Cromwell Ct. Feb 2^nd 1863        

        

My dear son Francis

                                    Yours of the 25^th inst. was received Friday. Last evening I was unable to write, and today feel hardly able to sit up; but I know you will expect a letter about such a time, & will be disappointed if you dont receive one. I attended church yesterday rode down in the morning with Mr Hobson Hubbard who attends the Methodist church. At noon rode down home with Mrs Brooks, at night, every body seemed full, and I walked up as far as Dea. Stevens in the wet, with out rubbers. it seemed as if I could never get there. She saw me coming, came out, & told me I must come in (which I was going to do), & Jimmie should harness up "Kate", and bring me home, which he did, but my previous walk has so overdone me, that I have not got over it, & fear I shant very soon. Your Father has not yet got able to go out, and I did not like to have the care of the horse, but I shant go on uncertainties again very soon. Your Father's boil, & carbuncle are the same. It is almost four weeks since it commenced, and it is still very bad; discharges a great deal. He feels pretty well now. We had letters from George & Loomis last week. George is still in Washington, not very sick, but quite weak. 

 

Loomis letter was written the 12^th. They were then preparing to leave but as you probably know, their plan was defeated by the storm. We received the package ($40) last Wed. It was so long that we almost thought we should never get it. Gustavus Root brought it here. He staid here Monday night the first night that we have had any body stay here overnight since you went away. Mrs Hubbard was here Sat. she came to tell us that she had recd a letter from Jerry said he wrote that they were very sorry to part with George, said he was the best hearted fellow he ever saw. We are very glad to hear such good reports of him. Dwight Ely, son of Mr Ely, who lives near Mrs. Dea. Sage, died Saturday. his funeral is to be attended in our church Wed. The parents have now but one child remaining, Giles, about your age. I did not recollect but that Sean Allison had his appointment before you left Mr Gleason Jane's husband is Capt. of a Co. in the same Regt. (24^th) you probably know that they are in the Banks expedition They hear from them frequently but the letters are a long time in getting here. Esq. Tyler called here a week ago today. The court sets again this week, but he says he shall have the case put over is not ready yet. thinks best for your Father to petition to have it all set back. I wish it could come on now, and we could know where we are. I must close, & get my letter down to Mr Allison's for Maggie to carry to the P.O. You dont go to Pittsburg do you? Love to your cousin's family.

                                                                                   

Your affectionate Mother

F. S. Palmer

SOURCES