Home March 29th 65
Dearest Friend:
Yours ever welcome of the 19th inst came to me yesterday morning. I was so very glad to hear from you again as I had made up my mind that I would not have another letter till after the battle. Your dear welcome letters comfort and cheer me, as I think of you so far away in the midst of danger. you cannot imagine my feelings about the time of an engagement with the rebel hordes. Will: I have not time this morning to do justice to your interesting letter, but will write a short letter, and write again soon. I wanted to write to you last evening but was prevented again by company, Mell Brewer & Clara Eckman are here. there were others here to spend the evening. Last evening the grand event in the history of Aby Gabinsk— / Less Case life took place, in the form of a wedding. they had a brilliant party but your friend was not a participant in the festivities of this evening. You know Ab and I have not been on very intimate terms. I would not expect an invitation but I do earnestly hope that she will be blest with one of the best husbands, and that fortune will lavish her smiles upon them in the form of love money and all good things. Lyle & Harve were there. I dressed Lyles head and put her nice things on for her and then introduced her to Harve as his bride.
Lt C. and his wife have come back they had been at Danville one week. Free says I shall tell you that he was very sick indeed so sick that he applied for ten more days to stay home in. he is a great fellow but can't vie with my Lt in any sense of the word. Will: I think I still remember the night in the cellar kitchen / I too remember of your being blind-folded. you wouldn't catch me, do you know Coz.
And you thought it impossible for Lieut to be married in this home excursion. Well I was a little astonished but have gotten over it now. I wish them all the love cupid has in store for those who have felt his darts, and the happiest life ever.
I observe Huldah is exceedingly proud of her cousin, well she cannot possibly be mistaken for I too am proud of him don't you believe it? Tis nothing new or singular to hear that Baty F received the praise of the Officers. The papers are always full of encomiums for the 2nd Corps. Campbell says he would like to have been there. he asked all about you. he was so anxious to know. he will start for the army next Thursday morning.
I pity that poor family of Chapels that you spoke of and think how ungrateful we are who have not been left as they have been.
You asked me in yours of the 16th whether Aunt Huldas chicken coop had been robbed I don't know, only that we had plenty of soda biscuit and chicken, the robbers couldn't see Sageburg. well I weigh five lbs more than in the winter and dont know what to credit it to.
Lye, Harve and Hall, Meal, Sallie, Lyle Drimer and host of others too numerous to mention send their love to you.
I must now close and go to ironing I wish you were here to help. Lucy Brice is coming this week to see Becca. Col Sabin is home.
Do you know Lieut Runion from Danville and Lord Bower? We got the paper this morning it has an acct of the terrible battle on Saturday but says the fight at Hatchers run was not severe and Arty was not used. please write soon as you can if tis only a few words, I'm so uneasy about you till I hear more from you.
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Well my inquisitive friend, please tell me all I am just as willing to know all as you are, don't you think so? But I don't think I am sleepy this morning my paper is not ruled. I am ever yours, in love with affliction, affection, adversity, poverty or wealth. Laura
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P.S. I have written this on my old scrapbook on my lap by the window. I have forgotten I believe this old place looks worse than if it were infested with toads and snakes since the flood
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we will not move till next week Uncle Griers can't cross the river yet. I am going to spend this evening with Lieut Campbell and Jennie. I wish you were here too.
I have put one of those fancy girls which you sent me beside you on the first page of my album. the absent corner, or thinking of him. pretty nice I think