University of Virginia July 7. 1854
My dear Mary Jane,
Eliza wrote to you that we expected to reach Harrisonburg
tuesday next. I have been striving to arrange my affairs
to visit you as soon as possible, and my hope was to be ready
to leave at the time we had appointed: but I am now afraid I may
be delayed some days. I have some business remaining which I can
hardly leave to other hands, and begin to doubt if I can accomplish
it so soon as monday. I dont want you to be disappointed,
and write accordingly. I have been compelled to neglect my
private business so much that, although I have exerted myself,
and almost wholly disregarded the intense heat to get it arranged
so far as may be now necessary, I have some things left
that ought to be attended to, and which I may not be able to
settle before tuesday. Besides I dont know exactly the arrangement
of the valley stages—whether we can go on immediately from
Staunton or must be detained a day. Some day next week, if Providence
permit, we shall expect to see you. Meantime give our
love to Mother and all the family.
Yr. brother affectionately,
Gessner Harrison
