Letter from Augusta Bruen, Dayton, OH to Luther Bruen, 1863-11-25
Dayton O. Nov. 25th. 1863 Dear Luther, A letter from you, last evening, and one this morning, that was pleasant indeed. Your last contained those dried flowers, and I, (not a little proud to show my Husband's taste for such things) showed them to Lib, who was again found wanting and didn't know what they were with the exception of the yellow *oxalis*. You remember the first walk we took to see her after our engagement, when you picked up a tiny plant and desired me to ask her its name, and affected great surprised that my wonderful sister didn't know. Well sir, I didn't give her up then and won't now; neither should I be at all surprised if she should take those dried specimens, and with her 'Natural System of Botany,' find out their names. And I couldn't!! I have put away both the last and the first mementos you sent, carefully but have not yet made up my mind how to dispose of them in the best manner In my last, I told you that father and Mother had gone up to Columbus to say goodbye to Howard; when they got there they found him quite disturbed; it seems that Parrott needed help and Sam Davis, who is his assistant proposed Howard, to which Ed. assented He had some person promised him but was disappointed in him, and another was to be selected; he thought he has authority to make his own selection, but had telegraphed to find out. The place is to be held till June, I believe. In the mean time Howard is not quite pleased with the idea of giving up his situation in his regiment; thinks he would prefer active service, and is attached to his comrades; those who accompanied him, cannot bear to leave him behind, - His regiment is an irregular affair, never having been regularly mustered in, and the limits of service not the same for all its members. Its time is out either in a year from January or less but he thinks the members will *seem last*. Of course if he could be contented we would rather have him near us, but Father & Mother left him without knowing what his decision would be. You ask me what I mean by my remarks upon certain politicians. There was nothing new upon which to base any opinion, it has seemed to me from the first of this administration, that the papers have been severe and Uncle J. speaks in the same way. Uncle seemed to know nothing about the 7.30 and 5.20 notes, said last night he would inquire, but hasn't. Father says he will attend to it and I will let you know what can be done. - I see you think I have not sold the coupons, they were sold and I got a little over $50, you sent me fifty more, but that was soon spent in preparation for Winter, fuel, gas and washing. I am not a little worried about Sella's music. She is doing better, and to ensure better practice Miss *Etta*, wished me to let her practice on her piano, at unoccupied times during school hours, as she was there to oversee. - From Mrs. Gregg, I think, from Sella I am certain, I learned that the tuition was $6.00, but the bill has come in $8.00. - I am perplexed, there must be a mistake somewhere. I had agreed to try Sella till Christmas, before the bill came in. *Etta*, takes piano with her, and she is poor. What shall I do? Robby tried rather a dangerous experiment this afternoon. He wanted to drive round to the back yard, and father told him he should when he had opened the gate He left R. on the sidewalk and went back to open the gate, when the little fellow untied the horse, got into the buggy and was turning *Shaffer's corner*, when *Eddy* saw and ran after him! For playing with fire, I have had to punish *these* boys severely, and in fact there is no end to the mischief they devise between them. Sella begins to show signs of improvement She of course still does many things that are not right, but she regrets them, and trys to make amends, often not in the most acceptable manner, but the spirit is right.. The ladies and many gentlemen are quite excited over a 'Bazaar' for the soldiers' families. If I can I shall do something for it; as Father says, we hardly do our share. I don't know what to do about Christmas, I know the little *Peirces* are preparing as usual, and Mary Brady has kept our Baby in socks. What shall I do? Again I ask the question. Answer them all. Uncle John was quite taken with Baby last night and told me I had better let you know that the "little cuss, was getting right good looking". Mary and I went to see Sister and Eliza tonight. The former looked very well and was sitting up in a chair eating her supper. I have hopes yet that she will be dressed and able to go to the table again. - The Baptist Association, and her son too I suspect, have been too much for Eliza. She is about her duties but looks and feels miserably. *Robert* says 'Artemis' is suggesting *umbrellas* and *spectacles* for *the veteran* Army of the Potomac, which is afraid to move for fear it will rain! Rascal! he ought to be put into it himself. - I fear you would not find it pleasant to have that *Major* subordinate to you. Goodnight Dear One. Mary says "give my love to Luther and to go to bed," I didn't know how late it was. - I wish Thanksgiving could be spent with you here. Thine Ever A .#Thursday - Glorious news from the Army of the Cumberland! Many sad hearts too! Rob was playing with Frank this morning and said, "Go away off up to Heaven!" Once more *quietly* A.#
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November 25, 1863
Bruen, Augusta Forrer
Dayton, OH
6 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.6.91
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/89
