Letter from Augusta Bruen, Dayton, OH to Luther Bruen, 1864-05-01
1 Never received Dayton O. May 1st, 1864 Dear Husband, May opens brightly to outdoor sunshine, would that it was as bright within! There are many tears shed to-day I doubt not, for the troops leave tomorrow, and they may encounter as much danger as any now in the field. I understand that some expect to go to Kentucky and perhaps farther. I heard that John Hall was going and as Henrietta has felt very much for me, I naturally returned the sympathy, yesterday, however, I met her and Lizzie Harris in a store, and thought she did not look very sad, yet was afraid to ask her the question, so asked Lizzie, who told me that a brother of Henrietta's was going as a substitute. A brother would not have made me feel a great deal better I confess, still there is much difference, and her brother is not to their family what mine is to our's. She heard us talking and called out "No, he's not going; but I thought about you yesterday" meaning that she had thought then that he would go, and could fully enter into my feelings. Davis, my shoemaker, says he is all ready to go but will equip and send a young man in his shop who wishes to go if he will be accepted, which he does not think likely as he is not quite eighteen. *Jeffers* say "yes, indeed he's going as that is all he can do for his country! I have been hindered by a grand excitement. The boys have been grumbling because Sella was allowed to go to church "all the time" and they kept at home. Betty sent in word that she would take them, and as she happens to be in a good humor I have consented. Rob wanted to know whether he could go next Sunday too, but I advised him to wait till after he had tried this time before asking for another day. Miss Susie Spees is to be married in the church next Tuesday evening, to a Philadelphia gentleman; and leaves in the midnight train for her new home. I am very anxious to know whether Robert has returned, to hear anything he may know concerning your affairs, but I shall hardly be able to leave home today as Aunt Ann Gardner is coming here. Immediately after receiving your letter on Friday, I sat down and wrote you a short answer, and told you that Mr. Odlin had promised to write to Mr. Stanton and enclose the letter in one to Mr. Chase. I believe he did so yesterday; Uncle John I have not seen since I spoke to him about the matter on Friday. Sella's letter came last night, as good as the rest, and deeply felt. The pretty little flowers she put carefully away with those you sent me, saying she meant to keep them as long as she lived. I hope she may be blessed with many another letter from the same dear Father. May this call for the National Guard be the precursor of great successes! The men are all good humored, as far as I can hear and see. One can't help laughing at their jokes as they pass each other in the street. The copperheads make merry over their going, but possibly they will raise a howl when the draft is made, which is expected soon. A year ago today I was sorrowful at my speedy departure for home, leaving you awaiting orders, and a perilous trial before me. The expected Little One now ten months old lies sleeping in her cradle, and I am safe, yet sorrow still! Yet by another first of May, not only you, but the whole Nation may have passed safely through these perilous times and all be joyful together! No! not all, for many families will keenly feel the loss #of dear ones whose lives have purchased Peace; with those much sorrow will mingle with their gratitude for future immunity from war and its horrors. Luther, dearest one, it is hard to be calm in these dark days, *hard/heard* to say "Thy will Oh Lord be done!" Passionate Love will plead for the dear one's life; even when we know that he may not in the end be as happy. See! What a wayward wife I am; I'll be good now; the storm is quieted by the outbreak, even as I used to feel subdued and happier after weeping on your dear breast over trials that then seemed great, but oh how little now! Thine Ever, Augusta# 5 2 Evening -- Since writing the above I have been to Robert's. He came home last evening. He says he fears you have no chance for that place, as it is thought that if any Ohio man gets it, it will be a wounded Colonel. I think Connelly is the name. Sherman said he should use his influence for him and not for the person you supposed. So for the coming battle he thought perhaps two man, Grant and the President, might know when it would take place, possibly Grant only. George Walton will go down as soon as it is over and is to telegraph some one in Washington, who will telegraph Robert so that we may have the earliest possible tidings from you; I hope it can be done, and we not kept in suspense about you. David forgot to get the book for you which Robert intended to send in the saddle bags. The payroll he has brought home to have cashed; I am afraid it cannot be done but perhaps he can find some way to do it. Eliza was just going to attend communion service, she offered to remain at home but I had only a few minutes to stay and insisted upon her going. I stopt at Mr. Brady's. Mrs. B. walked out into the garden with me, but she walks with difficulty. Billy goes off tomorrow as a substitute. Mart is enjoying herself in Washington. Little Mary is very fretful this evening and I shall have to take her. Perhaps will find something else to tell you before closing my letter. Later -- If that place is otherwise disposed of we must try to feel unselfish about it; perhaps this man has a better right to it, as he is said to have done well, and is unfit for even the invalid corps. Something will yet turn up for us; my great thought now, is to get you out safely, and let time bring us the needed support. I did feel discouraged at first when Robert told me all, but after #all think that it is quite a secondary matter just now, neither is it the only situation in the world, you'll find something else, and we won't starve either till it's found. Mary just came in to say that Henrietta Hall is quite sick with the measles. People seem to be having it all over town, even if they had it before. Mary sends her love.#
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May 1, 1864
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.6.117
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/115
