New Berne N. C.

                                                                                                Friday March 20^th 1863

 

My Very Dear Wife—

                                    I received yours of the 11^th inst last night about 10 o’clock I also received one from Mary of the same date at the same time—

 

            I was very sorry to hear that you had another cold. You will need to be very carefull during the spring weather about getting cold. I am glad that you have been able to make so long a visit in Marlboro, and from what I hear I think there is not much danger of making them “twice glad.” they have seemed to enjoy your visits very much.

 

I am sorry that the storm prevented your hearing my Sabbath School letter read. I should like to have had your opinion of it./

 

I do not think, as you say Mrs Smiley does, that my being away made any difference in the action of the town. I do not see why they wouldn’t have been just as likely to have adopted the new plan if I had been there. If it was to be adopted I am glad I was not there as it would have been rather embarasing to have been voted out while I was there waiting to go on.

 

            I have no plan beyond my time of service here. I haven’t the least idea what I shall do if permitted to come home. I do not give myself any anxiety about it atall. Some way always has been provided for me and some way will be opened for me now.

 

It is very gratifying to be remembered so affectionately as I seem to be in Marlboro. I never expect to have my lot cast among another people who will be so kind to me as the people of Marlboro have been./

 

I am sorry that the [?]tion is causing Mr Anthony’s people trouble I do not believe that the things will be much harmed. I wouldn’t worry about them. I shall feel anxious to hear from their child again. I hope it will be better soon.

 

From what you wrote me I judge that Mary is to have the offer of her old school again. I am glad of that although I do not know as she will feel like taking it again.

 

I am glad that you made Mrs Boyd a good visit. I should have felt sorry to have had you leave Marlboro without going there.

 

I presume you are now at Father’s at least I am thinking of you as there and Eddie too. I should rather enjoy coming in without knocking as I have done so many times/ and surprise you all. But that cannot be. I think you were quite brave to stay away from Edwin so long. I guess you were glad to see him when you did I hope you will have as pleasant visits in S. as you have had in M.

 

How do people about there feel about the conscription law. Does it frighten them any? I am glad I came when I did as I would much rather come as a volunteer than as a conscript.

 

I do not think it right to let them off by paying $300. It is making all the work come upon the poor. That sum is nothing for a rich man to pay. Except that faction like the bill very much.

 

It is a wild stormy day. The rain comes down in torrents. I suppose it is our equinoxial storm.

 

I am glad for your sake that the winter is so nearly past as you enjoy warm weather so much the best.

 

I have not seen Mr Hastings for a few days the last I did see of him he was well.

 

I have written to Mr Goodall and to Mary by this mail. I want to get time to write one or two more.

 

I do not think of anything in particular that I care to have you send if you and Sarah send a box. Only be careful not to put in what will not keep as you know it is getting to be warm weather. Do not put yourself to any trouble about it as I am not very particular about it

 

With ever so much love

                                    your     Charles

 

[front margin] D. Cook of Chilford was in the office this afternoon. I had quite a talk with him He is out here to see his son who is in the 25^th Reg. He came in with Mr James. It was pleasant to see some one from so near home

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