Sunday August 3'^d 1862

McLean Tompkins Co NY

 

Dear Cousin 'Willie'.

                                    I received both your letters, but did not answer the first just then, because I thought you had so many correspondence I would give you an opertunity to answer some of the rest, but if you will pardon the past neglect, I will do better in future. If you enjoy reading a letter from me as much as I do from you, it is certainly unkind in me not to ans. your letters immediately, for that is proof positive that you are still alive when a letter comes signed William C. I really hope it may be your good fortune not to be called into / action but it looks rather auspicious to see you called so near to the battle field.

 

We had news yesterday that there was a large English fleet landed on our shores, which caused quite a sensation here. that has been contradicted. should such a thing occur the spirit of the North would be roused to the highest pitch. There is quite a good deal of dissatisfaction at the north on account of McLellans movement. they distrust him very much whether they have reason to or not time will tell.

 

No doubt the recent defeat at Richmond will prolong the war. I pray the time will soon come when peace shall be proclaimed and when the question which has so long agitated the public mind / will be settled for all time I think it can only be accomplished by an entire abbolition of slavery. it does'nt seem right not to allow the colored people to assist our soldiers in doing such labor as seems necessary

 

            In your last letter you spoke of the weather being so warm in SC, we have had quite cool weather. till within a week past the weather had been rather warm. There is a prospect of pretty good crops now but every thing is late there were quite a good many cherries and we think there will be some peaches and a plenty of apples and a few plumbs I hope you will be here to help eat the apples next winter. / Mother says if you get wounded or sick come here, if you can, and she will help take care of you. I have'nt seen sarah since I wrote you before, but when we last heard they were all well. I have not heard from Jane in a long time we hear nothing from your people except what you write. we are all well here, as usual. I have been very buisy this summer serving but the hurry is over now and I can have a little rest. I went to church to day and heard an earnest prayer offered in behalf of the poor soldiers. no doubt there were many more offered that I did not hear. From Cousin

Mary

 

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Direct to Mary M Hurlbut, or Mrs if you choose they refuse to give me the letters directed to Miss Mary because they think it belongs to a young lady.

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