LETTER 25
Morganton, N.C.
Nov. 29th, 1877
"Hope deferred had made me heart sick"
waiting and hoping for a word of cheer. Do you know it had been almost a
fortnight since your last greeting? I can't imagine the journey your letter
must have taken to have been on the way for six days. The delay only enhanced
it's value and caused me (if it's possible) to give it a more hearty welcome.
Tis Thanksgiving, our good pastor gave us a most excellent
sermon this morning I started to church in fear and humbling lest Bro. Colton would compare
our condition with those of his former associates. I was thankful he kept silent,
but far more thankful that my heart's best treasure (if he did come from
Cumberland ha! ha! ha!) is nothing like him. Tis a bitter cold evening, of
course I'm ensconced around a huge log fire. Now if I had you with me I'd
be perfectly content.
Oh! I'll be so glad to see your dear face, but as I told you
before don't neglect work (if it is of profit to you) to give me this pleasure
and let me know when to expect you dear for I might be at "Silver Creek"
[the Pearson family plantation] or "St. Bernard."
Our court has been in session for two weeks. I hear we have
furnished several new hands for the W.R.R. I think it was good in you to send
me so long a letter after your day of hard work in the court house, and I know
too that you don't like to write long letters. You tell me that you hope I'll
like your people. Why I know I will! I've made up my mind to like
what and who you fancy. This I can do and still show no
limpness of character, because I consider it a duty and in feeling so
am confident of greater happiness. I do pray God to make me a tender wife, a
faithful companion and a true loyal hearted woman. Accept your invitations and
have just a good a time as you can with the pretty girls. I'm not one bit jealous. I can't give in Clande's verdict.
Am glad your fair passed off so pleasantly. I want every thing
(that is for good) in Cumberland to succeed.
Yes, I trust and believe you did right as regards the
office of elder. I thought constantly of you that day and hope you declined
from fear of God regardless of the opinions of man. Our young folks have revived
the reading club and tell me they find it very pleasant. I won't join it this
winter. My mourning garb prevents me from having any desire for gay company.
I'm thinking just now of the pleasure Mother always took in our meetings of her
pride when Laura was to read, of how her dear, dear, face would light up when I
told her of any pleasant little compliment paid me. Gone, gone, forever are all
those endearments, but I will not forget them, my own my angel mother.
Thanks to your sisters for the kindly interest they show
regarding my finger and be assured it's not disfigured. I remembered "an
ounce of preventative was better than a pound of cure" so sent for Dr.
Buchannan and under his good treatment warded off a felon. It did seem foolish
to complain so over a finger, but I don't think I ever suffered keener
pain.
Col. Tate is talking of going to Paris in June for the sake
of his wife. I trust it may end in talk. Don't you take any like notion for
I'd veto it.
What are you going to do for Christmas?
I expect a quiet time here at home, indeed I've not given it a thought
except hope it would not be so very cold. I don't like this bitter cold
weather.
I laughed no little at Willie this evening telling me of
Mr. Moore who is still waiting, hoping, longing for the money the Yank promised
him. Every now and then he will receive a long loving, grateful effusion, but
never yet has his eyes been gladdened by the sight of Mr. Spinner's autograph.
I feel real sorry for Mr. Moore and think it's too unkind in any one to joke
him about it.
Don't ever let a Yank fool you in like manner, ha!
The young ladies and gents of the village are going out boat
riding. Dr. Moran owns quite a pretty boat, calls it "The Daisy" (for
flower) He has invited me several times to go out with him but I've always found
an excuse. The Yanks (except him) have all left for Atlanta.
Write me whenever you have time and feel inclined. I'm
always glad to see your dear hand mark. Pleasant dreams and slumbers
light. Believe in the love of L.P.
Go to LETTER 26
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