So. Groton, June 19, '61

 

Dear Friend John

                                    I received your letter about a week since, and was very happy to hear from you but I hardly accept your apology for not having written before I think you need make no excuses in regard to "ability for letter writing", for I believe it is generally conceded that you are a good letter writer. let that suffice, you know I'm no flatterer.

 

            Mrs Haynes has been quite sick. She is now getting better, but does not feel like writing much, so I thought I would write to let you know the reason she did not. We are getting along pretty comfortably although the cry is 'hard times' / We have none of us suffered as yet. We are so glad you are all coming home when your term is out, although there will be nothing to do here. I hope you will come if you only stay till the hot weather is over.

 

            There seems to be nothing new or interesting at present to write I dont go from home enough to get the news. I have not been to the Division since the time you was there and I was called out.

 

            It has seemed to be failing but of late it seems more prosperous

 

                                    Oh this is the most charming moonlight evening

 

If this does not remind one of the absent loved ones, the "shrouded and the lowly" there's nothing in nature that can. How the light clouds as they seem chasing each other / across the moon's broad face, remind us of the bright visions and dreams of youth,—alas! as quickly fled,—

 

                                    Have you ever fell in with the Third Maine Regiment? I have a brother-in-law in that, B. S. Kelly 1 Lieut Co. K. I have not heard a word from them since they arrived at Washington

 

                                    The girls here are all awaiting, with fluttering hearts, the arrival of their Sougers. poor things! I hope they will none of them be disappointed. I think of nothing more to write tonight.

 

            I think you will have no scruples about answering this letter. I fear it will prove an uninteresting epistle Remember me to Charlie

                                                                                   

Yours truly

R. B. S. /

 

Dear Brother, I have been quite sick. was not able to sit up any for a whole week, but I am better now so that I do my work, by going to bed every afternoon, to rest. I have 5 boarders have had six. they are shop hands all but one, George Goulding. We are impatient for the time to come for you to come home, although it is very dull and might give you the blues, but you must come and stay awhile if you enlist again. every body says O shant I be glad when they get home. I think it very remarkable, that you have all been so healthy. I've no doubt there would have been more sickness among you had you been at home. truly God has watched over you, as he ever will. please write. your Sister Verta

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