Revisions to the electronic version
June 2001 corrector Carolyn Fay, Electronic Text Center
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ALS 4 pp.
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Addie, writing to Charlie from East Claridon, expresses concerns over military activities in Richmond as well as possible interference from England. Addie updates him on her current activities and articulates her longing to be with him.
HOLYOKE CO.
East Claridon. July31st A.D. 1862
My darling Charlie
As I have allowed so long a
time to pass without writing to you I thought it
would be very appropriate to write on the last day
of the month. Shall I beg pardon dearest, or not?
My only excuse for not writing sooner is that I
have had no[ t] time.
How has the[illeg.] month of July been spent
by you dear. More useful than by me I trust, Just
one continual round of visiting, accompanied my
vacation, but I could not feel contented. I longed so
much for the time to come when I could again call
my little "flock" around me and, in my feeble way
impart useful knowledge to their young hearts,
I feel much happiness when I know that I am
useful, than while away. certainly I spent many
pleasant hours "amongst friends at home," but not such
pleasant ones as in my school room. I commence my
school again Monday
I attended the "Aid Society" at E. Claridon yesterday for the first
time. How happy the ladies seem while engaged in
their noble cause, and well they may be happy. Busy
fingers were flying, until five o'clock when-the Pres't
being absent-the Secretary. (Mrs Ailsworth) called
"the house"
to order. TheSec't and Treasurer gave their reports, we
then listened to two letters from a member of the forty-
second. and closed after a prayer by Mrs Ames, had
ascended to that Higher Throne in behalf of those
brave and true ones who had gone to defend our loved
land. I enjoyed myself these if any one did,
DearTo: Charlie
what do you think of the movements
at Richmond. Are you not fearful that we[ 'l] [ will] [ shall] be
defeated. I know not why it is but I have more con-
fidence in Pope's ability to conquer Richmond with his
handful of men than in McClellan, with his
vast army. McClellan is fast losing the confidence
of the citizens of Ohio. They seem to be watching
Pope with an eager anxious eye, as much as to say
"there lies our hope." Are you not fearful that
England will interfere? Many are the hearts that
are breathing waiting for the result at Richmond
fearing that if our troops are defeated there England
with all her hosts will be upon us.To: Charlie
if England does interfere, she will find many
of the patriotic ladies of America willing and ready
to "shoulder arms." I could never stay at home
while our friends and brothers were falling by the hand
of a foreign foe never, Wonder if I could not be
as brave as Joan of Arc.
I received your gift by the kindness ofCapt,
Wood. I was very thankful for it, you must hurry
and come home (guess you willhurry) and tell me
how you [unclear: captured] it as you promised me.
DearTo: Charlie
why do you not write to Laurie. She
has notrec'd a letter from you for a long long
time or at least had not when I left Mecca, I
do not doubt but that your time for writing is
very limited or you would write oftener to me
over two weeks has elapsed since I heard from
you. But I promised not toscold you. did I
not dear? But I should love "ever so much" to
receive letters as often as I did last winter and
spring. Your photograph is here darling, also your
ambrotype. I love to look at the latter dearest, because
it reminds me so much of the pleasant and happy
hours I spent in your society. It also reminds me of
To: Charlie
as he was when I first gave him my young love
and at the former I gaze fondly fervently comparing
it with theTo: Charlie
, the darling noble minded hero of
my dreams Shall aught ever dispel those happy dreams
dearest? No, they are not dreams darling they are realities.
Would that I could be with you dear and be a
sharer of the sufferings you endure, but I have wished
that often enough to realize that it is useless.
I have not heard from Hallie for some time, the
last he wrote, he was very anxious to take the filed
and wished to go to Richmond. He is still
acting as provost marshall over Cumberland.
I trust he will not be required to go there.
Perhaps I do wrong in wishing him not to go
but when I consult my own feelings I can not
help it. Dora is waiting for me to go down
with her and I must close write very often
darling. and may Angels guard thee for
Addie
Remember me toSergt. Moore, Will [unclear: Breden]
Charlie Brooks, and "all the rest"
Addie
Dora sends love
Notes
The paper is embossed in the upper left hand corner with an oval image containing the words "HOLYOKE CO."