Letter from Augusta Bruen, Dayton, OH to Luther Bruen, 1863-12-30
Dayton O. Dec. 30th. 1863 Dear Luther, I wrote a long letter to you last night but burnt it this morning so you will have to wait a little longer to hear from me. The truth is I didn't wish to send a page and a half about money matters when I was low spirited. I wish simply to request you hereafter to keep an account of all you send me and also how much interest taxes and expressage will probably have to come out of it. - I believe $708.00 or there about has passed through my hands since the 7th of May of which nearly $360.00 has gone for the above purposes - The rest is a small sum to clothe, light clean and warm our family. I shall be about $30.00 in debt I fear on your return. A half page in spite of my boiling down (not boiling over mind you) Yours of the 23rd. gives hopes of a speedy sight of you, and I have a great mind to set out my heart upon seeing you the last of next week, which, as I am an army woman (*per force*) is exceedingly ridiculous no doubt. - Why you say nothing of Robert or the "pass" he was to send you is past my comprehension; or would be if almost any body else was to do it. I don't think any thing was taken out of your trunk, as the top was full of soiled linen, the bottom of clean clothes and coats and pants. There were plenty of "Retained' papers but no 'Ordnance' papers with the exception of the one I sent. I am glad to hear that your accounts can be adjusted, as I am always uneasy about public moneys held in trust by any of our family. I met Mrs. Doctor Wood at the Bazaar and had a long talk with her; shall try to call on her today if she did not go home yesterday. She seems much the same as of old, and inquired kindly about you. I sat up late last night and Baby has been restless all night long. So that the term "*starved witch*" will probably suit my state of feelings admirably. As you are coming soon I'll not attempt to tell you about the Tableaux acting of charades, and everything else connected with this wonderful Fair. Uncle John, and indeed every body else is fascinated, and even stingy people spend freely. Uncle said the other night that he wished you would see it but maybe you would; that hope however has been spoiled of its beauty by your last letter, perhaps it is as well for your purse that you are not here, for other men like *Jere*, don't think anything of spending five ten and fifteen dollars a night; I know I never wanted to spend so much before, and practiced great self denial by not doing more. What's the use of trying to write with one's eyes aching and half closed. I'll get rested and you'll come home then my tongue shall *nettle nettle nettle*, till you will cry "enough, hold your peace". Good bye dearest, Augusta
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December 30, 1863
Bruen, Augusta Forrer
Dayton, OH
4 pages; + note (dated "Monday morning")
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
Bruen, Augusta Forrer -- Correspondence
Catharine Mitchill '31 Collection of Family Letters, Wellesley College Library, Special Collections
MSS.6.100
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/98
