Newark Dec 21./61.

 

Dear Friend Bill,

               My letters are alwayes commenced with an apology for my delay in writing but I will not fill half the sheat with excuses. But one thing I will say is, that the reason is, becaus, I have been expecting to go to Columbus to live, and have poot off writing till I should know where to tell you to direct your letter. But the expected letter has not yet come and I will not wate aney longer.

 

Brother David did write to me to come and sew for the souldiers, but I have not been accustom to siting all day. So I was afrad it would not agree with me as well as hous work. A friend of mine has promised to find me a plase to do chamber work or dining room work / and if she succeads I think I will go to Columbus this winter. I am geting a long very well where I am and can sta, but I think I shall like to change for this winter. Sister Jane is here still and at the same plase and likes it very much. She is lots of company for me. Our donation past off very pleasant. the hous was not crouded. She had a little over sixty dollars donation presented to her.

 

Mr Price of Utica is expected to Granville the first Sunday in January and I guess will visit Newark. we have no regular minister yet nor none in view

 

B—Daniel was here not long ago he said that all was well. I have not been up there since I should like very much to be at home when you make your visit and will try and be there If you let me know as I have no time set for a visit yet but can go I think most any time that the roads are good We have had splended weather here so far or during this month, but I am a frade it is all over with now. It is snowing and raining and freesing to day 

 

            There is to be a donation for the Methodist minister next Tuesday eve but I am not cirtain that I will go. Christmas is nearly here and I will wish you a merry one so as to be in time, and a happy Newyears

 

Our camp is geting along nice there is I think eight hunderd there now, a good many are sick with the measels at present, but are well taken care off by the Ladies of Newark. I do not blame you for wishing to protect our Flag and country, but still I hate to have my friends go as much hardships have to be enduerd and the wickedness that you will be exposed to dailey, so that it cannot be pleasant there is a friend of mine here now from camp he looks very well I have been up at camp twise and it is laughable to see the men wash dishes and cook My western friends, Mrs Stone, have not forgoten me yet they are still writing for me to come back to Iowa. Us girls are still having some sport even if all the boys have gon to war

 

well I must close my letter I find the / sheat full. I still have the pleasure of saying that my health is good and hope that these will find you the same I expect I will likley hear from you again before I leave Newark as there is no cirtainty of my going I wish to be rememberd to all the folks most affectionately. Write soon

 

            pleas excuse all errors in writing and except

 

Jane sends love                                              

Compliments of Lib Lewis

 

"A little word in kindness spoken

            A motion or a tear

Has often healed the heart that's broken

            And made a friend sincere.

"A word a look has crushed to earth

            Full many a budding flower,

Which had a smile but owned its birth

            Would bless life darkest hour."

"Then think it not an idle thing

            A pleasant word to speak.

The fase you wear the thoughts you bring

            A heart may heal or brake

 

I guess it will take you a long time to read this as I have filled the sheat

 

So good by from Lib

SOURCES