James and Patience Crain Black letters 
written during the Civil War

 

Part 4   

17 Jun 1862 - Sept. 14th 1862

 

Page 41

Fort Hebert June 17,  1862

Dearest Wife:

I again seat myself to write to you, though I have nothing to write worthy of your attention; more than my health is very good at present; hoping when these lines reach you they may find you in the enjoyment of perfect health.  I have been suffering some days past with neuralgia in my head but am entirely clear of it now. 

My darling wife, it has been three long and lonesome weeks since I saw you.  It seems to me as if it has been many months.  I have been very sad[1] and lonesome indeed since I returned to camp.  I have been in the deepest blues ever since I left but will endeavor to wear them away if I can hear from you regularly.

 I have received two letters from you and shall expect another tomorrow morning. This is the third letter I have written to you.  I intend writing every five or six days.  I shall expect that you shall write at least once a week.  If I can get a letter from you every week it will greatly relieve my sad heart.  

We have glorious news from the war department by last evening's mail.  Reports say that Gen. Beauregard has succeeded in cutting off the Federal army from their gun-boats.  If so, I have no doubt but we will achieve a great and glorious victory over that division of the federal forces.  We also hear that France has acknowledged our independence and has a fleet at the mouth of the Mississippi river .  I cannot say whether it is reliable or not; but hope trust that it may be so.  I think the prospect for peace at present is better than it has ever been.

My darling Patience, last night while walking my lonely post between the hours of twelve and two o'clock my thoughts were rafted on eagle wings to thy presence.  I almost forgot that we were separated so far from each other; yet my dear Patience, I hope the time is near at hand for the consummation of all your hopes and wishes respecting my speedy return.  I feel as if I could resign the wealth of worlds for one loving embrace from thee, my cherished wife.  My love, the hours of parting will be doubly repaid by the hours of meeting.  Then my dearest, and content yourself in my absence.

Give my best love and respects to all the family.  Give my respects to Mrs. Ellison and Lou[2].  Present my love to all enquiring friends.  Good Bye.

Monday evening  I will write you a few more lines, though nothing of importance.  The health of our company is far from being good.  There are more than half of them that have the measles now; and there are several new cases every day.  There were four started home yesterday on sick furloughCfour more started this morning, and there are four more that will start tomorrow morning.  If they keep going every day our company will soon be reduced to a very small number.

I expect Bill McDaniel[3] will start home in the morning as he has been sick for some time. 

(Page 42)  At present he is able to go about but will not be able for duty in some time. 

I don't anticipate any danger of taking the measles as I had them several years ago.  I believe they will not take the second time.  So many of the boys being sick makes the guard duty very heavy on those that are well.  I have to stand guard about every fourth day.  I hope we will all have good health as soon as we all get well of the measles.

Col. Freney of this place, has lost a great many men who died with measles from impudency while they were still under the influence of the disease.  As soon as they were able to walk to the bay they would go in bathing and in nine cases out of ten died in less than twenty four hours.

We have beautiful weather here now.  Some days are rather hot; but we have a good sea breeze all the time.  My darling, I can think of nothing to write that will interest you in the least.  Patie, you don't know how bad I want to see you.  I often times think of you and of the many happy hours we have spent together.

You wrote in your last letter to know if I wanted you to send my money by Jim if he came in a week or two.  You may send me ten dollars.  We have to buy everything in the way of vegetables we get here.  If Jim does not come by the first of July you need not send it as we are to be paid off by that time.  I have been looking for a letter from Will for sometime; but it seems he either has not time or inclination to write to me.  I will write to him in a short time. 

Give my respects to Uncle Birt[4].  Tell cousin Frank Childress[5] if she has time and inclination to write to me.  I would take pleasure in answering a letter from her.  Tell cousin Sue Smith[6] I shall expect her to write to me, as I have written her last.  Tell sis[7] now to write.  Tell all my friends and relatives I often think of them and would be glad at any time to get a letter from any of them.

Tell Lou[8] I will love her a little yet if she will love me.  My darling, take special care of your health and let me hear from you often.  May heaven protect and reward you.  Good Bye.  Your Own Jimmie

 

(Page 43)

South Bosque June 23rd (1862)

My darling Jimmie I can do nothing this evening but write to you.  This is a miserably warm day.  I have done nothing this day but lounge about, it is too warm to sleep.  I am very industrious some days but this happens not to be one of them.

Well since I wrote you last nothing special has taken place only I have been visiting Mrs. Wiley[9].  Will and I spent Saturday night with her.  Will came home Sunday morning.  I remained with her all day.  Mrs. Caufield[10] and Mrs. Shook[11] spent the day there also.  I enjoyed myself only tolerably, for in thinking of my absent one I forgot the presence of others.  I looked at your ambrotype many times.  Your lips did not move, but your mild blue eyes talked to me in the sweetest language.  Mrs. Wiley urged me to stay all night with her again but, I could not for I longed to be at the place where last I saw my Jimmie.  I love to be where we have been most together.  It brings past happiness to mind, still it mocks the lonely hours.  "There is a pleasure in the pain that brings me back the past again."

Mother and Ida are gone to see Aunt Dillia.  Oh, let me tell you Mother has a bran new riding pony.  Pap bought it at the sale the other day.  She will do nothing but visit now.  Mat and Uncle Birt went to Aunt Mary's Saturday.  Will went yesterday, so you see I am all alone.  Jim and Mollie are here but they stay by themselves and leave me to myself; which is very pleasant for you are ever with me.  I have dreamed of you distinctly the two last nights which was indeed quite a treat. 

I would like very much to see you at home; if you could only come in three or four weeks I would be so glad.  I dreamed you came home and I had been sick for a long time, and your presence cured me immediately and I do not doubt it, for if absence can make sick, presence can cure, though I shant get sick for fear you should not come to cure me and I would have to resort to medicine which I do really detest.  I believe everybody in the neighborhood is well and attending to their own business.

Jimmie Darling, I could say many things to you if I could see you, but I never can write as I would wish to speak.  I am very glad you have pleasant weather there, for fleas and mosquitoes and warm weather would be too much for human patience, well I must bid you good evening dearest.

Well Jimmie Darling, this it Tuesday and I am with you again.  I had a very pleasant dream of my loved one last night.  I dreamed you came to see me, your face beaming with health and purity; you lay down beside me, and I turned to speak to you; then I awoke and Jimmie was gone.  I was so sorry.  I did not go to sleep again for sometime but wondered if you were well, where you were and what you were doing.  Perhaps you were on guard.

(Page 44)

There is none here this evening but Mother, Bony[12], Ida and myself.  Jim and Mollie are gone to Station and Nute to Aunt Mary's to attend the examination at Waco which commenced today.  We have a quiet pleasant time now.  I do love solitude dearly.  Jimmie is all I ask and I can't get his presence.  I will have to put up with the hope of him to be with me again.

Mother has some nice cheese made.  I wish you would come home and eat some with me.  I am very fond of them, and would be more so if I could have your presence while eating them.

Our water is so bad we cannot drink it.  Ida brought me some from the creek today.  It was very warm but it tasted excellent.  Ida is a darling child, but a notorious bad one.  Mother whips her every day. 

I showed her your Ambrotype the other day and there was a piece of cedar in the case (the piece you kissed and gave me one evening while hunting dew berries.).  She threw it aside saying, "It stings Bud Jimmie."  She kissed you and said, "I do love him."  I asked her how much.  She paused a while and said, "A heap more than God loves Jeff Davis[13]."  All the Juveniles know to say Jimmie, when I ask them whom does Patie want to see.

I have been sewing and ironing a little today and thinking of you a great deal.  I do want to see you so bad, though you know it without being told.  Aunt Mary[14] will move up here next Sunday; then I will deliver your message to my pretty cousin.  No, I don't care if you do love her.  I can love Joe Riley (not Eubanks).  I will write to Joe.  You tell him not to show you the letter.

Uncle Aquilla delivered your compliments to Mrs. Black and I am jealous as can be.  I fear you think too much of that Mrs. B--- though I learned not long since that she was very pretty, equally as beautiful as Miss Mattie [15](dear me, what a compliment).  Jimmie I would tell you something interesting if I only knew something.  I will tell you one thing, but you will learn long before you come to thisCthis is a very badly written letter, for I have the meanest pen.  It writes as though it thought you a blind man.

I have not been in the creek bathing for a long time; the gravel hurts my feet too bad to stand on them is one reason why I have not; another is I feared it would make me sick, then you would be so sorry; and I have promised to take care of myself for you.  I will leave you for a while.  I will finish my letter tomorrow. Good Night.  I hope you will sleep well I am yours.

Wednesday evening [ June 25, 1862 ] finds me again at my most pleasant task.  Jimmie, I have been very busily engaged today.  Mother and I were making starch all morning, but was not very successful; since then I have made a dress for Margaret and Harriet each.

(page 45) 

Mother and Ida are gone to Mrs. Alexander's[16] this evening.  She was absent when they called last, so they had to call again.  I am entirely alone this evening.  I expect all the folks home tomorrow and then a letter from you also.  I am afraid you will have the measles.  You must be very careful of yourself if you should have them.  I dreamed last night that you came home wearing the pants you wore off, with the back part of them all blue.

I dreamed of seeing your feet, they were so small and tender as an infants.  I kissed them with as great adoration as Mary did our Saviors.  I talked with you a long time.  Oh it was such a sweet dream.

I had okra and roasting ears [corn] for dinner.  I thought of you strongly. Well I think of you all the time.  Mother said she wished you would bring those fine combs in your trunk, when you come home, so sir, you see sir, we think, sir, you will come home soon sir.  I do wish you would, but it is not worth while to wish.

I almost envy Jim and Mollie their chance for happiness, but they don't improve their chances, as we would.  I know we enjoy each others society more than they do theirs; but there is a good time coming my Jimmie and I trust it isn't far off.

No rain yet.  It is getting late.  Good Bye

I will call again tomorrow Dearest.

Thursday evening Mrs. Wiley and Aunt Dillia are just gone home.  They send their love to you.  This day has been spent very pleasantly, by me.  I understand Bill McDaniel[17] has returned, he passed by here I suppose but did not even stop to tell me if you were well.  Ambrose[18] is going to Waco tomorrow for Mrs. Millior to teach school. Our Gentleman teacher disappointed us.  Birt, Will and Matt have not come yet.  I dreamed last night of getting a letter from you.  I think Ambrose will get one for me tomorrow.  It seems to be two weeks since I have had one.

I toll a walk on Bosque this evening and thought of Jimmie and of the last time we walked there together.  Mother sends her love to you.  Oh I do want to see you so much.  Can I wait a long time?  Tell me when you think you can come home.  Write soon.  Take care of your health.  I am so anxious about you.  May Heaven keep you.  June 26th  Patie

 

(page 46)

Fort Hebert [ Texas ] July 3rd 1862

My Darling Wife:

I am once more seated his pleasant morn to respond to your welcome letter which came to hand yesterday.  I was surely glad to hear that you was well.  I have nothing of importance to write you.  Yesterday Zack Thompson and myself took a stroll on the beach of about fifteen miles.  We started early in the morning and returned after night.  In the first place we went over to the Island we then went across to the bay which is about four miles.  Here we found some watermelons.  Ate as many as we wanted, sat down and rested and then went in search of many curiosities that are found on the beach of Galveston Island .

The first thing that arrested my attention was an enormous cane which had drifted ashore from parts unknown.  It was six inches in diameter.  One joint I suppose, would hold one gallon of water.  I found a great many things that I had never seen before.  I will present you with a specimen of a few of the many things that I saw when I come home.  I have a variety in my trunk, the fruits of my yesterday's exploring.

I have been very busy this morning, making a finger ring.  I made it of a nut that is found on the beach.  I gathered a great many of these nuts yesterday and intend bringing them home when I come.  They make a beautiful ring, resemble the jet very much.  When I finish my letter I will make you one.  I know you will prize it very highly from it being made by my hands.

For several days past it has been exceptionally warm but yesterday and today it has been very pleasant.  We are doing nothing down here.  I fear we will get awfully lazy if we stay here all summer which I expect we will do.  I have nearly quit having the blues, and am a great deal better satisfied than I was when I first returned to camp.  I expect we will get our bounty in a few days.  We were mustered yesterday for pay. There was but twenty one privates present.

All the boys that are here are well.  My health is good.  I weigh one hundred and eighty pounds; think I will get to two hundred by fall if I keep my health. There is no sickness here at present.  The boys have all had the measles and gone home on furloughs.  There is fifty out of our company that is furloughed from sickness.

My Dearest, if I could see you I could talk to you without scruple.  I cannot write as I would talk.

Thursday evening 

Since I ate my dinner I made you the ring, I promised this morning it is a mighty nice one.  I know you will be proud of it I would send it in this letter but fear it would never reach you. 

It is a great deal warmer this evening than it was this morning. The boys are all taking a nap while I am writing to you.  I am glad they are asleep for they are no company to me.  I wouldn't give one thought of thee for all this lonesome place can bestow.  There is several of our Company that will be discharged in a few days.  Some that are over-age and some that are not eighteen.

If our company keeps diminishing I think we will soon have ___.  At present there is only about twenty in camp.  We will be expecting some that are furloughing back in a few days.  Now I don't

(page 47) want you to be getting jealous of that Mrs. B.  I do love her and you can't help yourself.  I would like very much to be with Mrs. Black this warm Thursday evening.  I know I would enjoy myself much better in her company than elsewhere and I expect she would appreciate my presence exceedingly.  I hope the time is near at hand when I will have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Black. 

The boys are all up busily engaged making finger rings.  I fear they will depreciate the value of rings as they have nothing else to do but manufacture them.  Everyone is trying to excel the other.  I think I have excelled them all.

My loved one.  I have but a few minutes longer to write.  I feel as if I could write pages to you if I could have time.  I though when I commenced this letter I would have nothing to do today, but you see I was mistaken. 

I get your letters very regular now.  The one I received last evening was the fifth I have from you since I returned.  This is the eight one I have written.  I hope you will get my letters more regularly than you formerly have done.  I wrote a letter to Will a few days ago; also to Matt.  In the same envelope.  I will write to Uncle Birt as soon as I get some paper.  We ill have to send to Houston for paper as Galveston has suspended in the articles of paper, ink and envelopes.  Tell will I am abusing him terribly for not writing to me before this.

You requested me to write when I though I could come home.  My love that is a question I am not prepared to answer.  There is none furloughed except the sick or on detached service.  I may possibly get off on detached service as soon as our Capt. returns which will be in a few days, but don't look for me for fear of disappointment.

Give my love to all enquiring friends.  Now my love the time has come when I must bid Good Bye; but before doing so I will kiss your name on the top of this page.  I know you will kiss mine in return.

May Angels attend you.  Good Bye

Your Own   Jimmie

Pg 48 
                    Fort Hebert , Galveston , Texas           July 5th, 1862

 

Dearest wife,

I am again seated to write you a few of the many situations that have passed through my mind sinc[e] I have wrote you last  I have nothing special in the way of news to write to you.  Yesterday being the 4th of July, I celebrated it by standing guard all day and night in the rain, it being the first rain we have had since my return, it commenced raining about ten o=clock in the morning and continued to rain until about two in the morning.  Everything looks very much revived this morning.  Today is a beautiful day. It is one we seldom see at this time of the year.

I received a letter from you on Wednesday, another yesterday.  I was not expecting a letter; nevertheless I assure you it was a welcome messenger.  I was glad to hear you was well.  My health is excellent now.  I hope it may continue to be as good while I remain in the service of the Southern Confederacy.

There was considerable excitement here yesterday from the arrival of four additional vessels to the blockade.  Today we learned they were only transport vessels.  We don=t anticipate any danger of an attack here before fall, if then.  The Yankees have been living too long? to keep a land force in this climate at this time of year.

Col. Freney=s Reg=t. of this place have marching orders for Arkansas ?. They are to start tomorrow morning.  When they leave there will only be one reg=t. at this place, which I think, will be a sufficient quantity to protect our cannon and munitions of war that are at this place.

My Jewel wife, last night while sleeping with nothing but the starry canopy of heaven for cover, my thoughts were wafted to dream-and I was dreaming of you.  I dreamed you kissed me.  When I went to return the kiss, what do you think?  I know you will not guess so I will tell you.  It was the soft mist falling in my face.  I slept but very little last night, so I will have to take a nap this beautiful morning.

I gave your compliments to Joe Riley.  I guess he would prefer those compliments from your sister.  You can write to Joe if you like.  I told him not to show me your letters.  He promised to keep all communications between himself and you a secret from me. Be careful how you make love to the boys.  There are plenty of girls left, and I just know I will be making love to some of them if I don=t get to come home before long.

I am getting tremendous lazy down here.  I don=t have anyone to walk with me of evenings as I used to do.  I have been washing today. For the first time since I have been in camp.  I washed two pair of socks and two handkerchiefs, made a pretty fair job for the first time, but don=t wish to try it again.

Sunday morning July 6th.

I am again at my writing desk, which is composed of a piece of pasteboard lying across my knees.  I have no news this morning.  It has been raining again today.  I fear if it keeps raining, the mosquitoes will be awful down here.  My Darling, I wish I could be at home [on a] calm beautiful Sabbath day.  I know I would spend the day more pleasant in the company of my loved one.  She too, would appreciate my presence.  If I were at home this morning I know we would go visiting.  Where would it be: To Aunt Delia=s[19] or Miss Margarettes[20].  I know that Mrs. Wiley will have something good (page 49) for dinner today.  I would like very much to participate at that dinner if you were present.  I know that you often think of me when seated at the table and wish for my presence.  I would like to have some of your cheese, also some butter and milk and last but not least, some of ____ corn juice.  I haven=t taken but one dram since I left home, and don=t expect to take another until I return.  Payday has come and gone and no money yet.  I don=t know when we will get any money.  The officers say in a few days.  They say the money will be here by the ____inst[21].  Whether it will or not I cannot say.  My pen is bad and my paper damp so I will write no more this morning.  Farewell for a while dearest.

The day is now far advanced and I am again at my best.  I have been visiting today, but there was one absent that greatly lightened the pleasures of my visit.  I have spent the day with Captain Hinges son. I enjoyed myself very well.  Joe Riley had a very good dinner prepared for his visitors.  B. Desham and myself took dinner with him.  We had Irish potatoes, beef steak, onions, molasses, light bread, and various other things too tedious to mention.

My Darling, I have nothing to write that will interest you in the least, but judging you for myself you like to get a letter if it only said, AI am well@.  There is so much noise in camps that it is nearly impossible to write.  Imagine yourself seated at your writing desk with about fifteen romping girls in the house and you will have a fair sample of my present condition.  You will please excuse all mistakes and bad writing.  Tell Will there is several going to be discharged tomorrow.  The names of some of them are Thomas Cooper, William Gordon, B. A. Winter, Ben Alexander, and several others that the conscript law will release.

There were five companies of Col. Freney=s Reg. left here this morning.  The five remaining companies will leave tomorrow morning.  They are going to Arkansas .  I hope they may do their country good service wherever they may be.  I heard today that Col. Elmore=s Reg. were coming here to fill the vacancy of the one that is now leaving. 

The morning rain has now blown over.  It is now a beautiful morning.  Oh how I would like to be at home, it would be so pleasant to walk this evening.  I can almost imagine myself there, with my idealist wife leaning on my arm walking the very same road that we have walked so often together.  If you are walking this beautiful Sabbath evening I know you are thinking of your absent Jimmie.  If I did not have you to write to and love what would become of me?  Why, I would be one the most reckless beings on the earth.  How few there be that have such a wife as I.

Tell Will[22] I am sorry that he has to work so hard that he has no time to write.  I don=t think it is altogether for want of time that he does not write.  I rather guess Miss Iso or some other Miss occupies the most of his spare time.  Tell him if there is a prospect of a wedding and he will let me know I will try and be in attendance.

I would write to some of oftener than I do, but you can tell all the news.  Well, as for news, I don=t write any but you can tell them I am well.  I have been looking for some of our furloughed boys back but none have made their appearance yet.  I think in a few days they will begin to come in.

We are all getting along down here very well. Have plenty to eat and not much to do.  I suppose you have delivered my compliments

Pg 50

To your fair cousin before this time.  If not you should have done so.  I have made her a ring.  I know you will be jealous when you see it, for it is very nice.  I have also made Mat[23] one and intend making Cousin___ one.  You were not forgotten.  I made you a beautiful one.  I think it is much prettier than either of the others.

Give my love to Cousin Sue[24].  Tell her not to marry yet.  I think ___ will be left a widower after awhile.  If old lady Ellison has not gone home yet give her my compliments.  The first time you go to see Mrs. Wiley, kiss the children for me.  I have written about all I can think of.  Zack Thomas says to give his compliments to Joe Riley=s sweetheart.

The sun is now fast sinking in the west, and evening=s soft mantle of silver will soon envelop all nature and the day breeze will be lulled.  It is now I would be alone with you to watch, as we oftimes have done, the silver crest moon as it slowly wends its lonely way among the countless stars.  I know that this very night if you were well you will sit where we many times have sat together and talked of our happiness and future prosperity.  Oh! may that time speedily come when our most sanguine expectations will be fully realized.  Home best? emblem of Heaven.

Well, Joe Riley has come to see me I will have to close, but in doing so let me consign to the care of kind angels.  May Heaven=s choicest blessings rest and abide with you now and forever.

God Bless you  Good Bye

James Black

 

 

Pg 51                            South Bosque July 10th 1862

My Dearest Jimmie: --

Having finished my work, I will write you a few lines this evening, to tell you I am well though I have not been well all week.  I think I would have been very sick if I had not taken calomel a few nights since.  Mat is chilling, all the rest are well.  Will and Mat[25] received a letter from you last Monday.  I was very glad to hear from you.  If I should receive a letter from you every day it would be something new.  Will put a letter in the office for you the day he took yours out.  There is a very strong south wind this evening and heavy clouds but no rain while the south wind is blowing.

Jimmie I had the blues or something worse yesterday evening.  Will, Green[26], Mat and Frank were singing songs that made me think of last summer when you was my sweetheart and I heard you sing the same songs, but I did not love you then as I do now though, it was because I did not know you.  I know you only to love you.  I listened to them sing >till I could listen no longer.  I walked down on Bosque, sat beneath the shades and thought of the past, present, and future and you was one of the principal actor[s] in life=s drama which I pictured out and I thought how weak I was to bear my part and Jimmie I asked Divine assistance that we might act our part with firmness, never wavering from what we believe to be right and there was a whisper in my heart; @Fear not, I am with thee.@  I came to the house feeling much better.

I went with Mother to the garden, which is parched considerably, and those horrid brown bugs are destroying the cabbage.  I dreamed a terrible dream of you last night.  I thought you killed Jim Smith and no one knew it but me, though you did not know that I knew it.  I saw Jim leave for Little Rock , you went with him a little way and I followed unobserved.  You passed me with seeing me.  As you came back I went on in the direction you came through a dense wood, and there I saw the most horrid of horrids.  Jim was murdered and hanging to a low bush.  I was confident that you were the perpetrator of the Crime, I could see it in your eyes.  I could read nothing but guilt where I thought innocence was written.  I did not love you less.  I would fold my arms around my guilty Jewel and strive to wash away the bloodstain there.  So I thought one night I would go to where Jim was murdered.  I went and lo there hung his skeleton [and] when I approached near it, it said, AJim Black is innocent@.  I was perfectly confounded for I did not believe in ghosts or skeletons speaking either.  I went a little nearer and placed my hand upon his forehead and it was warm and he commenced looking lifelike and somehow or another it was all [a] sham.  Jim never had been murdered; it was only a pretense to keep from going to war.  I might have sworn it to be alive when I dreamed you guilty if I had only thought of it.  I hope I will have a more pleasant dream.

Pg 52

tonight.  It is getting dark Pleasant dreams to you my Jimmie.  Good Night

Friday evening:

Jimmie,

Trav brought me a letter this evening from you dated 3rd inst.  I was so glad to hear from you.  I am perfectly delighted to hear that you enjoy your self better than formerly.  I wish you would never have the blues.  I have spent this very pleasantly.  Mrs. Caufield spent the day with us.  Aunt Dillie, Aunt Mary and Frank spent the evening with us.  Mr. Carter and Mr. Dukes have returned on furloughs.   Leland is in Waco .  Mr. Alexander is gone to Deiton? Gin.  I have not seen Mrs. Wiley since I wrote you last.  She had a letter from Wiley a few days since.  He was in Tyler but was going on to Little Rock with his beeves.  They have had letters from Mart[27] and Jess; they were at Tyler and expected to remain some time.

I think you must have had a pleasant stroll with Mr. Thomson from what you said of it.  I should have enjoyed it so much.  Such an enormous cave you found.  You judged rightly in thinking I would prize the ring you made me.  You know we prize a gift as we estimate the giver.

Jimmie, this time last year I was coming home from Henderson , and this day [ten] months ago you and I were preparing to exit from single life and write our fate, and I deem it a happy union.  You have never caused one cloud to obscure my sky and I believe I have never caused yours to be dimmed.  It is true, I have wept bitter tears over your absence, but they were happiness compared with what I think an unkind look or word would be from my Jimmie.  I do not believe I shall ever know the misery of unkindness from you, not even if I am greatly the aggressor. 

Uncle Mat[28] and Green left yesterday for Henderson .  They intend bringing leather[29] home with them.  Mat and Sue[30] did not go with them as they anticipated.  Mat said she would write soon as she gets well and she would write soon and answer J. R. [>s][31] letter, provided I would let her enclose it with mine as postage is too much to write to anyone but husbands.  Jimmie, you could not present to me anything that I would derive more pleasure from than a letter.  Oh, what a world of comfort I find in one short epistle when the signature of Jimmie is signed.  I will finish my letter by candlelight.  I will take a walk, as I have taken no exercise today and have eaten most too much, a very common occurrence though! 

Well I have taken a walk and now to writing with the meanest pen notwithstanding it is a new one.  I was to write with the side of it.  I have been making some ruffles today.  I have made myself a yellow shambry sack, it is only tolerably pretty.  Mother has some jeans ready for wearing.  She will weave you one pair of pants.  She had dyed the thread a beautiful brown.  Will said if you should come home before he leaves, or should have an opportunity of sending his checked shirt, he would be glad to have you to send it.

Mother got one pound of indigo at twelve dollars.  Will and Birt are going on station tomorrow.  Jim and Mollie are there.

Pg 53

Jim is herding beeves for one Mr. Berry at $2-1/2 per day. Ida is asleep, she told me more to tell you than I can write, such as send her some shells, some kisses and a ring.  She said she wanted to see you, but did not want you to come home.  For if you should, she would have no one to send her kisses.  She asked me if you sent her a kiss [as] soon as I opened your letter.

Margaret is spinning a rope for the well.  There was a white man? seen at Mrs. Wileys a few nights since.  She sent for Uncle Aquilla.  He went, saw and tried to shoot him, but he escaped through the thicket in the cornfield.  They supposed from his movements [that] he wished to converse with the Negroes.

Jimmie, you must come up some evening to see me.  I fear you will get too lazy to come.  If you do, tell Joe to come.  Mat says tell Joe she will be 18 on 16th inst.  She sends her compliments to you and Joe.  Tell Joe I am glad to hear he has washed his face.  I expect it was badly needed.  I have promised Aunt Dillie I would spend tomorrow night with her.  Anna abuses me horribly for not visiting them oftener.  Paper is very scarce in Waco .  I got one quire of this pretty st[r]iped paper.  Tell me if you found two pair of men drillen drawers.  I think you had better wear Wills clothes and save yours.  Mother, Aunt Mary, Frank and Mat send their love to you.  I want to see you very much.  I love you a great deal and think of you often.

The same old tale but you know a truthful tale is worth repeating.  Don't get sick.  Come home soon.  Be a good boy.  God Bless.  Goodbye.

July 11th 1862                            From your Patience 

 

(page 54)

South Bosque     July 20ieth (1862)

My Dearest Jimmie,

I received you most welcome letter last night.  I was indeed glad to hear from you.  I have nothing to write this warm evening.  I will not say as you do AI have nothing but foolishness-A.  You provoking darling you know you do not write foolishness or at least I do not think it foolishness.  NoCI find an interest in each line.  How could it be otherwise when I know the dearest hand on earth wrote it.

I missed my chill yesterday clear as a whistle but I have a very sore mouth.  My lips and nose are covered with blisters.  I am not in a very good fix to give my Jimmie such sweet kisses as he dreamed I gave him.

Jim brought us a nice treat from Waco yesterdayCsome watermelons.  Mrs. Wiley was here.  She visits us oftener than formerly.  I will tell you she is a brag spinner.  She corded and spun (illigible) day last week.  Aunt Sarah is here now.  Mat and Frank are staying with Sue.  Birt had a letter from Margaret Childress[32] yesterday.  Our relatives were well.  Margaret wrote that many of our friends had died near Corrinth[33] lately and Uncle Nute[34] was getting on finely; would be home soon as possible and that he did not regret the loss of his arm very much. 

You dreamed of going to be married and dreamed last night of getting a love letter from one of your cousins.  I dream of sweethearts often.  I was with you last night and I enjoyed myself very much.  This is a tremendous warm day; the wind is scorching and the flies as thick as hasty pudding.  I wish you would come and keep them off me while I am writing to my intended.  I cannot sleep in the day it is so warm now.  If I was as lazy as you say you are what would I do?  I wish you would come home and help me do nothing.  I think it would be agreeable with your feelings.  I do want to see you so bad do wish you would come home.  You (illegible) be sick you would try to come home.  I am very sick you must come home.  If you don=t I will get well so you had better come on or you will find some one has run away with your wifeCthen you would cryCyou know you would. 

One Mr. Patter stayed here a few nights since.  He had been in pursuit of some deserters who had run away with his wife, poor fellow.

You asked me to write you all the news.  Well there is none.  Everything is very dull.  Will will write to you soon; perhaps he will find something new to tell you.  I do hope that we will have peace soon as we hear flattering reports to that effect.

It is useless to say how much I wish to see you.  You know it is a great deal but when shall I see my loved Jimmie?  Soon, oh very soon I hope.  Pap is speaking of putting up a tannery.   I think it will be very profitable.  Jimmie, I can=t tell you much but I will tell you a heap if you will come home.  If you do not come soon I will try to go to see you in your new house.  All (illeg.) I am glad you have a (illeg.) country than we.  I never did suffer half so much with heat.  I am burning as brown  (page 55) as you please.  It is not because I go in the hot wind but because it comes to me.

Jim is gone for Mollie.  They will be down tomorrow morning.  Tell a Mr. Somebody they need not love a Miss Somebody for they can=t get them.   I intend she shall be an old maid to wait on me.  Mat said if you would send her the tune of the ABonnie Blue Flag@ she would sing it for you when you come home.  My lips hurt very much so I will quit writing as I write nothing new, funny or interesting; but the truth when I say I love you.

This evening one year ago you walked with me from singing.  I remember what we talked about.  Tomorrow one year ago you and Mat, Dunk and myself walked to Mrs. Wileys.

Write soon come sooner.

                            Good Bye Dearest One 
                                                   Your Wife

(page 56)

South Bosque   July 22nd 1862

Dearest Jimmie,

Having an opportunity of sending a letter to you by Mr. West I will write you a few lines though I wrote you a few days since, still I know you will be glad to read this if I only write I am well.  I received your letter this morning dated 16th, inst.  I was very glad to hear from you and of you being well though I know you suffer greatly from you sad complaint, laziness.  Now don=t get too lazy to write or to eat for I want to see you looking well when you come home.  I shall have to send you some knitting.  I will help to keep flies, leas, and mosquitoes off your mind if not off your bones.  I have finished my stocking at last and I am so glad.  I have knit you a sock today-one of the roughest fellows.

I dreamed last night I married one of sweetest pale faced, blue eyed and darlingest fellows in the world but I told him I did not nor could not love him as I would my husband at Ft. Hebert; then he said I would to God I never had seen you.  I was truly sorry for him for he loved me much and vainly tried to win my heart but Jimmie had it in his safe keeping.  I would like to think I would see you  soon but am afraid to for fear I shall not.  I walked down in the bottom this morning and though of the time we or rather you washed our feet in the Bosque.  I had some nice plums this evening, though they were very sour.

Aunt Lizzie is here, will stay several days with us.  Your dream told you a story though perhaps it will come to pass very soon.  Jimmie this has been the warmest day imaginable.  There is a pleasant breeze blowing now though I don=t get any of it for I am writing by candle light and the sweat is rolling off me in great drops.  I would not write >til morning but do not know that Mr. West will wait with us long enough for me to write.  He is with Mrs. Carter tonight.  All the folks are in bed but me.  I will talk to you all day and night too when you come home but I can=t write much.

I will take care of myself for my Jimmie=s own dear self.  I imagine I can see you often.  I have eaten too much supper and feel rather disagreeable.  I will feel better by morning, so I must leave you to the care of bright Angels.

Good night Jimmie Jewel  P.

Good morning Jimmie after a good sleep I feel much refreshed though I dreamed very unpleasant dreams last night.  My lips are getting well though slowly.

This day one year ago you were here, the day Jim and Mollie[35] were married.  I reckon Jim will be down in a short time though Mollie declared he shall not.  I know Mat and Frank will regret not seeing your friend West for they were anxious to see him as they have heard you and Will speak of him in very flattering terms.

(page 57)

If you want to see me just as I am imagine me seated somewhere with my old yellow dress on knitting in hand and speaking or thinking of Jimmie and you have it.  Ida is asleep yet and she is the rudest child in ten counties and needs more whippings but does not get it.  The mark on my fingernail has grown off.   I expect mine has beaten yours.   Jimmie, I do hope we will soon have peace.  Then Jimmie can come home to stay with me and we will be so happy.  It is very pleasant this morning though it is early yet.  I wish you would send some of your rain up this way.  You must not be so lazy.  I will not allow it.  I am not much lazy myself only come home.  I wish you would surprise me soon by showing your face.  Now take care of yourself.  Don=t have the blues for I love you still.

                      Good Bye my loved Jimmie,  
                                                   Patience  

Pgs 58-60        

South Bosque   July 28th [1862]  

Dearest Jimmie,

I am once again permitted to write to my loved one.  It is true I have nothing to write you only I am well which I know you will be pleased to hear.  The health of this neighborhood in general is not good though no serious illness.  Chills and fever is the principle complaint though Mrs. Winn is very sick with the flux at Eli Jones.  Mrs. Wiley was sick a few days since but I believe is getting well. 

Mat and Frank came home yesterday.  Mat has commenced spinning her dress again though it is uncertain about her finishing it soon as she loves to spin no better than her sister Patience.  Will devotes his entire attention to the wonderful Charley (his horse).  Well no, he spares a little time to drinking toddy[36]. 

Uncle Nute[37] returned yesterday he looks rather old with but one arm his health is tolerably good.  His arm is nearly cured.  I saw a letter he has from Gen. Beauregard approving very highly his gallant and daring conduct.  He did not see Rufe[38] Childress after he was wounded though he left him sick.

Mother has a terrible time with her jenes.  The reeds bent so she had to cut the cloth out.  Will and Birt put new reeds in and now she is putting her thread through it again. 

Jimmie, I feel like you was coming this evening.  I wish you would then I would tell you all I know without writing.  It seems a dreadful time since I told you goodbye it is two months today. 

I believe Mother thinks of starting to Henderson the 10th of Sept.  Will will go with her and I expect Mat.  Then poor Patie will go crazy.  I will be so lonesome.  I am lonesome if Mother is gone one day and how can I stay by myself 5 or 6 weeks.  If you could only come and stay with me while she is gone the time would pass sweetly but I fear you cannot come.  You must get a little sick and put on a long face and perhaps you can get a furlough.  I have the blues occasionally but drive them away soon as possible. The best remedy I have found is to cry though I seldom try any other.

I have been helping Mother make preserves today and I did not burn my finger but very little as you are very awkward to burn yours with mush.  I wonder if you put your finger in it to test its heat.  I expect you did, my same silly Jimmie.