Letter from Augusta Bruen, Dayton, OH to Luther Bruen, 1864-05-08
May 8th 1864 never received Dayton O. May 8th 1864 Dearest One, With all the horrors of this terrible battle in view *how can* I write? Yet the old habit is fixed upon me and it would not seem like Sunday if I did not write to you! I will hope that all is well with you, yet the thought that you may lie wounded, dying or even dead, crosses over me at times and makes me sick with terror! We may hear of a great victory at any moment, but of the safety of friends we cannot know till long after, so that our patriotic rejoicings are stilled by our apprehension for our loved ones. I am almost constrained not to write till I know that you are safe but should you return from battle weary and worn; thinking of home, and no letters waiting you to cheer your anxious longings to hear from us, it would be, as you have said, a keen disappointment. If my efforts are poor, remember the anxiety and excitement under which I write. Your letter of the 1st just came last evening, you seemed cheerful and well; but you evidently did not expect to be engaged in furious battle so soon. I trust the suddenness of the attack may be in our favor; I certainly feel more hopeful as to the Nation's gain this time than ever before, though fears for you will be uppermost, selfish as it may be. Uncle John told me to tell you that he has United States Grant and Crazy Sherman, who were born on the day that you were said to have crossed the Rapidan a colt and a calf rejoice in this great naming, the idea is peculiarly Uncle Johnish! The heat of summer came upon us suddenly, and we are sitting with open doors and windows. Dear little Mary has become acquainted with out-of-door life, and is spoiled for staying indoors. Her color is good and she looks quite well; but she is going to be a restless little soul to *nurse*. However, by the aid of workers I make her take one or two good naps every day. The sight of her brothers sets her to jumping and laughing, and Frank often waits till I got downstairs in the morning, for the sake of following and seeing her full of fun and excitement. Our community has, or is about to suffer a great loss! Judge Morse has sold his farm and is going to Canada!! Our paper announced the fact very quietly and added that several of his friends have also determined to leave for the same locality! I have not heard who they are. Robert called on Friday to tell me about the pay roll which he had not yet cashed but said he was going to Cincinnati on Tuesday. He means to give it to me entire; as he said Luther refused his $15 saying he would settle with you sometime. He said the saddle bags were paid for and should stand over also. Eliza was here yesterday. She is going with Robert on Tuesday. They seem to feel that they pay too little attention to you and yours, and are always apologizing. E. said yesterday that she felt sorry that she had never written to you, but perhaps you know how it was with her. Robert has brought his share of the *widow's doors* for $2300. Mr. Brady said he had not the ready money and would not close his part #This will at least let you know that wife and children are well my dearest, May it find you Well and happy, - Thine Ever, Augusta#
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May 8, 1864
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.6.121
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/119
