Mobile, June 30^th 1864.

 

My Dear Brother,

                        I was not at home when your letter of the 15^th inst. arrived, having gone to Point Clear a day or two before. Mother sent it to the boat at once, but owing to neglect on the part of those who went to the boat I did not receive it until the next evening (the 23^d) I should have answered it immediately, but my paper had given out & as I intended to return to Mobile in so short a while did not send for any more. I had only been home a few minutes (yesterday) when your affectionate letter of 23^d inst was brought to me. I will reply to both at once. I found three letters awaiting my arrival, & then received other three; was I not / fortunate? One was from Sister Anola in which she informed me that my letter contained the latest news that she had had from Brother. She is very much hurt at your silence. I will quote from her letter "I really think he has treated me badly nay cruelly. I have had but one short letter since we parted nearly two months ago & what I have suffered from honestly none but the all seeing eye of God will ever know. I should not complain did I not know that he is daily nay even hourly exposed to the ruthless fire of a vandal foe but knowing this, I think it a cruel thing to neglect me." She wrote from Handsboro but told me to address her at Ocean Springs from which I infer that she had returned home ere "that / Jennie" sent me her love & wished me to write to her. I really do not know how to begin or what to write about. "Sister A", says, "She is not pretty but very very tolerable (You agree with her in this, do you not); she says "tell Sister Lizzie that I should like to have one of her photographs if she does not think me too presumptious." I want to know all about Jennie yet do not know what questions to propound. I will write to "Sister A" & give her the desired information concerning the dentist; I will gladly go with Jennie wherever she may wish to go. I am glad that you told her where to find me, as she might stay in Mobile for an indefinite period & I am unacquainted with the fact. Tell her when you write that I am at her service. When does she think of coming? I am almost crazy to see her. / I have seen none of the Holts for some time. Mr. Murray went to the Point the evening before I came up. We were all surprised to see him able to walk, even with crutches. he was severely wounded; the ball passed through the body & fell into his boot. The surgeon said 'twas a miracle that he was not killed. He looks rather pale but well & has an excellenty appetite. I will enclose an envelope & some paper as I know it must be  exceedingly difficult for you to procure any in the army & as I can get at an ink stand much more conveniently than you, will direct to myself. I want you to send my paper back well filled & as soon as possible, do you hear, my dear brother? I look anxiously for a letter all the time & if I do not /

 

[cross written]

 

get one from some of you, or hear that you are all well every day, I am perfectly miserable & imagine all sorts of things. I do not envy you your walk up the mountain. I am so anxious about you all, & have been since I saw by the paper that Loring's Corps participated in the fight of the 27^th inst. I do hope that I may soon get the joyful intelligence that you are safe & well.

 

I have promised to spend some time with Aunt Sallie & will go up I think on Monday; as it will be very inconvenient for Mother to send my letters out to me, I think it best to direct to Mr. Walker's care, at least while I am out there. Aunt Sallie was here this morning & sends her kindest regards. Mother sends her love. 

 

I weighed yesterday & how much do you suppose I weigh? Why only 105 lbs. The graduates at the high school received their diplomas today. Ella Fisher was one of the class. I have not yet told you how I enjoyed my visit to the Point. I spent a most delightful time, Mr & Mrs B were as kind as they could possibly be. Aurelia Wheeler lives down there & we went fishing, rowing, bathing, blackberrying & walking. There were so few persons at the Point that we did not feel compelled to dress a great deal & rarely put on any thing finer than a calico dress & it was with regret that we returned to the hot & dusty city. Write to me as soon as you can & whenever you have time my brother. Accept much very much love from 

 

Your Affectionate

"Sister".

 

Friday July 1^st             Your note of the 27^th ult. has just been received. My dear brother, it will be no trouble to send the carpet-bag & will do so tomorrow as 'tis too late to attend to it to-day. I am glad that you are well. Remember me to your brother, although we are unacquainted may God bless & protect you my dear brother. Write soon. I have just received Lt. Jeter's letter under date 27^th ult.; will answer immediately. Remember me to Lt. D. & Capt Cornelius—

SOURCES