Auburndale Sept. 15/1863

 

My Dear Emelia.

                                    This evening I have learned that your husband has been taken home and it is with a feeling of deep sadness for you that I write to you, who probably will be surprised to hear from me. I have been thinking over the 'long ago's' to us and I find I do not change in my friendship for those with whom I have been connected in teaching, and although time and other ties have prevented me from knowing much of them still in my heart, away down, I find there is just as warm a glow & just as much love as I once felt for them. You and George were among that number. / Very many times I have wondered where you were and what you were doing, and if George remembered his old nurse.

 

Oh how I wish I could have been with you in this last sickness, as I was in the one he had at Walpole. It seems to me that I regret it very much because I feel as if I might have done him some good, just said one little word of comfort. He was a great favorite of mine a noble hearted boy with many beautiful traits and I loved him very much. Now that he is taken from you and that all your plans are changed, now that affliction has come so heavily to you, I would offer my heart felt sympathy.

 

It is a great comfort to know when our dear ones are taken / from us that they are in the hands of a loving Father and that He in his own good time will take us to be with them.

 

This war has made sad havoc everywhere. In almost every home it is felt. My husband's sister lost her husband at Newbern and my husband's health has been very poor in consequence of exposure in the army. So it has come to us and in a measure we can tell of your sufferings.

 

I hope I may see you sometime. I will send this to Miss Gates to deliver and my dear friend remember you have a friend in me one who will often think of you; and if it is in my power to assist you in any way, would be happy to do so. Remember too that you have a Friend "who sticketh closer than a brother", and who will sustain / you through life's journey.

 

With much love from my husband and myself, and a kiss for the little ones

 

I remain as ever

Your friend

Elisa G. Washburn

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