Mollie E. Bowen to Francis C. Miller, 18 May 1864
                                                                                                Johnstown May 18th 1864
                                                                                                            Wednesday Morning
 
My Soldier Friend Frank.
                                    This lovely morning beams out in beautiful contrast with the many gloomy ones we have had for some time past.
 
But then when I think of how refreshing this rain is to those who are lying on the field covered with wounds and gory blood, I feel that I cannot complain of the gloom here.
 
While you were writing on Sabbath afternoon, it was also raining here, and I was sitting conversing with a wounded officer—Maj. A. J. Bolles—and listening to accounts of the life he led/while in “Sibly,” where he was taken in December 1862 from the battle of Fredericksburg—the same battle at which my brother-in-law was lost.
 
So you think of travelling, I shall look for long letters from the “Sandwich islands” after you sail, if we do not pick a quarrel before then, or some fair lass does not capture you.
 
You had better guard your heart well, for “we girls” are sly creatures.
 
Your photo pleased me very much—thank you for it. I had no difficulty in recognizing it from its resemblance to the other. I like its appearance better as you do not look as stern in it. Anna says it looks more like you. As you were so free in stating your age, I will be equally free, although young ladies are generally expected to be/inclined to go around the matter a little.
 
            I am 21 years-7 months, and 15 days old today. soon be an “old maid,” wont I? I will have to be looking around if I get married when I am 22, as I always told Mother I would. I heard that I was married on last Friday evening, but as I cannot find out to whom it was, I am strongly inclined to disbelieve it. Georgia Smith says she dont believe it, as I was with her all the evening.
 
I have not received the paper yet, but expect I will this morning. I am again attending school, and will have to study pretty hard this summer. I have only a short distance to go, as the school this session is just down by the river bank, on this side the river.
 
With many kind wishes for your present & eternall welfare, I am as ever your
                                                                                                            friend Mollie E. B.
1196
DATABASE CONTENT
(1196)DL0170.08420Letters1864-05-18

Letter From Mollie E. Bowen, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, May 18, 1864, to Sergeant Francis C. Miller, 50th New York Engineers, Washington, D.C.; Accompanied by Cover


Tags: Battle of Fredericksburg, Death (Military), Marriages, Nature, Photographs, School/Education, Weather

People - Records: 2

  • (476) [recipient] ~ Miller, Francis Carpenter
  • (482) [writer] ~ Bowen, Mollie E. ~ Pike, Mollie

Places - Records: 2

  • (75) [destination] ~ Washington, DC
  • (284) [origination] ~ Johnstown, Cambria County, Pennsylvania

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SOURCES

Mollie E. Bowen to Francis C. Miller, 18 May 1864, DL0170.084