Handsboro May 17^th 1864

 

            You see that my promise is not forgotten dear Irwin. no, far from it I can scarcely quit scribbling long enough to attend to my duties. but I fear that if I continue to write you will become negligent and say well I can hear from Jennie without writing so what's the use of being regular. Oh! for the news. I am to be married to Lieut Wilkenson in a few weeks now. Irwin my dear don't get jealous for I have only seen that gentleman twice since you left once at church across the house & yesterday on the street he riding in style (in a cart) and I walking, he very kindly offered me a seat but as I did not accept of course we parked & are to tie the hymeneal knot. / one move Handsboro would sink the Confederacy; what would the good people here do if 'twas not for Jennie one B[?] on whom they can to vent their spleen?

 

            We have heard so many reports, none reliable, as to where the 4^th will be sent. first to fort Ganes then, to Camp Moore. how I long for the mail to come that we may know certainly. Went to the P.O. Saturday not expecting a letter but returned terribly disappointed because there was none. Is there a good dentist in Mobile? Please write immediately & let me know. I do not wish to let Mr. Graves try his skill on my teeth. there tis a splendid excuse.

 

            You can not possibly imagine the loneliness of H. especially with me what would I do were we married 'twould be unsupportable. I never loved before, have imagined my heart / wounded several times but there never was such an aching void as now. I read those precious lines over every day & kiss your photograph morn, noon, & night. You have no idea what a comfort it is to me.

 

"The orange trees are in bloom" Irwin but tis so late I fear we will have but few oranges maybe we had best take the flowers "for a wreath". Aunt and I are invited out to spend the day with Mrs. Cowen and as I have to go to Mrs. Flemings first must close Aunt sends much love. My love is all yours so I cannot send it tell Miss Lizzie she must take very good care of you. Good bye, Write very often & long letters if you can spare the time but if not I will take & be glad to get a few lines

                                                                       

Your acidulated Jennie 

 

have not heard from Anola yet, she promised to write so I shall look for a letter from her tomorrow.

 Jennie

SOURCES