Letter from Augusta Bruen, Dayton, OH to Luther Bruen, 1863-09-04
Dayton O. Sept. 4th 1863 Dear Husband, Your unexpected, but doubly welcome letter arrived last night, and I purposed answering it immediately, but little Mary fairly screamed till too late for me to do so. Mary and I drove out to Lib's, and she seemed to wish us to stay to Tea, so we did, as the poor woman is sadly afflicted with 'boils'. She has one on her ankle which the Doctor was obliged to lance; and is still too lame with it to be able to work. She rides as much as possible, and has very kindly promised to take Baby riding this afternoon, if she can get away from home so that I may make a short visit to Mrs Brady Mother is sick in bed with a severe Influenza and Mary too is in bed today. Betty has split her finger with the hatchet, so that no one can keep Baby for me at home, and as sister is much worse I do not like to take her with me. I got Father to speak to Dr. *Dan's* about her condition that I might let you know. He says it is not probable that she will recover from this attack which is acute dropsy. She may not die immediately however, but linger; still with her long previous ailment, she may not be with us long, I should not be astonished to hear of her death any time! I am distressed that I cannot be there more, and felt almost inclined to ask Aunt Ann to help me with Baby while all are sick here at home; but she has company; and little Mary is so very hard to take care of that I feel a delicacy about asking. If Sister could see exactly how I am situated she could not blame me, but as it is, I fear her feelings will be hurt. Evening - Lib came, and I saw Sister for a few minutes. She has taken her bed and said she had a great deal of pain. They all said they had all the help needful and seemed to think I came as much as I could. 'Aunt *Nette*', and Eliza Low are doing their best for her. Eliza did not leave after all the disturbance, and I am glad of it since this sad turn of affairs. Mary says that Lavina wrote to Luther telling him that if he wanted to see his Mother again, he must come now! I had intended to ask you to urge him to hasten his visit, but this will do. Lib asked me to bring the children out there tomorrow afternoon, as it was Bessie's birthday. We had intended to make a joint affair for Bess and Sella, but as I am cut off from all help by this illness at home, Sella's picnic must be prospective. I do not like to hear of so many accidents with horses, and am fearful you will suffer likewise, as you are practiced riding so seldom. Robert is not a home I believe, neither is Uncle The Brown trial is in hand now, and Uncle is at Piqua attending it. Harvey *Conover* bought a place in Miami City but becoming tired of his bargain Wilbur took it off of his hands, and is moving out. I fear we will have some trouble with the Butternuts. Sam Cox was here the other night and quite a disturbance was aroused in which a Lieut. Watterman was shot in the leg. The Lowes were both threatened and insulted by rowdies passing their dwellings. - Mr. *Adlis* is said to be fearful as to the result of the election in his case. If Tom Thrusher can beat him it will be shameful! Can you vote if you return? I hope you may not have to keep your present command, as I can well imagine that it is not pleasant for you; nevertheless it may be drilling that will be beneficial for the future. Influenzas are prevailing, and Sella and I are both having a touch; she is asleep and I had better be. So goodnight, dear, good Luther, Thy Augusta
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September 4, 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.6.83
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/83
