Letter from Augusta Bruen, Dayton, OH to Luther Bruen, 1864-03-24
Dayton, O. March 24th 1864 Dear Luther, Another blessing in the shape of a letter (dated 19th) came this morning. I must say 'thank you' for every one, or else you'll say, "there she is spoiled and takes everyone one as a matter of course." I am very anxious to see what changes are in store for the Potomac Army. I should be glad to have your rank higher, as I doubt not it would be a gratification to you nevertheless. I think I would be willing to have you leave before you would be promoted. - Why did you recall so unpopular an officer? You are not naturally inclined that way I know, but the Army seems to be an excellent place to learn jealousy and vindictiveness. Don't let it spoil you, with the hosts of others we don't know of. I think you were right to send those letters; you will at least have no neglect with which to reproach yourself. Life in that city has no charm for my imagination; I fear you would think it necessary to visit too much for the good of our little family, besides diminishing funds, by increased expenses. The more children I have, the greater is my aversion to entrusting them to servants; I would rather go out of society than in it, if that must be done. Fashionable society seems little worth the price that must be paid for it. Wearisome to prepare for it, wearisome to be in it, as a general thing, and a weary body with aching head many days afterwards. Isn't that a "wearisome" subject? Our four little ones are now asleep. Sella wrote a few lines to you just before going to bed but has not yet finished. Robby's checks looked rather too red to please me, and I gave him *ac--*, according to the Doctor's directions. He is much inclined to croupy cough lately, and I got the proper remedies, so that Father need not be troubled late at night to go for aid, and the expense be avoided also. Since I see how well the medicines always act when the Doctor gives them I think I shall afraid to administer them myself; although a bad attack might unnerve me. Little Bess rose into town this afternoon for the first time since she was taken sick. The Doctor came in while I was there yesterday, examined her throat, then kissed her as if perfectly delighted, saying that for the first time all looked right, every particle of the membrane had disappeared. I have just been in Mary's room to see if there was any news to send you. Mother was reading Bayard Taylor's novel to Mary who is quite unwell today. They neither of them knew of any news, but both sent love. Have you read 'Hannah Thurston'? The orthordox don't like it at all. I have not yet read it, but mean to. I was told this evening that Ben *Gump* is to marry a daughter of Dick *Ruford*. We are expecting *Mark Holt to tea/and Jer* tomorrow. Miss Harrison was here last Friday. Her brother Lerner (how is it spelled) was married the summer before we were. They have had six children and buried two last winter, or rather winter before last, from scarlet fever. Henry *unknown* has left the army and he and Frank have taken his Mother's house, boarding the rest of the family; rather a heavy undertaking for Frank, but she is fond of housekeeping and since she joined the church she is a great favorite with the old lady. Mary Highly Davis has taken the little house in Mrs. Roth's yard, and goes to housekeeping next month. If you see that Mr. *Nokes* again, see whether he has that rose colored salvia; or whether he knows the name of it. Elizabeth says she can find nothing of the kind in the catalogues. Remember it is pink, not scarlet. # I will keep Sella's letter for you. Do as you please about my letters. It was a quick little coincidence that I should have spoken of the same thing in a letter that I sent yesterday morning. Mother was sitting by me when I wrote and suggested it to me. You say that *unclear* is so nearly nothing in your letters that you can scarcely tell the difference. But even when news is scarce they tell me of your health and feelings which are all important subjects and of never never failing interest to me. Besides I would often let the pen alone if I wanted for *items*. So I think we had better go on comforting each other with just sweet nothings. Goodbye Dearest, A.#
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March 24, 1864
Bruen, Augusta Forrer
Dayton, OH
5 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.6.105
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/103
