Letter from Augusta Bruen, Dayton, OH to Luther Bruen, 1863-07-15
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 relieved by the receipt of all missing letters; for if they have not reached you, the interrupted trains and cut wires give small hopes of speedy relief. To us, the New York riot is the worst feature in our country's affairs; the newspapers make it very sad; I hope you can give us a full account soon. We had a letter from Howard this morning he was rejoicing over Vicksburg; had heard some great reports from Meade's Army but was expecting to hear them contradicted in the usual manner. You will have heard before this reaches you of Morgan's raid into Indiana and Ohio. He did indeed come pretty near us, as he burnt a mill near Hamilton and crossed the little Miami railroad near Loveland. He has not yet left the state, and there are some faint hopes that gunboats may prevent his getting back safely. It does seem outrageous that he has gone this far with almost perfect impunity. Of course our town was nearly wild; everybody of any account was ready to go wherever most wanted. Col. Ring took charge of home forces. Major Reith who has been stationed here some time, took some companies down to Hamilton. Dayton was patrolled all night before last. *Jere* was out acting as sentinel - Uncle John & Will were scouting. Capt. Schenck was in command of one party and arrested James Perrine and Dick Phillips late at night. The latter had been talking very large about joining the cavalry party, so the Captain declared he had been telling too many stories already and couldn't be excused. *Mr.* Perrine promised them all a drink if they would let him off. So they had some fun out of the scare. Sella has brought me your last letter. I am very sorry for your new trials with such a set of men. - You speak of Capt. *Putnam* is he back again, or only one of the *Council*? Many thanks for his kind remembrances, return the compliment for me. Where is Mr. *Coates*? You have not mentioned him since you spoke of his having returned on sick leave. I don't remember what was in the letter you have not received, but think nothing of importance. I merely arrived at keeping you informed of our welfare, and had congratulated myself that the baby's birth had not interfered even once, with our regular correspondence. Baby seems to grow, but she is very restless, her nurse said today that she supposed I was bragging over my baby, but she would like to add a postscript telling you that she was fussy and wanted to eat so much that she was enough to break up a rich man! I hope she will be better before you see her. I have been riding twice and enjoyed it; not as strong as I could wish, but hope to improve. The little boys are rather trying for my strength being just as full of mischief as possible; I try to indulge them as far as I can, but am obliged to exercise control very frequently. Sella has lately taken a great fancy to her little dolls; especially to a little flaxen haired one that Lib gave her; and she displays a great deal of taste and ingenuity in cutting out and making their clothes; I was very glad to see this and #allow her to amuse herself this way a great part of the time. Lidy Howard was just in. She says her Father was so much fatigued after his *scouting* that on his arrival home at six in the evening, he bathed his feet and went to bed. Aunt Ann arrived home at nine and made him eat something, after which he went to sleep again and slept till morning, he has hardly recovered yet. Write often dearest one, your letters are very precious. Love from all to you. Good bye, Thy Wife, Augusta#
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July 15, 1863
Bruen, Augusta Forrer
Dayton, OH
4 pages
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
Bruen, Augusta Forrer -- Correspondence
Catharine Mitchill '31 Collection of Family Letters, Wellesley College Library, Special Collections
MSS.6.69
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/69
