 | Berkeley papers |  |
I've been trying, ever since your letter came to hand,
to answer it, but my efforts (as you'll perceive) have failed to
produce a letter to you. Your letter came one rainy Sunday when I
was returning from Church in the carriage with Aunt Lucy. I was
very much obliged to you for writing me so long a letter in answer
to my little short one. I knew when I wrote it was not worth sending,
but sent it because it is a principal of economy with me never to
take the trouble to write a letter I do not send. I was so sorry
Uncle John didn't come to Fredericksburg while I was there—the
schoolgirls were always wishing he would come. I was very sorry to
leave so soon, but it was unavoidable, and I had to submit quitely.
The day I came home was a wretched day—snowing constantly and very
cold, but I did not care much for cold or storm as I was well protected
with wraps.
I've been very pleasantly engaged since my return
nursing my little Sister Rosalie. She is one of the most beautiful
babies that has ever been seen—has black eyes and hair and very
symetrical features. She is very fat and laughs whenever you will
talk to her a little. I almost fear to love the dear little one for
fear, like my other idol, she may be torn from me. Jacky is in raptures
all the time, and says he will have his Sister called "the
sound of a trumpet". I Can't think where he got the impression, but
you know he is an odd child any way. One day he and Tommie were
playing going on journeys, & Tommie said he was starting to France.
Jacky said "Thomas give my best love to Napoleon, and please don't
lose it."
Mother has been quite well, but not so strong as she
generally is. Tommie has, for the last week, been having an attack
of Catarrh fever—he has been very sick, but is better now. It is
very lonely here now—no parties—no any thing that is calculated
to interest one at all. Everyone I know is married except Lute Hill
and she is going to leave soon. Old Dr. Ashby is to be married
soon—would you believe it. "They say" she is very wealthy indeed,
but I can hardly think she will marry him, though I hope she may.
Bettie Ward is still in New York and from what I can learn is
cutting "quite a dash". New Year's day she was dressed in a lemon
coloured silk dress—very bare arms and low neck—quite gay don't
you think so? She has promised to get married and invite me to spend
a winter with her. It is the most fashionable thing you could imagine
to board at the "Waverly Hotel", the whole town has gone there.
Bettie Storrow's beau still visits her, and of course she will be
married before long. Cousin Virginia Broadus is engaged to be
married to a very nice man in Luray and will go home soon, and then
be married and come back to live.
Brother and Sister left yesterday for the "far West".
They seemed happy at the idea of going, and I said no word in objection,
though I felt very sad at parting from them for so long a
time. Brother was very much pleased with his visit to you. They are
all well at Mr. Bickers's, but I have not been able to go there yet.
All send love to all. My love to Uncle and kisses to the little ones.
Write soon to
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