7^th Street Wharf

Washington D.C.

March 4^th 1865

                                                                                                            Respected Lady

You said not wait 2 minuets after recieveing yours before I answerd it but I guess it has bin rather more than 2 minuets for I was about an hour in town after recieving it and now am about 2 or three. But if you are as prompt evory time as I am I will excuse you for your delayence. But dont wait any longer than that. I will now say I have bin to town to day an saw the inauguration & saw Our Good & Honest Old Abe Lincoln / sworn in for president & our Governer for 4 years longer he made a verry short speech but what the was of it he fatched out a standing—Please dont take any bad meaning to that but take me as I mean & not as I say. I should have said Permanent. the was a great many thousand people turned out to see & hear his adress and this evening the doors are open at the white hous to all who wish to visit him. But I am writing instead of going so you se I think as much or more of some one else than I do of him. But he is an Honorable honest and well read man But I spect I never will be as smart 

 

Mary you know what you spoke of about 5 nights where wer you the 22 of Feb the night of the 22 I had a terrible dream about you. But they say its best to always take them contrary to the Dream. I have it coppyed off as near as I can remember and will send it to you just for greens. Mary I dont you to work out this summer but if you are bound to of course you will have your own way about it But I rather send you some money than to have you try to work as your health is so poor. now stay at home & if you want any money I can send you some in a short time. You know whats the matter well as I do. 

 

Mary time passes away verry slow since I came back. I think faster than it youst to while in the service & do you know the reason. I guess but time is but a dream. But if you wer onley here I could say something to you that I never did yet Mary But how are you letters and Aunt & Drawers &c I think they are trying to flatter me a little if I am allowed to express my sentiments Mary I wish you had done what you spoke of about going to Washington and came along with me for I could enjoy your good company Yes Dear Mary I think as I say here I will close & you dont forget to write where you were the 22 of last month its late I close with a kiss to all who desire one

 

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