Old Point Comfort Va.

September 11. 1864

 

My Dear Anderson,

                        I received your notes, sent me while I was in Holliston, and the one detailing the fact that I was not to see you in New York, occased me very much regret. I staid in Boston after I saw you until Monday afternoon, when I went to my sister, entirely used up. I had a severe "chill" as soon as I got there and had them every other day, until I started to return here, and that day I had one in the cars going to Providence, which was a "double-ender", worse than anything I had had before. I got into New York, feeling—well. I don't suppose I can tell a martyr to the complaint, like yourself, much about it—but, I did feel awful. I did not expect to stay down here so long without anything of the kind and then have it, on going North. I staid in New York until Monday night, when I took the cars for Baltimore. Mr. Bowles was the only acquaintance that I saw while in N.Y. I kept very quiet while there, for I did not feel able to go around any. Mr. Bowles / is doing first rate. I presume you see him frequently as he said he went to Lowell quite often.

 

I arrived here on time, and was glad enough to get back. I saw no place that looked so inviting to me as Old Point Comfort. I began to feel well immediately on arriving, and in a few days was as well as usual. I suppose I am stuck with the "fever and ague" though, and am soon in full sympathy with you. I feel it every time the weather changes, but don't come down as flat as I did at home. It floors me for about two days, when it has so far succumbed to quinine. I have been very busy indeed since I came back, more so than ever before. I have bought me a set of Horse Equipments, and ride in the saddle an hour or two most every day. I generally go in the morning. I wish you were here to go with me. Lt. Coburn is on duty at Norfolk, and is over here generally, about once a week. His health is rather poor. Carney has been promoted to the rank of Major, and is an Aid-de-Camp on General Butlers Staff. He is very efficient and quite a favorite with the General. He is General Superintendent of Negro Affairs throughout the Department. / Major Weymouth is Provost Marshal at Portsmouth, Va. and is very much liked.

 

I see Ward Six is out of the draft. I think you must be glad of that. I heard from you at the Hamilton Camp Meeting. Did you experience any change in consequence? I am very anxious to hear from you, and to get your usual chapter of "locals" in and about the City Hotel. I wish to know about Alice and Mr. Reed, and Josie and the rest of them. Please remember me to them, and give my regard to Mr. & Mrs. Tucker and Dora. Privately, I think now I shall visit you again in October. Do you hear from Varnum? Have you seen the Chapter on "Presentation Day" at Yale, in Sept. No. of Harpers? Is your pocketbook getting filled, under the additional tarriff, in fees, and have you moved your office? Has Squire Stackpole got married again.

Have the kindness to give the enclosed "Cocked Hat" to Alice, and write me at your earliest convenience.

                                                                                   

Yours truly but in haste,

Selwyn E. Bickford.

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