Stafford Court House V^a

April 25^th 1863

 

My dear Theo.

                        I haven't written you a letter, all to yourself, for a good while, but all my letters are intended for all the inmates of our family. I address you in particular this time for I have something in particular, to say to you in particular.

 

            In the first place, you must know that this is Saturday night, and we are ordered to move at daybreak on Monday next. So, as I may not have a chance to write you for some time to come, I want to say one or two things to you, as from brother to brother. The possibility that I may never see you face to face again, will give to what I have to say an importance which it would not otherwise have. It is all suggested by a single sentence in Father's letter of April 21^st which was received to-night. After saying that you were at work in the Armory, he adds, "I take much comfort in my children". What a glorious / thing that is for a father to say in his old age, of his children—and when we have so poorly deserved it! Now Toad (if you allow yourself to be called by that name) you are the only boy at home, all your big brothers are away, and it remains for you to enjoy the whole pleasure of being with your parents, and showing them day by day what filial gratitude means, and what a solid comfort a dutiful son can be. I envy you your position now. You are supporting yourself, and I am very willing to believe that by a life of regular habits and morality you are giving Father and Mother hopes that you will be an honor to them. Let us all make it our aim to do credit to our friends in whatever position we may be. Let them never be ashamed of us. While you are a Gunmaker, be a good steady workman, who as W^m P. Greene had it, is "not ashamed of the trade", and be ashamed of nothing except what is unfit for a gentleman. Be very careful of your associates, wont you? You will be judged by them. But I need not specify further. Every inducement urges / you to continued industry and regularity

 

            As we are about to enter on a Summer campaign down here in Virginia, I shall be here and there, and not be able to write you for many weeks—perhaps never again. And my parting word to you is "Honor your father and your Mother"—This includes every thing that is good and noble in a young man. I charge you, my dear brother, by the love you bear me, and by our the common love we owe our dear parents, that in my absence you prove yourself a comfort to those who protected us in infancy, and watched over us with kindest care in advancing years. Let no deed of yours ever make them blush for you. I promise you that, on my part, I will endeavor to be equally absent faithful where I am. Theo, I trust you—Do not forget me and what I have said—And now, Good Bye. May God bless you and all our family, and bring us together above, as we never shall be on earth. With much love, and a great interest in your prosperity.

 

Your aff brother

Charlie—

 

[overleaf]

 

Cha^s to Theodore

1863

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