New Orleans

June 14^th 1861

 

My Dear Ellen

                        I have commited that Duncan shall be the bearer of this note

 

            It adds an other pang to those which the unhappy condition of our country have brought upon me, that our relations with you should have experienced any disturbance and that we are not / in a condition to see you, cherish you, and to receive you as our own. I had looked forward to this season as the time when your engagement with Duncan would have been consummated by marriage. I regarded the engagement with approbation & should have hailed the marriage with joy

 

                        Calamity has fallen upon the land, & I, perhaps as little as any one, but I have not escaped unvisited. My domestic arrangements have to / be made anew & my premises have to be changed from their former locality to this place

 

            So long as the war continues prudence forbids me to make other than temporary & provisional engagements. We are unsettled, and in that word something of anxiety, surprise, inconvenience is included The war too, has made its claim upon one member of my family It may come to include others,—Should you join our household you will have to share our / wo as well as our weal

 

            I have counselled Duncan to submit the questions involved in considerations I have hinted at, to your parents & yourself & to accede to that judgement that you may make

 

            If you shall conclude to defer your marriage I shall be entirely satisfied Should you consummate it, be assured that you will be received by me with fondness & affection

 

Very affectionately

Yours

  J A Campbell

 

Miss Ellen       Calvert                                                          

                        Maryland

SOURCES