Washington Bks D.C.

Dec 28^th 1884

 

My dear Net

                        I have been intending for some time to write you, but have delayed for various and sundry reasons. Emily sent you a picture of herself several months since, and has since frequently wondered whether you received it or not. She sent it at my solicitation as I thought you might be pleased to have it. If you have received it can you not write a few lines on a postal card acknowledging the fact? I am very much afraid / that your health still continues bad, and that you are but little disposed to writing as well as every other effort. I am very sorry that matrimony has been so unfavorable to your health, yet I still hope that your ailments are, or were, only temporary, for matrimony is undoubtedly our natural condition, and there is nothing in it inconsistent with general good health, however frequently temporary disorders may appear and disappear,—Of course always supposing that the general rules of health are observed—It is very gratifying to me to know that your husband is so devoted and attentive to your wants. This behavior on his part must encourage and brighten you up a great deal, however much your physical sufferings may be. I hope you thoroughly appreciate his kindness and do your utmost to reciprocate it. I say this for I know how difficult it sometimes is, when one is in ill health, to be sweet and even tempered, free from peevishness and little exhibitions of temper. Emily and I get along nicely together and I think the prospects are very good for a smooth contented and easy going married life. We do not each consider the other faultless but at the same time we are to some extent conscious of our own infirmities, and therefore are prepared to allow make allowances for the wants and imperfections / of the other. We are living in the same house that I occupied when you were here. It has been considerably fixed up and I think is right comfortable. An Aunt of Emily is now staying with us—an uncommonly genial and bright old lady. Together they seem to have a lot of sewing to do. They whisk the sewing out of sight when any body appears—small looking articles of wearing apparel apparently profusely embroidered pleated &c—I think I heard them say that they wanted to finish up by the middle of February.

 

            I believe I have not written to you since we returned from camp. We encamped last summer at Faquier Springs Virginia. I think the majority of us were not so well pleased as at Gaithersburg. It was an uncommonly / hot place and our military duties were made rather burdensome. In fact, excepting the Hotel, and its belongings it was inferior to Gaithersburg in every respect. The Hotel is quite a nice one and was well filled with guests. We went out about the 1^st of July and returned about the 20 of Oct.—Five days march each way—short marches however and not very objectionable. I believe there are none of the young ladies now present who were here with you. It is reported that Miss Ida is engaged to a widower with two children—money—she is in Petersburg Va on a long visit. Miss Watkins is in Arizona visiting a sister.

 

Mr. Crawford is to be married 13^th Jan to a Washington lady—quite young and pretty—no money—queer isn't it? /

 

I had a letter from Aunt Rachel not long since. Among other things she informed me that Aunt Clay thought of selling her place—did not state why, but I suppose Mr F has about swamped them. I feel very sorry for them. I am afraid that it will be such a blow to her (Aunt Clay's) pride that it will materially affect her health.

 

            Give my regards to Jere and if you can find time write soon to your affectionate brother

                                                                                                R. G. Howell

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