Berlin March 13/62

 

            Dear Sister Fannie

                                    Your letter was received the first of the week. it must have been delayed, owing no doubt to the badness of the roads. I am at last in B_ again, although I had quite a serious time getting here. I came down last week friday just after that severe storm. the roads were quite bad but we met with no serious accident. came very near turning over several times. Court was in session when got here, so I immediately entered upon my duties. it seemes like home here in the office surrounded as I am by old musty law books. I have learned to love them dearly they seem like old friends /

 

We had a great military parade last sunday in this City. one of the members of the Berlin Light Guards who are now on the Potomac was sent home a corpse and was buryed with military honor. it was a grand and solemn sight. the soldiers all marched with arms reversed, the band played a mournful tune, which imparted to the scene an air of grand solemnity.

 

            Well I declare it has been three days since I commenced this letter and not finished yet, but Fannie I have been so busy during that time that I have scarcely had time to turn around in. I have been out of the office so long that a great deal of work has accumilated.

 

            Then you have had a visit from your friend Jennie, have you, you probably / enjoyed it very well. I dont believe that I could part with that Lake although you can tell Miss Jennie that if I conclude to sell it she shall have the first chance of buying it, that is the best I can do at present.

 

            I guess that you were right when you thought that Miss Julia Cowles sent me that Valentine. it looked very much like her hand writing. I understand that she is rather down on me lately. I dont know why she should be I am sure. I will show you the Valentine sometime when you come to Berlin. Has Mr Cadwell returned from Washington yet, or has he concluded to stay there and and help fight the Rebels when they take the City I should like to go there and see the sights, but I guess that I shall have to wait until next week.

 

Are you going to stay at home this / summer or do you intend to go out and teach the young ideas how to shoot. I think that the Ladies have the worst time in the whole year to teach. the idea of being shut up in doors when every thing is so pleasant and inviting without it seems would be horrible to think of. I should like it exceedingly well if I could attend your sings. nothing would give me more pleasure. there would be no danger of your keeping me at singing to long to suit me for I love it dearley does Mr Brooker lead your choir now. as I am writing a friend has come in and is playing on my guitar and plays very well. Fanny you will please excuse this letter wont you I know it will be so very dry, but if I should wait until I could write another I dont know when you would hear from me, so please pardon this and I will try and do better next time. But I see that I must close please give my regards to all your people, not forgetting your friend Jennie whom I suppose I can count as one of my friends from your letter. and now Fannie good by please write soon and a good long letter and believe me as ever your sincere friend

                                                                                                            Frank M Guernsey

SOURCES