Handsboro Aug 18^th 1864

           

Dearest Irwin

                                    Yesterday did bring with it the joyful arrival, a letter from my only love but you speak of being sick would to God 'twas my privilege to come to you & prove by my attentions the devotion of the love I have heretofore only been able to give you only verbal assurances of. The letter seems to have been mailed at Montgomery surely you have not had to return to that horrid hospital. you must be more careful remember I've some interest in your welfare for my sake dearest run no greater risk from exposure than your duties require. I'm no longer the strong girl of yore though my weight does not decrease very rapidly just before I had the honor of forming your acquaintance my flesh amounted to 153 lbs. now 140 lbs. only thirteen less that's nothing this warm weather I could spare some twenty more very conveniently. though unable to take more than one or two turns on the gallery I rode nearly half a mile yesterday horseback & a mile in the buggy this morning but I cannot stand the exercise over wheels so returned home very sick 'tis now bed time but fearing I would not be able to perform my most loved task tomorrow I take advantage of the few easy moments to thank you for continuing to write though so long a time had elapsed without since one of my fascinating scrawls had been received. Speaking of our fright, When Lt. Kendall gets home I'll learn the tactics & policy of war from him but hope 'twill be needless to call in reinforcements when he is near. Your Mother told me that once she called on you to visit the upper story of your home in search of a supposed intruder & you positively declined the hope of renown and certain glory of dislodging the night visitor & permitted her to seek assistance of a negro boy. now that is splendid! didn't I laugh till I was completely tired out? Aug 19^th Well my love how are you this / morning, ready for a ride? I have to take one for exercise come go with me won't you? Your letter of the 16^th was nearly as long as some of mine I am glad to see that my scolding did some good. you say the cravats were perfect beauties just like Jennie you are a sad flatterer Irwin certainly you forget that I have a truthful mirror. I fear they are too short. tell me in your next the number of inches required in case I stumble on some suitable material. So you have the flower still, keep it dearest I am sometimes struck by various circumstances & did I not believe in an Almighty God would be a fatalist. Do you remember how often the first ring you put on with a wish used to come off? 'twas Lt. Comfort's this has never come off. Sis gave me one of the two you made for her. isn't she generous? "I be chairman"! for conscience sake Irwin what do you mean. excusey moi se-il-vous plait. sometime since I resigned that position & took a seat on your lap very well content with the exchange & hope you are equally so as 'twas not made without your consent I would not object to claiming it this morning for I need petting very much feeling as badly as possible Aunt says "Jennie, you must stop I know Irwin will excuse you if you let him you are not able to sit up any longer. Will you dearest? I'll make up for lost time as soon as my health will permit I don't tear off the other half of this sheet because it may do for you to make out reports on or perhaps you'll write more than one sheet to me. I suppose you have ere this received the photograph & tobacco pouch how much does the likeness resemble me? I flatter myself 'tis not near as pretty or sweet as the original. Good bye my love may God bless you Aunt & Laura send love. remember me to Willie & give my kind regards to enquiring friends. Love more than tongue can tell & a sweet sweet kiss yes, a hundred. Good bye

                       

Yours devotedly

Jennie

 

[cross written]

 

I hear that Miss Mollie Hempstead has been cashiered, you know she was teaching for Mr. Rutland. I believe twas some fuss about the children but am not certain. She has had her hair shingled & is a perfect fright. Short hair is quite the rage now, shall I follow suit? Good bye again.

Jennie

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