University of Virginia Library

Letter from Jane Brand to William Francis Brand, August 12, 1866

Your welcome letter reached
me not long since and not to delay
any I will answer it immediately
Excuses being always plentiful
I will not let any definite one arise
Be negligence no one for
not writing sooner. Pray do not think
I have forgotten you. If there
is any such feeling lurking in
heart, banish every such feeling
for I know you cannot have
such an evil spirit against one
who has ever loved you. Truly
I have not been at home much
in three months I spent two month
in Marion I was pefectly enamored

with that place I must acknowledg
that I enjoyed my visit there splen-
didly After the excitement of
examinations subsided the town
became comparatively dull for
a season but all were willing
to abide that monotony to enjoy a
little rest. No doubt all appreciated
repose. Some of the exibitions were
very entertaining Griffin young
Ladies bade adieu to the halls
of learning to begin their careers
in the worlds broad field of battle
The thoughts of that place have
recently had two tournaments
and contemplate having still
another. They are becoming so
common I have lost all interest
in them I wish you could have
seen one of the nights representing Don
Quixote accompanied by his page
Pancho Panza and encased in
complete armor Really he was
one of the most hideous
beingever was ever was
seen During my visit I attended
a large Sunday school Picnic. The place
designated for the picnic was
Poplar's spring about five miles from
Marion. The roads being good we
arrived at the springs about 8 oclock
Four or five hours passed gayly by
and about 1 or 2 oclock dinner was
announced and such a display of
luxuries were spred out before us
as might satisfy the palate of the most
fastidious epicure We paid our
respects to these dainties pretty
generally and after two or three hours
of unallayed pleasure we took up
our line of march for home.
We expect to have a picnic in our
neighborhood this week.DoNo doubt
we will have a gay time
I being necessitated to teach, at
present is devoting my leisure hour
hours exclusively to study, prepar-
ing to enteringupon what avocation
when I think proper.I am
compelled to get married or teach
andand between the two evils
I prefer teaching yet a while. The
man that I marry will have
be something superior to the
common herd of mankind.
He will have to be such if he
can ever win my affections
for my heart is now dead to every
emotion of love. I hope you will
pay me visit this fall. I would
be so glad to see you. The crops are
very good in the lane brake, but not
elsewhere I send you my
photograph and hope you will
send yours in return. Don't get
frightened at it Excuse my paper and
pencil