Bel Air, June 6^th 1864

 

I do not think you expect an answer to your letter, although you ask for one. And perhaps I ought not to write at least so says strict propriety and etiquette. My head urges one thing, and my heart another, with the strange inconsistency of human (perhaps I should say Woman nature) I yield to the latter and write. You are indeed a rara avis in the history of man-kind, for you remembered the last face you met for six hours after parting. Bye the bye you are very flattering. you say, you were "fool enough not to forget me" indeed I almost think it would be more complimentary to be forgotten if to remember me is folly but / I will be vain enough to believe that a slip of the pen.

 

Yes the incidents of our meeting seem to me thinking of them now like the bright visions of a dream except that unlike a dream their remembrance does not fade. at times I am tempted to believe it all a myth, then I look at the faded little rose bud laid over your note and convince myself 'tis one of lifes most delightful realities albeit such realities are like angel visits.

 

I wish I knew your candid opinion of me. Will you remembering that "An honest man's the noblest work of God" tell it me in your next letter? I have been half afraid you might think me my favorite abomination a fast woman. if I have / been so unfortunate as to bring upon myself that suspicion please dismiss it at once. if you ever know me better, you will prove its falsity. I will tell you why I write to you. I generally act from first impressions and when I first saw you, first spoke to you I—but no—I will not tell you the rest; not caring to flatter your vanity (of which, being a man, of course you have a full share) suffice it, I have written to you because I couldn't help it. Lieut. Harris alias Leland (Harris being his nom de plume) accompanied me to Augusta. I dare say he was very agreeable, but I was too stupid to discover it, being intensely tired, and worn out by my long journey. I know he succeeded in keeping me awake all night. / for which I was not very grateful.

 

            Do tell me at what point near Dallas our Army is in line of battle. You know in our flight I passed through that part of the country little dreaming my feet were pressing ground that might one day be historic, rendered sacred by the blood of martyrs.

 

            I know I have offended all stereotyped ideas and customs in thus writing you upon so brief an acquaintance. Do you remember a sage piece of advice that you delivered to me in Atlanta like a grave and reverend mentor? "Never trust a man until he proves himself worthy of confidence". I think I told you my age and knowledge of man-kind forbade. in your /    [cross-written]

 

case I have transgressed this rule, but I will not have to regret it, will I?—No—I do not think you "a rashly impudent fellow", but if you were not yourself, theres no telling what I might think. I have chatted away four pages, scarcely realizing that I have never before written you a line, but you will not misunderstand me^(?). Good bye, with the earnest hope that you may be shielded in the coming battle, and win deathless laurels

                                                                                   

I remain very truly

Annie E Ford

 

Care Mrs E. E. Ford. Bel-Air near Augusta Ga.

 

Please excuse the blot in the first page I did not notice it until I had finished my letter.

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