University of Virginia Library

You may well imagine how much pleased I was at the reception
of your letter on last evening. I was very anxious about
you, fearing you would suffer intensely with the cold. It is said
to be the severest weather, we have had for the last twelve years.
The night you crossed the mountain reminded me very much of your
departure to Texas. Mrs. Wheelright was kind enough to bring your
latter with her to Church on Sabbath morning for me to read,
which was quite a relieve to my mind, to hear you had gotten safely
to Jakes without breaking down. I hoped when you wrote you
would have determined upon your boarding house. I wish you may
succeed in getting comfortable lodgeings and that your stay in
Richmond may be very pleasant. I have felt exceedingly lonely
since you left sometime hardly know what way to employ myself.
However I have been sewing very hard through the day, and then
would knit at night. Fannie has been with me all the time. Brother
& Sister Wheelright called to see me the evening after you left in
fine spirits, and tried to cheer me by saying you would make plenty
of money. I think it is poor comfort, what ever the object may
be, to have to be separated from our near and dear friends particularly
when you have so much to depress the body and spirits. I
will endeavor to bear the separation with as much fortitude as I
possibly can under existing circumstances. Brother Doggett preached
for us last sunday a very good sermon. He is staying in town
trying to nurse himself that he may be able to discharge his duties
more efficiently on the circuit. I think it is well enough
he is housed this severe weather. John came up quite elated this
morning saying he had sold Mr. Doggett a Cloak and waistcoat. Mr.
Wheelright went to Elk Run on saturday it was one of the most disagreeable
days I have seen for a long time snowing and blowing all
day. He returned on Monday. I have not seen him to speak to him.
I do not know what he thinks of the purport of your letter. Mary
received a letter from Sister Eliza saying they talked of getting
a local preacher by the name of Gibson, but I suppose they told
you all about it when you were there. Did you go to hear Dr.
Doggett preach on last sunday. How does he compare with our brother
Wheelright. The class met last sunday morning Harvey led.
The morning was so inclement I did not attend. Mama received a
letter from Rush last Saturday night. He is very anxious to get
home but Mary is unwilling for him to leave her. Minnie still continues
quite indisposed and he thinks they would be runing a great
risk to bring her out this inclement weather. I fear it will be
sometime before they can cross the mountain. Sam Sterling has lost
his little boy it died in Woodstock on saturday. It remains were
brought here Sunday and interred in the Cemetery. I suppose it
will be of some interest to you to hear the Old Jail was sold last
Saturday. The Odd Fellows & Sons Temperance were the purchasers.
I have forgotten what they gave for it. You will here from some
one else of your correspondence more fully about it. Colds are
very prevalent a great many persons have quite sick. Every member
of Mama family have been almost laid up. She has been very ill herself,
looks worse than I have seen her for a length of time. I
hope the weather will moderate before very long. I have been some
ailing with rheumatism my hand and arm was quite painful Sunday
and yesterday, but I am happy to inform you it is some better to

day. I am not able to say how they are getting on in the store.
Very well I have no doubt. John is in fine spirits. Lawrence has
been here every day very nusy writing. He came up yesterday to
get your note on Cousin Edward Smith but could not find it. We
have received a number of letters concerning the Cadets since you
left. One of them came from Richmond from a man by the name of
Steal. He sent one dollar note in it wishing you to send him the
Red book and several cards. The amount of which he said would come
to 75 cys and then he said he wanted the postage paid on them.
Harvey attended to it but said he could not find the cards he
wrote for, he sent some he said were new ones. John I think forwarded
you two on business this morning. I believe I have written
everything I can think of at present. You will I have no doubt be
pleased to receive this scrawl if it is not very interesting, and
give me much credit for my promptness in replying to your letter
so soon. I wish as soon as you can find the time you would attend
to the memorandum you took down for me, and send them by the first
wagon. William when I think of your absence it seems to me I cannot
submit to it. I hope when you write you will always give me
the particulars concerning yourself. Do you wish the Herald forwarded
to you let me know in your next letter. If you wish then
sent I suppose only send those which come after your letter is
received. I have been a good deal tried with Jane since you left.
Almost tempted to send her home. Indeed I hardly know what to do
about it. What do you think of John Effinger asking me to let Jane
carry him wood for his room. I think it very strange when he has
a man hired in the store he cannot get him to bring his wood up.
If he furnishes a part of her clothing it will be well enough, but
he will not do any such thing. I think he can do more than most
of people. Give my respects to Mr. Gogerty who I presume you will
see very often. Also to Mitchell and Sallie Conrad Lucie and Fannie
are know sitting by the stove trying to keep themselves warm.
Say they miss you very much send much love to you. Mr. Merchant
will take tea here this evening. Your Mother as well as Mama and
Mary Jane, Caroline join me in much love to you. I must close it
is getting dark. John sends his respects and says you must write
very soon. William I urge you to write often very often. I remain
ever your attached Wife.