Boston Dec. 24^th 1861

 

Dear Ro^s

As there is nothing doing this afternoon I will answer your letter. I was writing Sunday and should have written to you that day but never once thought of it. Today we have our first snow to amount to anything. it looks quite homelike. Since my return things have been mooving along in about the usual way. I didn't get here as soon as I expected to you know. As it was it didn't matter much if I did lay round the Falls some five hours. We are doing but little the last half of this month. Tip trade won't be good the thing is settled up when that will be the D— only knows 

 

We are having quiet times generally. The theaters are open and doing a pretty good business. I haven't been since the afternoon I went with you. Ballou Society has commenced it meetings again. I have got to give a critics report next meeting.

 

Georgia has not gone to Buckfield yet. when she will go I cannot say, probably not till Bill gets paid off. I am hurrying her all I can but money is scarce. Aunt and the girls were in a week ago last Saturday to buy some cloaks &c., borrowed two dollars of me to get out home with which they were going to send me next day. I haven't seen it yet. It would be quite convenient as I have bills to pay and don't wish to draw till the first of the month. I don't see what they are coming to.

 

George wrote me last week, all well I have not heard from Abbie yet, expect a letter tonight. Don't you feel lone- / some when Saturday night comes? You must miss the Division much. What good times we could have this winter if we were only at home. But then there is something besides good times in this world. Is your Co. full? I am just as ready to go as I ever was though I have no idea of going. When mother says yes I am with you. guess I am safe enough, don't you? Fred has gone home, went down to spend Christmas. I don't know what I shall do, the store will be closed. Last year I was in Danvers. The Mason & Slidel affair is creating quite a talk just now. Capt. Wilkes made a mistake in not taking the Trent into port before a proper court, then we should have them sure. Now I am afraid there will be some trouble about fixing the thing. If the English government was so disposed the matter could be fixed easily / but if they wish to make trouble I fear they have a chance. They have done the same thing, still a naval officer has no legal right to say whether or not a passenger aboard a neutral vessel is his prisoner, he must take all and let the courts decide the matter, at least that what they say. And I don't know but what it's right. In case of a war with England and some other country we should not want English officers taking whoever they thought they had a right to, without saying anything to anyone. Of course all knew who Mason & Slidel were but still if England wants to make a fuss, she would have a pretext to do so unless we give them up. If we had no legal right to take them in this manner and England demands that they shall be given up, why do it but if we have hold on to them and we will have a third trial of strength with her. The report is that the English fleet is on its way to Boston Harbor. I guess it wont get here before morning. I hope you are well. I will try and give your next a little more time & close attention            Charles

 

[margin]          Write soon

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