March 4th, 1862
March 4th, 1862
Green Valley
My Dear Kate,
I have been promising you a letter for more than a fortnight, but have neglected writing until this late period, though
doubtless it will be quite unexpected to you even now as it is almost entirely
unwonted for those at home to introduce a
correspondence with an absent friend; but you know as hard times increase, all
precedent customs as well as general formality diminishes & as I deem my
"own dear self" a miss of self-competence sufficient
to be governed by momentary impulses I will preface a fashion which I anticipate
will remain unimitated
though hope not
depreciated, if it be a breach of former civility or etiquette if you please.
Well, Kate I scarcely know what to communicate first; as I am aware you hear
directly from the neighborhood that so frequently that you receive the news almost as early as myself;
suppose from what I have learned that your fruition has been dazzling in the
zenith of its magnificence during your visit up to the present time; &
presume it will not cease to continue as long as parties, are the fashion
& Valley Rangers, with plenty of "Tobacco" are the Chorus in your "
Town";
Oh! I have a great
desire to hear from you. There has no material change occurred within the limits of our vicinity since you left us, we
still experience the alternations of joys & greifs which we have been accustomed to almost daily since the war
commenced; we, in accordance
with the
dictates of the Sacred writings rejoice in time of victory & grieve when
conquered. Suppose you have heard the
particulars attending our friend John Lightner's sickness & death; he
died wishing us all to meet him in heaven, which should be our unwearied
endeavor & consequently our final end. You had my heart-felt sympathy
upon hearing the melancholy news; but this Providence like theirs should be
weighed with the balance of humiliation, as the loss of one is the gain of
another.
Fast Day was generally observed in the neighborhood, preaching at St. Johns
& Bethel but none in Greenville or at Calvary. I met with your sister
Lizzie, & Jacob at St. Js. that day, we all thought Mr Crawford did
admirably on the occasion; but I believe some had the presumption to say it was
nothing but a perfect abolition sermon; so much for diversity of opinion.
Captain Newton came home yesterday, suppose he has reenlisted, your brother
John has recovered from the mumps I
believe. From what I can learn the defeats which our forces were compelled to
experience have not discouraged our men; as the spirit of reenlisting is still prevailing to a great extent. Well
Kate, as my last page is generally appropriated to messages of others which are
sometimes prerequisite to a conclusion, I will now give
place. Sister Lizzie with Miss Evaline are spending the day with us; Miss
Evaline sends her love, & says take great care of
Moses in the bulrushes; sister Sue says to captivate
him thoroughly bring
him up
with you, & make a great big wedding for she is almost sick to be at
a wedding; just such a one as you
& Moses the brother to Jesse would
make. Sister Mary sends love & wishes you much success in the
beau-line she says tell you that she is afraid the
South will be subjugated since- "The man who did his country save, Lies cold and
silent in his grave."
Mother says tell you Rockingham is the place "for the right sort" so dive down,
make a sure grab, & bring up by the locks a most precious Pearl one of
dazzling splendor & none to equal.
Sue & Mag join me in love. Please excuse all
imperfections & honor me with a response very soon
if you please.
From yours aff,
Maggie E. Shields
Mr Cicero Bose was with us yesterday
& last night; at your house last week. John Lambert or rather Lieut
is looking splendid, Lucian is still on hands & rest of our boys
about as usual. Tell your aunt & cousin not to think me rude or
impertinent for sending my highest regards to them for it appears I am well
acquainted with them knowing you so well.