New Market Aug 6^th 1865

 

Dear Absent brother,

                                    It has been some time since I wrote you last, yet you owe me a letter now. I have written you a number of times and received no answer and at last came to the unpleasant conclusion that you did not wish to hear from me, but you wrote a letter to Myra and I a few weeks ago and today I will answer hoping to receive a reply from you. I do not know why you do not care to write me, have I offended you? if I have it was done through ignorance and not intended I assure you. I have / always tryed to treat you as I would an own brother, have felt a deep interest in your wellfare, and looked forward to your return with feelings of pleasure. I have always thought of you as a dear brother, and I thank you for the many kind letters which I have received from you. I think you wrote Myra that you was "not so very particular" about hearing from me. if that is so and if you really do not wish to hear from me, please say so and you shall be troubled no longer with my letters, but enough of this. I am sorry you are not coming home this month as we have been expecting all along since you went into the Army but you will come "one of these days" I suppose. do you have any warm weather out with you? it has been exceedingly warm here the past week. Myra and I went to Lowell and spent a week the first of July had a very nice time, saw many of my old friends and school-mates. 'tis seven years since I was there and attended / school, how many changes have taken place since then, but this world is full of changes, we must expect them.

 

Myra got a letter from Mother a few days since and she thinks some of not keeping house this winter but go to Lowell and stop with Adeline (rather a poor plan I think) and she wants Myra and I to come home and have a rest before she goes which will be early this Fall if she does go, consequently we intend to go in two weeks. I dont know how long we shall remain at home not long however I dont expect. it does not seem like home there now or anywhere else, since Father died and our old home was sold.

 

Is your health good this Summer brother mine is quite good have had a pretty bad cold but have got about well of that now. It is nice and cool to-day I hope it will continue so all the week. O Thom your picture which you sent Myra is a spleanded looking one, you have sent her three Photegrapts and have never sent me one. I have been coaxing her to give me one of those you have sent / but she will not, so if I get one you will have to send it to me. I will inclose you one of mine which I had taken last May or June. it is not a good one but you know homely folks dont have good pictures, but may I not expect yours in return?

 

            But I must close now. will you not write soon as convenant, and remember me ever as your true friend and sister

                                                            Alice

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