Camp near Dover Del.

May 14 1865

 

Dear Dot.

                                    I have been waiting for an answer to my last letter before writing to you again, and this morning was regaled with two epistles, one of which was written by you in answer to my first and has gone the rounds to Washington, then to Wilmington and thence to Dover. All remains quiet here, the weather is charming, the camp is in splendid condition, the good Union folks are very attentive, the ladies are very kind, and our "Machine" is running capitally. You say you may be here on Wednesday. I trust I may not be disappointed, as I have calculated upon your visit so much, and so many of the ladies wish to see you. I think you and Mrs Haddock could spend a few days most delightfully. The town of Dover is rather uninteresting but the air is invigorating. I am going in this morning to secure a room in case you arrive. I do not wish to take you to the Hotel, as I do not fancy it would be pleasant. Too many secesh. You would be surprised to know the intense feeling that divides the two parties here. In order to understand the feeling somewhat I must give you some account of our good friends. Chief Justice Harrington is one of the sound men. He is a thorough Unionist. We have named our camp after him, "Camp Harrington". He has quite a large family, one of whom is in the naval service / on the "Monongahela" and is acquainted with Uriel Buchler. There are two daughters, one a very fashionable though very pleasant young lady "Miss Lydia", and one Miss "Helen" about sixteen, a nice little girl and a great friend of mine, because I am married. These young ladies have taken such a decided stand, that they have driven almost all the young men from the house. They are a very intelligent people. The brother lawyer here, Richard, a very pleasant fellow stumped the state at 14 years of age. I know you would like them. Then we have a Miss Murphy whose father is a chaplain in the U.S. Army, a Miss Norris who lives near our camp a lively pleasant girl, and a Miss Woodhall whose brother is Colonel of a Delaware Regiment and of good repute. Two Misses Cannon whose father is a brother of the deceased Governor, and a few smaller fry of not much account. These young ladies are delighted to have us around, to crow of the Secessionist ladies. They come to our camp almost every day and keep our tents filled with flowers. They are very kind and I trust would be very attentive to you and would make your time pass pleasantly. We have one consolation, the first people of the State are our friends. The rest we care but little about. I find Miss Amegy does not stand well on account of her Secesh proclivities. She is a very pleasant girl, but I guess a little flighty. She lives with Mrs Ridgely in a very fine house near the Capitol. The young Union ladies are delighted with us and tickled to bits to have us visit them. Should you conclude to visit us you and / your friends will be lions of the first magnitude. I do so hope you will be here on Wednesday or Thursday next. Do not delay it Dear, as I shall be so proud to have you with me. My mind is so fixed up this that I cannot give it up. I know you will enjoy a few days here so much. We are the recipients of so many favors, that all I ask is, that you should share them. Our Sutler has a nice Germantown wagon, which I could get at any time, and Frank is a capital fellow in harness. He is proving himself to be a jewel. But never mind Mrs. Haddock if she cannot make it convenient to come with you. You will find it very nice without any companion though I would prefer your having one. I would like you to send word when you are coming so I could meet you at the depot as it is some 2 miles from camp. Do not give this up dear for I have so set my heart upon it. You cannot imagine how anxious I am about it. I am truly pleased to hear you are all so well. The children bless them I hope will continue so. I am afraid you do not spank them sufficiently. Make them behave themselves. Tell Mine if she thinks I am not a good lover to try me once. Does she want me to be billing and cooing around all the time. I have not yet received any letter from her yet, although I should be so pleased to have one. She better pay me the one she owes me, than be finding fault with my style of letter writing. 

 

I am inclined to think that grand scare about burning churches &c. was a humbug. Or was there something in it? Very queer how it was discovered. But I must go on Inspection in a few minutes and must close. I expect to hear from you to day or tomorrow. In the meantime take good care of yourself and let me hear from you as often as possible. Give my love to all the household, Mother Uncle Hen and Mine. Kindest remembrances to all good friends. Kiss little ones over and over for me and believe me to be as ever

                                                                                   

Yours devotedly

Andy

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