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.


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