University of Virginia Library

Letter to William Francis Brand from Jane Brand, November 02, 1867

Although this
day is sad and dreary, yet my
feelings are not in accordance
with it and I am attempting a reply to your last letter.
I have neglected willing longer than I intended. But since
I have been so actively employ-
ed in the exhilarating
pleasure of having chills and
other circumstances connected
these with, over which I had no
control I know you will
heartily forgive the long long delay.
I just tell you I have had
a rare time with them.

We are all pretty well now,
except uncle's health. He is
quite feeble. And I suppose
you have found one with
whom to share the simple
joys of life. I know she is
May happiness attend thee
and thy companion through
life is my kindest wish.
I wish I could have been with you
all so as to witness the occasion
I know you had quite a
jubilee.I am not married
yet. I prefer a single life yet.
I think there is a good many
in the war now that would
like to get out of it. A married
life is not a desirable one
to me. There is no real
happiness in it. Time finds
me at home visiting
and receiving company occasionally
I expect to teach next session
if I can find a suitable
situation. Money is scarce
here. The freedmen have
done very well this year.
Cotton is quite low and
we have to give an exorbi-
tant price for everything
we get. We recieved a letter from Uncle C last
week. He was complimenting
you very highly and also
brother J. I often wish
I could be with you all. it is a
consummation devoutly
to be wished. In referance
to me returning to Va. I can
not abhor the idea of going
there with a stranger,
yet I don't think there would
be any unpropriety in so
doing. I would rather brother
would come after me

if all thinks it best for
me to return. I know
Uncle Tom is getting old
and feeble, and will be with
us but a little while, at the
far his rest . We all will have
to rely on our own resource
He has even been like a
father to me in every
respect. I shall ever love
him although in a distant
land. It will be a sore trial
for me to part with him and
dear old Aunt. They say I
feel as dear to them as one
of their children. They
say they hope I will do
well through life, but it
seems as if the fates are
against me.

How were
all at home when you
were there

Give me a home
description when you can it
will be quite entertaining
With many prayers for
your well being and doing
I am as ever your sister