter at this time, but I have such a good opportunity of sending one that I could hardly resist the inclination of writing you one more letter.

 

            I have just heard that you were going South, I would have loved to have seen you before starting but as that happy privilege was denied us we will have to resort to the pen, as our best friend, as the poet says 

 

Hearts commune and Friendships meet

Talking through the vocal sheet

Where the ready pen hath traced

Kindred thought in lines of grace

Pictures pure in forms of gold

That live—when hand and heart are cold

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I have been very busy for some time past teaching in the city of Nicholsville and have had a very pleasant time so far—and have only one objection to my school, it is too large Some visitors wanted to know the other day if I called out my classes in companies or battalions but I have such a nice school house—situated in the loveliest grove. it is much nicer here than at Buford—and if all my friends were as well situated as I am I would be a very / very happy girl this summer. Oh! Cyrus wont we be thankful when we are allowed to meet and clasp hands and look into each others eyes once more. I want you to take good care of yourself—for many persons lose their lives by useless exposure—and & that we will meet again. So far, a kind providence has spared all of our relatives that have gone into this war—and I feel almost certain that you will all return. "Oh that will be Joyful Joyful Joyful Joyful" But I must tell you how all the rest are getting along. I was at home last sabbath and found all well. the children are the sweetest little things and just as full of fun as they can be. Oh how I wish you could see them. Frank / is now teaching in the country about one mile from town. she boards at home. Brutus left for Washington last week. He didn't know how long he would remain. Father and Mother are both well. And now my good cousin I have written you a long letter and I trust you will not neglect answering soon. Oh if you only knew how anxious we are to hear from our absent friends you would leave no letter unanswered. And now that you are going further away we will look still more earnestly for word from you. take good care of yourself and see that [?] does the same and be sure to answer this soon

 

Direct to Bethel Your boy Teck

 

[front margin upside down]

 

Uncle Zack, Jim, and Anna were at our house last week on their way to Indiana. I didn't get to see them. Give my love to Allie Vanander

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