Letter from Augusta Bruen, Dayton, OH to Luther Bruen, 1862-12-22
Dayton O. Dec. 22nd
1862
Dear Luther,
Something Lib has just told me, makes me write so soon again, for both Mary and I think you may get a strong impression from my letter. Lib said this morning that Jere had written to you and that just at the end of his letter he had spoken of my going back and thought the two journeys too much for me; I had no idea he was in earnest about it when he proposed it to me, and was very much astonished when I heard of his writing to you. Then when I remembered when I had said to you in my letter that went this morning, I felt troubled for fear you would think I did not want to come.
I had no thought of anything but the scarcity of money when I wrote, and hope that if my letter has caused you any unpleasant feelings, this note will dispel them.
I acknowledge that there are unpleasant things attendant in both journeys and about living in the Fort in my situation, but there are also unpleasant times away from you, and for you I am willing to do all I can.
Could I hope to have a good visit from you either before or after my confinement, I could bear a separation now; but you dear Husband must think over all and just what you wish shall be done.
I am writing at Mr. Brady's, for I heard Ernestine was coming in the gate, so I ran with paper in hand and avoided the visit.
Sister says give her love and tell you that if she can raise the money she will come to see you.
I don't know whether I will take tea with her tonight or *night*, for I want to get this off immediately that my good man may not have hard thoughts of me very long at least.
Now Goodbye dearest once more today,
Augusta
2
Monday morning. -- I just asked Robby what I should tell Col. Burke for him. He said "tell him I wited him a yetta". "Oh no" said I, "I guess not, where is it?" "I fohgot, and didn't," he answered but I'm do'en it dis day; I'm do'en to wite him a drate big yetta.
I wrote the last few lines very early this morning, in fact while Rob was in his nightclothes, so I could hardly see and made sad work of it.
You have said nothing about Sella's school; I shall not however think of sending her till entirely well of this cough. -- Much obliged for the change but I shall need much more money of some kind. Don't forget to tell me about the Christmas presents; and, advise *my* early as to the headquarters.
Uncle John says he wishes you were in active service, on account of promotion, but I cannot pray for that. Sometimes I think it would be better and pleasanter in the volunteer army, but of course I know nothing about such matters.
All luck seems to attend this half sheet, first the blot and now its torn! I have not seen the sisters since I last wrote as the weather has been unpleasant most of the time. I however heard from Priscilla in the shape of a basket of good things on Saturday.
I must go over to the old house as Mother has already gone.
Mary says remember her to the ladies and Col. Burke; me also. Love and kisses from the little ones and their mother to dear Father and Husband. Thine ever,
Augusta
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December 22, 1862
Bruen, Augusta Forrer
Dayton, OH
3 pages + insert dated "Monday morning" (12/22/1862)
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
Bruen, Augusta Forrer -- Correspondence
Catharine Mitchill '31 Collection of Family Letters, Wellesley College Library, Special Collections
MSS.6.44
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/44
