Stony Brooke Virginia

July 29^th 1864

 

My Dear Brother Doc:

                                                                                                            As I have an opportunety of answering your kind and lovely missive which came to hand some time ago and would have been answered ere this had not my visit to Petersburg hindered, what a nice time, Oh! most certainly I called on Cousen Fannie Hoy and Miss Mollie & you have no idea what a nice time Walter M and Uncle Fuller had. I met Cousin Croff there. he and his lovely wife seemed to be happy, although the war was going on, and shell was falling in the City every few minutes. none have struck the house as yet but have fallen all around the house the adjacent houses were all struck more or less / some shell have fallen on the yard

 

I am looking for the whole family out to night they are coming to stay until old [?] is fully convinced their farm is 4 miles from the creek. I think I can get to see them often. I think it will be nice what think you. Alf Tolleson is having a gay time, also Jim, but to day Capt James Tolleson is unwell, but not serious. John Owens is also enjoying himself. I am acquainted with a young lady that [?] Miss Ella [?]. she is coming out with Miss Jackson.

 

Afternoon: cloudy and warm all things are suffering for rain we do not get any vegetables all we have is bacon corn meet and sometimes [?] with bread [?] / spout as we all say. I am asked out to help eat watermellon, it will be very fast, if I get at all, Miss Anna Heath is the young lady that invited me up. I shall certainly go or burst—and I got the Carolina Spartan dated dated 21^st. Richard wrote that John W was to be married to Miss Mary Vernon on 25^th but I guess it was Richards foollishness. three cheers for you, Etta is the one for you take her for life. Fannie is also s nice piece. I have had four young ladies to send for me to come over that I am not acquainted with we had Battalion drill yesterday for the special benefit of the Misses Heath. / all [?] performed well I have not had a word from Dave since he left to take the remains of Capt. G. Wm Bost home I am anxious it is not worth my while to say I never get letters I do not get one once a month now I want you to write soon I believe you will write when you get ready anyway I saw the [?] SS all will [?] come back from the pits to Petersburg with me, and yet how come you see Miss Fannie [?] is now siting in the [?] looks well but I have never spoken to her How is Ella Boyd and is she good. why do you not write what the young ladies are all doing, where you saw them and who with I have just bought two dry apples /$1.00/ peaches are not fit to eat Bill Tolleson has gone to /

 

[top margin, upside down] Petersburg, Richmond. Alf Tolleson wishes to be remembered. are you and Cynthia well right now. Jno Daniel

 

My love to Cousin Laura & J. tell them I have written to both, love to Jas. W.

 

Crafford Hoy sends love to his family

SOURCES