Oct 23 Thursday 1862

 

My dear Cyrus,

                        I cant tell you how sorry I was to hear from your letter that you were so sick. how I wish I could take care of you, though I am not much of a nurse It is too bad you dont get my letters, I have sent four or five, beside this—one with my photograph in, they would be a great comfort to you when you are ill among strangers. Be as careful of yourself as you can, for you can imagine how anxious we are about you. One year ago tomorrow our little Leigh died, gone to be an angel, happy forever, God grant / she may be found worthy, through Jesus' atoning blood, to join him in heaven.

 

            I suppose you want to know all the news, but I dont know of any, since I wrote last Sunday and hope you have got that letter before this. Did Charley Osborn bring you a letter. I gave it to Richard Atwell & he said if he did not go where you were he would give it to Charley—I have never seen him to ask if he did. The boys have their new clothes done, & look nice, are to have their pictures taken soon. Emma & Lizzie have got back from Edinburg. E—is going to knit you some mittens, you wont want a finger on them like the privates will you? (I gave Atwell the cook book & letter paper too)

 

            I went out today & cleaned / out the strawberry bed as well as I could, it was rather more than the boys could manage, from being neglected, it was probably not done by rule, as it was new business for me. Did not you tell me to get the coal of Welch? I am waiting for Matt to pay me, as I don't like to get trusted so much & nobody has paid me any thing yet. The bin is ready for the coal.

 

            We are all suffering from heavy colds, sore lips, noses &c—Matt has knit me a hood brown with blue edge.

 

Everybody (most) asks me, if you are going to resign & come home. I would like to see you as well as you would me, but I cant say I want you to come back right away, as it would please the busy bodies too well—but if you / are going to be sick, and can be of no use, by all means come home and recruit your health, some other opening may be found by that time. Did John Strong pay you ten dollars as Mrs Strong says & she wants a receipt—please send it & I will hand it to her.

 

            Well it is getting late and I must close, if I could just say good night to you. write as often as you can & I will do the same. the folks send their love & sympathy.

                                                                                                           

Your loving true wife

Hattie—

 

I let Wallie have my pen holder to take to school & have not got another yet.

 

Did you take your valise with you? blanket—&c—write

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