Project Ayer - Civil War 1864-5 - Transcriptions

Washington D.C.

Jan. 18^th, 1864

My own, dear, dear husband:

                             Oh! my love, it is so comforting to me, so satisfying to my soul, to call you by this endearing name; what could be more beautiful.  My Ira, then our union, it is truly Heavenly.  A union, that nothing can destroy, no power, dissolve, for Heaven hath formed it; our love is Eternal.  Oh! my dear; how powerful deep and continuous is my love for you, I cannot express it; our spirets are one, our love is so puer, and dearest when God shall bless us with sweet babes, as we trust He will, how beautiful it will be to have this love, and Affection in their natures, and to feel and experience, this love in all our actions, and especially comforting will it be, in times of our afflictions.  My loved husband; after you left I was very, very sad.  I could not be comforted.  I went to my room and by the bedside where we had kneeled so sweetly together, I prayed that God would look in pity upon me, for I was lonely and sorrowful, I felt that no one could relieve my aching heart, but our kind and loving Savior.  My dear Ira; when I think over the happy, happy days and nights that we have spent together, then, what joy fills my soul, at the thoughts of a lifetime of such bliss.  My heart overflows with love, and tenderness for you my husband; to me now dearest, there is such a void without you, how can I be sustained without you near me, My life, my happiness, all depends upon you for sustenance.  My beloved husband, I am all the time thinking of you and praying for you; how much I miss your beautiful warm kisses, yes warm from your pure, manly lips; and my Ira, from embrace, his dear arms around me, pressing me to his precious, bosom;  My dear husband; can I be patient, and meekly bend, to this privation, do you think it possible love?  No it will cost deal, a great many, hard strivings, to controle these feelings, now that I have tasted of the sweetness, of this new life, a sacredness, pervades our union.  My Ira those of your absence, are uncongenial days to me, they have not much sunshine, for me, and I fear with not until, your Jennie feels herself again clasped in your strong arms but I think I intend to live near our Heavenly Father and receive His blessing with a grateful heart dearest, how often,  My dear, Ira; do I think of

Your true affectionate wife

Jennie Ayer

Note:

Lizzie is likely Elizabeth Beyers, Jennie's cousin by way of her dad's sister Susan James Beyers.  Elizabeth who went by the name Lizzie was 4 years younger than Jennie and had grown up in New Hampshire.  I don't know what she was doing in Washington for so long.  I would think that during the war, people who lived in relatively protected areas like New Hampshire would want to avoid places like Washington.

Washington D.C.

Jan 25^th, 1864

My very dear and much loved husband;

                                                I have just received your beautiful letter of the 20^th inst.  It is so very sweet dearest, your letters always excite joy in my heart.  My Ira; Oh! this love, the sympathy of such tone affection, inspires our hopes, our joys and prospects; what a happy union is ours beloved husband; do you know love, that I feel such an assurance that God will bless us, Our Father.  He is all powerful, if He will give us a little Ira! how happy we shall be; the emotions excited within me, at these thoughts, are truly indescribable.  My dear husband; I would so love to have had you spend all the evening with me, but I feel love, that your time must be pretty occupied, and I know that my Ira is always happy in doing his duty.  Can I help you dear?  Would you be strengthened by my love, and prayers?  You said the officers and men were respectful and obedient; yes my dearest your sterling principals, and kind disposition will ever command such.  God will help you to do your duty toward them.  I did smile husband dear, when you told me about – putting your arms around the doctor; but I felt more like weeping to think that it were not I that was receiving those loving embraces, dearest.  I know, Ira, that by love like ours, God intended man and woman should be united.  Every action should be fraught with love and all our words so tender and affectionate.  You dear husband; have ever been so to your Jennie.  My dear brother Clements says that he shall feel very happy to be troubled by you.  I am glad to have the information concerning the sending of a box though you are so well supplied.  I think perhaps you would like to have some of your Jennie’s cake for tea one evening.  My husband, I love you with a true, pure love; it imparts richness, through my whole being; it is so deep and sincere dearest.  Happier, far happier am I with this treasure (your love) than all besides could make me.  In this all my happiness is involved.  Oh my husband, it was indeed a painful duty for me to part with you.  I must strive to be brave as I am a brave soldier’s wife dearest; to be separated from you, makes these days appear cloudy.  I cannot help feeling so. I am hoping that the time will come when the son will beam upon us with all its charming rays.  My love, yesterday I enjoyed sweet peace, went to church twice.  I felt to say with the composer of that sweet hymn, “Not a cloud doth arise to darken the skies.

          To hide for a moment my God from my eyes.”

[boro] the Christian is elevated above the turmoils of this life.  What a blessed supply loved Ira, is the faith and love of Jesus in our hearts.  I am happy to know dear that your have my handkerchief.  It is marked Jennie.  I suppose you will write my name in full upon it? “Jennie Ayer”.  Is there any thing else you would like to have belonging to me darling?  All your things that you left with your wife are done up nicely and marked ~ Ira Ayer upon them.  They are laying in my draw ready for you when you return dear.  Mr. and Mrs. Bates send love to you.  Mrs. Gardner, also.  I must bring my letter to a close dearest for I am very tired.  I have had quite a large baking today and other work besides tending to dear sick Ma too.  She is much better, sends much love to you.  Pa too, brothers and sisters send love to their dear brother Ira; Lizzie sends love to her cousin Ira.

          “Ever be happy” dear husband.  May our Heavenly Father bless you.  Two loving kisses I send.

                             Your true and loving Wife,

                                      Jennie Ayer

To Major Ira Ayer

Washington D.C.

Jan 29^th, 1864

My dear, dear husband;

                                                I am almost overcome with these heavenly feelings produced by this deep love in my heart for you.  My dear husband, is not our love divinely beautiful, where’er I wander, whatever I am doing, the precious influence of our love, invigorates my energy; and I am as it were ever conscious of my husband’s, noble, loving Spirit near me.  My loved Ira; goodness and mercy has been our lot, ever since we embraced in this new way; and Oh! will not Jesus [?uch] safe to be nigh unto us upon the stormy sea of life?  Yes, we cannot doubt it our faith assures us that He will and His precious promises too, sweet friends is the dearest, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be, afraid not as the world givith give I unto you.”  Dearest, I want to be eternally led by the spirit as to be able to understand the teaching of the Holy Spirit.  My beloved husband, I have received yours of the 21^st & 24^th.  Your dear letters, Oh! what power they poses to comfort, to cheer, and dispel all my fears; they are life to me, now you are away from me.  I would have written, love but I have not been very well for the last few days.  Oh! yes my husband, I long to have you by my.  I long to entwine my arm about you my noble, noble Ira; if it were not for that strength given me by our Heavenly Father, I could not endure this separation.  My tender loving husband, my support, my Ira, our love has ever appeared to me like the flowing streams and green shaded glades.  When, my dear, shall I feel your strong arm pressing me to your manly bosom, and your beautiful kiss, hear the rich tones of your dear voice, again?  You, dearest bring so vividly to my mind, all the calm, sweet, happy days of or first lovings.  Yes, speak of them dear; I love to have you, they were delightful days, there is a sacredness that will ever linger around the very thoughts of them.  How I love Ira, to call you my dear husband! so much, yes dearest, our children will be lovely; how I would love to have a little boy, just like you, Ira, in character and form; this I want you to pray for husband.  I took Lizzie and the girls to the Smithsonian Institute.  I wish you could have been with us.  All looks so much improved there.  I shall want to visit that place again with you.  I hope dear that God has begun his work which we do indeed desire so much, but I cannot tell love.  I weigh four pounds more now than I did in N York, another thing, is that my breasts have increased greatly in size dearest.  I do not know whether these are indications or not, but God is even good we will toast in Him.  I am so happy to know that my husband is comfortable in Camp, your house must be quite a pretty place.  [feign] would I wander near that spot.  I do appreciate the kindness of the Doctor and his good wife.  Her sympathy is prized by one who feels in her bosom the same pangs.  Yes dearest, we have only begun this happy useful life.  God with us renders life.  All that is pleasant.  Uncle Joseph’s letter was very kind and good.  I think him a noble soled man too dear, I feel to love him.  Dear Ma is getting well.  She was delighted to have your letter and sys she will soon write to her dear son Ira.  Mr. Ashley and wife spent last evening with us, sends kind love to you.  I must say farewell for a little while dearest.  All send love and kisses.  The Spinners send kind remembrances.  I send two loving kisses.

                                      Your affectionate Wife

                                                Jennie Ayer

To Major Ayer

Washington D.C.

Feb 1^st, 1864

My beloved husband;

                                                My love for you is every day so true and deep, dearest.  I never tire in speaking of it to you.  Its resources never can be expended.  I love you with a love too pure, too sacred for any ear to hear, or eye to behold; its depth; or heart to feel it but yours, my dear husband; this love of ours is Heavenly, it elevates the mind to the power and grandeur of Heavenly Father; dear husband, I am not getting over those feelings of sadness which your absence causes, neither can I ever until your return; Alas, my thong lets wander to my soldier’s quarters; most every night.  I fancy I see you sometimes (sitting in your little camp chair) writing to Jennie or to those, loved ones at Evergreen Cottage.  Then again conversing with the doctor or reading your little Bible, or another good book.  I am with you too in your duties darling; I know they are arduous, in your position the mind and body must be, active engaged, especially with you, dear; for you always perform your duty faithfully.  I pray that God will help my loved, loved husband.  He will, dear Ira, expand our minds and aid our conceptions in whatever way our contemplative powers may be employed.  My dearest; I have received tow of yours ever welcome and highly prized letters.  I do so love to have you write me so often, dear husband, how satisfying to my soul it is, to know that my Ira, at the close of a day, full of care and toil never feels too weary or deems it a burden, but rather a pleasure to write to comfort his Jennie; how much joy and gladness those precious letters bring her who’s life and happiness is bound up in you; no other could ever poses this power.  I love to have you call me by these names, Oh! yes it is beautiful to call me your dear beloved wife; Our love is like the flowers that never wither, the sparkling streams that never dry.  No dearest there is not a discordant element and never will be!  We live to make each other happy.  It is, dearest, as you say, our views of life are the same, of right and wrong.  I will make our home the sweet retreat from the cares and rebuffs of the world for you, my husband.  I do not think I observed the sunset on last Monday, darling Ira, but your beautiful and lively description of it makes me feel as though I really had.  I love your descriptions so much.  You pen your thoughts beautifully dear.  What a pleasure is must afford you my dear, to look upon those Huge and lofty mountains, and scenery around.  Your rich mind can derive great benefit and [instinction] from the works of your Heavenly Father.   How sorry I feel for those whose minds wander upon those sublimates; without any true idea of their founder.  Past 10 o’clock and my darling husband; tired and weary sits down to write to one whose heart is knit to his; bound by sweet bonds of Heavenly love.  His wife, loved husband, how I long to put my arms round you dear neck and tell you of this great love in my heart for you.  Yes dearest we are inclined to doubt, even when receiving God’s blessings, in a special manner.  His forbearance and mercy causes me often to weep and feel sad to think I could grieve so kind and benignant a Father.  We have our trials, dear, and will as long as this life shall last, but Oh! how they refine us, and though we may be brought into great difficulties and pain of mind, by the wickedness and neglect of others, God will make it a blessing to us if we cast our cares upon Him; the waves may rise high, yet our light Bark, will rise upon them and never sink beneath! Our captain, will guide us safely through, we shall not founder on the shoal and rocks which lie half hidden in our way through life.  God will be with us, only let our faith be strong.  I feel so happy that you are strong in this faith, dear, which that beautiful chapter you directed my attention to speaks of; I am greatly comforted in reading it, love.  I shall read it often.  I do love to pray for you, dear husband.  I never will cease to.  Ma and Pa send much love and kisses.  Brothers and sisters too.  Washington is very gay but I am not drawn into the whirlpool of fashion and gaiety.  I am happier in retiring to my husband’s camp.  I must close dearest.  Heaven bless you my Ira, two affectionate kisses I send.

                             Your loving faithful wife

                                                Jennie Ayer

To: Major Ira Ayer

Note:

Sanitary Fairs were fundraisers run by the United States Sanitary Commission (USSC), an official branch of the Federal Government.  The USSC was created during the Civil War to coordinate the efforts of women who wanted to aid in the war effort.  The women in the USSC worked as nurses, made meals for the troops, administered hospital ships, set up homes for veteran and did many more functions.  All in all the organization raised $25M.  This Sanitary Fair ended on 18 March with an address from Lincoln. 

Washington D.C.

Feb. 7^th, 1864

My dear, dear Husband,

I cannot find words, to express my deep, unfailing love, for you, and the feelings that thrill me now.  My darling husband, how happy, and cheerful your letters always, make me, I received yours of the 1^st & 2^nd, they are very precious to me, what a valuable, and interesting book they will make, for us to read, in after years together.  “Our forevermore”.  Yes my love, God hath joined us and Oh! How He has blessed us.  So often do I find, my self intently looking at my husbands, own noble, loving, words on the back of my beautiful Breast pin, and exceedingly great, is the pleasure it affords me, your hair looks beautiful in it dear,  I cannot, loved Ira, keep the tears, of joy back when looking upon that, beautiful inscription.

Ira dear, to say that I am yealding, or that I ever, can, to this great, privation, would be saying, the thing that is wrong, for I am no more reconciled, not, to your being away, from me than I was at first, I feel, such anguish, at night such a longing, for your sweet [?rerity], more especially when the shades of the evening com on, even when loved ones are with me, and kind friends around, a loneliness steals over me, but dear, I am not, unhappy for your love supplies the richest joys, deep within me.  Cousin Lizzie sleeps with me, she tells me that I often turn to her in my sleep and say, “dear husband”, she said I do not startle, but so softly, say, dear husband.  Oh! Yes, love, sleeping, or waking I am thinking of you always. I will not, blame you, dearest, how could I very beautifully do you, differ – with me.  My darling husband; and with all the earnestness, of your true, pure love, for me, do you speak your desire so lovely.  No dear, we will not choose God’s will is ours.  He knows what is best for us.  Let our faith be strong.  My Ira, sweetly could I rest in your dear arms, now, and, how great my happiness would be in your head was resting on my bosom.

When shall we have one of our delightful frolicks?  I want one very, much too dear.  They were so full of innocent [mirth] I hope that we shall soon be able to enjoy them again.  My loved husband, when shall I hear your manly voice, and look upon your Honourable scars and feel your warm loving hear beat close, to mine?  I must try to be patient!

I do practice a little every day love, if you were here, to help me I should play more.

We never can get tired of speaking of our love to each other, this Heavenly love, that can never loose its sweetness, and it is my strength to feel, that you are all mine, and I am all yours, never was love so true and deep as ours dear, dear husband.

I do not believe that, it is your duty to remain in the army.  I feel that our Heavenly Father, has other, labors for you to perform.  My love, I do not say that it was your duty to remain, but dear, I have been strongly impressed of late that you are not to, but darling husband, God will convey fully to us His will and give us knowledge, to act according to it.  There is not genuine [her] truthful Idea, in us independent of God, and He is the infinite source of all good.  He is our great teacher.

My dear husband, I feel that we must have a quiet, happy season together too when God gives us a sweet babe;  I shall want you near to comfort, and support me, and you will want to enjoy, the [scriety] of our little Ira, and I feel that it will be right for you to have a little rest, after the many years, of toil you have had.  I would say [???] come home, let us [reline] to the quiet retreat, (Evergreen cottage) and there we will learn, what our duties are.  I will pray [demest] that Our Heavenly Father, may bless souls in your little Chapel.  I know you work faithfully among the poor soldiers around you.  I know that all that you have command over, is prospering, you must not labor beyond your strength.  I fear you are, working too hard now.  I send a small box to you in the morning dear.  You must exercise this love for I have been called away, so many times to so many times to [sisitoses].  I am tired of receiving formal calls and returning them.  All send love and kisses.  I send you two loving kisses, dear husband.

Your true affectionate wife

Jennie Ayer

Washington D.C.

Feb 9^th, 1864

My dear, beloved husband;

                                                I have just received your precious letter of the 5^th inst.  My darling, each one of your letters seem more and more beautiful to me.  This last one is Oh so comforting to my soul.  My Noble, loving husband, you messages of love are like the bright, warm sunbeams upon the tender plant drawing it fourth to bud in strength and beauty.  The blossoms of our love are pure white and the fragrance, the sweetest, my loved, loved Ira.  Brother reached home yesterday.  He spoke of you my dear in an especial tender manner.  Lizzie said to him “you talk as though he was the most perfect man.”  Brother replied, “He is.”  I say so too.  I made them things.  If they are not too good you must scold me dear Ira.  I have so much to tell you but cannot now.  I hope God has begun the work we desire.  I want to see you so much.  I cannot write more now love for Clements is ready to take the box to Md Avenue.  I intended to write you a long letter last night to send now but soon after dinner friends came in and stayed till quite late.  All send love and kisses.  Two kisses from your loving wife.  God bless you my dear husband.

                                      Your Affectionate true wife

                                                Jennie Ayer

Major Ira Ayer

10^th Regt. P.R.O.

Manassas Junction

Washington D.C.

Feb 11^th, 1863 (Note: year incorrect)

My dear, dear, dear husband:

                            I took your precious letter, which I received this morning to my room and with it open before me I praised and thanked God for his boundless love, and mercy toward me in giving me you, my noble, loving husband, to me.  I love you so much, you can never know the depth of my love for you Ira.  I can meet trials and difficulties Bravely and patiently through life with you my darling husband.  My dear, your letters cause me to rejoice.  I cannot tell you how happy they make me, so cheerfully do I perform my duties after reading them.  Oh! how I would love to feel your dear head, upon my breast, it is so comforting to me to know that you, my loved one, have rested your head there.  I know that God is good.  I will put my trust in Him and may He bring us together soon.  I do want to be with you dear Ira, if it is only for a short time, our good Brother Samuel told me that he thought it would be right now for me to pay you a visit, he knew I would enjoy it so much, you were very comfortably situated, Oh! my dear, dear husband these intimations, were so exceedingly delightful to me.  I will, I will! come to you if you can let me, anything, only to be near you  and I should be so relieved from the irksomeness, of this formal calling and the fashion, and gaiety of this City from for a little while.  My Ira, to love, and be loved by you is my life and strength, yes dear, this is only the beginning of our happiness, our love has so firm a foundation, it imparts stability through our natures.  My loved Ira, be patient.  I do not think that we have lost even a day in this great work.  I do believe that it has been going on as rapidly as possible.  Oh! how thankful we ought to be that we through the grace of God have been kept from so much of the corruption of the world, and we will dearest endeavor to raise above the trifles which too often engross the mind: Children naturally imbibe the character of the parents, and if ours are like you, my husband I shall be happy we will learn from our Divine teacher, the right way to train these sweet little ones. I feel love that my usefulness is only beginning and I intend to expect myself to promote the good and the happiness of my husband and children.  I called upon Mrs. Ashley who is very sick, confined to her bed.  Mr. Ashley is much better but looks very delicate still.  I shall love to come to you , dearest, may I bring my guitar? with me, must I have a small trunk or a large one, do you want anything love, I shall be all ready waiting your answer to this, my husband.  I am enjoying excellent health now and dear Pa and Ma are quite well.  All send love and kisses.  I sent a small box to you yesterday.  Two loving, loving kisses from your Jennie.  God be with you my precious Ira.

Your ever true and loving wife

Jennie Ayer

Washington D.C.

Feb 15^th, 1864

My very dear and much loved husband:

                I feel a little sad today.  I have not had one of my Ira's cheering letters for five days. I do want one so much dear, they shed joy and consolation through my heart.  I know dearest, that you are all the time my much engaged.  Therefore, weekly I bear the long coming of your precious, precious letters:  My dear, dear husband; I love you s ardently, I am never a moment without its radiance beaming with full brightness, in my heart.  My love, for you, never wanes.  My dear, is not our union very sacred, our love is so pure, and Heavenly, its beautiful fragrance diffuses itself around us continually.  I can never tell how much I love you:  I know not how to describe it.  My loved, loved husband; it is so comforting and so sweet to love, and be loved by you.  This true pure love can never cease but stronger will be its strains as the sweet notes (our children) are added, one by one to blend in our harmonious chords, do you not think so dearest?  I have so much to tell you when we are together.  How happy we shall be husband, when we can hear the music of our little ones prattle.  Oh! how it will [ilumirve] home and inspire our souls to every good.  May our Heavenly Father bless us in this very very soon.  My dear God has been very near me of late and I feel the love and peace of Jesus flowing through my soul, how could we hear the trials and disappointments which are continually aversing but for His strength and support.  My dear husband, what time happiness we have enjoyed together:  I often think over each day that I have spent with husband with so much pleasure, Oh! how I would love to be with you now, running over the hills or sitting at the tent door, gazing at the bright twinkling stars or reading to your while resting or perhaps singing for you, or sitting on your knee, with my arms round your dear neck.  Speaking of the great love in my heart for you, I am afraid this cannot be very soon dear husband, for the orders are now, that no passes will be given to ladies to go theArmy; we intend trying very hard to get one, my hopes were raised to a very high degree that I should see my Ira soon.  Husband, dear for a long time after getting into bed I cannot sleep.  I lay my head peacefully on my pillow.  I can see the little stars looking upon me through the window and I know that they are shining for my Ira too.  I sometimes close my eyes but do not sleep for I am thinking and praying for you, dear husband.  Time may fly quickly and hasten the happy day when I shall meet my darling Ira again.  I have taken quite a long walk today.  I brought home two new pieces of music, songs "Do they think of me at home" and "Who will care for mother now".  They are both very pretty.  I want you to help me sing them, will you love.  We spent a very pleasant time with Mr. and Mrs. French.  They wished to be very kindly remembered to you.

I hope I shall be able to get a pass dearest.  I shall feel happier tomorrow for I am sure I shall have a letter from you.  Mother is quite well now sends love to you,  All send love and kisses, how is the doctor?  Say many kind things to him for me.  I send two long loving kisses to my dear husband:

God keep and bless my Ira

Your Affectionate Wife

Jennie Ayer

Note:

"Do They Think of Me At Home?" by Charles W. Glover (1797–1868) c1851 sheet music here. 

"Who will care for mother now?" lyrics by C. C. Sawyer and music by C. F. Thompson, 1863 is a Civil War song by from the point of view of a dying man.  Here is the sheet music and and here is a nice write-up about the song from Long Island University. 

Here are the words for "Who Will Care For Mother Now?"

Why am I so weak and weary?
See how faint my heated breath,
All around to me seems darkness,
Tell me, comrades, is this death?
Ah! how well I know your answer,
To my fate I meekly bow,
If you'll only tell me truly,
Who will care for mother now?

chorus:
Soon with angels I'll be marching
With bright laurels on my brow;
I have for my country fallen,
Who will care for mother now?

Who will comfort her in sorrow?
Who will dry the falling tear?
Gently smooth he wrinkled forehead?
Who will whisper words of cheer?
Even now I think I see her
Kneeling, praying for me! How
Can I leave her in anguish
Who will care for mother now?

Let this knapsack be my pillow,
And my mantle be the sky.
Hasten, comrades to the battle
I will like a soldier die.
Soon with angels I'll be marching
With bright laurels on my brow;
I have for my country fallen,
Who will care for mother now?

Head Qus 10^th Regt P.M.C.

Manassas Junction, Va.

Feb 18^th 1864

My loved sister Vinnie;

                                                Since returning I have written to sisters Sady and Judy; but have read no reply.  Perhaps I am now making expiation for my delinquencies.  If so I submit; although in view of the extenuating circumstances, I had looked for a full pardon.  Dear Vinnie; if I could receive a few lines from you I should be happy – a few words would be better than nothing.  I wrote to pa shortly after reaching my Regt. and suppose you read the letter.  Nothing unusual has transpired since.  We have been troubled some with Guerillas – have made some scouts for them, but with little success.  They are a cowardly bunch and it seems almost impossible to meet out to them the punishment they so richly deserve.

          Has pa returned yet and if not when did you hear from him last?  I notice that the communications on the Mississippi are considerably interfered with and I feel a little anxious concerning him.  How is Amanda?  Really I can forgive her rudeness but I do forget it.  I was never treated so rudely by any female and her conduct was inexcusable.  I was never fascinated with what are termed “strong minded women”, but since then – Oh! horror!  Let a double shotted 64 Rds be leveled on me; – the work would be short; – but this being killed by inches is what I abhor. – But too much of this – she is a defenseless? Female? __ __ __

          Vinnie; I love dear Jennie as truly as ever I did; and if possible more so.  She is as good as it is possible woman, – I mean a true woman – one of God’s saintly angels – to be.  She is always the same gentle, loving, lovable, sweet mannered woman.  There is something about dear Jennie which I cannot describe that reminds me of our sainted mother.  She loves your brother with a true woman’s love.  And you know I believe there is not such love this side of heaven.  I know that I can never love darling wife more than she deserves.  I shall always love her and live to make her happy.  Dear Vinnie, write to me and talk to me about Jennie.  I don’t want to have you silent – any of you upon this subject.  I think it is very awkward to be.  I think it is quite unlike brothers and sisters.  Just think for once how many times you have beguiled from your unsuspecting and unsophisticated brother the most valuable information the most valuable information the most just of his observations and the most sage of his conclusions.  How many times has he (probably) thrown a ray of light upon your troubled mind!  Am I to understand that there is now an unwillingness to cancel this indebtedness?  Now write a good letter to brother.

          Vinnie dear; it is quite late; and I will not prolong this letter.  I do want to hear from home and I confess to a little sadness that there seems no one there who has time or inclinations to write.  I have been looking for a letter from home daily for a long, long while; and more particularly as I felt that I had enjoyed our visit home so much.  You are dear to me – all of you and I will not believe that you are forgetting me.  I am very well and enjoying myself much in my various duties.  I endeavor to look to God for such wisdom and strength to guide and support me, and He often comforts and blesses me.  Kiss the dear babies for their Uncle Ira.  Are they well now?  How is Sister Julia and how Sister Sarah & Brother Simon?  Give them all my love.  Is Br George returning?  Now write dear sister.   I command you.  God bless you loved Vinnie.  I pray for you all.  When life’s trials are over may we meet in Heaven.  An affectionate good bye.

                                      Your loving brother

                                      Ira Ayer, Jr.

Washington, D.C.
Feb 18^th 1864

My very dear, beloved husband:

                  My heart seems to bound within me, with extreme joy when I speak this most dear and sacred name to me now, Husband:  Yes my Ira, my first thoughts at the commencement of each new day is to thank our Heavenly Father for making me the wife of my darling Ira:  I praise Him too love the He led us to eachother.  Though under the most painful circumstances Oh, my dear, I could have passed through ten thousand times more troubles and heart rendings to have met you and become your wife had it been necessary.  I never could love even as I love you, my dear one.  Dearest, how very very deep and pure is my love for you.  My soul clings to my husband with an order beyond description.  The mingling of our spirits are truly Heavenly, our sympathies are one, the ties that bind our hearts together are the sweetest and most sacred and nothing can sever them.  How I would love to give you a shower of kisses now and have you embrace me in your own fond loving way my husband:  it is a different matter for me to be sustained without you near me.  There is no one like my loved Ira, my noble, loving, intelligent husband.  Do you remember how happy we were in making our [toilette] together in our little room at Evergreen Cottage? and how we used to kneel with my head reclining on your bosom to present our morning and evening offering to Him who ever lends a listening ear, and looked kindly upon us, what a tender compassionate Father He is, we will try not to grieve Him.  My loved husband: I am all cheerfulness now for I have received your beautiful loving letters of the 11^th and 15^th insts my darling.  They seem more and more beautiful.  What should I do without these precious letters.  I know I shall never, my beloved, experience the slightest unkindness from you and never, never! can I be unkind to my dear Ira.  We love too lovingly and tenderly to wound eachother's feelings.  When husband and wife are so perfectly united as we are they can never for a moment be unkind, it would cause us the greatest sorrow, if in haste or in a thoughtless moment I should speak an unkind word to you, my loved loved husband, the one who I love better than my own life.  A sweet happy home ours shall be.  I know dearest that I shall want for nothing to make me comfortable with you and it is my chief pleasure to make you happy and comfortable.  Yes, my dear those were delightful summer days, the spring time of our love.  I thought those the brightest and best I had ever seen.  I loved you then though I knew not that it was love for I will dress just as I did then if you like, I have the dresses but darling, I hope circumstances will be such that it will render it necessary for me to adopt a little different style, it was Jennie James then dear. I will make those that will allow, a little larger than they may answer the purpose, what do you think live?  I hope when the summer's sun shines up the flowers again, we shall be together, no more to separate.  I love you dear dear husband so deeply.  I long to put my arms round your dear neck.  I do pray for the time of our meeting to come soon.  I do want  to see you so much.  I do remember the Sunday evening you slept on my lap in that sweet parlor.  I kept [asly] diary when we were away and that is in it.  I must read it to your some day.  I think, love, that this great work is began time will tell.  We have had it intensely cold here, do take care of yourself darling.  I am very well.  All send love and kisses.  God bless you my dear husband, two loving kisses.

Your true Affectionate wife Jennie Ayer

Washington, D.C.
Feb 23^rd 1864

My very dear, beloved husband:

                   I am never; so happy as when uniting to you, and telling you all my loving thoughts, and feelings for you.  I intended visiting Mrs. Ashley today, for she is still very sick, but dear Ma, wanted to go out, so I staid at home to take charge.  All the family having gone to take a walk this fine day, I am so glad, to have this quiet little time, with my darling husband:  for with you, dear, I spend the happiest hours of my life:  Many days have rolled away since we parted.  Are many more to pass before we are again in eachothers arms?  I do most earnestly hope not darling, My dear; rich buds of love with the sweetest fragrance, spring forth every day in my heart, for you and dearest, how my soul clings to your.  Oh! I do so long to hear your dear manly voice, to have your tender caresses: I have your dear precious letter data 16^th I love this letter dear husband.  I love to have you tell me your every thought, it never troubles me to have you write me such sweet reflections, as yours always are, they create pleasure not pain, to your loving, loving wife.  I know that my loved husband; will ever confide in me, let me know your every trouble and anxious, or pleasing thoughts, and then I am happy darling Ira.  Yes, my love as you so beautifully say "We will walk in that path which providence ahs marked for us"  Oh! yea dear, whether it be smooth or rugged and our Heavenly Father, will guide us.  Loved husband; I do pray for your, I will never cease to and I can always pray in strong faith for you, love.  My dear husband; you have proved yourself a Brave soldier; and I feel now that it is your duty to yourself and family to return to peace and quietude but God, will show us our duty in good time.  I know dearest: that these things weigh heavily upon your mind, and cause you many anxious thoughts, my husband, let us cast our car upon God.  He is able and willing to help us, His power is all sufficient; yes dear, you do understand me concerning our house.  I fear husband will smile at what I am going to say.  I do not want our dear little ones to grow up in this city.  I would love to have their earliest associations formed in such a home as I will describe.  I want our children under those evergreens.  To gambol listless, as the balmy spring and in the orchard where they may have a swing attached to the old tree with its gnarled boughs, skip about under the rich apple trees and old pear trees and the green silky grass, bespangled with daisies, and the garden of rich vegetables looking so proud opening their green [plumeller] to the sun; not shut in, ____ this dusty city laced up with fashion, would I like our home to be.  I hope dear husband; that your come to Alexandria, how we will love to talk all matters over when together.  The weather is very much changed on those very cold evenings.  I would gather all the family together, round a good, good fire and read to them.  I would occasionally pause, I could not help it love, tears would dim my eyes.  I do not say because, you were not in our circle, for you are ever remembered as such my dear, but because you were absent.  I love you husband more than I can tell.  All send love and kisses.  Are you quite well dear, I send many many loving kisses, to my darling husband.

Farewell dearest for a little while

Your true affectionate wife, Jennie Ayer

Washington, D.C.
Feb 24^th 1864

My own dear, dear Husband:

                   You ever engage my thoughts, darling, how substantial and beautiful is our love, it sustains us through the deepest trials, it renders life doubly sweet; think you, my dear that many love as we do? not if we may judge from outward appearances.

To-day when Bessie and I were going to take a walk, Mrs. Pierpont looked out of the window and wished us a pleasant walk.  I remarked so clear and bright, I said too, how beautiful the clouds look, I think they, have silver linings, Mrs. Pierpont, said, She thought that all our clouds would have silver linings, (yours and mine dear) she says that she truly believes, that we will be very, very happy:  Dearest, last night I received your dear letter of the 19^th inst, and to=day on our return home I found your dear, beautiful letter of the 22^nd, awaiting me.  Oh! my darling, if I could only tell you how happy they make me.  My dear, dear husband; my heart overflows with love for you.  I do not know what I shall do without seeing you soon, but perhaps I ought to tell you so, does it pain you love, when we cannot see eachother, to have me tell you, how, I long to see you?  Yes darling, we are very differently formed and as you so truly and wisely say, dear, it makes our union perfect.  Oh! how I want your caresses.  I could rest so sweetly in your arms, loved husband, what perfect happiness, your love, and the manly expressions of your true loving heart, brings to me, my darling, darling husband:  This, sweet little form would ever be flitting around my Ira's perfect manly form:  Oh! how can I endure this separation, our lovings are pure and sweet dearest:  No, love I do not forget those trials, I am thankful for them, God sent them for our great good and what would ten times as many trials be to bear when they call forth from a noble manly heart.  Such expressions as those of my husbands at that time, I love you so deeply, so ardently my Ira: no love, I would not have had you any different, you say dear that I bore them so bravely, love you were bearing them with me, and all trials are easy to bear, when by your side, dearest, I think that you were the Brave one, for you had the heaviest part to endure.  I have taken into consideration, the Hundred and Eighty pounds, too love.  I, think darling husband that Jennie Ayer, will not be able to wear Jennie Jameses dresses this summer, how very beautiful was the sweet conversation between dear husband and me after that sweet nights rest.  I love that so much.  I wish love, I could sleep in your arms to-night.  I will come to you darling, whenever you may have me, but do not trouble or make any new work, for yourself on my account, dearest; do you like to have those little leaves, they are Ivy, I sent you some last summer with the emblem "I cling to thee".  Mrs Dr Bryan, in her letter to mama said the were very much surprised to learn that their little friend Jennie had [slepped] of so quietly, they wished us much happiness and would like to know you.

All send love and kisses, your loved ones speak of you very often, darling, I send many kisses.  Farewell for a little while,

Your loving, loving wife Jennie Ayer

Note:

Bessie is Elizabeth Byers, William's niece through his sister Susan James Byers.  Bessie was born in Wales and grew up in New Hampshire.  She came to visit the family on 22 December 1863 and stayed at least into April (the last time she showed up in a letter).

Washington, D.C.
Feb 28^th 1864

My own dear, dear Husband:

                   I am very tired this evening, I have been quite busy all day, for dear Mama is not very well and the sweetest rest to me is writing to you, dearest.  I wish I could lay my head on you noble bosom; just as it is now, hair carelessly falling about my neck, and face, and a rough looking flower entangled in it, placed there slyly by our little black Tom, my darling, whenever I am weary or sick, I want to fly to your bosom.  My loved, loved husband; my pure love for you rises like a fountain, within me, it makes my breast heave with delightful emotions, ours is true Heavenly love dearest.  I have your precious letter of the 25^th and it is such a comforting letter to your Jennie.  My darling; you mentioned having received mine of the 18^th in two of your letters when you ought to have had the 20th, do you get all my letters dear?  I rejoice with your, my husband; for the peace and love of God, which we now enjoy, we will trust in Him and even, "joy in the God of our Salvation". when we are happy in Him, All is well dearest.  I would love to be with you, darling husband; these beautiful evenings, conversing upon the grandeur of the Heavenly bodies, what lovely moonlight nights we have had, they carry me back to the days of our first lovings, what solid happiness we enjoyed then, and the silvery moon shined so benignantly upon us, they were happy hours my dear husband, but I feel that far brighter joys await us, our love is growing richer and is strengthened by the sacred ties that bind us to eachother.  No my dear, we will not harm a single leaf of this beautiful plant, but we will culture it and inhale its sweet fragrance, I know dearest that our pure love will even prompt us to subscribe to and promote the happiness, of eachother, yes, and will be our greatest pleasure, strongly united, supporting eachother in sweet love to do the right and strengthened by the grace of God, we hope to be workers in His Holy cause, and dearest, when our Heavenly Father, shall give us a sweet babe; how pleasing will our duty to train him for the blessed abode and we will seek direction from Heaven to perform it according to God's will, how we will delight in telling those dear ones that God shall give us of our treasures, we are laying up above, My darling husband, I love you more than I can tell, sometimes I feel as though I must hasten, to you, though every difficulty, so overpowering is the influence of this love, in my heart, for you.  I want to put my arms round your neck, and kiss you so much, I long to hear your converse, and pour out tom from the rich stores of your mind, I do enjoy your conversations so much, they are both pleasing and instructive to me.

My dear husband; I used to look in your beautiful blue eyes and read the language of your pure heart, how sweet to remember, my happy hours with you, and nights when I sleep by your side, I would wake at intervals and stretch out my arms, to feel if he who I loved so dearly was truly there or was it only a dream;  Oh! no the happiness was real, as I drew closer to him, his dear arms would clasp me to his bosom.  My dear, do you think that a package of choice seeds from the agricultural department would be acceptable to Pa Ayer, we can send them free of expense, only the trouble of applying for them, which would be a pleasure to me.  I want to hear from our northern home, love, I wonder what those dear ones are doing now.  I often think of them and our pleasant visit among them.  Dear father and mother, brothers and sisters, cousin Bessie, all send an abundance of love and kisses to you.  Many loving kisses, I send to dear husband.  May God bless and shield my darling Ira from danger.  I am very well dearest.

Your very true Affectionate wife,

Jennie Ayer

Note:

We do not have Jennie's letter of the 20^th so Ira probably never recieved it.

Washington, D.C.

          March 1^st, 1864

My dearly, loved Husband;

I hasten to relieve your mind, I have this moment received the money and those valuable papers; you have placed them in my keeping dearest; and they shall be safely kept, I prize, so much all that belong to my darling husband;  I love to have them in my possession.  I feel as though I must wear them, near my heart until you return.  I will take great care of them, darling,  Yes my love, our dear children will prize them highly,  I am so glad we have received our Commission, as Lt. Col;  I would have spoken to you concerning it, but I knew my Ira would let me know directly he received it, I have safely all you left with me dear, dear husband.

I love you so dearly; God help me to await patiently your coming; your dear beautiful letters are my joy and comfort now, your loving heart is mine forever.  I do hope darling husband; that you will remain where you now are.  I mean at Manassas Junction.  I will send my likeness in the next letter, it has been raining all day, so that I have not been able to go for them, or I would send it now.  Oh! my dear, how deeply rooted is this love in my heart for you.  All send love and kisses, I must close, dearest.  Clement is waiting to post this for me.

God bless my loved husband.  Many loving kisses I send.

Your loving, loving wife,

Jennie Ayer

To Lt. Col. Ayer

Note:

The papers Ira sent for save keeping are probably relating to his promotion.  Above we have a copy of his oath of office, but that we got from the National Archives.  It may be this or other papers that Jennie was talking about.  If it is the certificate of his promotion those documents lasted over 100 years with no issues until they were stored in a flooding basement.  Here is what is left of those documents.

Washington, D.C.

          March 3^rd, 1864

My dear, beloved Husband;

This morning while bowing before my Heavenly Father’s throne, I felt happy to think that it would not always be thus, my Ira, and I would approach his footstool, together, to the happy period, when we shall pray together, labor, and rest side by side.  Ira love, how sweet it is to me to bear you, in faith before my savior; what a support is religion, now at this time of separation from the dearest one, to me, its faith and fortitude alone enables me to rise alone this waive of sadness, that would otherwise overcome me.  My darling husband, the root of this beautiful plant (our love) grows stronger and stronger, its vines are still climbing higher and turning around every fiber and gently, lovingly, creeping into every little nook, it shades us from the scorching trials of earth and protects from its keen blasts.  The time of its blossoming will soon come, and they will send forth the sweetest fragrance.  My dear husband; I love you so deeply and purely I never, never fail to ask God in my daily devotion, to make me a comfort.  A blessing to you, all a wife ought to be.  Dearest, I do not mingle in worldly fashionable society.  I know you do not wish me to;  I have chosen the path of usefulness and piety, but whatever class of society, we may by circumstances be thrown among rich, poor, high or low we will thrive to exert a right influence and do good.  I am often pained to see the intellectual mass, [having] [racpidly] carried away by the current fashion and folly.  All their precious time wasted in preparing gaudy, flimsy dress to appear at balls, receptions, theaters and such; neat, plain and a delicacy in dress and domestic enjoyment is more desirable and becoming, I think.  No my dear, we will not trouble ourselves about the future, but leave it with God, confiding in his mercy and love.  My dear, I am very glad to have those things (papers) to take care of and look at and my Ira money how, I shall even love to keep it from you.  I will save, with you my darling.  I feel the importance of taking care of small moneys as well as large.  It is a small leak that sinks the ship often.

I think with you dearest as regards the notes.  My darling husband I believe the great work is progressing though there are no very evident signs as yet.  I do believe God will bless us with the precious gift, a sweet babe.  Let us exclude all unbelief and have faith in our Lord and Master.  He will clean and comfort us.

My noble and dearly loved husband, your sphere of action is and always will be performed with dignity and honor, whatever field of labor may be assigned you, darling, will be attended to faithfully.  I am to help you in all your duties love.  Our home shall be one of love, tenderness and refinement.  I intend to fulfill my mission that is to make my dear Ira’s home happy.  I cannot help thinking dearest that it is a very, very long time since you had last furlough.  I am not unreasonable in my thingkings either.

Dear Ma is better.  All are well, all send love and kisses.  So many and often are loving and kind expressions darling, spoken for you.  I hope this letter will find you at Manassas Junction.  I send many loving, loving kisses to dear husband.  Heavenly Father, protect my Ira.  Is there any prospect of my seeing you soon?  My likeness was a failure at [bradys] I [inerest] have [thine] done over again.  Farwell for a little while.

          Your faithful devoted wife

                   Jennie Ayer

403 13^th St.

          March 10^th

Dearest Children

[Hesinnk] you will receive trunk of clothing [Lc] please write immediately saying what you have reced

Clemm will [enclere] you [liat] & we will write you all [perticates] papers.  Jenny sew up the coat sleeve it is not to be opened it is [conpined] at the waist by sewing up please let us know if we can do anything at any time for you God Almighty [Chasent] Blessing [next] upon you make you faithful in all your duties I wish Ira and your had been here during [Confesesnoahle] Minister professor of Allagheny College Marched Sunday Evening last.

The 4 Kegs of oysters will be sent down tomorrow [smallest] Kegs 2 gallon Kegs 3 Dollars each. [in] they are expected to be 4 Dollars Each

Washington D.C.

403 13^th St

March 19, 1864

My Dear, Dear Children,

                                                We received duly your kind and welcome letter, we were all much pleased to hear you were both well.  I as well as all know you are happy with each other but we all miss you very much dearest Jennie.  Your dear sisters see the time so long since you have left us.  Your Father has been quite sick for a week past.  Threatened pneumonia again this year.  You remember dear Jennie last March how sick he was.  He is some better & the chills have left him & we hope with careful, watchful attention over him, he will be spared so severe an attack as last year.  I am as well as when you left or I should rather say I have been as well as when you left.  For I am not so well today.  I have had a slight return of the pain in my head, and difficulty of breathing.  God has laid His hand upon me so gently & so lovingly that I feel [Miltory] lines so sweet; “poor, weak, and helpless, I the more belong Father supreme, to thee!”  Hannah, Emma, Bessie and all are well.  Write Bessy, she longs to hear from you.  Samuel well, Clements well, he has told you that he is in the Quarter Master’s Department.   He feels quite pleased with his appointment.  D^r children we never, never omit to commit you to the care & keeping of Him who alone can keep you on every [hered].  I often think of you in the silence of the stilly night.  Summoned by so many, many soldiers and not for distant from the Enemy forces.  Jenny & Ira each of you write dr Brother John how glad would he be to receive a letter from you where you are just now how much I should like to see you in your [fint] [house] [home].  Jenny mind & write your Brother John enclose to me and I will pass with mine.  Please let me know in your next how & where the Col’s Father is, also let us know when you are coming to Washington, let us also know if you are in want of anything we can send you from here.  What about the Oyster?  Do not hesitate to send for anything we can get for you.  Mr. Pierpont & wife often make kind inquiry for each one of you.  Your Father has sent seeds, a rarity to Colonel Ayer.  [Send] address, hoping they will be received in due season for spring [junpanes].  Would you like The Conduct of the War in 2 or 3 volumes sent down to Manassas & McClellan’s Report on the War also?  Let us know we would like to send copies to your Father Col. Ayer [sesm] no charges for transportation.  Let us know Clements anticipates a visit to you if nothing transpires a short visit please write four letters one very pleasing to us, all is grey in the city with the [..] but affliction and death moves onward with giant strides in the midst of the Grey & fascinating the time nears when the two men for murder will be hung 1^st April.  Julian Gardner is quite sick.  Very many enquiries for you.  Your friends have arrived at the Conclusion.  There is little more of you to be expected by them.  You are so devoted to your husband.  Fail not to write Bessy.  She is quite lonely since you have gone to your husband.

          20^th. Children have a [fatiping] day, today, out all day, Father better [sely] better, write yr return, let us know if you require any thing we can get you, let us know how all your friends are at home, present true and respectful regards to Doctor McClellan, hoping you are enjoying health your account of rejoyous worship in your new made church, was interesting I am pleased to find that there is much good effort made to improve the condition of the soldier.  The Lord Bless guide and keep you both, we all Unite in love, tender love.  I wish we could join you to day in your religious duties.  I often think of the soldier the poor soldier, away, away from his home, his wife, his children, his all & Farwell loved children leaves bless.  You is the [denie] of your affectionate Mother.

                   Jane F James

Manassas Junction, Va

March 22^nd, 1864

My dear parents, sisters and brothers;

                             Very dearly are you loved by us, who are now engaged in our countries noble Cause.  Your children loved parents, think of you often and feel the benefit of your prayers:  We know of naught, but courage, vigilance here dear ones; Thursday night, when all was quiet in Camp, we had retired.  We heard the clanking of swords on the ground, then followed the low firm knocking at our door, Ira with the activity of the soldier was up in a moment, and said “whose there?”  “Orders (was the reply) who can disclose to no one first, Col," dear husband opened the door and received the papers, after perusing them, he told the orderlies to stay all night, keep their horses in Saddle, as they may want them in haste.  Then Ira went to give the orders to double the guard on the railroad and to exercise the greatest vigilance.  Friday night at the dead hours came a loud rapping at our tent door and the Adjutant’s voice rang in the stillness, here are orders Col to be ready to move at any moment, and to have the men under arms at daylight, and loved Ira with his Cool deliberate courage, was uniformed in a very few moments, Sword, and revolver, buckled on, he went out to attend to duty soon returning, and said Jennie my soldiers wife is not trembling with fear I see.  Rest dearest.  All will be well.  I shall have to go at the head of my regiment, but you will be safe here.  I shall leave a detachment under Captain Patty to guard you, but they were not called out until Saturday, 4 o’clock the orders came that the Enemy was appearing in force to take position near the railroad.  Ira kissed me many times in great hast and then mounted his horse and rode at the head of his regiment.  I remained to defend our home.  I cannot describe my feelings. You can best imagine them, but Oh! The camp looked so still and lonely.  I feared not for myself but for husband, and I thought that I had never seen him look so handsome as when he in the true spirit of the patriotic soldier, in all his trappings, meeting stern duty, so courageously.  We have great faith in your prayers.  Dear Father Ira came home in safety, from his campaign on Saturday having seen nothing [sllve] [farthing] they were out of the rebels.  The men are still under arms.

We love to talk about you, my loved ones.  You are never forgotten by your children Ira and Jennie, we are quite well.  You must write.  I hope you are all enjoying good health.  My dear noble husband and myself sends much love to you all Father, Mother, Sisters & brothers and cousin Bessie.  Farewell for a little while.

Your affectionate son and daughter Jennie J Ayer

Washington D.C.

April 6^th 1864

My Darling Children,

                                                It is always offered us great pleasure to receive communications from you; I only regret I do not write you oftener.  Yes be assured we ever think of you our brave Patriotic Volunteers Children, “brave and fearless (you say) in the country’s noble cause.”  How much we would like to see you both in your Military home, surrounded by strong guard day and night, often in the Stilly Night.  I awake and my mind glances swiftly to four tent, behold you reposing amid all manner of movements attendant upon War, the foe not far distant.  Swiftly in richest confidence in the promises we know you having committed [Journelies] (we retiring to rest) to the care and keeping of almighty God, whom alone is able to keep you. “Blessed be thy Name for ever, Thou of life the Guard and giver, Thou canst guard thy creatures sleeping.”  Yes dear Children, we ever commit you in Faith to God, to keep through Jesus.  Your Father is not well dear Jennie.  You know this is a very trying time March and April to your Father.   The weather is raining, been so for some time with a gleam of sunshine for a day or so and then pouring rain again for days.  D^r Emma is quite weakly.  You must not neglect writing Emma.  I must remind you have not done so.  Bessie, Clemmens, Hannah twice or thrice self and Samuel have all received letters, although affectionate mentions in made respectively.  D^r Emma yet her sensitive disposition perhaps wonders why she has been left {out in the cold}  She has never made a single remark but I think I saw a little emotion when the last letters came to hand, each one with happy face peering and reading about some interesting point especially did I notice the silent tear when Clemmens came home at 4 O’Clock & opened his envelope handed Hannah the second from Ira.  I have already told you she has not noticed her being the only one not written to either.  Does she know I have taken the slightest notice?  She is now too unwell to speak of any thing of the kind since last Friday (although very fragile for the past two weeks) her cheeks are [cunisend] over with that soft rich but very fragile hue & peculiar, you know, to dear Emma when she is most weak her lungs are exceedingly weak complains of a sharp feeling all over through her entire system.  The last truly I performed previous to writing Mrs. Eves to battle her throat with camphor having suffered through the dry with a [permfue] feeling about the [???].  She complains not only when I ask her does she speak of her weakness, she is always delighted to hear from you ever speaks with most tender affection of you.  We received a letter today from Rev. Mr. Bothell, as ever full of intelligence and richness how much he speaks of you and Ira.  I can not now tell you such expression of interest & kindness I value & enjoy much.  Clemmens is not looking well.  He has not been well for the past week.  Samuel well.  Bessy fat & healthy as possible.  Hannah well.  I want you to write your Father, also your brother John Mr. Bathele makes delightful mention of him.  He feels deep interest in him for our sakes as well as his own is going to visit him soon.  Mr. Seely’s letter came so unexpected to me a day or two since & he speaks of dear Lizzie’s death being most triumphant and falling asleep in Jems  She died of consumption.  Matilda & all are well.  Sends all manner of congratulations to your husband & say how much [enjuing] is daily make for you, how much kind intent is felt for you both, & what amount of expressions of love to be conveyed to you, I can not undertake to write at this time, it is too great a undertaking this time and yet I would wish to convey one by one the expressions of interest.  I feel too it is due to more kind friends that I should do so.  Dear Jenny’s soldier letters are truly interesting and delight me very much.  I wish you would write Brother John from there & Aunt Spencer & I will enclose with mine if you will forward, Mr. Seely also, kiss each other for me.  Tell Ira I will forgo the pleasure of reading a letter from him if he will write your Father.  You may expect some of us down & we should have been down only I found it would inconvenience you if we could return the same day and not incommode you in the sleeping [???].  What could you do if I and one or two more came down?  I should be delighted, but can not contemplate.  Clemmens intends going on Sunday next to see you (D^r V) farewell.  Yr affectionate Mother & Father & all.

Raining all day all last Night.  God Bless you richly bless you, Amen.

Washington D.C.

403 13^th St

11^th April, 1864

My Darling Children,

                                                We received letters duly.  We are always happy to receive any communication from you.  They are especially interesting but respecting our visiting you, I fear will be impossible now.  Clemens is greatly disappointed & so are we all.  As we fully hoped he would be with you ere this.  Your Father went to the War Department, found that orders were just issued which I presume you have read ere this & which are very rigid respecting passing to or from the Army.  Your Father failed to see the Sec. of War on Saturday, but intends to today, but as I am anxious that you should hear from me I write you this Morn.  You may rely upon Yr Father making every effort to obtain a pass for Ira as we all so much desire to see him & we are all longing for the day when you both will walk in.  We will write you this Evening or tomorrow Morn. respecting Father’s success with the Sec.  All Suller and Citizenry we read in last Evening’s paper are requested to leave the Army immediately or will subject themselves to be taken by the proper authorities etc.  We have thought there is a Movement contemplated.  You best know.  Can the Colonel not get a pass?  Where he is we are told that officers obtain passes there to come to Washington, that it is a general thing to obtain them at Manassas Junction to come up.  I hope you are both well “brave courageous & Vigilant in Your Country’s Cause”.  Why do you not write daily?  Do you abound in good things or would a plain Cake, a few tarts, oranges, etc. be acceptable or anything you may name I will send with much pleasure, anything you would like.  I am so desirous of seeing you both that I can scarcely entertain anything else.  Your Father is some better.  He has been quite unwell.  Emma is better still quite weakly.  Bessy, Hannah, Clemens, Sam well.  Bessy & Hannah go round the home doing all they can to make comfort.  Mr. Pierpoint not well.  Mrs. P. quite well.  Dear Jenny’s letters were very interesting.  I wish we could hear oftener from you.

          In class yesterday afternoon a gentleman whose name is Page from Buffalo, N. Y. was present.  Your Father leads that class and we had a beautiful class & after the stranger told us who he was & from whence he came, your Father mentioned your Father’s living in Evans Co.  “Oh yes said I know the Col very well” speaking of your Father Ayer.  God bless you my dear children.  I feel as if the time was nearing that you will be called to be apart.  You have been highly favored in being permitted so much enjoyment.  We never, never cease to pray in faith for to be preserved, protected, guarded & guided by the Hand of the omnipotent of God who has Kept you thus far & whose promises are yea & amen to those that believe.  Let us, dear children, unite to praise, adore, laud His most Holy Name.  Let us fully commit ourselves to His care & keeping, “All our hope on thee is [Haid], all our help from thee we bring, Cover O’ Cover our defenseless heads.  We Unitedly pray thee beneath the shadow of thy Wing”.  We will put our put our trust In the Lord for ever for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength!

          Dear children, farewell for the present.  I shall obtain for your Father Ayer copies of the Conduct of the War & McClellan’s report & forward unite & we will also.  Mention me kindly to yr. Chaplain.

Forever yours

          Mother Jane

Washington, D.C.

          April 19^th, 1864

My own dear, dear Ira;

I arose quite early this morning, and after helping to get breakfast, I went into the garden to water the flowers.  Yesterday morning I planted them.  Saturday being too wet; and Oh! my darling Ira, All the time while I was putting them in the ground, the sweetest thoughts engaged my mind of those happy mornings, when you and your Jennie shall work side by side in our own garden and with your superior taste, my darling husband; it will be exceedingly lovely.  My dearest, I have been quite briskly employed since I left our Camp Cottage, nursing sister Emma, helping Ma in her various household duties, and getting all my things in order, but loved husband, no matter what I am doing, my thoughts are ever with you; now I have a knowledge of what your duties are, I take much delight in following you, as it were in them, knowing almost every hour what you have to do, Oh! I wish I could always be near you, I ask no greater happiness than to be with you, you my Ira.  I pray for you so much, during the day, and I do love to so much, it is a great comfort to me to pray for my dear, dear husband.

All at home say that I am looking very well.  Ma tells me I have grown strong and healthy under your watchful, tender care.  I hope dear Ira I shall keep so, but I am afraid it cannot be, for I shall experience intense anxiety for you, while you are exposed to danger; and I do not know how I can endure three months of separation from you, but I will try to bear with patient resignation and endure this great trial with Christian fortitude and faith.  I know that Our Heavenly Father will be with us, and that to help.  May He give us strong faith.  I hope dearest that you are still at Manassas Junction.

                                      April 20^th.  My dear noble husband; I am disappointed in the receiving a letter from you today.  I want one so much I suppose you have mine of the 17^th before this.  I hope my loved, loved husband that you are well and happy and are still enjoying our little home.  I love that place so much my Ira; there I experienced perfect happiness, what happy days and nights were those spent with you.  I intend to make you very happy dearest, when we get to our home you shall have a good housewife, some wives unhappily seem to live for trifles, but not yours, my love, I shall devote my time to improvement, and active duty.  My precious Ira I send you dear pa Ayer’s letter.  I am sure you will be very much interested in reading it, and you will exclaim as I did, “what a beautiful letter!”  My darling, dear Ma and sister Emma are much better.  All are very well now, is my husband taking good care of himself?  I charge him, I cannot think otherwise, but that he will.  Dearest Mr. Prat called today and asked kindly for you, and sends love to you.  He prayed for you with us before leaving.  He has entirely recovered.  He is the very aged gentleman you met at our wedding.  I have sent the writing paper to you dear.

My darling, noble husband; how deep and pure is my love for you.  I want to hear from you very much.  All send love and kisses.  My God richly bless you, my dear Ira and keep you in safety.  I send three warm loving kisses to you remember me to our friends.  I must close now love, for dinner bell has rung some time ago.  Farewell for the present.

                   Your ever true and loving wife

                             Jennie Ayer

Notes:

Jennie says she can’t wait the 3 months until she sees Ira again.  She is referring to his mustering out in June.

Washington, DC.

April, 23^rd 1864

My dear, and much loved husband,

I was delighted to hear from you, yesterday Afternoon Hugh came, how very pleasing it was to me my darling to see one, just from your presence I was disappointed dearest, in not receiving the letter you intended to send, but I shall have it very soon I hope,  I look anxiously for my Ira’s sweet, loving letters.  I was very glad to see Hugh.  My loved, loved husband;  I have received your beautiful, beautiful, loving letter of the 17^th inst.   Oh! How it revived my spirits, and caused me to rejoice.  I love your dear letters, more than I can tell, they are my greatest comfort now you, are, away from me.  My dear Ira, you have made me very happy.  I never forget to thank God, for his loving kindness, to me in giving one so noble, puer and loving, to be my Companion.  My own, loved husband, you are all goodness, there is not one in the world like you, so Chaste, you excel all others, in beauty, of mind, Character, and appearance;  I love you so ardently my noble husband; deep, and ever glowing, is this love in my heart, for you, dearest.

I am satisfied, with the arrangement about you sleeping, that you have not any one in my place, is rather a comfort to me, I am not selfish dear, but I do not want any one to have your, dear arms around them, when I Cannot;  how are you, and the doctor enjoying yourselves, in our little house.  I wish I could have been by your side, loved Ira, on last Sabath evening, looking at the lovely moon, with you, I dream so often that I am with you just as we were in Camp, I suppose it is because I am always thinking of you and the sweet days I spent with you, dear, I love to think of our walks, rides, our singing and the [geritude] of our first home, indeed of all the happy hours I passed in your society.

My darling Ira; I take great care of those flowers you, sent me in your letters from our little, garden; I cannot darling Ira be truly Cheerful, while you are away, I have that thoughtful, look all the time which you, my husband observed, when the time drew near, for us to part.  My eye still seems to linger, to seek for your Coming.  I have such a longing for your presence.

All is well, and still progressing.  I refer dear Ira, to this beautiful treasure;  you have Committed to my care.  I enjoy good health, have not been sick, at all, my appetite, is the same as when with you. I hope you, dear husband; thinks I highly important, to take great care of yourself.  I will have your Cartes de visite, taken and send them to you very soon.  Mr Attees is very good, I think.  I am going to select some music, my dear Ira, that I think will be suitable, to our voices, for you must always sing, with me when you return.  I love your singing, and I know that Ma, and Pa, and All will, love to hear you , and how delightful, for us both to practice together.

I stai’d up quite, late last night, dear writing to you, finished my letter early this morning.  I left it on my table, and went out to get some nice Oranges.  When I came in I found it all ink, and could not send it.  Cousin Lizzie, got up late and in her hurry to dress, Accidentally, turned over the ink on my letter.  I sent you a few things I was sorry I had so little time, or I would have made, better Cake, to send my dear husband.  Mother, is very well now she is looking better than I have known her for a long time.  Emma is better Mr Laub and Jennie are both sick confined to their beds.  Mr and Mrs Pierpont send love, to you.  Father, Mother, Sisters, and brother All send love and kisses.  Write often dear Ira, and “ever be happy”.  I do pray that Our Heavenly Father will greatly bless, my darling husband.  I send you two loving, loving kisses.

Your dear living wife,

Jennie Ayer

Washington, DC.

April, 25^th 1863 (actually 1864)

My own, dear, dear husband;

I never felt the want of your society more than I do now, I feel not to enjoy anything without having you to share with me in it.  I am surrounded with kind, and loving friends; and I may say with every comfort, but my heart, is so often sad midst all these. Oh! yes, I would have all and fly to my Ira; were it possible, for me to be with you; were it possible, for me to be with your; dearer then all the world besides are you to me my dear, Noble husband; sweeter than ever and stronger, is my love for you, My darling it is an everlasting fountain, within me it infuses life and energy through my whole being, I know that this longing to have you near me, will increase, my loved Ira; as the time draws near when we by the blessing of God shall become parents, and while watching the advance of this great blessing, to us, dear husband, I feel to want so much your tender caress and your loving smile of approbation to strengthen me.

My darling; I received your beautiful loving letter of the 20^th, your letters my Ira, have the power to cheer and make me strong and happy, when nothing else can, now you are away.  Our dear mother, and sister Emma were highly delighted, with your expressions of love, and tenderness to them.  They said they would give almost anything, if you could only come and sit by them now; they are much better dearest; how they would be strengthened, husband dear, by your words of affection, and sweet kisses.  Many are the earnest, anxious enquires made your loving parents, sisters, and brothers all concerning their dear brother, Ira.  They must know, when I have a letter from you.  Sister baby says you must come prepared to be tired and wearied with long arms, and short ones, tightly pressing you, and the many kisses you will have to receive.  No, dear Ira, their love for you will never decline, but increase, you are deserving of their Affection, My loved, loved husband;  My love, I shall feel it a pleasure, and my duty, to pray for dear Sister Julia.  I know that our Savior will gently lead her to Him, She is a sweet girl and I have long felt that God would make her His Child, and soon too.  I love my Sister Julia, nothing that I can do to make her happy shall be neglected by me.  My dear husband, how lovely All things, will appear to me, when you are here, I love you so dearly, my Ira.  Last night, I went to Samuels room to give him a goodnight kiss, he drew me on his knee, and put both his arms around me, we talked a long time, he said he loved you, darling Ira, and that our happiness would be very great if spared to eachother, I told him to follow your example, for you were all that was good, he said he would, that their was no better man then my loved husband.

All love you that know you, dear Ira, I think our brother Samuel wishes to become a true Child of God, pray for him dearest.  All our friends, very kindly ask after you, and with much interest, love.

The flowers, I brought home are blooming nicely, the pink Hyacinth, that Eleck gave me the morning I left, is a real beauty, it is a double one.  A friend of Mas, made me a present of a very pretty creeping plant brought from Japan.  Burnsides Army passed through this City, to-day, creating much excitement, and interest, now dear, dear husband; I must close through I am sorry to have to for I have much more to say to you, All send love, and kisses, I am enjoying very good health, dear Ira, and I do hope, my dear husband is well, Two loving, loving kisses your true loving wife Jennie Ayer

Washington, DC.

April, 28^th 1864

My own, dear, dear husband,

I am always thinking of you, how noble, in Character you, are my Ira, your mine, is so highly Cultivated, and intelligent, there is not another so good, in this world.

My dear husband; I often say to myself, “I did that thing, which, I never intended to, I have always said, I would not marry A great man, well I have done that, my Ira;  And I am the happiest, and most bless’d of wives.  I received two, of your beautiful, loving letters, my dear, dear husband.  they  bring so much happiness and Comfort to me.  I am very much pleased, to hear that [Hughy] is Attentive, and dutiful to you, I shall like him much, for being so faithful to my darling Ira.  How I would love, to be with you, in the Country now, dearest; watching, the tender grass, sprouting up, and listening to the warble of the sweet little birds, or sitting under the shade of the apple tree, full of rich tinted birds, and blossoms, playing, on my guitar to you, dear husband.

          My dear, dear Ira, I derive the greatest benefit, every day from your, prayers, for me, I felt it, before I had been from you an hour, my husband;  God, hears and Answers, your prayers My darling Ira;

Oh, if I could only have been with you, at that sweet time of prayers, you speak of in your dear letter, but there, my Ira, I know not a moment, that I would not be with you, if I could:  how precious, very precious to me is the true, pure love of ours; dear Ira, our Heavenly Father, has greatly blessed us.  He will be our support, while we are separated, I feel that I must be strengthened by Him, or I can never bear up under this severe trial, of being away from you, my dear, dear Ira; but our Savor, will and us, He, even continues to add newer proofs of never dying love for us.  I, can never cease, to thank Him, no my gratitude increases, for His, great blessing, to me in giving you, my loved, loved Ira, to me;  you are all goodness, dearest you posssess, every noble quality; my desire is, to have our sons, in every way like you.  I feel very well, and strong now love, I can do a great deal of work, and not get weary.  I walk out every day, when the weather is fine.

My loved husband, do I truly deserve the great praise you have given me, or is my Ira, a little blind?  I love you so dearly my husband;  and ever, want to send you good, and correct letters, and more then all true, and loving ones; yours my darling, are always such to me.

My love, it makes me so happy, to let know that I am a treasure, to your heart,  I love you, more than I can tell, my Ira,  I know not how to express it.  Oh! I want, to put my arms around, your neck, my dear, dear husband;  an kiss you so many times and rest my head on your bosom now.

Dearest I think if I send you, a copy of my letter to Pa Ayer, you could then solve the problem, tell me if you would like to have it.  My dear, dear Ira;  I love to write to you often, this is my fifth letter, I have written you, only two you have received?  The others must reach you, soon dear Ira.  My loved husband, I hope you are still, in our little home.  I was glad to know, that you were getting the camp well defended, and sorry to hear of the disturbance, in the sixth, Regt, I hope that it will not be thought necessary to move you.  My dear Ira, all love so very much at your home in Washington, they send love, and kisses, dear Ma, and Sister Emma, are quite well.  I send two, loving, loving kisses, to my dearest one, My loved Ira.  I do most, earnestly pray, that God will spare and  bless you, I must close for a short time my writing, one more warm, loving kiss, to husband, before I do.

Your true, loving wife,

Jennie Ayer

To Liet Col Ayer, [Cons ng]

10^th Regt. P.R.C

Washington, DC.

April, 30^th 1864

My own, dearly loved husband;

I received your letters of the 26^th, 27^th, and 28^th I do love them so much my Ira.  They are very beautiful and loving, how can I ever tell you dearest; of the exceeding happiness they bring to me.  I would have written to you my dear yesterday, but I was suffering great pain such as I had on that memorable Sunday evening when your dear arms supported me so noble and manly.  This pain is sweet to me my darling husband, for it reminds me of the tender care and attention,  All love that I have received and ever shall when you are with me.  I am strong my darling, and can bear pain well, and especially for the beautiful treasure which will be ours soon to look upon, I am better today my Ira.

Your letter of the 26^th caused me to feel sad, dear, I was afraid you would have to go further, away from me, and to leave our little cot to engage in battle strife again.  I was much relieved by your letter of the 17^th(Note: this should say 27^th), dearest, to know that you were still at Manassas Junction, and that there was hopes of your remaining there.  The Hyacinth you sent me my dear, dear husband, was very fragrant, and looked lovely, I remember well the little box of flowers.  I wish I could see it now, you love flowers so much my darling, it bespeaks a very refined taste.  I hope soon to enjoy the beauties of nature with you, my Ira, when we are together.  All things look beautiful to me; our Camp, must appear delightful now.  I am glad to know that Eleck is worthy of your praise, dear Ira; I became interested in him.  I know that he highly esteems you.  I do hope that you will not move from Manassas.

My darling, darling husband; I would ask no greater happiness, then to see you step into our great home, one of these bright mornings, my beloved Ira; how can I wait I long to see you, so much.  The sustaining grace of God alone can support me, in your absence my dear husband; the summer days are fast approaching.  The luxuriance of the trees, and flowers cannot afford me much pleasure, without you.  I feel to say to the gentle breeze, beam to my dearest one, the warm loving hiss from my lips, it is sweet to love you, my noble, loving husband;  I am not a moment, without the sweet influence of our love.  I am sorry that you have not received the paper, I will attend to it dearest, I will take care of the money you sent, I will write again tomorrow, my darling.  I commend you to our Heavenly Fathers keeping, loved husband.

All send love and kisses.  I send many loving, loving kisses, can you excuse this Miserable writing, my love, God, bless you, my dear, dear Ira,

Your loving, true wife Jennie Ayer

Washington, DC

May 1^st, 1864

My own beloved husband;

                                      April left us in a glorious way, last evening the clouds rolled dark and heavily over us, and seemed to power upon us with a doleful visage.  The wind blew and it rained quite hard.  I do not know when I felt the atmosphere so oppressive; My dear, dear husband; darker still did the clouds appear to me for when the last hour of day was retreating, your little penciled letter came.  My Ira dear, it spread a sadness around my heart that I have not the power to remove.  After reading your dear letter, I placed it on my bosom, then I keep as many as I can find room for, to read during the day, dearest; then, I bowed down before our Heavenly Father, and plead with Him, concerning you, my loved husband.  I asked Him to throw His arms of protection around you.  I do pray constantly and without ceasing for you my darling Ira.  I feel that God’s power alone can save you if you go into the awful battle before us now, you will take of yourself, dear, dear Ira?  I could not stay in this world without you were here too.  This is a beautiful Sabbath day.  I have just returned from church.  All our friends inquired so very kindly for you, my darling husband.  I still have those pains, but not so severe, dearest since I came home from camp.  I have been making little Sister’s Summer Cloths.  I must be very industrious and employ every moment to get them done, for my darling husband, I shall soon have to make preparations to receive our dear little Ira.  I can see, as well as feel, that this beautiful work is making great progress.  Mollie and Sarah Gonzolass spent the evening with us on Friday.  They send kind regards to you.  Just as they were leaving, Sarah whispered to me, “do not be offended if I tell you that the Col and you are very energetic, you present quite a suspicious appearance, Jennie.”  My dear Ira, you know what she referred to, well my darling, it is really so.  I cannot with all my ingenuity conceal it any longer, dear husband, neither do I intend to.  I feel it an honor to bear so precious a burden.  My darling Ira, words cannot express this sweet and Heavenly love of ours; my love for you is very, very great my precious, darling husband.  My Ira, God has been merciful and kind to us, always I intend to serve Him, faithfully as long as life shall last, now we feel His love so precious, do we not my darling?  All send love and kisses.  My Ira, I commit you to the keeping of our Heavenly Father, dear, dear husband, how deep my love is for you; I will write to you tomorrow again.  God bless you.

                             Your true, loving wife,

                                      Jennie Ayer

Washington, DC

May 3^rd 1864

My own dear, dear husband;

                                      How I would love to know just where you are this moment, and Oh! if I could only be with you to share your toil.  I would be so joyous.  Your dear, sweet, loving letter of the 30^th inst came to me last evening.  I was so rejoiced to have it my dear, dear Ira, so anxiously bad I looked and waited for this little penciled letter, to know of your welfare, dearest, it greatly comforted me, yet there was much in it that caused sorrow to me, the tears fell fast while I was reading it, my beloved husband; it would have been the greatest happiness to me if I could but have joined you in your humble meal, and then taken my place by your side in that lovely bed.  I would love to bear with you, my darling Ira, all the privations that you have to.

          Many prayers are offered up for you, my dear, dear husband; nearly every hour during the day, do I commit you to the care of our Heavenly Father.  He will bless you my Ira.  My darling husband, I love you better than my own life, and can never feel at rest while you are suffering, the toils and dangers of War.  My good, my perfect Ira, surely God will deal mercifully with me and spare your life, and I feel love that there is so much work for you to do here, our lives shall be spent in promoting the good of our Lord and Master’s cause.  My love, I noticed the report concerning the mustering out of the Reserves, but must say that I am skeptical in respect to it, but Pa believes in it.  My darling husband; it seems so long a time since we parted, in the cars at Manassas Junction, when shall I be in my loved, loved husband’s arms again and feel his warm loving kiss?

          My dear Ira, I have been contemplating much upon our sweet, sweet home with my dear noble Ira, the head and Jennie his and our sweet babe; to watch and care for Oh! what a beautiful trio, do you not think so my love?  I know dearest that ours will be the happiest of homes, only that which is good and beautiful can be inserted there.

          Ira dear, how I would like to be gathering the wild flowers in the fields this morning with you and making wreaths of them to hang in our own little parlor; there is such [refvesting] beauty in the trees and flowers and in the murmur of the crystal stream winding its way through the green woods.

          My beloved husband, my love for you is so great, never, never can it grow cold in the slightest degree.  I can never do anything to cause you pain; Oh! how sweet shall we live together, in Heavenly unity, I feel to love you my husband with a deep pure love, such as very few know of in this world.

          My dearest, yesterday I fell asleep on the lounge and I dreamed that I was in your arms.  God grant that the time may not be far off when I can rest in my husband’s arms.  My darling, I felt much concerned about you last night, fearing that you was obliged to sleep out in the rain storm, I went and confided in my savior and placed you in His keeping.  I received consolation and retired to think and dream of you.

          My dear, noble Ira, your prayers for me are invaluable to me. I feel it; my love, I am much better and all are well besides.  You must be as careful as you possibly can of yourself, my darling Ira.  Your Likeness, dearest, shall I send them now, they are done.

          My husband, Pa and Ma and all your sisters and brothers pray for you, they all send many kisses and much love.  Mrs. Pierpont is going home on Friday, she sends her love to you, now my precious, darling Ira, I must close for a little while.  God defend, protect, and bless you, my love.  I send many loving, loving kisses to you my dear Husband.

                                      Your true and loving wife

                                                Jennie Ayer

L Col Ira Ayer

Commanding 10^th Regt PRC

Washington, DC

May 5^th 1864

My very dear, and much loved husband;

                                      Your precious letter came and eased my anxious heart, my own Ira, you are so thoughtful, and selfdenying – weary and tired after the long tedious march, you never rest until you penciled a few lines to your anxious, loving Jennie.  Oh! my darling; what great love this is, so precious, very precious to my soul is your love my dearest Ira, and mine for you, my husband is deep and pure, and everlasting.

          My dear Ira, you was seated on a side hill, overlooking the country, where your Jennie had passed many happy hours, when you wrote your last dear sweet letter.  I thought those were happy days, but my Ira, not any portion of my life can the joy and happiness be compared to those of my married days.  Since I felt this sacred love, within me, my husband, for you and been loved by one so noble, pure and true in return.  My happiness has known no bounds.  I used to think dearest, that Culpeper was a fine country, but I suppose it is showing the effects of War upon it now, as most every part of Virginia does.

          My love, loved husband, it does give me great consolation to know that your mind is staid upon Jesus, and that He is always present with you, especially do we need His grace now, at these times of trouble and danger my love; Our Heavenly Father will never forsake me, my dear Ira; My husband, so hard a trial for me to hear, is our separation this awful torment (war) swept me away from y resting place, your bosom, but I hope to be able to return to it soon.

          My dearest, this is a lovely summers day, the little songstress in the Ivy, are making sweet music, and the shrubbery is looking very beautiful in the garden now, Oh! these carry me back to the delightful days when I first loved my Ira, ever blessed, be that season that brought us together, and to love each other, how beautiful it was my dear, as the faint dawn of our love, grew brighter and brighter and now it breaths over us its warm atmosphere, full of rich fragrance, and sweetness.  Oh! my darling, darling husband, there never was love, so Heavenly as our in this world before.  God has guided us and now in this time of fear and trembling He will be with us, my prayer now is that God will smooth the rough path that you are now traveling, my Ira and to let no weapon hurt, that may be formed against you.  My own dear, dear husband, I am very well now, but quiet and thoughtful I feel so always, in your absence.

          We hear nothing at all from the Army, no news of the War movements whatever.  Washington is gradually falling into a quiet state again, nearly all of the Senators have left for their distant homes and many of the inhabitants are preparing for a few months of rural life.  My loved husband, dear Ma was pleased with your invitation to visit our sweet home in Evans and felt greatly to appreciate, but she thinks that she will not go further than Maryland this summer.  Ma says also dearest, that she will accept an invitation to go to Evans when you are the light of that home again.  My love, Cousin Gorham’s letter is very affectionate.  I will answer it with much pleasure, and send my likeness according to his kind request.  I hope my darling that your duties are not too arduous for you; now by your sweet letters I see that you are always cheerful.  My noble husband, I long to see you and kiss your dear face.  I must stop my writing until tomorrow my love; All send love and kisses from this home, to their dear Ira.  I expect to write to Julia today.  I have just received a very sweet letter from her.  I am sorry it has been so long coming, it is on account of the number of our house not being on the envelope, it was advertised.  I send you my beloved husband, many loving, loving kisses.  God keep you and bless you my darling Ira.

                             Your true loving wife

                                      Jennie Ayer

To Liet Col Ira Ayer

Commanding 10^th Regt. P.R.C.

Washington, DC

May 8^th 1864

My own dear, dear husband;

                             How sweet to my soul, it is to feel that you, my noble Ira, are the nearest and dearest one to my.  Yes, dearer than all besides, are you my darling husband, to me.  After waiting very patiently for one of your dear sweet letters, my Ira, three days, I began to feel that patience was no longer a virtue.  I was troubled, but last evening your precious, precious letter, of the 4^th inst came.  I wish I could describe to you, my love, the wonderful effect it had in restoring life, and cheerfulness to your Jennie, again.  My loved Ira, I know that since you wrote your dear letter of the 4^th, you have pass’d through much danger, and hardship.  God bless and keep my loved Ira during the battles raging.  Oh! how exercised I am in mind about you, dear husband, but my faith in our great Deliverer is strong, and I do plead with our Heavenly Father for Jesus’ sake to hear and answer my prayers for you, my beloved husband; that He would keep you by His Divine Power, send messages, hearing commission of Heaven’s Absolute Authority to protect my Ira.

          My love husband; I am not able to apply myself closely to anything when I know of a battle and that you in all probability are exposed and engaged in it.

          This is a beautiful summer and Sabbath morn and all I now want is to be blessed with your society, my love; I am very lonely without my husband near me, though I have so many loved ones around; I strive to employ every moment usefully, dear husband, for I feel that now is the Springtime of our lives.  When you can be with me, I shall be [nerved] and strengthened to all usefulness; I know we hold responsible positions in this enlightened day.

          My dearest, you have given me a valuable treasure to care for, and I intend to be faithful to it, our Heavenly Father will guide me dearest.

          My dear husband, how worthless are all the treasures of earth without being perfected by the mighty and kind hand of God.  My darling husband, if I could only hear something from you this moment I should be so relieved.  My heart is all anxiety, and I cannot find relief for I know that you are in a perilous position; this city is full of excitement from the news from the Front and great preparations are made for the wounded.  I can only say now my beloved Ira, to the all powerful one,

                   “In thee O Lord, I put my trust,

                   Mighty and merciful art thou.”

My prayer for you has never ceased.  Oh! my love, what consolation I have received when in sleep, trouble about you, from the Throne of Heavenly grace, I go to Jesus with all my cares.  I love you my husband so truly deep, deep in my heart is this love for you; I feel love so anxious about you I can hardly sit quiet a moment.  I will not murmur if can possibly help it, but this suspense, almost makes my heart rebellious dearest Ira, for it is so hard to hear; dear husband, I must hear from you soon.  Our dear Parents have gone to see what time the brave men, who are wounded will arrive here.  I must bring my letter to a close love for I fear that I shall make you feel sad by my feelings now.  All your brothers and Sisters and your dear parents send many kisses and much love.  I send to my noble husband many kisses.  All my love is yours dearest.  God protect and bless my darling Ira.

                             Your true and loving wife

                                      Jennie Ayer

To Lieut Col Ayer

Commanding 10^th Regt. P.R.C.

Washington, DC

May 11^th 1864

My dear, dear husband;

                             Oh! What restless days and nights I have experienced since the commencement of these fearful battles; where are you, now my Ira, I have not heard anything from you since your precious letter of the 4^th, God, grant that all may be well with you, my dearest one; I know that nothing could keep me, in this world if you were called from it.  I should soon follow you for dearer then my own life, are you to me my husband: so often do the question arise in my mind, “is it the will of God, that the sacrifice, must be made, then, I say His, will be done, and your death wound is mine, for I cannot exist when you are torn from me, my loved husband!

My own Ira, I have been in such agony of mind, ever since the fighting for even if your life is spared, my dearest, in this fearful conflict your sufferings are great, I never cease to pray, for the protection of our Heavenly Father, for you my darling husband.  I have written a great many letters to you, my love, but I fear you have not received them, I know that the mails have been very irregular of late and the report here is that no communication, has been open to the Army since the conflict began.

My loved husband, never was love so powerful as this love in my heart for you, can it be, that all is well with my darling Ira, we made enquiries concerning your Regt. of the wounded, that came in on Monday night there were some from the 7^th Regt. but they seemed to know nothing of the 10^th Regt.

          My Ira, I am in great pain of mind, and every nerve, seems to be brought to that point of sympathy, with the mental sufferings so that I cannot attend to my duties, one word from you, “Safe”, would revive my being, and give strength to my soul, and body.  I know that you must have had, to bear intense suffering, God, help my loved Ira.

          Dearest, the news is indeed exceedingly encouraging, the Lord be praised for the success to our Arms, Pa, Ma, and All our dear brothers and sisters are thinking of you, and praying, they are exceedingly anxious about you, too my love, they do all they can to give relief to my aching heart, Many consoling words are offered, but only one can revive this weight of sorrow.

          My precious, noble husband, my arms are restless, they want to entwine themselves around you, my warmest kisses are waiting and trembling with eagerness to impress them, upon your manly lips.  Oh! my Ira, I love you so ardently, God bless and keep you, darling, husband.  All send love, and kisses, to you.  Many, many loving kisses, I send to my dear Ira.

                                      Your true and loving Wife

                                                Jennie Ayer

To Col Ira Ayer

Com^ng 10^th Regt. PRVC.

Note:

Jennie does not know that Ira was injured five days earlier.

Washington D.C.

403 13^th St

Aug 6^th 1864

Our darling tender Children,

                                                How can I describe our parting with you?  Indeed it was very, very painful to each one of us.  Indeed especially so by dear, dear Father’s narrow escape from being crushed to death (our Father in Heaven we adore! Praise! Laud & Extol thy Glory & Everlasting name for thy gracious goodness in preserving thy servant from sudden death.)  Unite dear children in Extolling His glorious name! for Ever & Ever!  The circumstances are in handing up the articles to dear Jenny some way dear Father was struck up against a post.  The articles became entangled which threw him against a post completely [again] he was struck on the arm, took a small piece out of his arm [elboes] but [righted] him a little & passing his faculties near losing his Equilibrium of mind for a moment kept him from falling between the carriage and been crushed to death.  He returned in the carriage that conveyed you.  He looked composed and sweet, but we felt all your departure but alas when dr Father related the circumstances after I could not go into your room without bursting in to a flood of tears, all was so silent.  Emma speaks ever of you both hoping with the you will return.  I will if I have health attend to all the little matters entrusted me.  Many, many are the pleasant enjoying for you both.  Father, Mother [saw] Clemins, Emma, Hannah desire [Jemoy] to be presents to you.

Let me close with a tribute of praise and thanks praising to Him who liveth for ever and ever.  “Blessed be thy name for Ever thou of life the grand and [firer]  Thou cannot [Gained] thy Creaters”  we Commit you to the Almighty One Amen.

                   Fondly & Affectionately

                                      Mother

Washington, D.C. Jan 20^th 1865

Dear George and Vinnie;

                             You have been looking for a letter for some time.  I doubt not; and we have often spoken of our obligations in this particular and designed to write long before now; for we felt it not only a duty, but that it would afford us real pleasure both to write and to hear from you, who we feel to be especially near to us from your kind attentions during dear Jennie’s illness.  Do not therefore think your brother and sister unmindful nor ungrateful, nor think that we love our dear ones less, because of our delay in writing.

          I suppose you have heard through father how all have been from time to time.  The journey was pretty severe for dear Jennie and baby; but a little rest and nursing quite restored them to their accustomed vigor.  Since then both have been very well with the exception of severe colds which made baby quite sick for a day or two; but through the goodness of Providence she soon recovered.  Little baby is very fat and strong, and as she “subsists” entirely upon what her Mama affords her, dear Jennie looks a little worn just for the present; but she will soon be old enough to take other food I suppose.  I suppose you are passing the winter very quietly in your little home.  How have you been since we bid you “good bye” on the 8^th of November? and how are the dear little ones?  Give them our love and many kisses from Uncle and Aunt and baby.  I sometimes think that our little Jennie is going to be another Georgey for she will throw herself around in a very independent manner, whenever she happens to be on her papa’s lap and in the mood.  There is a deal of nonchalance in her manner at these times, for with her vigorous voice, and her vigorous pulling of hair, and her vigorous rolling and tumbling about, and other vigorous exercises, you will not be surprised perhaps when I tell you that I find it necessary to exert some considerable self control in order to maintain my wanted composure of mind.

          Since reaching here I have been for the greater part of the time awaiting an appointment in the V.R.C.  The examining Board reported favorably for my appointment to my former rank; but as there was no vacancy I shall be obligated to take a lower grade until one occurs.  I am looking for an appointment as Captain in a few days, with a possibility of promotion soon.

          We occasionally attend the Levees which are quite the fashion here as you know during the winter.  Some distinguished character is usually present.  Saw George Francis Train and Generals Banks and Schenck the other evening at Speaker Colfax’s reception.  Liked General Schenck more than any.  He has a good honest German face.  Genl B looks heavy and is constrained in manner.   Train looks like a topic so much for gossip.

          Dear Ones look for a little package to come to you soon by express which we want you to receive rather as an expression of our love than as any adequate compensation for kindness rendered; for that we can only repay in the same manner.  Write very soon; and I will try and be more prompt in future.  Give our kind regard to all and receive much love.

                   From Your Affectionate

                             Ira & Jennie

Notes:

From Wikipedia:

George Francis Train

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

George Francis Train
Born	March 24, 1829 Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Died	January 5, 1904 (aged 74)

George Francis Train (March 24, 1829 – January 5, 1904) was a businessman, author, and an eccentric figure in American and Australian history.

Nathaniel P. Banks

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nathaniel Prentice Banks
25th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
In office February 2, 1856 – March 4, 1857
Preceded by	Linn Boyd
Succeeded by	James L. Orr
24th Governor of Massachusetts
In office January 7, 1858 – January 3, 1861
Lieutenant	Eliphalet Trask
Preceded by	Henry Gardner
Succeeded by	John A. Andrew
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 7th district
In office March 4, 1853 – December 24, 1857
Preceded by	John Z. Goodrich
Succeeded by	Daniel W. Gooch
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 6th district
In office December 4, 1865 – March 3, 1873
Preceded by	Daniel W. Gooch
Succeeded by	Benjamin F. Butler
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 5th district
In office March 4, 1875 – March 3, 1879
Preceded by	Daniel W. Gooch
Succeeded by	Selwyn Z. Bowman
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 5th district
In office March 4, 1889 – March 3, 1891
Preceded by	Edward D. Hayden
Succeeded by	Sherman Hoar
Born	January 30, 1816 Waltham, Massachusetts
Died	September 1, 1894 (aged 78) Waltham, Massachusetts
Political party	Democratic American Republican
Spouse(s)	Mary Theodosia Palmer
Profession	Elected offices, Military, U.S. marshal
Signature

Nathaniel Prentice (or Prentiss)^[1] Banks (January 30, 1816^[2] – September 1, 1894^[3]) was an American politician and soldier, served as the 24th Governor of Massachusetts, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and as a Union general during the American Civil War.

Robert C. Schenck

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

Robert Cumming Schenck
October 4, 1809 – March 23, 1890 (aged 80)
Robert Cumming Schenck (1809-1890)
Place of birth	Franklin, Warren County, Ohio
Place of death	Washington, D.C.
Place of burial	Woodland Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio
Allegiance	United States of America Union
Service/branch	Union Army
Rank	Major General
Battles/wars	American Civil War

Robert Cumming Schenck (October 4, 1809 – March 23, 1890) was a Union Army general in the American Civil War, and American diplomatic representative to Brazil and the United Kingdom. He was at both battles of Bull Run and took part in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1862, and the Battle of Cross Keys. His eldest brother, James Findlay Schenck, was rear admiral of the United States Navy.

third            The foundation of the expression is a firm innate ruling principle of Truth and duty, as a rule of practice, and cause of action demonstrating (as I have endeavoured to do) a decission of character toward you Sir, and the Nation at large, by joining, supporting, sustaining, and in fidelity declaring my allegiance to the Union Government and constituted by those acts of the Fathers whose deliberations were guided by divine inspiration, and thereby provided with a firmness, and wisdom equal to conform.  Conform and indubitably seal a written Constitution, which is a sound and morally infallible constructive base for the organization of laws, adapted to perpetuate bonds indissoluble:  progressive entanglement; Development of National, and industrial resources abundant for a growing people in all time; and also the intelligence of the human mind by education in Religion Belle Settre’s,  Science and Arts. . and every accomplishment whereby power can be increased by knowledge.

Lincoln U. S. Gen. Hospital

Washington D. C.

Friend Ira Ayer

                             Having been informed through my friend Slater that you reside in this city.  I will address you a short note although you will not expect to receive a message from me.  It has been some time since I saw you, the last time was when you received your wound in the Wilderness.  You will remember me as I was one of the original members of your company which you formed and marched to the seat of war in "sixty one".  I was wounded in the recent movement of the army near the South [Side] Road Va.  Am now an inmate of Lincoln Hospt; and doing well.  Let. Slater is comdg Co. and when I left the field he was also the boys. Briv Col. Joseph B. [Pattis] was wounded also in the same engagement.  Capt. M. Merchant was not with us as he has been very sick for some little time.  This Great Monster as it was termed at the commencement of the war is about being crushed and peace soon will [dawed] upon this Republic the best Government on the face of the earth what a great blessing it will be when we all can return to our homes in peace enjoy the society of relative and friends, [Lor] spend the time and may not be far distant when peace will crown all our efforts.  I will close and my heavens choicest ever attend you all [] []      E. J. Hill

Segt Co. K 191st Regt.  Pa V. V

U. B. Shank be much pleased to call and see you if I knew Number of street

Note:

This is Edward J. Hill.  The date has to be after June 1, 1864 when he was transferred form Company I of the 10^th to Compoany K of the 191^st.

Camp of 191^st Regt Penn’s Vols

Feb 20^th 65

Kind friend

                             Col Ira Ayers, I have deferred writing to you from time to time until now.  I hope you will pardon me for I have been quite busy since I have returned.  I never shall forget the Capt that I first enlisted under and proved himself so nobly to be of that metal needed to help crush this great evil so I cannot forget you and so after years your name will be spoken of with respect in God spares my life to see the Rebellion end and I return to my good home & friends.  You have read of the late move and heard whatever effected by it and I need not comment at length.  We left our quiet camp in Sabbath morn the 5^th.  Before noon we found the rebellions Johnnies Ct Hetchers run this Buctails and our Regt was [Defleyed] as shirmishers and charged with skirmish lines.  We routed them capturing 22 Johnnies.  This was a nice affair to see these 2 old veteran Regiments forward in line with that determined yell & spirit.

          We had no more fighting that day but on Monday 6^th we had a big fight in which we gained ground of value and enabled us to establish the left of the line of the A of P.

          I had command of Co. K & Co. I (what is left of the old 10^th P.R.V.C.).   Our boys acted nobly and I guess we went as far as any part of the line.  I tell you we have some noble men and unsurpassed as Soldiers.

          Corpl. Harrison Whitehill of Co. I 191^st (formerly of old Co. E 10^th) was wounded in right arm and had it [penpelsted] near the elbow.  He is a noble Soldier.  We built huge works and the ground is hard.  Our Corps is again an Reserve on rear lines of fortified columns.  We are camped 3 miles + ½ southeast of the Welelon R.R.  We have put up good houses and are living at home again.  During the move the weather was cold and we had rain and it was hard on us but we stood it.  This army is in splendid condition and able for Mr. Lee at any time.  Our Corp. under command of the noble Warren is raising its standard and it is 2^nd to no corp in the Army.  Lt Col Pattu of the 190^th is in command of his own & our Regiment.  He is Brevetted Col.  He has been home on leave but is again with us.  He is a fine Soldier.  Capt Merchant has been home on leave.  He intended seeing you but his time was short.

          Capt. Merchant now has command of Co. K and Co. I.  I have command Co. C and Co. D.  (Merchant tells me he did call on you.)

          Tyler Stewart is now acting Orderly Sergt. of our K Co.  Hill is Sergt. and is getting along fine.  Shintz is on duty in 5^th Corp. Hospital at City Point.  Mitchell is with us and is as festive and joyful as ever.  He is a noble fellow.   R. H. McKay is with us.  This is all (Oh yet R. F. Willson) that is with us of old Co. I.  These are all good Soldier.  I am very sorry I cannot send you that many now.  I came to the Regt and found them out of money.  We have been payed but once since you left but we expect pay in a few days & I’ll make it all right then.  I hope you will not think hard of me for circumstances over which I had no control kept me from fulfilling my word in sending it on my arrival and I am indeed sorry.

          Write to me often as I am always ready to welcome word from you.

          All the boys send their respects to you.  I wish you could come and visit us this winter.  All would be glad to see you.  Hoping this will find you well & happy.  I close.  A kind good night.

                   Truly your Friend

                             W. M. Slater

          1^st Lieut. Co. K.  191^st Regt. Pa Vols

                   3^rd Brig 2^nd Division 5^th Corps.

Copyright Bill Scholtz 2010-

Last edited 12/18/2011