Letter from Luther Bruen, Fort Hamilton, NY to Augusta Bruen, 1863-05-10
Fort Hamilton
May 10th 1863.
My Dear Wife:
I suppose you are safely at home and now pretty well recovered from your long and tiresome ride. The sight of dear Sella and Frank I imagine was enough of itself to make you forget your fatigue, to say nothing of the many other dear ones who were anxiously expecting you. I would have given almost anything to have been there to enjoy your arrival.
We saw so little of each other the last day that I scarcely know who you saw the day you left. The Col. I think was not of the number, judging from the condition he was in when I reached home. He was no better the next day and the Court Martial was obliged to adjourn over to Saturday to enable him to straighten up.
I went to the mess on Saturday having lived upon the remainder of our provisions on Friday. I am pretty well pleased with the mess & think I shall take my meals there on account of the convenience, particularly in case of sickness.
Capt Putnam is getting better but is not yet able to come out. His case led me to think that on the whole it was better to go into the mess. He would have a hard time getting anything to eat if he were boarding with Mrs Bigelow. From the table as far as I have seen it, I think the mess is paying a good deal too much for what they get. The same fare ought to be furnished for a good deal less money, and would be if the caterer would devote more of his time to the interests of the mess. But that is scarcely to be expected.
I went to Town yesterday to get my watch. Saw *Trebein* on the street and had a little talk with him about home. He left after the Val. riot had been suppressed & gave me some of the particulars of that affair. Notwithstanding I should like to hear from John Howard on the subject. Tell him, - if he has recovered from that breach of promise case, - I should like to hear what he has to say on the subject. - By the way, tho' I intend to write to him in a day or two, I wish you would get him or Mr Forrer to inquire whether my policy on our house will be affected by the present arrangement. I do not suppose it will be, but inquiry might as well be made of the *National Ins. Co.* on the subject & if necessary get their consent to it.
Justin Dimmick has died of his wounds. I saw Charley *Sean* this evening, - he told me he would put up those flowers to-morrow. He thinks some of going to Boston. His mother is still sick but they think better to-day. - Lt Weld who is on that picture of the Court Martial lost his leg at Chancellorsville. *Sally V.* & the *Stampers* came to see me yesterday. *Mary* brought the paints and got the flowers. This is the only call I have had from the ladies so far. - Then Mr E. had quite a Tea-fight on Friday night. I was respectfully invited but didn't go. They kept it up till quite late and enjoyed themselves very much I suppose, as they made a great deal of noise. - Now I shall expect a good long letter from you on Thursday giving full account of our dear little ones and the other dear ones. Think of it it is nearly six months since I saw Sella and Frank. I feel very lonesome and desolate since you have gone away & shall rejoice when we can meet again without the possibility of a speedy separation. Give my love to all the friends and mother Sella and Frank & Robbie with kisses for me. Ever thine, L.B.B.
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May 10, 1863
Bruen, Luther Barnett
Fort Hamilton, NY
4 pages
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
Bruen, Luther Barnett -- Correspondence
Catharine Mitchill '31 Collection of Family Letters, Wellesley College Library, Special Collections
MSS.6.189
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http://repository.wellesley.edu/mitchill/189
