Browse All Letters (392 total)

Dayton O. July 26th 1863 Dear Luther, Little Mary seems to consider it her right to be consulted about everything. She is about to make a protest against my writing and leaving her in the crib, although she has only been there five minutes. Mrs. *Fish* was sent for the very morning her four weeks had ended, so that I was fortunate this time. Since…

Dayton O. July 22nd 1863 Dear Husband, I am sitting on our upper porch; the vines have grown, covering the front balustrade; and Father has put up Howard's old tent, so as to shield us from view, on the south side, leaving air holes at each end of that side. So I have a pleasant airy room from which to write to you. - Your letter came promptly this…

Dayton O. July 19th. 1863 Dear Husband, Your letter written with a pencil alarmed me not a little, at first sight. The first thought was that you were in the City helping put down the riots, the next that you were ill. I could not but feel relieved when I found it was a sprain, although I knew you must have suffered, still it was not as dangerous…

Dayton O. July 15th. 1863 Dear Husband, My writing table is adorned with a beautiful bouquet, which Mrs. Darst sent me this morning. Wouldn't you like to see and smell it; I'll send you a geranium leaf from it at any rate. Yet I fear the New York riot will stop our letters again I am anxiously looking for today's letter, hoping your mind has been…

Dayton O. July 12th. 1863 Dear Husband, I am distressed at your anxiety, and quite unable to account for the nonappearance of letters. I have written every Sunday and Wednesday since the baby's birth; the first letters were quite short and written with a pencil, but the last were much longer. It does seem very strange that the interruption should…

Dayton O. July 8th. 1863 Dear Luther, Such good news is coming that I must indulge in pen and ink once more. - I hope our separation is lessened several months by the events of the last few days; yet we must not be too sanguine. Your last letter made me both glad and sorry; glad, because your annoyance was settled, but sorry because you have lost…

Dayton O. July 5th. 1863 Dear Luther, I am sitting up in the big chair today for the first time, it being the tenth day. As I have not yet borne my weight on my limbs, it is impossible to say whether I am better of my weakness or not. The tediousness of confinement to bed being over, there is nothing more to be done, but keep cheerful and try to…

Dayton O. July 1st 1863 Dear Husband, I am anxiously awaiting the coming of your Sunday's letter. - I received one from you last Monday, also one from *Nannie*. Yesterday one from Mary Van Derpool arrived, and today Mary received one from Howard. now if yours is only brought today all will be right. I do not wish to be selfish, but hope you will…

Dayton O. June 28th 1863 Dear Luther, I thought you would be glad to hear from me in my own hand writing; so have taken my pencil to assure you that I am immeasurably well. - I was sick from half past four, Friday morning till twenty minutes past twelve when our little Mary was born; a well formed healthy child weighing 9 1/2 pounds. All has gone…

Dayton O. June 24th. 1863 Dearest One, Fortunately for me, I did not understand that you were not well, and merely thought you felt in no letter writing mood. - I am glad you are now better, and do not wish you to keep ill health from me. I shall feel more uneasy if you do. And what shall I say to that petty tyranny? I only hope he feels as mean as…