Nashville, March 29/64

 

My dear brother.

                                    Your’s of the 19^th is received. It seems really hard to think, that after so much slaveing & building up a business, to give it up; but on weighing the matter in my mind, I reason away many objections and concluded, that if you can make a Nett Cash Sale of it (without making well by it, you would not do it), it would after all not be a very bad move,—where so many chances exist to renew business in a better locality. I crave the opportunity to ask some questions verbally,—to do it in this manner, would be useless where it takes so long to get a reply. I must therefore content myself to hope, you will be cautious, keep a cool, calculating head and if you do sell out, do it to some advantage.—

 

I have enquired as to the mode of procuring a situation for you and am ready to bring all my biggest guns to bear, in obtaining a place for you right in this town, where we can once more be together. The Salarys paid are from $1000⁰ to $1500⁰ a year for experienced druggists and that you/of course, are.—Hospitals are not allowed citizen employees,—but Medical Purveyors are and they need help, I understand. I wait further developments before saying anything more about it;—when you get ready, I shall want you to run down here at any rate and will send you a pass at any time.

 

            Capt. Isom is now North,—but will return in a few days with his newly gained wife.—He promised to give me a furlough on his return, but place no reliance on it and make no calculations on account of it.—In a letter from Sarah of the 22^d I learn of your brief visit to see her that day, as also the sad errant that brought you to Chicago.—It is indeed a heavy trial to Mrs. Conant, to loose, as it were, the last pledge of love from her sainted husband; I deeply feel for her in her hour of tribulation and hope, she will feel herself sustained by God’s Power. While it is a loss to her,—the child and its earthly father are the gainers;—how easy it is to see the sunny side of others trials,—while passing through our own, we cannot even see the silver lining of the passing cloud!—Extend my heartiest sympathies to Mrs. Conant in her bereavement.—

 

            Thanks to sister Lona for her interresting letter, and am glad to know from herself of better health.—

 

            This has been a raw, cold, most disagreeable day. Vegetation thrives but poorly,—yet the Peach Trees are blossomi blossoming and a few early vegetables are appearing in the market.

 

            Let me hear from you soon.—It would afford me the greatest happiness to meet with you,—if not in Rockford,—I see a hope, it will be in Nashville;—freed from business, a trip to the South and this vast depot of army and army Stores will prove of benefit and interest to you.

 

                        Good bye.—

                                                Your affectionate brother

                                                                        Edward

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