Beaufort, S.C. June 24^th 1861

 

Dear Sister Smith

                                    We received your very kind letter several weeks ago but have failed to reply till now.

 

We have no good excuse to make; nothing but sheer neglect; and to neglect you in any respect, we acknowledge deep ingratitude; but we hope you will kindly forgive us our sin.

 

In your epistle, you informed us that John Wesley was in Charleston or, about there

 

We could but sympathise with you, for we know you were much distressed But we soon saw that Col Custis' regiment was moved to Florence; and hoped you might be much relieved But when we learned they had gone to Virginia, we could but feel sorrowful believing your distress would be great; we take it for granted that John Wesley is gone to Virginia, as his regiment is gone.

 

Well John Wesley is a child of many, / many prayers, prayed for both by his Father and Mother before he was born and from his birth daily by both parents, while both lived, and though his father has gone to reap his reward on high, no doubt you his Mother daily and nightly and almost hourly besiege the throne of "Grace" for him

 

Shall these prayers be lost, shall they be disregarded by the King of heaven I trust not; never, never, never. We are tolerably well, Julia it is true however, is complaining considerably. The health of this place is good at present, though the weather is extremely hot for the last few days

 

Crops have begun to suffer on account of the dry weather, but we had some rain last night, and now hope we may soon get a season

 

Religiously every thing is at low ebb here, the war absorbs every other interest, however I must say our planters are attending to their planting interests, and we think this needful now if it ever was. 

 

Mitty says tell Aunt Mit that she is well and sewing making Mother a cup towel and when she gets that done she will learn her lesson; the [?] loses much time nursing Bliny, her pet chicken

 

Sister Smith when you get this letter please write soon, not like we have done Remember us to Sousan, Mary Jane and Cathrine. Inform us if Jno. W. Mr D M^cLeod, J. Peterkin &c have gone to Virginia.

 

Julia wishes to know, where Sousan Mary and Margret Peterkin are

 

She also wishes very especially to be remembered to M^rs Lane and M^rs John and M^rs McLeod.

 

Please remember us all to our friends up there

 

May heavens choice blessings rest upon you and yours

                                                                                               

Israel P. and Julia A Hughes

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