Project Ayer - Civil War 1861 - Transcriptions

Meadville May 2^nd 1861

Dear Brother,

          Your kind [satimely] note of Apr 26^th has just come to hand, and I need not tell you that I read it with great interest.  With it I received one from the Col also, breathing forth the same spirit, and one from our friend Nettie, lacking nothing in patriotic fire.

          Yes, I am ready to fight or pray, as occasion requires. – in proof of which, I will tell you something. a little more than a week ago, the students of the college called a meeting and organized a military company.  We are on drill regularly. the officers meet at Central Hall, (a fine drilling room) at half past five in the morning, and drill one hour.  All the members of the company meet at four in the afternoon and drill one hour.  We have at present but about 20 men.  But they are true as steel.  Our first Lieut is a member of the senior class, - a native of Tennessee and will probably be thrown out of eight or ten thousand Dollars by the step he has taken.  But he believes it to be his duty to enter the Army of Freedom, and is determined to fight and die for liberty if need be.  He is also an owner of six or eight slaves.  Our 2^nd Lieut is the Proff of modern languages in College.  He is a finished scholar, and has seen service in seven battles.  We are anxious to be off, but as yet have received no call from the state.  The Captain of the “Allegheny College Volunteers” is no other than your brother.  Should God call me to the field, I expect to lead my men to victory or Death.  Braver spirits never breathed than been in our ranks.  Thoughtful as well as patriotic, they counted the cost beforehand, and sacrificed their all upon the altar of their country.

Thus much for the present.  I would write much more but must go to town for the evening paper.  Thanks you for the position you offered me.  Had I not my present one, I presume I should be glad to accept such a situation.  Am glad to hear of Vinnie’s and Iris’ good health.  God bless you all, Amen! is the daily prayer of

                                      You affectionate brother

                                                          Ira

Meadville May 20^th 1861

My Dear Sir,

          Can we receive an assurance from the Gov in his own hand, that we shall be called at once into Camp, and placed under the efficient drill officers, we will most joyfully wish for the specified time.  I trust I shall do nothing improper in saying that we feel we should have been called before now, among the first to offer our services we had assurances that we should be accepted which little more than a week ago were removed.  Now the first we have acted in good faith, and as we have striven to know our duty as men, we believe that our connection with college should have little to do with the final decision.

Hoping that you will write soon,

I am, Dear Sir,

With much Respect

Your humble servent

Ira Ayer Jr, Captain

Hon S. P. Bates

Notes:

Samuel P. Bates documented Pennsylvania’s part in the Civil war.  He wrote two works, “Matial Deeds of Pennsylvania” (Biographies of the officer including Ira Ayer, Jr.) and “History of the Pennsylvania Volunteers, 1861-1865 Volumes 1 – 5”.  Both works talk about Ira.

Camp Wright July 6^th, 1861

My dearly beloved Mother,

Let me be once more by your bedside, my hand enclosed in your’s.  Let me bow my head and catch the last word of blessing.  Feel my check once more [press] your bosom upon which it so often lay in infancy, and in your spirit console me as far away from house and friends of my childhood.  I pour out my tears in this hour of sorrow.  How quickly, Dear Mother, does life pass away.  It seems but yesterday since I sat upon your knee and repeated my accustomed prayer.  Twenty years have gone, how quickly!  How quickly have they gone by!  Since then how many words of instruction and warning have you given me!  How solicitous have you been for my welfare!  How many silent prayers have you offered up in my behalf!  How have you rejoiced with me when I have rejoiced, and soothed and encouraged me in hours of despondency.  Mother, I my never more hear thy voice below, but I shall never forget its tones of love.  Before I see thy, thy hands may be folded across thy bosom, but I shall never forget thy spirit that moved it to perform some many deeds of kindness for me.  Thy life may no longer move, but, Dear Mother, the kiss which was want to be imparted upon my forehead will ever be remembered.

My dear Mother, I cannot tell you when we will be together in Spirit Land.  The time will be but short at longest.  I cannot go with you, but in spirit I will take you by the hand as you step into the River, and give our long, lingering [press] as I receive you last farewell.  I would see you Spirit come and serene, borne above thy “[dank] waters” by a faith that could not falter, and listen to the echoes of the first song of triumph shall burst from your enraptured soul.

Oh! Dear Mother, how glorious will be the change.  How sudden the transformation from a world of sin and sorrow and vanity, to one of purity and joy and truth.

There are the wise and good of all ages, there are the loved ones who have gone before, the bright spirit of thy departed children who wait to greet thee on the other shore and crowning all is the Divine effulgence of the ever blessed Father, and the mild brightness of the [Son] of Righteousness, through whose [intersection] goes forth a never ceasing stream of love from the throne of the Eternal One.  And now Mother – Dear Mother – I can say no more that will ease my heart.  Let me bid thee dear Mother an affectionate farewell.  First, let me water this letter with my tears.  Let my promise thee upon thy dying bed that I will strive to live for Christ and Christ alone.  Dearly beloved Mother – Mother – Dear Mother – Adieu  It is hard to say the last farewell the long last farewell, dear Mother.  But Mother, it comforts me that I can follow you instructions.  That through assisting Grace, I may strive to be what you have always striven to be, and have always desired that those you loved should attain.  Farewell, Dear Mother.  I know not whether thou still liveth or not.  It may be that even now thy spirit stoops to listen to this last whisper of thy sorrow stricken son.  Should I live to return to my home, Dear Mother, I will often visit thy resting place and strew flowers upon thy grave.  I will recall thy words of love and meditate upon the blessedness of thy glorified Spirit in heaven.  I will take new courage from the sweetness of thy memory, and strengthen myself against the numerous evils so common to this life.

Farewell, gentle beloved Mother, farewell.  We part, but soon shall meet again to part no more forever.  Fare thee well, Dear Mother, fare thee well, Dear Mother, fare thee well. You loving son Ira

Notes:

Julia Wadsworth [Mariah] Ayer died August 14, 1961 – Reminiscenses from the Life of a Pioneer

Transcriber:

F. Bradley Scholtz 2/5/04

To Mother

My Mother, my Mother, and must thou now go

Must thine eye now be closed for the last sleep?

May I never more see thy sweet smile her below?

Must I go to my quarters and there, alone, weep?

I remember thy blessing when I left for the war;

How sad was the parting, Dear Mother, so sad;

Thou did’st press my brow to they heart and implore,

That the blessing of Heaven might fall on thy lad.

I remember thy tears; but thou bade me go fourth,

And pressing my hand, gave the last look of love,

With thy heart beating strong for the cause of the North,

Did’st commit thy dear son to our Father above.

Dear Mother, though goest to regions of light;

Oh! calm be thine exit from this world of pain;

Let angels attend thee, and seraphs all bright,

Sound their harps of gold o’er the heavenly plain.

Sound their harps of gold; – for my Mother Dear,

A flood of joy in that world of bliss,

Rolls on through the ranks of glorified there,

As they welcome the sanctified coming from this.

The sun is now setting o’er the hills in the west,

While its golden rays crown their leafy heads:

Mother; the sun of the life now set with the blest,

And the glory of Heaven o’er thy rapt vision spreads.

Adieu my Dear Mother, adieu for a time,

We’ll meet again soon; – Oh! glorious view!

Together we’ll gage o’er the hills of that clime,

And adore our Dear Savior; – blest mother, adieu.

July 7^th 1861

Camp Wright July 8^th 1861

In my letter of Saturday I only dropped you a short note, as the western mail was about ready to leave; but your kind welcome letter prompts me to a more lengthy reply.

The circumstances under which I left home and friends are indeed sad, My Dear Sister, but I have felt from the beginning that we were in the hands of an overruling Power, and that he would give us grace and strength sufficient for our day.  May our kind Father bless us all and prepare us to improve from those afflicting Providences as shall be for our highest good.

July 9^th

Dear Sister, I was unexpectedly called upon to act as “Officer of the Day” yesterday and was consequently hindered from writing to you; and now my time is so short I must bring my letter to a speedy close.  Let me first assure you that I am very comfortable and pleasantly situated.  We have plenty that is good to eat, and find a board a very convenient thing to sleep upon.  Never slept more soundly than I do in camp.  I observed the comet the first evening it made its appearance and have watched its progress ever since.  It is indeed a mysterious visitor.  How sublime are those phenomena!  How they do fill the soul with the emotions of the grand!  It seems to me that the contrast which the sweet scenery of nature forms with the surroundings of camp life greatly heightens the enjoyment which I receive from the contemplation of the former; so that in one moment I seem at times to drink to the full from the cup of peaceful enjoyment.  It seems to me, Dear Sister, that if I survive war I shall endeavor more assiduously than ever to acquire knowledge and maintain that temper of mind by which I may continually refer all that is beautiful and good to the great author of Nature.  It is by this recognizing God in the Universe, in Revelation, and in the lives of the living, and the illustrious dead, that we become as it were to realize his ever living, present agency and his power over the hearts and happiness of men.

Bless little Iris!  May the [  ] locks of the little cherub float many a summer upon her mother’s breast and her merry [warble] make glad for many bright years to come, the little cottage in the “Valley of the Hills”!  I almost had forgotten to tell you that I have received your note of July 5^th.  I am a little curious to know why.  I presume I shall not be long left in suspense.  I am glad to hear that mother is more comfortable, but I do not suppose that she can long survive.  I enclose a few verse I wrote last Sabbath.  It was a relief to me to write them; and perhaps it may be a pleasure to you to read them.  If you could please send them home as well as this letter after having read them, it may be they will be acceptable.  My love to brother George and Iris, and a large share for yourself, from

Your Affectionate Brother

Ira

Notes:

John Tebbutt, an Aussie, discovered the comet of 1861.  Comet Tebbutt was observed in the skies from Mid-May to Mid-August. The tail was as long as 120 degrees and the comet was at about a magnitude –1.  An interesting fact was that this was the first time the Earth was known to pass through the tail of a comet.  Legend has it that the comet was a potent for upcoming Battle of 1^st Bull Run (1^st Manassas), July 21st 1861 and the Civil War.

Camp Wright July 17^th 1861

My Dear Brother,

Your kind letter was July received, and I hasten to drop you a few words; there being so much activity in camp just now that I cannot find the time to write you a long letter as I would like to.  Last evening Col McCalmont’s 10^th Reg’t received marching orders and we are to move to Cumberland, MD at the earliest practical moment.  It is probable we should march in a day or two.  God bless you and your’s, Dear Brother – Sister Vinnie, and little Iris, the Rainbow, my only niece.  May the richest blessing of Heaven fall upon you all; and may we all so live as to be prepared for all the Providences that await us.  Enclosed please find an article which I clipped from the Pittsburgh Daily Gazette of July 16^th, concerning our Reg’t.  Please write very often if convenient.  My health was never better at present.  Enjoying camp life far better than I ever expected to.  Will try to keep you posted as to our movements.  Please direct your next to this place, where it will be forwarded to my address.

In much love Yours

Ira

Washington, Aug 5^th, 61

My Dear Brother,

                   I do not know how well you could endure the hardships of the camp; but I would love to have you connected with me in the service, professionally.  A few days ago a portion of the Sickles Brigade arrived here, when I hastened to find it, hoping that you might by some means have accepted the position proffered.  I was of course disappointed in one sense and glad in another.  It does my heart good to remember that I have those dear to me, equally in the way of duty with myself, and who are permitted to enjoy the sweet associations of domestic and civil life.  No dear G be assured I shall never for one moment doubt your patriotism and your willingness to spill your last drop of blood for your country.  I often think of the little cottage in which I never passed an unhappy hour and invoke God’s blessing to fall upon its happy inmates.  No, dear Brother, as you have often said, and I have seen and felt it more clearly than ever since entering the service, a man does not want wealth to make him happy.  A little cot, a congenial Spirit – an independent and fearless soul with a firm purpose to do right without regard to the conventionalities of the world in general – these things together with the Divine blessing will not fail to make us happy and useful here, and if we act from a sense of our relations to our Heavenly Father, thrive happy in the world to come.

We are very pleasantly encamped about a mile east of the Capitol.  The weather for the past week has been exceedingly warm, a number of degrees higher than the highest in NY during the warmest part of the season.  I judge from sensation as I have seen no observations.  There is certainly however a great difference in the temperatures.  The tents would be almost unendurable were it not for the raising them a foot or two around the bottom which invariably makes quite a circulation, in this way they are very cool and comfortable.  I have not been “right” sick two hours since entering camp, though for the last two weeks I have had quite a severe cold which amounted to [catarrh] and has made me feel quite dull and stupid much of the time, I have however been off duty but one day (last Sunday) and trust I shall soon wear it entirely away.  We are in McCellan’s Division and are daily expecting to be ordered to some other point – probably somewhere in Virginia.  We may not however see more active service under several weeks.  The policy of Scott and the other head men will undoubtedly be to thoroughly organize and well officer the army and wait until later in the season before moving forward.  I will endeavor to keep you thoroughly posted as to our movements.  A large force is concentrating at this point, almost every hillside being dotted with the neat white tents of some Regiments awaiting farther orders.  Our whole Regt was greatly pleased with Baltimore and we hoped to remain there a few weeks; but were ordered off the next day after arriving there.  It is indeed a most delightful city, looking as though out in a holiday dress.  The fine marble casings and in many instances fronts, give a very neat appearance to the houses while the streets are very nicely paved and perfectly free from dirt.  I may say I did not observe a cross, homely, or dirty looking person in Baltimore – nor even a discontented one, – which is perhaps to

Just as I am sealing this letter we receive orders to march.  I suppose we shall cross the river into Virginia.  Direct to Washington to Regt PRVC.

Notes:

I think there is a page missing.  The letter fills the four pages without an end and then there is a note written over part of the letter about receiving orders.

Big Falls August 20^th 1861

My Dear Vinnie,

I have not heard from you in a long time and am becoming quite impatient once more to receive a letter in your own hand writing.  We are now encamped at the “Great Falls of the Potomac” about 17 miles above Washington our object being to prevent the crossing of the rebels to this place, which is seems is considered important point and quite subject to attack.  I think quite a force of enemy troops had been stationed on the other side of the river before we came, but its thought they withdrew the next night.  The nearest we have come to seeing an enemy consists of having found some flattened bullets shot against a rocks from the other side.  Yesterday the 2^nd Vermont came in to relieve us, and we are now awaiting orders – expecting to return to Camp Tenally.  This Regt was in the Bull’s run affair and it is quite interesting to listen to incidents of the fight from eye witnesses.  There is a great difference between the manners of the Vermont boys and the “New York Fire Zouaves” whom we encountered the first night of our arrival in Washington.  You cannot image the condition of this in W[ashington] at the time.  The streets were filled with disorganized soldiers, most prominent which were the sun tanned, rolling, desperate Zouaves.  Not one of them but knew how to talk and when circumstances afforded they exercised their powers to good advantage.  Gen McClellan soon took command and having established a patrol both night and day with orders to arrest all straggling solders.  The city soon presented a quiet and orderly appearance.  The purposes of the War Department for the present, I presume you can arrive at as correctly as I.  I do not think a decisive and vigorous movement will be made and once now will it probably be deferred more than three or four weeks.  There is a large number of troops concentrating about Washington and it is not to be supposed that a strong forward movement will be long delayed.  All the boys seem cheerful amid the hardships of the camp, quite readily adapting themselves to the circumstances, and many of them seem quite anxious for a brush with the enemy.  For my own part I am not anxious either way only desiring that the war might be brought to speedy and honorable termination.  This of course is a feeling prompted by humanity and religion.  I shall never [seek] for military glory Dear Vinnie.  There is something more enobling and inspiring.  I accept war as a necessity.  I engage as a lover of God and my country.  I feel that any personal ambition would degrade rather than elevate; and my only desire is to do my duty as a soldier and a patriot.  It is this feeling that sustains me.  I rely for the issue upon the God of Truth and the God of Battles.  In his own good time Peace with all his blessings will once more smile upon us Dear Sister how we shall hail that day with Thanksgiving!

I am very anxious to hear from home [  ] by the last letter from [   ] Sister Sade.  I learned that our Dear Mother was very low.  I fear that before now she has left us.  But how blessed is the departure of a woman.  I trust that no cloud obscured the sunset of her life.  Was her mind in perfect peace?  What were her wishes concerning us all?  I enclose some sprigs of cedar and if there still be an opportunity I would love to have them entwined in her bosom in some appropriate way as a last tribute which I can [pray to own] we love.  When you write tell me all Dear Vinnie.  Our sorrows are common would that we might mingle our tears together over the love from our departed Mother.  My love to Geo and little Iris and much love to yourself.  You loving brother Ira

We have just received orders and shall return this PM to Camp Tenally three miles above Georgetown.  Direct as before to Washington City Col. McCalmont’s 10^th Regt PRC

Nov. 1 1861

Dear Vinnie;  Here is a letter written at Great Falls;  and which was accidentally mis-laid.  This accounts for on of the letters.  I think I will send it as it is enclosed on [somisprizs] offer obtained at that [tlan].  Your affectionate brother Ira

Camp Tenally September 7^th 1861

My Dear Sade,

It is a warm and very pleasant day. A light breeze is spring up from the North driving fleecy-hazy clouds across the sky, and fanning your brother's brow as he pens this missive to his absent and loved sister. Sister; imagine for one moment your Ira's strong arm around your neck and feel the impress of his kiss upon your check. Though friend must be separated far from friend in this world, how blest that that sweet union off his spirit can never be broken which so softens and sanctifies life. Were it not for this, I should have no sisters now -- no Father -- no Mother. As it is, Mother yet lives to me; sisters are often near me; and the influence of a beloved father is ever surrounding me. Let me tell you how glad I was for so faithful an account of our sainted mother. I am not surprised, dear Sade, at your temptations during the trying hour. It is perhaps but natural that reason should arise and shake herself and clamor for admittance to those portals which faith alone can enter. Are we not firm; do we not say, "Reason; thou can'st go no farther: thou hast naught upon which to plant thy feet: stand back and let bright pinioned Faith bear on my hopes." We need not wonder to find ourselves enshrouded in clouds and darkness. But experience, dear sister, will strengthen us in the exercise of faith and enable us, if we seek earnestly for so high a state of grace, to ever live in the sunshine of a glorious hope.

It is generally felt, I believe, both in the army here and throughout the North that we are on the eve of a great battle. We have received an order from Gen. McClellan this evening to have two days rations in haversacks and be ready to start at a moment's warning. This looks significant as I think there is very little cause to suspect an advance on the part of the rebels. Next week, I think, will be fraught with stirring events. This afternoon Gen. McCaul's Brigade to which we are attached was reviewed by the Secretary of War. They made a fine appearance and I believe will do good service.

I am learning to live as comfortably in my tent as at home. Indeed, it is a very pleasant mode of life. The reveille and tattoo are beginning to come as a matter of course, just as the crowing of the rooster in civil life. My health is for the most part excellent. The severe cold which hung to me so long I am entirely free from. I never was more grateful to be relieved from any illness than from it. Your plans, dear S., entirely meet my approval. I doubt not they are dictated by divine and filial love. Can you doubt for a moment that you will not prosper in every way in pursuing them? Have you a fear even that you will not succeed? Where is thy faith, loved one? Look to the lives of the great and good in all ages. They, like you and I, had to overcome foes from without and within. And yet it was only by these conflicts that their souls became strong. Dost thou have trial? Let thy faith mount upward as on the wings of the eagle. Let it bear thee to that world of eternal day. Behold then thy Savior, the ever blessed comforter. Claim his promises. Get strength by communion with the Father. With thine eye upon the star-decked throne and the swaying scepter, go forward to battle. Nothing can harm thee so thou dost not falter or delay. Adieu for the present. Love to all. 

Yours ever, Ira

Camp Tenally September 26^th 1861

Dear Brother George,

Your’s of the 23^rd [  ] has duly reached me and I hasten to welcome you to our country’s service.  In this, as in all other wars, the sunshine of victory is often followed by the shadow of defeat.  But we are assured that our cause is a just and holy one, and we can look to the God of all grace, believing he will ultimately crown our efforts with success.

This, being the day the appointed by the President for fasting and prayer, all drill and fatigue duties are dispensed with in camp and throughout the “Army of the Potomac”.  I suppose when you march you will be sent to Washington.  Do you intend bringing Vinnie with you here?  In a number of instances officers have brought their wives here and when not convenient for them to remain in camp, have secured them a room in Georgetown where they could visit them occasionally.  Georgetown is indeed a pleasant and a healthful location and might perhaps be a central point with you, though little can of course be known in this respect.  Why does not Vinnie write to me?  I have written two letters and cannot get a reply.  I am, or at least have been until your last, anxious as to her health, owing in a measure to an intimation in one of your last the impact of which is not necessary to mention.  I am however as you must be aware in much doubt and anxiety to hear further from you.  I suppose you heard that Pa and Sisters [Sadie] and [Just] went to Meadville a week or so ago.  I think they had a pleasant time.  They obtained all my things there, met some of my acquaintances and saw our college and society rooms.  Sade wrote me while there and seemed much more animated with her journey.

It is indeed hard to tell when we shall see battle; but I doubt not it will come soon or later.  If we are ordered into Virginia we shall see sharp times.  It may not be the policy of the government to make a forward movement in that direction.  Camp life is indeed very pleasant.  I have spent the past month as happily as perhaps as any in my life and I am sure it has passed quickly enough.  Very little severe sickness in our Reg’t; though a type of low fever is very prevalent which it seems is very common in this climate at the season of the year.  Only one death in our Reg’t since its organization and that was by accident.  A man on Guard had his head nearly shot off by the discharge of his gun.  We have an excellent Col. and I fear we may lose him as it is thought he may be promoted to Brig. Gen.  Perhaps not.  I shall hope for the best.  My love to Vinnie and our little Rainbow when you again [   ] them.  I trust I may hear from Vinnie immediately, and shall hope to be favored with a knowledge of as many of your [   ] as consistent and agreeable.  I hope soon, Dear Brother, to meet you in Georgetown heights or on the plains east of the capital, and afterwards, if it be the will of the Providence to join you in the thundering of battle.  If we fall, may we be prepared for that peaceful rest which is in waiting for the children of Light.  If we survive, I shall meet you by the lake, or in the “valley among the hills”, and talk about these times with you.

Your affectionate brother

Ira Ayer Jr

Camp Pierpont Va, Nov 17^th, 1861

My dear Sister Vinnie;

                   It is Sabbath afternoon, the wind is blowing quite cold from the north-west, the white fleecy clouds are driving across the deep blue November sky, the golden leaves of Autumn are fast falling from the trees, and everything indicates approaching Winter.  The men thus far have managed to make themselves very comfortable in their quarters by building under-ground fire-places [] and they seem as contented as ever.  The Union Army are fighting for a Principle as true and unchangeable as it is great and vital.  They entered the field – not from a love of conquest, but from the love and severance which they bore to our county’s flag and to our time-honored and beneficent institutions.  Among them are scholars and statesmen, and history will have to record that in no age of the world has so great an army been gathered so quickly from the peaceful walks of civil life, – from the academy and the quiet farm house, from the counting room and the mechanic’s shop, and so rapidly and cheerfully accustomed themselves to the hardships and stern usages of war.  Is there not something inexpressibly sublime inj the idea of a mighty people arising and buckling on their armor for battle, because they feel that God calls them to the terrible work?  Here are patriotism and power and liberty and Union and devotion all embodied in this one great action.  Dear Sister what cause have we for rejoicing, that Victory has so recently perched upon our banners!  We undoubtedly have much yet to do and much to suffer; but let us cheerfully endure and sacrifice, putting our trust in the Ruler of nations, and accepting of nothing short of perfect triumph.  Then having been [puseped] in this furnace of affliction, shall our beloved country take her lead among the nations of the earth, and we shall feel proud of the land of our nativity.

          Yesterday morning a poor fellow from company (C) died in the hospital and this morning we followed his remains to their last resting place.  He was the victim of passion and imprudence and it seemed melancholy indeed that one who had started so full of hope should so soon be consigned to his lonely grave.  The occasion was a solemn one.  The slow marching of the Regiment with side arms, the plaintive notes of the “Band” and the subdued murmuring of the muffled drum were all in accordance with the spirit of the hour.  We left him upon a rising ground near a church which but recently was in good condition but it is now almost demolished by the soldiers.  You can have little idea how war devastates a country until you have witnessed it.  Beautiful farms are laid waste and the country is left barren and desolate.  In contemplating war it is usual for us to think of nothing but the shocks of battle.  The plume of the warrior, his flashing sword and prancing steed; the groans of the wounded and the mangled dead comprises all which usually to us seems the glory or destruction of war.  The immense supplies which are necessary to subsist an army and which require so many thousand hands and channels of trade to furnish, we do not so often consider.

          I enclose a likeness which I had taken a few days ago in Washington.  I hope you may see it something to remind you of your absent and – affectionate brother Ira.

P.S. Please write soon.  Why can you not, dear S write a little oftener?  I believe you do not consider fully how much I love to receive a letter from you.  If you did I am sure you would not keep me so long waiting for the welcome messenger.  I hear quite often from home, get a letter from Nettie now and then and have an occasional correspondence with Miss Louise Williams of Meadville, daughter of Vice President Williams of the college.  She is a fine girl of good education and medium capacity.  Besides these I have some business letters.  This comprises my correspondences.  I enjoy writing much.  It keeps me intimate with the associations of early years are the dearest of my life.  My love to little Niece.  I suppose when I see her again I shall hardly see a trace of her Baby self.  We cannot tell.  Good bye.

Copyright Bill Scholtz 2010-

Last edited 06/16/2014