Handsboro May 27^th 1864

 

Good morning my dear; a kiss if you please now put your arm around me no don't take my hand for that must be a substitute for my unruly member now talk to me What must you talk about? your self of course & then tell me how much you love me. Are you not most through studying? I cant stand it much longer for I do feel so anxious to know where you are & how long you are likely to remain there. I saw a piece in one of the Mobile papers relative to the La's in Gen Quarles Brigade petitioning, or rather lending a little advice, to be sent to Va. Do you really wish to go there? if so God grant you all success & may this arm be bared in your defence & when this cruel war is over may you be spared to return to the arms of the home circle and to a pair of arms in Handsboro outstreched / to receive you. But Irwin should it be the Holy will of God for us not to meet again on earth let us hope that there will be a home prepared for us above for in that

            "In that Heaven that bends above us

              I will claim thee yet as mine."

 

I need not tell you that my heart grows faint when I think of your going to Va the mails are so irregular & even the poor satisfaction of hearing from each other will be nearly denied us, but if you are anxious to go I will not be the one to throw the least hindrance in your way & if prayers will speed you thither you shall have mine.

 

            You gave yourself to your country before you asked me to be yours & if I had the power to detain you it would be taking what I had no right to. Go! my beloved where your country calls you & if you do not have an opportunity of writing waft me / a thought at twilight & I shall be waiting to receive it. Do you remember the path the mule would invariably turn to there it still wanders every evening.

 

            We are very much in need of rain here the sand & dust is nearly a foot deep. last evening it thundered & lightened clouds were black save in the East where it seemed some terrible fire was reflected on them & large drops of rain fell for about one minute. the wind rose in less than twenty minutes every cloud had vanished & the most beautiful, clear sky I ever saw extended over the whole horizon. let us hope the political will ere long be as clear as the heavenly. I am suffering with one of my headaches again & as Aunt Mary has gone out to spend the day I have no one to soothe the pain I will endeavour to finish this short / note & send it to the P.O. for I know you will expect a letter. I would not have told you how I was suffering but this is such & unconnected epistle as this deserves some apology. indeed Irwin I can scarcely see one line. I know you will forgive all mistakes. Irwin if you were here to kiss my forehead & say Jennie I love you & call me your darling I believe 'twould cure me. Aunt Mary sends love. All the love my hand is capable of feeling is yours. Good bye Irwin write when you can possibly to

                                                                                   

Your devoted

Jennie.

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