Maine. Aug. 22^ond 1864.

 

Dear Russ

                        Your welcome letter of the 14^th reached me on the 20^th. I had begun to fear that I should not hear from you that week, as one of our neighbors, who frequently brings our letters and papers, had been down to Maine, and did not bring it. But finally it came, and you may be sure that it was read with pleasure. I am glad that my letter afforded you so much satisfaction. You have probably received another of the 15^th inst. I cannot tell you, dear Russ, how glad I am to hear from you so often, and to know how that you are well and happy. You had, then, just thirteen months more to serve your country. But does the three years of service date from the time you enlisted, or from the time that you were mustered in to the service? / I never knew precisely when you enlisted, whether it was before Charlie enlisted, or after, but it appears from your letter that it was after. It will be two years next Friday the 26^th inst. since Charlie enlisted I most earnestly hope that you will both be spared to serve the entire three years, if your services are needed for that length of time, and that you will return safely to your friends. My health is still improving. I have been out to the woods near here this forenoon and picked a quart or over of blackberries. This is the third day that I have gone 'berrying' and I am very much pleased and thankful that I can go without being exhausted by the exertion. I went first last Thursday, again on Saturday, and today, and am drying what I get for the soldiers. Perhaps you will laugh at this. It will not do much good, but it will do a little, and that is all I expect. I want to do something for my country. You speak in your letter / of your childhood home and of the happy days that you spent there. I have often thought that I would like to know something about your early life. where you spent your childhood, and how long you had been in the South, when I saw you. Will you please tell me when you write? My present home is the only home I ever had and I do not think that I was ever out of New York State. It makes me feel sad to think of going home in the fall and finding Miss so feeble. If she could be well and Charlie could be home from the army I would be so glad. But this cannot be at present, and we must receive all things alike with a thankful heart, whether blessings or afflictions, for the Judge of all the earth does right. I think of you very very often, dear Russ, and hope that I may see you again when your term of service expires. I take a great deal of pleasure in writing to you, and in receiving letters from you, but I would much rather see you than to write or receive letters from you. I am glad to know that Charlie is enjoying usual good health, and hope that he and you are both well and happy today. There is an account in the Tribune of the 20^th of the rain in Petersburgh on the 16^th and of the drowning of fourteen soldiers! I am very sorry to read such news. I hope that you did not suffer from the rain. Capt. Schutt I hope is able to command his company again, and that he will not be sick any more. The most sickly season of the year I hope is now past. I am anxious to hear of some victory which may lead to peace. The news from Mobile is very encouraging. We will try to hope for the best about the war. but, as you say, the prospect seems to indicate that it will last longer than we supposed when you was at my home last winter. But I have no fears concerning the result. My friends here are all enjoying usual health, as far as I know. I am at Aunt Emily's today. We are not in Broome Co, but in Tioga Co., but the boundary line between the two counties is but a short distance east of us. I did not know until I came here, that my Aunts lived in Tioga Co. I am certainly getting stronger, and do not think that I shall have to write again to you, as I did in my letter of the 29^th ult. I will try to be more careful of myself, and take all the exercise that I can without taking too much. I will try to be contented and happy, and hope this may find you the same. Goodbye, dear Russ. May God bless you. I am, Your True and Affectionate Friend Euphemia O. Gillet.

 

To R. F. Wright.

 

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I am glad that Miles has been to see Charlie and that he seemed to be well. Do you know where his Reg't is stationed? I had not heard from him directly in some time.

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